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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the
+Mississippi, by John S. C. Abbott
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi
+       American Pioneers and Patriots
+
+Author: John S. C. Abbott
+
+Release Date: June 20, 2009 [EBook #29172]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FERDINAND DE SOTO ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ FERDINAND DE SOTO,
+
+ THE
+
+ DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI
+
+ BY
+
+ JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.
+
+ NEW YORK:
+ DODD & MEAD, No. 762 BROADWAY.
+ 1873.
+
+
+
+
+ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by
+ DODD & MEAD,
+ in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
+
+ WM. MCCREA & CO., Stereotypers,    LANGE, LITTLE & HILLMAN,
+ Newburgh, N. Y.                    PRINTERS,
+                                    108 TO 114 WOOSTER STREET, N. Y.
+
+
+
+
+ _AMERICAN PIONEERS AND PATRIOTS._
+
+ FERDINAND DE SOTO.
+
+ THE
+
+ DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
+
+ BY JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.
+
+ ILLUSTRATED.
+
+ NEW YORK: DODD & MEAD, No. 762 BROADWAY.
+ 1873.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Mr. Theodore Irving, in his valuable history of the "Conquest of
+Florida," speaking of the astonishing achievements of the Spanish
+Cavaliers, in the dawn of the sixteenth century says:
+
+     "Of all the enterprises undertaken in this spirit of daring
+     adventure, none has surpassed, for hardihood and variety of
+     incident, that of the renowned Hernando de Soto, and his
+     band of cavaliers. It was poetry put in action. It was the
+     knight-errantry of the old world carried into the depths of
+     the American wilderness. Indeed the personal adventures, the
+     feats of individual prowess, the picturesque description of
+     steel-clad cavaliers, with lance and helm and prancing
+     steed, glittering through the wildernesses of Florida,
+     Georgia, Alabama, and the prairies of the Far West, would
+     seem to us mere fictions of romance, did they not come to us
+     recorded in matter of fact narratives of contemporaries, and
+     corroborated by minute and daily memoranda of
+     eye-witnesses."
+
+These are the wild and wondrous adventures which I wish here to
+record. I have spared no pains in obtaining the most accurate
+information which the records of those days have transmitted to us.
+It is as wrong to traduce the dead as the living. If one should be
+careful not to write a line which dying he would wish to blot, he
+should also endeavor to write of the departed in so candid and
+paternal a spirit, while severely just to the truth of history, as to
+be safe from reproach. One who is aiding to form public opinion
+respecting another, who has left the world, should remember that he
+may yet meet the departed in the spirit land. And he may perhaps be
+greeted with the words, "Your condemnation was too severe. You did not
+make due allowance for the times in which I lived. You have held up my
+name to unmerited reproach."
+
+Careful investigation has revealed De Soto to me as by no means so bad
+a man as I had supposed him to have been. And I think that the candid
+reader will admit that there was much, in his heroic but melancholy
+career, which calls for charitable construction and sympathy.
+
+The authorities upon which I have mainly relied for my statements, are
+given in the body of the work. There is no country on the globe, whose
+early history is so full of interest and instruction as our own. The
+writer feels grateful to the press, in general, for the kindly spirit
+in which it has spoken of the attempt, in this series, to interest the
+popular reader in those remarkable incidents which have led to the
+establishment of this majestic republic.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_Childhood and Youth._
+
+                                                                   PAGE
+
+ Birthplace of Ferdinand De Soto.--Spanish Colony at Darien.--Don Pedro
+ de Avila, Governor of Darien.--Vasco Nuñez.--Famine.--Love in the
+ Spanish Castle.--Character of Isabella.--Embarrassment of De
+ Soto.--Isabella's Parting Counsel.                                   9
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_The Spanish Colony._
+
+ Character of De Soto.--Cruel Command of Don Pedro.--Incident.--The
+ Duel.--Uracca.--Consternation at Darien.--Expedition
+ Organized.--Uracca's Reception of Espinosa and his Troops.--The
+ Spaniards Retreat.--De Soto Indignant.--Espinosa's Cruelty, and
+ Deposition from Command.                                            21
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_Life at Darien._
+
+ Reinforcements from Spain.--Aid sent to Borrica.--Line of Defense
+ Chosen by the Natives.--Religion of the Buccaneers.--The Battle and
+ the  Rout.--Strategy of Uracca.--Cruelty of Don Pedro.--The
+ Retreat.--Character of Uracca.--Embarrassment of Don Pedro.--Warning
+ of M. Codro.--Expedition of Pizarro.--Mission of M. Codro.--Letter of
+ De Soto to Isabella.                                                37
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_Demoniac Reign._
+
+ Giles Gonzales.--Unsuccessful Contest of De Soto with Gonzales.--Bold
+ Reply of De Soto to the Governor.--Cruelty of Don Pedro to M.
+ Codro.--Assassination of Cordova.--New Expedition of Discovery.--Revenge
+ upon Valenzuela.--Reign of Don Pedro at Nicaragua.--Unwise Decision of
+ De Soto.                                                            55
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_The Invasion of Peru._
+
+ The Kingdom of Peru.--Its Metropolis.--The Desperate Condition of
+ Pizarro.--Arrival of De Soto.--Character of the Spaniards.--Exploring
+ Tour of De Soto.--The Colony at San Miguel.--The General
+ Advance.--Second Exploration of De Soto.--Infamous Conduct of the
+ Pizarros.                                                           72
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_The Atrocities of Pizarro._
+
+ Fears of Pizarro.--Honorable Conduct of the Inca.--The March to
+ Caxamarca.--Hospitable Reception.--Perfidious Attack upon the
+ Inca.--His Capture and Imprisonment.--The Honor of De Soto.--The
+ Offered Ransom.--Treachery and Extortion of Pizarro.                90
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_The Execution of the Inca, and Embarrassments of De Soto._
+
+ Pledges of Pizarro.--His Perfidy.--False Mission of De Soto.--Execution
+ of the Inca.--His Fortitude.--Indignation of De Soto.--Great
+ Embarrassments.--Extenuating Considerations.--Arrival of Almagro.--March
+ Towards the Capital.                                               107
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_De Soto Returns to Spain._
+
+ Dreadful Fate of Chalcukima.--His Fortitude.--Ignominy of Pizarro.--De
+ Soto's Advance upon Cuzco.--The Peruvian Highway.--Battle in the
+ Defile.--De Soto takes the Responsibility.--Capture of the Capital and
+ its Conflagration.--De Soto's Return to Spain.--His Reception
+ there.--Preparations for the Conquest of Florida.                  126
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_The Landing in Florida._
+
+ The Departure from Spain.--Arrival in Cuba.--Leonora and
+ Tobar.--Isabella Invested with the Regency.--Sad Life of
+ Isabella.--Sailing of the Expedition.--The Landing at Tampa
+ Bay.--Outrages of Narvaez.--Noble Spirit of Ucita.--Unsuccessful
+ Enterprises.--Disgrace and Return of Porcallo.                     144
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+_The March to Ochile._
+
+ The March Commenced.--The Swamps of Florida.--Passage of the
+ Morass.--Heroism of Sylvestre.--Message to Acuera.--His Heroic
+ Reply.--Fierce Hostility of the Indians.--Enter the Town of
+ Ocali.--Strange Incident.--Death of the Bloodhound.--Historical
+ Discrepancies.--Romantic Entrance to Ochile.                       163
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+_The Conspiracy and its Consequences._
+
+ The Three Brother Chieftains.--Reply of Vitachuco to his
+ Brothers.--Feigned Friendship for the Spaniards.--The Conspiracy.--Its
+ Consummation and Results.--Clemency of De Soto.--The Second
+ Conspiracy.--Slaughter of the Indians.--March of the Spaniards for
+ Osachile.--Battle in the Morass.                                   180
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+_Winter Quarters._
+
+ Incidents of the March.--Passage of the River.--Entering
+ Anhayea.--Exploring Expeditions.--De Soto's desire for Peace.--Capture
+ of Capafi.--His Escape.--Embarrassments of De Soto.--Letter of
+ Isabella.--Exploration of the Coast.--Discovery of the Bay of
+ Pensacola.--Testimony Respecting Cofachiqui.--The March Resumed.   199
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+_Lost in the Wilderness._
+
+ Incidents at Achise.--Arrival at Cofa.--Friendly Reception by
+ Cofaqui.--The Armed Retinue.--Commission of Patofa.--Splendors of the
+ March.--Lost in the Wilderness.--Peril of the Army.--Friendly
+ Relations.--The Escape from the Wilderness.--They Reach the Frontiers
+ of Cofachiqui.--Dismissal of Patofa.--Wonderful Reception by the
+ Princess of Cofachiqui.                                            220
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+_The Indian Princess._
+
+ Crossing the River.--Hospitable Reception.--Attempts to visit the
+ Queen Mother.--Suicide of the Prince.--Futile search for
+ Gold.--The Discovery of Pearls.--The Pearl Fishery.--The Princess
+ a Captive.--Held in Silken Chains.--Her Escape.--Location of
+ Cutifachiqui.--The March Resumed.                                  240
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+_The Dreadful Battle of Mobila._
+
+ The Army in Alabama.--Barbaric Pageant.--The Chief of
+ Tuscaloosa.--Native Dignity.--Suspected Treachery of the
+ Chief.--Mobila, its Location and Importance.--Cunning of the
+ Chief.--The Spaniards Attacked.--Incidents of the Battle.--Disastrous
+ Results.                                                           259
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+_Days of Darkness._
+
+ The Melancholy Encampment.--The Fleet at Pensacola.--Singular Resolve
+ of De Soto.--Hostility of the Natives.--Beautiful Scenery.--Winter
+ Quarters on the Yazoo.--Feigned Friendship of the Cacique.--Trickery
+ of Juan Ortiz.--The Terrible Battle of Chickasaw.--Dreadful Loss of
+ the Spaniards.                                                     276
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+_The Discovery of the Mississippi._
+
+ The Fortress of Hostile Indians.--Its Capture.--The Disastrous
+ Conflict.--The Advance of the Army.--Discovery of the Mississippi
+ River.--Preparations for Crossing.--Extraordinary
+ Pageants.--Unjustifiable Attack.--The passage of the  River.--Friendly
+ Reception by Casquin.--Extraordinary Religious Festival.           296
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+_Vagrant Wanderings._
+
+ Trickery of Casquin.--The March to Capaha.--The Battle and its
+ Results.--Friendly Relations with Capaha.--The Return Journey.--The
+ March Southward.--Salt Springs.--The Savages of Tula.--Their
+ Ferocity.--Anecdote.--Despondency of De Soto.                      315
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+_Death of De Soto._
+
+ Ascent of the Mississippi.--Revenge of Guachoya.--Sickness of
+ De Soto.--Affecting Leave-taking.--His Death and Burial.--The
+ March for Mexico.--Return to the Mississippi.--Descent of the
+ River.--Dispersion of the Expedition.--Death of Isabella.          334
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_Childhood and Youth._
+
+     Birthplace of Ferdinand De Soto.--Spanish Colony at Darien.--Don
+     Pedro de Avila, Governor of Darien.--Vasco Nuñez.--Famine.--Love
+     in the Spanish Castle.--Character of Isabella.--Embarrassment of
+     De Soto.--Isabella's Parting Counsel.
+
+
+In the interior of Spain, about one hundred and thirty miles southwest
+of Madrid, there is the small walled town of Xeres. It is remote from
+all great routes of travel, and contains about nine thousand
+inhabitants, living very frugally, and in a state of primitive
+simplicity. There are several rude castles of the ancient nobility
+here, and numerous gloomy, monastic institutions. In one of these
+dilapidated castles, there was born, in the year 1500, a boy, who
+received the name of Ferdinand de Soto. His parents were Spanish
+nobles, perhaps the most haughty class of nobility which has ever
+existed. It was, however, a decayed family, so impoverished as to find
+it difficult to maintain the position of gentility. The parents were
+not able to give their son a liberal education. Their rank did not
+allow them to introduce him to any of the pursuits of industry; and
+so far as can now be learned, the years of his early youth were spent
+in idleness.
+
+Ferdinand was an unusually handsome boy. He grew up tall, well formed,
+and with remarkable muscular strength and agility. He greatly excelled
+in fencing, horseback riding, and all those manly exercises which were
+then deemed far more essential for a Spanish gentleman than literary
+culture. He was fearless, energetic, self-reliant; and it was manifest
+that he was endowed with mental powers of much native strength.
+
+When quite a lad he attracted the attention of a wealthy Spanish
+nobleman, Don Pedro de Avila, who sent him to one of the Spanish
+universities, probably that of Saragossa, and maintained him there for
+six years. Literary culture was not then in high repute; but it was
+deemed a matter of very great moment that a nobleman of Spain should
+excel in horsemanship, in fencing, and in wielding every weapon of
+attack or defence.
+
+Ferdinand became quite renowned for his lofty bearing, and for all
+chivalric accomplishments. At the tournaments, and similar displays of
+martial prowess then in vogue, he was prominent, exciting the envy of
+competitive cavaliers, and winning the admiration of the ladies.
+
+Don Pedro became very proud of his foster son, received him to his
+family, and treated him as though he were his own child. The Spanish
+court had at that time established a very important colony at the
+province of Darien, on the Isthmus of Panama. This isthmus, connecting
+North and South America, is about three hundred miles long and from
+forty to sixty broad. A stupendous range of mountains runs along its
+centre, apparently reared as an eternal barrier between the Atlantic
+and Pacific oceans. From several of the summits of this ridge the
+waters of the two oceans can at the same time be distinctly seen. Here
+the Spanish court, in pursuit of its energetic but cruel conquest of
+America, had established one of its most merciless colonies. There was
+gold among the mountains. The natives had many golden ornaments. They
+had no conception of the value of the precious ore in civilized lands.
+Readily they would exchange quite large masses of gold for a few glass
+beads. The great object of the Spaniards in the conquest of Darien was
+to obtain gold. They inferred that if the ignorant natives, without
+any acquaintance with the arts, had obtained so much, there must be
+immense quantities which careful searching and skilful mining would
+reveal.
+
+The wanton cruelties practised by the Spaniards upon the unoffending
+natives of these climes seem to have been as senseless as they were
+fiendlike. It is often difficult to find any motive for their
+atrocities. These crimes are thoroughly authenticated, and yet they
+often seem like the outbursts of demoniac malignity. Anything like a
+faithful recital of them would torture the sensibilities of our
+readers almost beyond endurance. Mothers and maidens were hunted and
+torn down by bloodhounds; infant children were cut in pieces, and
+their quivering limbs thrown to the famished dogs.
+
+The large wealth and the rank of Don Pedro de Avila gave him much
+influence at the Spanish court. He succeeded in obtaining the
+much-coveted appointment of Governor of Darien. His authority was
+virtually absolute over the property, the liberty, and the lives of a
+realm, whose extended limits were not distinctly defined.
+
+Don Pedro occupied quite an imposing castle, his ancestral mansion, in
+the vicinity of Badajoz. Here the poor boy Ferdinand, though descended
+from families of the highest rank, was an entire dependent upon his
+benefactor. The haughty Don Pedro treated him kindly. Still he
+regarded him, in consequence of his poverty, almost as a favored
+menial. He fed him, clothed him, patronized him.
+
+It was in the year 1514 that Don Pedro entered upon his office of
+Governor of Darien. The insatiate thirst for gold caused crowds to
+flock to his banners. A large fleet was soon equipped, and more than
+two thousand persons embarked at St. Lucar for the golden land. The
+most of these were soldiers; men of sensuality, ferocity, and thirst
+for plunder. Not a few noblemen joined the enterprise; some to add to
+their already vast possessions, and others hoping to retrieve their
+impoverished fortunes.
+
+A considerable number of priests accompanied the expedition, and it is
+very certain that some of these at least were actuated by a sincere
+desire to do good to the natives, and to win them to the religion of
+Jesus:--that religion which demands that we should do to others as we
+would that others should do to us, and whose principles, the governor,
+the nobles, and the soldiers, were ruthlessly trampling beneath their
+feet. Don Pedro, when measured by the standard of Christianity, was
+proud, perfidious and tyrannical. The course he pursued upon his
+arrival in the country was impolitic and almost insane.
+
+His predecessor in the governorship was Vasco Nuñez. He had been on
+the whole a prudent, able and comparatively merciful governor. He had
+entered into trade with the natives, and had so far secured their good
+will as to induce them to bring in an ample supply of provisions for
+his colony. He had sent out Indian explorers, with careful
+instructions to search the gold regions among the mountains. Don
+Pedro, upon assuming the reins of government, became very jealous of
+the popularity of Nuñez, whom he supplanted. His enmity soon became so
+implacable that, without any cause, he accused him of treason and
+ordered him to be decapitated. The sentence was executed in the public
+square of Acla. Don Pedro himself gazed on the cruel spectacle
+concealed in a neighboring house. He seemed ashamed to meet the
+reproachful eye of his victim, as with an axe his head was cut off
+upon a block.
+
+All friendly relations with the Indians were speedily terminated. They
+were robbed of their gold, of their provisions, and their persons were
+outraged in the most cruel manner. The natives, terror-stricken, fled
+from the vicinity of the colony, and suddenly the Spaniards found all
+their supplies of provisions cut off. More than two thousand were
+crowded into a narrow space on the shores of the gulf, with no
+possibility of obtaining food. They were entirely unprepared for any
+farming operations, having neither agricultural tools nor seed.
+Neither if they had them could they wait for the slow advent of the
+harvest. Famine commenced its reign, and with famine, its invariable
+attendant, pestilence. In less than six months, of all the glittering
+hosts, which with music and banners had landed upon the isthmus,
+expecting soon to return to Europe with their ships freighted with
+gold, but a few hundred were found alive, and they were haggard and in
+rags.
+
+The Spaniards had robbed the Indians of their golden trinkets, but
+these trinkets could not be eaten and they would purchase no food.
+They were as worthless as pebbles picked from the beach. Often lumps
+of gold, or jewels of inestimable value, were offered by one starving
+wretch to another for a piece of mouldy bread. The colony would have
+become entirely extinct, but for the opportune arrival of vessels from
+Spain with provisions. Don Pedro had sent out one or two expeditions
+of half-famished men to seize the rice, Indian corn, and other food,
+wherever such food could be found.
+
+The natives had sufficient intelligence to perceive that the colonists
+were fast wasting away. The Indians were gentle and amiable in
+character, and naturally timid; with no taste for the ferocities
+of war. But emboldened by the miseries of the colonies, and beginning
+to despise their weakness, they fell upon the foraging parties with
+great courage and drove them back ignominiously to the coast.
+The arrival of the ships to which we have referred with provisions
+and reinforcements, alone saved the colony from utter extinction.
+
+Don Pedro, after having been in the colony five years, returned to
+Spain to obtain new acquisitions of strength in men and means for the
+prosecution of ever-enlarging plans of wealth and ambition. North and
+south of the narrow peninsula were the two majestic continents of
+North and South America. They both invited incursions, where nations
+could be overthrown, empires established, fame won, and where
+mountains of gold might yet be found.
+
+It seems that De Soto had made the castle of Don Pedro, near Badajoz,
+his home during the absence of the governor. There all his wants had
+been provided for through the charitable munificence of his patron. He
+probably had spent his term time at the university. He was now
+nineteen years of age, and seemed to have attained the full maturity
+of his physical system, and had developed into a remarkably elegant
+young man.
+
+The family of Don Pedro had apparently remained at the castle. His
+second daughter, Isabella, was a very beautiful girl in her sixteenth
+year. She had already been presented at the resplendent court of
+Spain, where she had attracted great admiration. Rich, beautiful and
+of illustrious birth, many noblemen had sought her hand, and among the
+rest, one of the princes of the blood royal. But Isabella and De
+Soto, much thrown together in the paternal castle, had very naturally
+fallen in love with each other.
+
+The haughty governor was one day exceedingly astounded and enraged,
+that De Soto had the audacity to solicit the hand of his daughter in
+marriage. In the most contemptuous and resentful manner, he repelled
+the proposition as an insult. De Soto was keenly wounded. He was
+himself a man of noble birth. He had no superior among all the young
+noblemen around him, in any chivalric accomplishment. The only thing
+wanting was money. Don Pedro loved his daughter, was proud of her
+beauty and celebrity, and was fully aware that she had a very decided
+will of her own.
+
+After the lapse of a few days, the governor was not a little alarmed
+by a statement, which the governess of the young lady ventured to make
+to him. She assured him that Isabella had given her whole heart to De
+Soto, and that she had declared it to be her unalterable resolve to
+retire to a convent, rather than to become the wife of any other
+person. Don Pedro was almost frantic with rage. As totally devoid of
+moral principle as he was of human feelings, he took measures to have
+De Soto assassinated. Such is the uncontradicted testimony of
+contemporary historians. But every day revealed to him more clearly
+the strength of Isabella's attachment for De Soto, and the
+inflexibility of her will. He became seriously alarmed, not only from
+the apprehension that if her wishes were thwarted, no earthly power
+could prevent her from burying herself in a convent, but he even
+feared that if De Soto were to be assassinated, she would, by
+self-sacrifice, follow him to the world of spirits. This caused him to
+feign partial reconciliation, and to revolve in his mind more cautious
+plans for his removal.
+
+He decided to take De Soto back with him to Darien. The historians of
+those days represent that it was his intention to expose his young
+protégé to such perils in wild adventures in the New World, as would
+almost certainly secure his death. De Soto himself, proud though poor,
+was tortured by the contemptuous treatment which he received, even
+from the menials in the castle, who were aware of his rejection by
+their proud lord. He therefore eagerly availed himself of the
+invitation of Don Pedro to join in a new expedition which he was
+fitting out for Darien.
+
+He resolved, at whatever sacrifice, to be rich. The acquisition of
+gold, and the accumulation of fame, became the great objects of his
+idolatry. With these he could not only again claim the hand of
+Isabella, but the haughty Don Pedro would eagerly seek the alliance
+of a man of wealth and renown. Thousands of adventurers were then
+crowding to the shores of the New World, lured by the accounts of the
+boundless wealth which it was said could there be found, and inspired
+by the passion which then pervaded Christendom, of obtaining celebrity
+by the performance of chivalric deeds.
+
+Many had returned greatly enriched by the plunder of provinces. The
+names of Pizarro and Cortez had been borne on the wings of renown
+through all the countries of Europe, exciting in all honorable minds
+disgust, in view of their perfidy and cruelty, and inspiring others
+with emotions of admiration, in contemplation of their heroic
+adventures.
+
+De Soto was greatly embarrassed by his poverty. Both his parents were
+dead. He was friendless; and it was quite impossible for him to
+provide himself with an outfit suitable to the condition of a Spanish
+grandee. The insulting treatment he had received from Don Pedro
+rendered it impossible for him to approach that haughty man as a
+suppliant for aid. But Don Pedro did not dare to leave De Soto behind
+him. The family were to remain in the ancestral home. And it was very
+certain that, Don Pedro being absent, ere long he would hear of the
+elopement of Ferdinand and Isabella. Thus influenced, he offered De
+Soto a free passage to Darien, a captain's commission with a suitable
+outfit, and pledged himself that he should have ample opportunity of
+acquiring wealth and distinction, in an expedition he was even then
+organizing for the conquest of Peru. As Don Pedro made these overtures
+to the young man, with apparently the greatest cordiality, assuming
+that De Soto, by embarking in the all-important enterprise, would
+confer a favor rather than receive one, the offer was eagerly
+accepted.
+
+Don Pedro did everything in his power to prevent the two lovers from
+having any private interview before the expedition sailed. But the
+ingenuity of love as usual triumphed over that of avarice. Isabella
+and De Soto met, and solemnly pledged constancy to each other. It
+seems that Isabella thoroughly understood the character of her father,
+and knew that he would shrink from no crime in the accomplishment of
+his purposes. As she took her final leave of her lover, she said to
+him, very solemnly and impressively,
+
+"Ferdinand, remember that one treacherous friend is more dangerous
+than a thousand avowed enemies."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_The Spanish Colony._
+
+     Character of De Soto.--Cruel Command of Don Pedro.--Incident.--The
+     Duel.--Uracca.--Consternation at Darien.--Expedition
+     Organized.--Uracca's Reception of Espinosa and his Troops.--The
+     Spaniards Retreat.--De Soto Indignant.--Espinosa's Cruelty, and
+     Deposition from Command.
+
+
+It was in the year 1519, when the expedition sailed from St. Lucar for
+Darien. We have no account of the incidents which occurred during the
+voyage. The fleet reached Darien in safety, and the Spanish
+adventurers, encased in coats of mail, which the arrows and javelins
+of the natives could not pierce, mounted on powerful war horses, armed
+with muskets and cannon, and with packs of ferocious bloodhounds at
+their command, were all prepared to scatter the helpless natives
+before them, as the whirlwind scatters autumnal leaves.
+
+De Soto was then but nineteen years of age. In stature and character
+he was a mature man. There are many indications that he was a young
+man of humane and honorable instincts, shrinking from the deeds of
+cruelty and injustice which he saw everywhere perpetrated around him.
+It is however probable, that under the rigor of military law, he at
+times felt constrained to obey commands from which his kindly nature
+recoiled.
+
+Don Pedro was a monster of cruelty. He gave De Soto command of a troop
+of horse. He sent him on many expeditions which required not only
+great courage, but military sagacity scarcely to be expected in one so
+young and inexperienced. It is however much to the credit of De Soto,
+that the annalists of those days never mentioned his name in
+connection with those atrocities which disgraced the administration of
+Don Pedro. He even ventured at times to refuse obedience to the orders
+of the governor, when commanded to engage in some service which he
+deemed dishonorable.
+
+One remarkable instance of this moral and physical intrepidity is on
+record. Don Pedro had determined upon the entire destruction of a
+little village occupied by the natives. The torch was to be applied,
+and men, women and children, were to be put to the sword. Don Pedro
+had issued such a command as this, with as much indifference as he
+would have placed his foot upon an anthill. It is not improbable that
+one of the objects he had in view was to impose a revolting task upon
+De Soto, that he might be, as it were, whipped into implicit
+obedience. He therefore sent one of the most infamous of his captains
+to De Soto with the command that he should immediately take a troop of
+horse, proceed to the doomed village, gallop into its peaceful and
+defenceless street, set fire to every dwelling, and with their keen
+sabres, cut down every man, woman and child. It was a deed fit only
+for demons to execute.
+
+De Soto deemed himself insulted in being ordered on such a mission.
+This was not war,--it was butchery. The defenceless natives could make
+no resistance. Indignantly and heroically he replied:
+
+"Tell Don Pedro, the governor, that my life and services are always at
+his disposal, when the duty to be performed is such as may become a
+Christian and a gentleman. But in the present case, I think the
+governor would have shown more discretion by entrusting you, Captain
+Perez, with this commission, instead of sending you with the order to
+myself."
+
+This reply Captain Perez might certainly regard as reflecting very
+severely upon his own character, and as authorizing him to demand that
+satisfaction which, under such circumstances, one cavalier expects of
+another. He however carried the message to the governor. Don Pedro was
+highly gratified. He saw that a duel was the necessary result. Captain
+Perez was a veteran soldier, and was the most expert swordsman in the
+army. He was famed for his quarrelsome disposition; had already
+fought many duels, in which he had invariably killed his man. In a
+rencontre between the youthful De Soto and the veteran Captain Perez,
+there could be no doubt in the mind of the governor as to the result.
+He therefore smiled very blandly upon Captain Perez, and said in
+language which the captain fully understood:
+
+"Well, my friend, if you, who are a veteran soldier, can endure the
+insolence of this young man, De Soto, I see no reason why an infirm
+old man like myself should not show equal forbearance."
+
+Captain Perez was not at all reluctant to take the hint. It was only
+giving him an opportunity to add another to the list of those who had
+fallen before his sword. The challenge was immediately given. De
+Soto's doom was deemed sealed. Duels in the Spanish army were
+fashionable, and there was no moral sentiment which recoiled in the
+slightest degree from the barbaric practice.
+
+The two combatants met with drawn swords in the presence of nearly all
+the officers of the colonial army, and of a vast concourse of
+spectators. The stripling De Soto displayed skill with his weapon
+which not only baffled his opponent, but which excited the surprise
+and admiration of all the on-lookers. For two hours the deadly
+conflict continued, without any decisive results. De Soto had received
+several trifling wounds, while his antagonist was unharmed. At
+length, by a fortunate blow, he inflicted such a gash upon the right
+wrist of Perez, that his sword dropped from his hand. As he attempted
+to catch it with his left hand, he stumbled and fell to the ground. De
+Soto instantly stood over him with his sword at his breast, demanding
+that he should ask for his life. The proud duellist, thus for the
+first time in his life discomfited, was chagrined beyond endurance. In
+sullen silence, he refused to cry for mercy. De Soto magnanimously
+returned his sword to its scabbard, saying: "The life that is not
+worth asking for, is not worth taking."
+
+He then gracefully bowed to the numerous spectators and retired from
+the field, greeted with the enthusiastic acclaim of all who were
+present. This achievement gave the youthful victor prominence above
+any other man in the army. Perez was so humiliated by his defeat, that
+he threw up his commission and returned to Spain. Thus the New World
+was rid of one of the vilest of the adventurers who had cursed it.
+
+The region of the peninsula, and the adjoining territory of South
+America, were at that time quite densely populated. The inhabitants
+seem to have been a happy people, not fond of war, and yet by no means
+deficient in bravery. The Spanish colonists were but a handful among
+them. But the war horse, bloodhounds, steel coats of mail and
+gunpowder, gave them an immense, almost resistless superiority.
+
+There was at this time, about the year 1521, an Indian chief by the
+name of Uracca, who reigned over quite a populous nation, occupying
+one of the northern provinces of the isthmus. He was a man of unusual
+intelligence and ability. The outrages which the Spaniards were
+perpetrating roused all his energies of resentment, and he resolved to
+adopt desperate measures for their extermination. He gathered an army
+of twenty thousand men. In that warm climate, in accordance with
+immemorial usage, they went but half clothed. Their weapons were
+mainly bows, with poisoned arrows; though they had also javelins and
+clumsy swords made of a hard kind of wood.
+
+The tidings of the approach of this army excited the greatest
+consternation at Darien. A shower of poisoned arrows from the strong
+arms of twenty thousand native warriors, driven forward by the
+energies of despair, even these steel-clad adventurers could not
+contemplate without dread. The Spaniards had taught the natives
+cruelty. They had hunted them down with bloodhounds; they had cut off
+their hands with the sword; they had fed their dogs with their
+infants; had tortured them at slow fires and cast their children into
+the flames. They could not expect that the natives could be more
+merciful than the Spaniards had been.
+
+Don Pedro, instead of waiting the arrival of his foes, decided to
+assail the army on its march, hoping to take it by surprise and to
+throw consternation into the advancing ranks. He divided his army of
+attack into two parties. One division of about one hundred men, he
+sent in two small vessels along the western coast of the isthmus, to
+invade the villages of Uracca, hoping thus to compel the Indian chief
+to draw back his army for the defence of his own territories. This
+expedition was under the command of General Espinosa.
+
+The main body of the Spanish troops, consisting of about two hundred
+men, marched along the eastern shore of the isthmus, intending
+eventually to effect a junction with the naval force in the realms of
+the foe. The energetic, but infamous Francisco Pizarro, led these
+troops. A very important part of his command consisted of a band of
+dragoons, thirty or forty in number, under the leadership of De Soto.
+His steel-clad warriors were well mounted, with housings which greatly
+protected their steeds from the arrows of the natives.
+
+The wary Indian chieftain, who developed during the campaign military
+abilities of a high order, had his scouts out in all directions. They
+discerned in the distant horizon the approach of the two vessels, and
+swift runners speedily reported the fact to Uracca. He immediately
+marched with a force in his judgment sufficiently strong to crush the
+invaders, notwithstanding their vast superiority in arms.
+
+The Spaniards entered a sheltered bay skirted by a plain, which could
+be swept by their guns, and where the Indian warriors would have no
+opportunity to hide in ambush. Uracca allowed the Spaniards to
+disembark unopposed. He stationed his troops, several thousand in
+number, in a hilly country, several leagues distant from the place of
+landing, which was broken with chasms and vast boulders, and covered
+with tropical forest. Here every Indian could fight behind a rampart,
+and the Spaniards could only approach in the scattered line of
+skirmishers. The proud Spaniards advanced in their invading march with
+as much of war's pageantry as could be assumed. They hoped that
+nodding plumes and waving banners, and trumpet peals, would strike
+with consternation the heart of the Indians.
+
+Uracca calmly awaited their approach. His men were so concealed that
+Espinosa could form no judgment of their numbers or position. Indeed
+he was scarcely conscious that there was any foe there who would
+venture to oppose his march. Accustomed as he was to ride rough shod
+over the naked Indians, he was emboldened by a fatal contempt for the
+prowess of his foe. Uracca allowed the Spaniards to become entangled
+in the intricacies of rocks and gullies and gigantic forest trees,
+when suddenly he opened upon them such a shower of poisoned arrows as
+the Spaniards had never encountered before. The touch of one of these
+arrows, breaking the skin, caused immediate and intense agony, and
+almost certain death. The sinewy arms of the Indians could throw these
+sharp-pointed weapons with almost the precision and force of a bullet,
+and with far greater rapidity than the Spaniards could load and fire
+their muskets.
+
+Espinosa found himself assailed by a foe outnumbering him ten or
+twenty to one. The air was almost darkened with arrows, and every one
+was thrown with unerring aim. The rout of the Spaniards was almost
+instantaneous. Several were killed, many wounded. In a panic, they
+turned and fled precipitately from the trap in which they had been
+caught. The natives impetuously pursued, showing no quarter, evidently
+determined to exterminate the whole band.
+
+It so happened that De Soto, with his dragoons, had left Pizarro's
+band, and in a military incursion into the country, was approaching
+the bay where Espinosa had landed his troops. Suddenly the clamor of
+the conflict burst upon his ear--the shouts of the Indian warriors and
+the cry of the fugitive Spaniards. His little band put spurs to their
+horses and hastened to the scene of action. Very great difficulties
+impeded their progress. The rugged ground, encumbered by rocks and
+broken by ravines, was almost impassable for horsemen. But the energy
+of De Soto triumphed over these obstacles, even when the bravest of
+his companions remonstrated and hesitated to follow him. At length he
+reached the open country over which the Spaniards were rushing to gain
+their ships, pursued by the Indians in numbers and strength which
+seemed to render the destruction of the Spaniards certain.
+
+The natives stood in great dread of the horses. When they saw the
+dragoons, glittering in their steel armor, come clattering down upon
+the plain, their pursuit was instantly checked. Espinosa, thus
+unexpectedly reinforced, rallied his panic-stricken troops, and in
+good order continued the retreat to the ships. De Soto with his
+cavalry occupied the post of danger as rear-guard. The Indians
+cautiously followed, watching for every opportunity which the
+inequalities of the ground might offer, to assail the invaders with
+showers of arrows. Occasionally De Soto would halt and turn his
+horses' heads towards the Indians. Apprehensive of a charge, they
+would then fall back. The retreat was thus conducted safely, but
+slowly.
+
+The Spaniards had advanced many leagues from the shores of the
+Pacific. They were now almost perishing from hunger and fatigue.
+Indian bands were coming from all directions to reinforce the native
+troops. The sun was going down and night was approaching. All hearts
+were oppressed with the greatest anxiety. Just then Pizarro, with his
+two hundred men, made his appearance. He had not been far away, and a
+courier having informed him of the peril of the Spaniards, he hastened
+to their relief. Night with its gloom settled down over the plain, and
+war's hideous clamor was for a few hours hushed. The morning would
+usher in a renewal of the battle, under circumstances which caused the
+boldest hearts in the Spanish camp to tremble.
+
+In the night Generals Espinosa and Pizarro held a council of war, and
+came to the inglorious resolve to steal away under the protection of
+darkness, leaving Uracca in undisputed possession of the field. This
+decision excited the indignation of De Soto. He considered it a
+disgrace to the Spanish arms, and declared that it would only embolden
+the natives in all their future military operations. His bitter
+remonstrances were only answered by a sneer from General Espinosa,
+who assured him that the veteran captains of Spain would not look to
+his youth and inexperience for guidance and wisdom.
+
+At midnight the Spaniards commenced their retreat as secretly and
+silently as possible. But they had a foe to deal with who was not
+easily to be deceived. His scouts were on the alert, and immediate
+notice was communicated to Uracca of the movements of the Spaniards.
+The pursuit was conducted with as much vigor as the flight. For eight
+and forty hours the fugitives were followed so closely, and with such
+fierce assailment, that large numbers of the rank and file perished.
+The officers and the dragoons of De Soto, wearing defensive armor,
+generally escaped unharmed. The remnant at length, weary and
+famine-stricken, reached their ships and immediately put to sea. With
+the exception of De Soto's dragoons, they numbered but fifty men.
+Deeply despondent in view of their disastrous campaign, they sailed
+several leagues along the western coast of the isthmus towards the
+south, till they reached a flourishing Indian village called Borrica.
+Conscious that here they were beyond the immediate reach of Uracca's
+avenging forces, they ventured to land. They found all the men absent.
+They were probably in the ranks of the native army.
+
+General Espinosa, who was now chief in command, meanly sacked the
+defenceless village and captured all the women and children, to be
+sent to the West Indies and sold as slaves. The generous heart of De
+Soto was roused by this outrage. He was an imperious man, and was
+never disposed to be very complaisant to his superiors. Sternly
+the young captain rebuked Espinosa as a kidnapper, stealing the
+defenceless; and he demanded that the prisoners should be set at
+liberty. An angry controversy ensued. De Soto accused Espinosa of
+cowardice and imbecility, in ordering the troops of Spain to retreat
+before naked savages. Espinosa, whose domineering spirit could brook
+no opposition, accused De Soto of mutinous conduct, and threatened to
+report him to the governor. De Soto angrily turned his heel upon his
+superior officer and called upon his troops to mount their horses.
+Riding proudly at their head, he approached the tent of Espinosa and
+thus addressed him:
+
+"Señor Espinosa, the governor did not place me under your command, and
+you have no claim to my obedience. I now give you notice, that if you
+retain these prisoners so cruelly and unjustly captured, you must do
+so at your own risk. If these Indian warriors choose to make any
+attempt to recover their wives and their children, I declare to you
+upon my solemn oath, and by all that I hold most sacred, that they
+shall meet with no opposition from me. Consider, therefore, whether
+you have the power to defend yourself and secure your prey, when I
+and my companions have withdrawn from this spot."
+
+Pizarro does not seem to have taken any active part in this dispute,
+though he advised the headstrong Espinosa to give up his captives.
+While these scenes were transpiring, about one hundred of the men of
+the village returned. Most earnestly they entreated the release of
+their wives and children. If not peacefully released, it was pretty
+evident that they would fight desperately for their rescue. It was
+quite apparent that the Indian runners had gone in all directions to
+summon others to their aid. The withdrawal of De Soto left Espinosa so
+weakened that he could hardly hope successfully to repel such forces.
+Indeed he was so situated that, destitute of provisions and
+ammunition, he did not dare to undertake a march back through the
+wilderness to Darien. He therefore very ungraciously consented to
+surrender his captives.
+
+Governor Don Pedro had established his headquarters at Panama. De
+Soto, accompanied by a single dragoon, who like himself was an
+admirable horseman, rode with the utmost possible dispatch to Panama,
+where he informed the governor of the disasters which had befallen
+the expedition, and of the precarious condition in which he had left
+the remnant of the troops. He also made such representation of the
+military conduct of General Espinosa as to induce the governor to
+remove him from the command and send General Herman Ponce to take his
+place. The garrison at Panama was then so weak that only forty men
+could be spared to go to the relief of the troops at Borrica.
+
+In the mean time the Indian chief Uracca had received full information
+of the position and condition of the Spanish troops. Very sagaciously
+he formed his plan to cut off their retreat. Detachments of warriors
+were placed at every point through which they could escape; they could
+not venture a league from their ramparts on any foraging expedition,
+and no food could reach them. They obtained a miserable subsistence
+from roots and herbs.
+
+At length De Soto returned with a fresh supply of ammunition and the
+small reinforcement. By the aid of his cavalry he so far broke up the
+blockade as to obtain food for the famishing troops. Still it was very
+hazardous to attempt a retreat to Panama. With the reinforcements led
+by General Ponce, their whole army, infantry and cavalry, amounted to
+less than one hundred and fifty men. They would be compelled on their
+retreat to climb mountains, plunge into ragged ravines, thread
+tropical forests and narrow defiles, where armies of uncounted
+thousands of natives were ready to dispute their passage.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_Life at Darien._
+
+     Reinforcements from Spain.--Aid sent to Borrica.--Line of Defense
+     Chosen by the Natives.--Religion of the Buccaneers.--The Battle
+     and the Rout.--Strategy of racca.--Cruelty of Don Pedro.--The
+     Retreat.--Character of Uracca.--Embarrassment of Don
+     Pedro.--Warning of M. Codro.--Expedition of Pizarro.--Mission
+     of M. Codro.--Letter of De Soto to Isabella.
+
+
+While governor Don Pedro was awaiting with intense anxiety the receipt
+of intelligence from Borrica, a ship arrived from Spain bringing three
+or four hundred adventurers, all of whom were eager for any military
+expedition which would open to them an opportunity for plunder. One
+hundred and fifty of these were regular soldiers, well taught in the
+dreadful trade of war. Don Pedro took these fresh troops and one
+hundred and fifty volunteers; and set out with the utmost expedition
+for Borrica. His impetuous nature was inspired with zeal to retrieve
+the disgrace which had befallen the Spanish arms. He took with him
+several pieces of ordnance,--guns with which the Indians thus far had
+no acquaintance.
+
+Upon arriving at Borrica he very earnestly harangued his troops,
+reminding them of the ancient renown of the Spanish soldiers, and
+stimulating their cupidity by the assurance that the kingdom of
+Veragua, over which Uracca reigned, was full of gold; and that all
+that was now requisite for the conquest of the country and the
+accumulation of princely wealth, was a display of the bravery ever
+characteristic of Spanish troops.
+
+There was a deep and rapid river, the Arva, rushing down from the
+mountains, which it was necessary for the Spaniards to cross in their
+renewed invasion of Veragua. On the northern banks of this stream
+Uracca stationed his troops, selecting this spot with much skill as
+his main line of defence. He however posted an advanced guard some
+miles south of the stream in ground broken by hills, rocks and
+ravines, through which the Spaniards would be compelled to pass, and
+where their cavalry could be of very little avail.
+
+By great effort Don Pedro had collected an army of about five hundred
+men. Rapidly marching, he soon reached the spot of broken ground where
+the native troops were stationed awaiting their approach.
+
+It seems almost incomprehensible that this band of thieves and
+murderers, who, without the slightest excuse or provocation, were
+invading the territory of the peaceful natives, carrying to their
+homes death and woe, that they might acquire fame for military
+exploits and return laden with plunder, could have looked to God for
+his blessing upon their infamous expedition. But so it was. And still
+more strange to say, they did not apparently engage in these religious
+services with any consciousness of hypocrisy. The thoughtful mind is
+bewildered in contemplating such developments of the human heart.
+Previous to the attack the whole army was drawn up for prayers, which
+were solemnly offered by the ecclesiastics who always accompanied
+these expeditions. Then every soldier attended the confessional and
+received absolution. Thus he felt assured that, should he fall in the
+battle, he would be immediately translated to the realms of the blest.
+
+Thus inspired by military zeal and religious fanaticism, the Spaniards
+rushed upon the natives in a very impetuous assault. We are happy to
+record that the natives stood nobly on the defence. They met their
+assailants with such a shower of arrows and javelins that the
+Spaniards were first arrested in their march, then driven back, then
+utterly routed and put to flight. In that broken ground where the
+cavalry could not be brought into action, where every native warrior
+stood behind a tree or a rock, and where the natives did not commence
+the action till the Spaniards were within half bow shot of them,
+arrows and javelins were even more potent weapons of war than the
+clumsy muskets then in use.
+
+Upon the open field the arrows of the natives were quite impotent. A
+bullet could strike the heart at twice or three times the distance at
+which an arrow could be thrown. The Spaniards, hotly pursued,
+retreated from this broken ground several miles back into the open
+plain. Many were slain. Here the rout was arrested by the cavalry and
+the discharges from the field-pieces, which broke the Indian ranks.
+
+The natives, however, boldly held their ground, and the Spaniards,
+disheartened and mortified by their discomfiture, encamped upon the
+plain. It was very evident that God had not listened to their prayers.
+
+For several days they remained in a state of uncertainty. For five
+hundred Spaniards to retreat before eight hundred natives, would
+inflict a stigma upon their army which could never be effaced. They
+dared not again attack the natives who were flushed with victory in
+their stronghold. They were well aware that the band of warriors
+before them was but the advanced guard of the great army of Uracca.
+These eight hundred natives were led by one of Uracca's brothers. Even
+should these Indians be attacked and repulsed, they had only to
+retreat a few miles, cross the river Arva in their canoes, and on the
+northern banks join the formidable army of twenty thousand men under
+their redoubtable chief, who had already displayed military abilities
+which compelled the Spaniards to regard him with dread.
+
+Affairs were in this position when Uracca adopted a stratagem which
+completely deceived the Spaniards and inflicted upon them very serious
+loss. He caused several of his warriors to be taken captive. When
+closely questioned by Don Pedro where gold was to be found, and
+threatened with torture if they refused the information, they with
+great apparent reluctance directed their captors to a spot, at the
+distance of but a few leagues, where the precious metal could be
+obtained in great abundance. These unlettered savages executed their
+artifice with skill which would have done honor even to European
+diplomatists.
+
+Don Pedro immediately selected a company of forty of his most reliable
+men and sent them to the designated spot. Here they were surrounded by
+Indian warriors in ambush, and the whole party, with the exception of
+three, put to death. The three who escaped succeeded in reaching the
+Spanish camp with tidings of the disaster. Don Pedro in his rage
+ordered his captives to be torn to pieces, by the bloodhounds. They
+were thrown naked to the dogs. The Spaniards looked on complacently,
+as the merciless beasts, with bloody fangs, tore them limb from limb,
+devouring their quivering flesh. The natives bore this awful
+punishment with fortitude and heroism, which elicited the admiration
+of their foes. With their last breath they exulted that they were
+permitted to die in defence of their country.
+
+The expedition of Don Pedro had thus far proved an utter failure. He
+had already lost one-fourth of his army through the prowess of the
+natives. The prospect before him was dark in the extreme. His troops
+were thoroughly discouraged, and the difficulties still to be
+encountered seemed absolutely insurmountable. Humiliated as never
+before, the proud Don Pedro was compelled to order a retreat. He
+returned to Panama, where, as we have mentioned, he had removed his
+seat of government from Darien. Panama was north of Darien, or rather
+west, as the isthmus there runs east and west. Its seaport was on the
+Pacific, not the Atlantic coast.
+
+Uracca, having thus rescued his country from the invaders, did not
+pursue the retreating Spaniards. He probably in this course acted
+wisely. Could Don Pedro have drawn his enemies into the open field, he
+could undoubtedly have cut down nearly their whole army with grape
+shot, musketry, and charges by his strongly mounted steel-clad
+cavaliers. A panic had however pervaded the Spanish camp. They were in
+constant apprehension of pursuit. Even when they had reached Panama,
+they were day after day in intense apprehension of the approach of
+their outnumbering foes, by whose valor they had already been
+discomfited, and so greatly disgraced.
+
+    "When the Spaniards looked out towards the mountains and the
+    plains," writes the Spanish historian Herrera, "the boughs of
+    trees and the very grass, which grew high in the savannas,
+    appeared to their excited imagination to be armed with
+    Indians. And when they turned their eyes towards the sea,
+    they fancied that it was covered with canoes of their
+    exasperated foemen."
+
+Uracca must have been in all respects an extraordinary man. We have
+the record of his deeds only from the pen of his enemies. And yet
+according to their testimony, he, a pagan, manifested far more of the
+spirit of Christ than did his Christian opponents. In the war which he
+was then waging, there can be no question whatever that the wrong was
+inexcusably and outrageously on the side of Don Pedro. We cannot learn
+that Uracca engaged in any aggressive movements against the Spaniards
+whatever. He remained content with expelling the merciless intruders
+from his country. Even the fiendlike barbarism of the Spaniards could
+not provoke him to retaliatory cruelty. The brutal soldiery of Spain
+paid no respect whatever to the wives and daughters of the natives,
+even to those of the highest chieftains.
+
+On one occasion a Spanish lady, Donna Clara Albitez, fell into the
+hands of Uracca. He treated her with as much delicacy and tenderness
+as if she had been his own daughter or mother, and availed himself of
+the first opportunity of restoring her to her friends.
+
+Though De Soto was one of the bravest of his cavaliers, and was so
+skilful as an officer that his services were almost indispensable to
+Don Pedro, yet the governor was anxious to get rid of him. It is
+probable that he felt somewhat condemned by the undeniable virtues of
+De Soto; for the most of men can feel the power of high moral
+principle as witnessed in others. De Soto, intensely proud, was not at
+all disposed to play the sycophant before his patron. He had already
+exasperated him by his refusal to execute orders which he deemed
+dishonorable. And worst of all, by winning the love of Isabella, he
+had thwarted one of the most ambitious of Don Pedro's plans; he having
+contemplated her alliance with one of the most illustrious families of
+the Spanish nobility.
+
+Don Pedro did not dare to send De Soto to the scaffold or to order him
+to be shot. He had already braved public opinion by the outrageous
+execution of Vasco Nuñez, without a shadow of law or justice, and had
+drawn down upon himself an avalanche of condemnation from the highest
+dignitaries of both church and state. He was trembling through fear
+that the Spanish government might call him to account for this
+tyrannic act. Thus situated, it was highly impolitic to send De Soto,
+who was greatly revered and admired by the army, to the block. He
+therefore still sought, though with somewhat waning zeal, to secure
+the death of De Soto on the field of battle. De Soto could not fail to
+perceive that Don Pedro was not his friend. Still, being a magnanimous
+man himself, he could not suspect the governor of being guilty of such
+treachery as to be plotting his death.
+
+When the little army of Spaniards was beleaguered at Borrica, and De
+Soto with his cavalry was scouring the adjacent country on foraging
+expeditions, he chanced to rescue from captivity M. Codro, an Italian
+philosopher, who had accompanied the Spaniards to Darien. In the
+pursuit of science, he had joined the forty men who, under the command
+of Herman Ponce, had been sent as a reinforcement to Borrica. While at
+some distance from the camp on a botanical excursion, he was taken
+captive by the natives, and would have been put to death but for the
+timely rescue by De Soto.
+
+M. Codro was an astrologer. In that superstitious age he was supposed
+by others, and probably himself supposed, that by certain occult arts
+he was able to predict future events. Six months after the return of
+the Spaniards from their disastrous expedition against Uracca, this
+singular man sought an interview with De Soto, and said to him:
+
+"A good action deserves better reward than verbal acknowledgment.
+While it was not in my power to make any suitable recompense to you
+for saving my life, I did not attempt to offer you any. But the time
+has now come when I can give you some substantial evidence of my
+gratitude. I can now inform you that your life is now in no less
+danger than mine was when you rescued me from the Indians."
+
+De Soto replied: "My good friend, though I do not profess to be a
+thorough believer in your prophetic art, I am no less thankful for
+your kind intentions. And in this case, I am free to confess that your
+information, from whatever source derived, is confirmed in a measure
+by my own observations."
+
+"Ferdinand De Soto," said the astrologer with great deliberation and
+solemnity of manner, "I think I can read the page of _your_ destiny,
+even without such light as the stars can shed upon it. Be assured that
+the warning I give you does not come from an unearthly source. But if
+any supernatural confirmation of my words were needed, even on that
+score you might be satisfied. While comparing your horoscope with that
+of my departed friend Vasco Nuñez, I have observed some resemblances
+in your lives and fortunes, which you, with all your incredulity, must
+allow to be remarkable. Nuñez and you were both born in the same town;
+were both members of noble but impoverished families; both sought to
+ally yourselves with the family of Don Pedro, and both thus incurred
+his deadly resentment."
+
+"These coincidences are certainly remarkable," replied De Soto; "but
+what other similarities do you find in the destinies of Nuñez and
+myself?"
+
+"You are a brave man," replied M. Codro, "and you are too skeptical to
+be much disturbed by the prognostications of evil. I may therefore
+venture to tell you that according to my calculations, you will be in
+one important event of your life more happy than Vasco Nuñez. It seems
+to be indicated by the superior intelligences, that your death will
+not be in the ordinary course of nature; but I find likewise that the
+term of your life will be equal to that which Nuñez attained. When I
+consider your present circumstances, this appears to me to be the most
+improbable part of the prediction."
+
+Nuñez was forty-two years old at the time of his death. This gave De
+Soto the promise of nearly twenty years more of life. Reverently he
+replied, "I am in the hands of God. I rely with humble confidence on
+his protection."
+
+"In that you do well," rejoined M. Codro. "Still it is your duty to
+use such human means as may be required to defend yourself against
+open violence or fraudful malice."
+
+De Soto thanked the astrologer for the caution he had given him, and
+as he reflected upon it, saw that it was indeed necessary to be
+constantly on his guard. As time passed on Don Pedro became more
+undisguised in his hostility to De Soto. Ferdinand and Isabella
+exerted all their ingenuity to correspond with each other. Don Pedro
+had been equally vigilant in his endeavors to intercept their letters;
+and so effectual were the plans which he adopted, that for five years,
+while the lovers remained perfectly faithful to each other, not a
+token of remembrance passed between them.
+
+These were weary years to De Soto. He was bitterly disappointed in all
+his expectations. There was no glory to be obtained even in victory,
+in riding rough-shod over the poor natives. And thus far, instead of
+victory attending the Spanish arms, defeat and disgrace had been their
+doom. Moreover, he was astonished and heartily ashamed when he saw the
+measures which his countrymen had adopted to enrich themselves. They
+were highway robbers of the most malignant type. They not only
+slaughtered the victims whom they robbed, but fired their dwellings,
+trampled down their harvests and massacred their wives and children.
+
+The most extravagant tales had been circulated through Europe
+respecting the wealth of the New World. It was said that masses of
+pure gold could be gathered like pebble stones from the banks of the
+rivers, and that gems of priceless value were to be found in the
+ravines. De Soto had been now five years on the isthmus of Darien, and
+had acquired neither fame nor fortune, and there was nothing in the
+prospect of the future to excite enthusiasm or even hope.
+
+There was quite a remarkable man, made so by subsequent events, under
+the command of Don Pedro. His name was Francisco Pizarro. He was a man
+of obscure birth and of very limited education, save only in the
+material art of war. He could neither read nor write, and was thus
+intellectually hardly the equal of some of the most intelligent of the
+natives. We have briefly alluded to him as entrusted with the command
+of one portion of the army in the inglorious expedition against
+Uracca. De Soto had very little respect for the man, and was not at
+all disposed as a subordinate officer to look to him for counsel. Don
+Pedro, however, seems to have formed a high opinion of the military
+abilities of Pizarro. For notwithstanding his ignominious defeat and
+retreat from Veragua, he now appointed him as the leader of an
+expedition, consisting of one hundred and thirty men, to explore the
+western coast of the isthmus by cruising along the Pacific Ocean.
+
+Pizarro set sail from Panama on the fourteenth of November, 1524, in
+one small vessel. It was intended that another vessel should soon
+follow to render such assistance as might be necessary. De Soto was
+urged to become one of this party; but probably from dislike of
+Pizarro, refused to place himself under his command.
+
+The vessel, which was soon joined by its consort under Almagro,
+coasted slowly along in a northerly direction, running in at every
+bay, and landing whenever they approached a flourishing Indian
+village, plundering the natives and maltreating them in every shameful
+way. At length they aroused such a spirit of desperation on the part
+of the natives, that they fell upon the buccaneers with resistless
+ferocity. Two-thirds of the miscreants were slain. Pizarro barely
+escaped with his life, having received severe wounds and being borne
+to his ship in a state of insensibility.
+
+While Pizarro was absent on this ill-fated expedition, a new trouble
+befell Don Pedro. Las Casas, a devoted Christian missionary, whose
+indignation was roused to the highest pitch by the atrocities
+perpetrated upon the Indians, reported the inhuman conduct of Don
+Pedro to the Spanish government. The King appointed Peter de Los Rios
+to succeed him. The new governor was to proceed immediately to Panama
+and bring the degraded official to trial, and, if found guilty, to
+punishment. The governor of a Spanish colony in those days was
+absolute. Don Pedro had cut off the head of his predecessor, though
+that predecessor was one of the best of men. He now trembled in
+apprehension of the loss of his own head. Conscious of his deserts, he
+was terror-stricken.
+
+About four or five hundred miles north of Panama there was the
+magnificent province of Nicaragua. The isthmus is here about one
+hundred and fifty miles in breadth, and the province being about two
+hundred miles in a line from north to south, extended from the
+Atlantic to the Pacific shores. Don Pedro was popular with his brutal
+soldiery, since he allowed them unlimited license and plunder. He
+resolved, surrounded by them, to take refuge in Nicaragua.
+Nevertheless, to render himself as secure as possible, he decided to
+send an agent to plead his cause at the Spanish court.
+
+Among those rude, unprincipled adventurers, men of violence and blood,
+it was very difficult to find a suitable person. At length he fixed
+with much hesitation upon M. Codro, the astrologer. He was a
+simple-minded, good man; learned, though very artless. M. Codro was
+strongly attached to De Soto, the preserver of his life. As we have
+seen, he was well aware of the peril to which his benefactor was
+hourly exposed from the malignity of the governor. Gladly therefore he
+accepted the mission, as he hoped it would afford him an opportunity
+of conferring some favor upon his imperilled friend.
+
+Don Pedro had adopted the most rigorous measures to prevent any
+communication between the colony and Spain, which was not subjected to
+his inspection. He was mainly influenced to this course that he might
+prevent the interchange of any messages whatever between De Soto and
+Isabella. The most severe penalties were denounced against all persons
+who should convey any writing across the seas, excepting through the
+regular mails. But the grateful M. Codro declared himself ready to run
+all risks in carrying a letter from De Soto to Isabella. Though De
+Soto at first hesitated to expose his friend to such hazard, his
+intense desire to open some communication with Isabella, at length
+induced him to accept the generous offer.
+
+As we have mentioned, for five years not one word had passed between
+the lovers. It is said that the following is a literal translation of
+the letter which De Soto wrote. We cannot be certain of its
+authenticity, but it bears internal evidence of genuineness, and a
+manuscript copy is in the library of a Spanish gentleman who has spent
+his life in collecting documents in reference to the past history of
+his country:
+
+     "MOST DEARLY BELOVED ISABELLA:
+
+     "For the first time within five years, I write to you with
+     some assurance that you will receive my letter. Many times
+     have I written before; but how could I write freely when I
+     had reason to fear that other eyes might peruse those fond
+     expressions which your goodness and condescension alone
+     could pardon? But what reason have I to hope that you can
+     still look with favorable regard on my unworthiness? My
+     mature judgment teaches me that this dream of my youth,
+     which I have so long cherished, is not presumption merely,
+     but madness.
+
+     "When I consider your many perfections, and compare them
+     with my own little deserving, I feel that I ought to
+     despair, even if I could empty into your lap the treasure of
+     a thousand kingdoms. How then can I lift my eyes to you when
+     I have nothing to offer but the tribute of an affection
+     which time cannot change, and which must still live when my
+     last hope has departed.
+
+     "O Isabella! the expectation which brought me to this land
+     has not been fulfilled. I can gather no gold, except by such
+     means as my honor, my conscience and yourself must condemn.
+     Though your nobleness may pity one on whom fortune has
+     disdained to smile, I feel that your relations are justified
+     in claiming for you an alliance with exalted rank and
+     affluence; and I love you far too well to regard my own
+     happiness more than your welfare. If, therefore, in your
+     extreme youth you have made a promise which you now regret,
+     as far as it is in my power to absolve you from that
+     engagement, you are released. On my side, the obligation is
+     sacred and eternal. It is not likely that I shall ever
+     return to my country. While I am banished from your
+     presence, all countries are alike to me.
+
+     "The person who brings you this exposes himself to great
+     danger in his desire to serve me. I entreat you to use such
+     precautions as his safety may require. If your goodness
+     should vouchsafe any message to me, he will deliver it, and
+     you may have perfect confidence in his fidelity. Pardon my
+     boldness in supposing it possible that I still have a place
+     in your remembrance. Though you may now think of me with
+     indifference or dislike, do not censure me too severely for
+     calling myself unchangeably and devotedly, Yours, DE SOTO."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_Demoniac Reign._
+
+     Giles Gonzales.--Unsuccessful Contest of De Soto with
+     Gonzales.--Bold Reply of De Soto to the Governor.--Cruelty
+     of Don Pedro to M. Codro.--Assassination of Cordova.--New
+     Expedition of Discovery.--Revenge upon Valenzuela.--Reign of
+     Don Pedro at Nicaragua.--Unwise Decision of De Soto.
+
+
+It was supposed at that time that there must be a strait somewhere
+north of Panama across the narrow isthmus, which would connect the
+waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Several expeditions had
+been fitted out in search of this all-important passage. Almost
+invariably a company of priests joined these expeditions, who exerted
+all their energies to convert the Indians to nominal Christianity. A
+fanatic adventurer by the name of Giles Gonzales, acquired much
+celebrity for his success in inducing the natives to accept the
+Christian faith and to acknowledge fealty to the king of Spain. He was
+at the head of one hundred steel-clad warriors. His mode of
+persuasion, though unique, was very potent. When he approached the
+seat of the chief of Nicaragua, he sent a courier to him with the
+following message:
+
+"I am coming as a friend to teach you the only true religion, and to
+persuade you to recognize the most powerful monarch on the globe. If
+you refuse to yield to my teachings, you must prepare for battle, and
+I challenge you to meet me in the field."
+
+The gentle and peace-loving natives contemplated with consternation
+these fierce Spaniards mounted on powerful war horses, animals which
+they had never before seen, and glittering in coats of mail. They had
+no religious creed to which they adhered with any tenacity. The
+Nicaraguan chief unhesitatingly expressed his readiness to accept the
+new faith, and in token of friendship, sent Gonzales a quantity of
+gold, equal it is said in value to seventy-five thousand dollars of
+our money. The Spanish historian Herrera, whose record is generally
+deemed in the main accurate, says that the chief, his family, and nine
+thousand of his subjects, were baptized and became Christians.
+Influenced by this example, and by the glowing representations of the
+rewards which were sure to follow the acceptance of the Christian
+faith, more than thirty-six thousand of the natives were baptized
+within the space of half a year. The baptismal fees charged by
+Gonzales amounted to over four hundred thousand dollars.
+
+While Gonzales was engaged on his own responsibility in this career of
+spiritual conquest, with its rich pecuniary accompaniment, Don Pedro
+sent two of his generals, Ferdinand de Cordova and Ferdinand De Soto,
+to explore Nicaragua and take possession of it in his name. He assumed
+that Gonzales, acting without authority, was engaged in a treasonable
+movement. The two parties soon came into collision.
+
+De Soto, with a party of fifty men, twenty of them being well mounted
+cavaliers, encamped at a small village called Torebo. Gonzales was in
+the near vicinity with a little army of three hundred men, two hundred
+of whom were Indians. In the darkness of the night, Gonzales fell upon
+De Soto, and outnumbering him six to one, either killed or took
+captive all the thirty footmen; while the cavaliers, on their horses,
+cut their way through and escaped. Gonzales lost fifty of his best men
+in the conflict, and was so impressed with the military vigor of De
+Soto, that he was not at all disposed again to meet him on the field
+of battle. He therefore retired to a distant part of the province,
+where he vigorously engaged in the work of converting the natives,
+never forgetting his baptismal fee.
+
+De Soto and Cordova established themselves in a new town which they
+called Grenada. Here they erected a church, several dwelling houses,
+and barracks for the soldiers. They also surrounded the village with
+a trench and earthworks, as protection from any sudden assault.
+Gonzales was a fugitive from justice, having assassinated an officer
+sent by Hernando Cortes to arrest him.
+
+Cordova was a mild and humane man. Under his sway the Indians were
+prosperous and happy. Two flourishing towns grew up rapidly quite near
+each other, Leon and Grenada. The climate was delightful, the soil
+fertile, the means of living abundant. Many of the inhabitants of
+Panama emigrated to this more favored region.
+
+De Soto, leaving Cordova in command of Nicaragua, returned to Panama
+to report proceedings to Don Pedro. It was not till then that he
+learned, to his extreme regret, that the Governor had selected
+Nicaragua as a place for his future abode. He knew that the presence
+of the tyrannical governor could only prove disastrous to the
+flourishing colony, and ruinous to the happiness of the natives. The
+gloom with which the contemplation oppressed his mind spread over his
+speaking countenance. The eagle eye of the suspicious governor
+immediately detected these indications of discontent. With an air of
+deference, but in a tone of mockery, he said:
+
+"I judge from your appearance, captain, that my Nicaraguan enterprise
+does not meet with your cordial approbation."
+
+De Soto boldly, and with great deliberation of words, replied:
+
+"Governor Don Pedro, I confess that I feel but little interested in
+any of your movements or intentions, except when they encroach upon
+the rights of others. Nicaragua is at this time well governed by
+Ferdinand de Cordova. The change you propose to make, is to be
+deprecated as one of the greatest misfortunes that could befall not
+only the Indian inhabitants of that district, but our own countrymen
+likewise, who have flocked thither to escape from your jurisdiction."
+
+The countenance of Don Pedro became pallid with rage. Struggling,
+however, to suppress the unavailing outburst of his passion, he said,
+with a malignant smile:
+
+"I thank you, Captain De Soto, for giving me this opportunity which I
+have so long desired. Were I to permit such insolence to go
+unpunished, my authority in this colony would soon be at an end."
+
+"It is at an end," replied De Soto. "You must be aware that your
+successor, De Los Rios, is now on his way to Panama."
+
+"I do not choose," replied Don Pedro, "to debate this matter with you.
+I still claim the right to command you as your superior military
+officer. I now command you to hold yourself and your company in
+readiness to march. When we arrive at Leon, I promise you that full
+justice shall be done to your friend De Cordova, and to yourself."
+
+De Soto fully comprehended the significance of these threats. He wrote
+immediately to Cordova, urging him to be on his guard. The inhabitants
+of Leon and Grenada, learning of the intention of Don Pedro,--to take
+the government into his own hands,--entreated De Cordova to resist the
+tyrant, promising him their unanimous and energetic support. But De
+Cordova declined these overtures, saying, that all the authority to
+which he was legitimately entitled was derived from Don Pedro, and
+that it was his duty to obey him as his superior officer, until he
+should be deposed by the Spanish crown.
+
+Just before Don Pedro, with his suite, left Panama for Nicaragua, M.
+Codro returned from Spain. He brought dispatches to the governor, and
+also secretly a letter from Isabella to De Soto. The spies of the
+governor, in his castle in Spain, watched every movement of M. Codro.
+The simple minded man had very little skill in the arts of duplicity.
+These spies reported to Don Pedro that M. Codro had held a secret
+interview with Isabella, and had frankly stated that he was entrusted
+with a private message to her. Don Pedro knew that such a message
+could have gone only from De Soto; and that unquestionably M. Codro
+had brought back from his daughter a response. We may remark in
+passing, that the letter from Isabella to De Soto informed him of the
+inflexible fidelity of Isabella, and filled the heart of De Soto with
+joy.
+
+The malignant nature of Don Pedro was roused by these suspicions to
+intensity of action, and he resolved upon direful revenge. As the new
+governor was hourly expected, he could not venture upon any open act
+of assassination or violence, for he knew that in that case summary
+punishment would be his doom. Calling M. Codro before him, he assumed
+his blandest smile, thanked the artless philosopher for the services
+he had rendered him in Spain, and said that he wished to entrust him
+with the management of a mineralogical survey of a region near the
+gulf of San Miguel.
+
+The good man was delighted. This was just the employment which his
+nature craved. He was directed to embark in a vessel commanded by one
+of the governor's tools, an infamous wretch by the name of De
+Valenzuela. This man had been for many years a private, and was then
+engaged in kidnapping Indians for the slave trade. He was ordered as
+soon as the vessel was at sea, to chain M. Codro to the foremast, to
+expose him to all the tortures of the blaze of a tropical sun by day
+and chilling dews by night. The crew were enjoined to assail him with
+insulting mockery. Thus exposed to hunger, burning heat, and incessant
+abuse, he was to be kept through these lingering agonies until he
+died.
+
+For ten days the good man bore this cruel martyrdom, when he breathed
+his last, and was buried on a small island about a hundred miles
+southwest of Panama. This brutal assassination was so conducted, that
+De Soto at the time had no knowledge of the tragedy which was being
+enacted.
+
+Early in the year 1526, Don Pedro, surrounded by a large retinue of
+his obedient soldiery, left Panama to assume the government of
+Nicaragua, to which he had no legitimate title. De Soto accompanied
+the governor. Much as he detested his character, he could not forget
+that he was the father of Isabella. When Don Pedro approached the
+little town of Leon, he sent a courier before him, to order De Cordova
+to meet him in the public square, with his municipal officers and his
+clergy, prepared to give an account of his administration.
+
+De Soto with his horsemen was ordered to form in line on one side of
+the square. The foot soldiers of Don Pedro surrounded the governor on
+the other side. All the vacant space was filled with citizens and
+natives. By the side of the governor stood his executioner; a man of
+gigantic stature and of herculean strength, whose massive sword few
+arms but his could wield. De Cordova advanced to meet Don Pedro, and
+bowing respectfully before him, commenced giving an account of the
+state of affairs in the province. Suddenly he was interrupted in his
+narrative by Don Pedro, who with forced anger exclaimed:
+
+"Silence, you hypocrite! Your treasonable projects cannot be hidden
+under these absurd pretensions of loyalty and patriotism: I will now
+let your accomplices see how a traitor should be punished."
+
+He made a sign to his executioner. His gleaming sword flashed through
+the air, and in an instant the dissevered head of Cordova rolled in
+the dust. The headsman grasped the gory trophy by the hair, and
+raising it high above his head exclaimed,
+
+          "_Behold the doom of a traitor._"
+
+All this took place in an instant. The spectators were horror
+stricken. De Soto instinctively seized his sword, and would doubtless
+have put spurs to his horse, rushed upon the governor, and plunged the
+weapon to the hilt in his breast, but for the restraining memories of
+the past. Hesitatingly he returned his sword to its scabbard.
+
+But Don Pedro had not yet finished the contemplated work of the day.
+Another victim he had doomed to fall. A file of soldiers, very
+resolute men, led by a determined officer, crossing the square,
+approached De Soto, at the head of his troops. Don Pedro then
+exclaimed in a loud voice,
+
+"Ferdinand De Soto, you are ordered to dismount and submit yourself to
+the punishment which you have just seen inflicted on your traitorous
+comrade. Soldiers! drag him from his horse if he refuse to obey."
+
+The officer reached forth his hand to seize De Soto. Like lightning's
+flash, the sword of the cavalier fell upon the officer, and his head
+was cleft from crown to chin. The spurs were applied to the fiery
+steed. He plunged through the soldiers, knocking several of them down,
+and in an instant De Soto had his sword's point at the breast of the
+governor. Shouts of "kill the tyrant," rose from all parts of the
+square, which were echoed even from the ranks of Don Pedro's soldiers.
+Again De Soto held back his avenging hand; but in words which made Don
+Pedro quake in his shoes, he said,
+
+"You hear the expression of public sentiment. You hear the wishes of
+those who are subject to your authority. It is the voice of justice
+speaking through these people. In refusing to obey the call, I am
+scarcely less guilty than yourself. But remember, Don Pedro, that in
+sparing your life at this moment, I discharge all the obligations I
+have owed you. Miserable old man! Be thankful that the recollection of
+one that is absent, can make me forget what I owe to my murdered
+friend.
+
+"I will now sheathe my sword, but I solemnly declare by the sacred
+emblem of the cross which it bears, that I will never draw it again in
+your service."
+
+The assassination, for it could hardly be called execution, of De
+Cordova, excited the general indignation of the Spanish settlers. They
+all knew that Don Pedro had no authority from the king of Spain to
+assume the government of Nicaragua, and that he was therefore an
+usurper. The noble character which De Soto had exhibited, and his
+undeniable ability and bravery, had won for him universal regard. The
+Spaniards generally rallied around him, and entreated him to assume
+the command, promising him their enthusiastic support. They could not
+comprehend why De Soto so persistently refused their solicitations.
+They knew nothing of the secret reasons which rendered it almost
+impossible for De Soto to draw his sword against the father of
+Isabella.
+
+As we have mentioned, it was generally supposed that there must be
+some strait between the Isthmus of Darien and the southern frontiers
+of Mexico, which connected the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific
+Oceans. The king of Spain had offered a large reward for the discovery
+of this passage. Several of the wealthy citizens of Leon organized an
+expedition in pursuit of this object. De Soto was placed at its head.
+He selected, from his cavalry troop, five of his most intelligent and
+energetic young men. They started from Leon, and followed along the
+coast of the Pacific, in northwesterly course, penetrating every bay
+and inlet. They travelled on horseback and encountered innumerable
+difficulties from the rugged and pathless wilderness, through which
+they pressed their way. They also had much to fear from the unfriendly
+character of the natives, whose hostility had been aroused by the
+outrages which companies of vagabond Spaniards had inflicted upon
+them.
+
+De Soto, however, and his companions, by their just and kindly spirit,
+soon won the regards of the Indians. They found that the natives
+possessed large quantities of gold, which they seemed to esteem of
+little value. Eagerly they exchanged the precious metal for such
+trinkets as the explorers took with them. Upon this arduous
+expedition, which De Soto managed with consummate skill, he was absent
+eleven months. Seven hundred miles of sea-coast were carefully
+explored, and he became fully convinced that the looked-for strait did
+not exist. Though in this respect the expedition had proved a
+failure, he returned to Leon quite enriched by the gold which he had
+gathered. With honesty, rarely witnessed in those days, he impartially
+divided the treasure among the projectors of the enterprise.
+
+As De Soto was returning, he discovered a small Spanish vessel
+anchored near the present site of San Salvador. As his men and horses
+were worn down by their fatiguing journey, he engaged a passage in the
+vessel to Leon. Upon embarking he found the captain and crew consisted
+of some of the most depraved and brutal men who had ever visited the
+New World. They were cruising along the coast, watching for
+opportunity to kidnap the natives, to convey them to the West Indies
+as slaves. The captain was the infamous Valenzuela, who, as agent of
+Don Pedro, had tortured M. Codro to death.
+
+De Soto had no knowledge, as we have mentioned, of the dreadful doom
+which had befallen his friend. One day the fiendlike captain was
+amusing his crew with a recital of his past deeds of villany. He told
+the story of the murder of Codro.
+
+"He was," he said, "an old wizard whom Don Pedro, the governor of
+Panama, commissioned me to torture and to put to death, in consequence
+of some treachery of which he had been guilty while on a mission to
+Spain."
+
+The words caught the ear of De Soto. He joined the group, and listened
+with breathless attention and a throbbing heart, to the statement of
+Valenzuela.
+
+"I chained the old fellow," said the captain, "to the mainmast, and
+the sailors amused themselves by drenching him with buckets of cold
+water, till he was almost drowned. After several days, he became so
+sick and exhausted, that we saw that our sport would soon be at an
+end. For two days he was speechless. He then suddenly recovered the
+use of his voice, and endeavored to frighten me by saying:
+
+"'Captain, your treatment has caused my death. I now call upon you to
+hear the words of a dying man. Within a year from this time, I summon
+you to meet me before the judgment seat of God.'"
+
+Here the captain burst into a derisive and scornful laugh. He then
+added:
+
+"Come comrades, we'll have a hamper of wine, and drink to the repose
+of M. Codro's soul."
+
+De Soto stepped forward, and repressing all external exhibition of the
+rage which consumed his soul, said calmly to the captain,
+
+"You say that the astrologer prophesied that you should die within the
+year. When will that year expire?"
+
+"In about two weeks," the captain replied. "But I have no fear but
+that the prophet will prove to be a liar."
+
+"He shall not," De Soto added. And drawing from his scabbard his keen,
+glittering sword, with one blow from his sinewy arm, severed the
+captain's head from his body. The ghastly trophy rolled gushing with
+blood upon the deck. These wild and savage men were accustomed to such
+scenes. They admired the courage of De Soto, and the marvellous skill
+with which, at one blow, he had struck off the head of the captain. De
+Soto then turned to the crowd and said:
+
+"Gentlemen, if any of you are disposed to hold me accountable for what
+I have just done, I am ready to answer you according to your desires.
+But I consider myself bound, in reason and in courtesy, to inform you,
+that M. Codro, the man whom this villain murdered, was my friend; and
+I doubt not that he was condemned to death for doing me an important
+service."
+
+All seemed satisfied with this explanation. These sanguinary scenes in
+those days produced but a momentary impression.
+
+De Soto and Don Pedro no longer held any intercourse with each other.
+The reign of the usurping governor was atrocious beyond the power of
+language to express. With horses and bloodhounds he ran down the
+natives, seizing and selling them as slaves. Droves of men, women and
+children, chained together, were often driven into the streets of
+Leon.
+
+The assumption then was that a nominal Christian might pardonably
+inflict any outrages upon those who had not accepted the Christian
+faith. Several of the Indian chiefs had embraced Christianity. Don
+Pedro compelled them all to pay him a tribute of fifty slaves a month.
+All orphans were to be surrendered as slaves. And then the wretch
+demanded that all parents who had several children, should surrender
+one or more, as slaves to the Spaniards. The natives were robbed of
+their harvests, so that they had no encouragement to cultivate the
+soil. This led to famine, and more than twenty thousand perished of
+starvation. Famine introduced pestilence. The good Las Casas declares
+that in consequence of the oppressions of the Spaniards, in ten years,
+more than sixty thousand of the natives of Nicaragua perished.
+
+About this time Francisco Pizarro had embarked in a hair-brained
+enterprise for the conquest of Peru, on the western coast of South
+America. Very slowly he had forced his way along, towards that vast
+empire, encountering innumerable difficulties, and enduring frightful
+sufferings, until he had reached a point where his progress seemed to
+be arrested. His army was greatly weakened, and he had not sufficient
+force to push his conquests any farther. Threatened with the utter
+extermination of his band, he remembered De Soto, whom he had never
+loved. He knew that he was anxious for fame and fortune, and thought
+that his bravery and great military ability might extricate him from
+his embarrassments.
+
+He therefore wrote to Don Pedro, praying that De Soto, with
+reinforcements, might be sent to his aid. For three years there had
+been no communication whatever between the governor and the lover of
+his daughter. But Don Pedro regarded the adventure of Pizarro as
+hazardous in the extreme, and felt sure that all engaged in the
+enterprise would miserably perish. Eagerly he caught at the idea of
+sending De Soto to join them; for his presence was to Don Pedro a
+constant source of annoyance and dread. He therefore caused the
+communication from Pizarro to be conveyed to De Soto, saying to the
+messenger who bore it:
+
+"Urge De Soto to depart immediately for Peru. And I pray Heaven that
+we may never hear of him again."
+
+De Soto, not knowing what to do with himself, imprudently consented,
+and thus allied his fortunes with those of one of the greatest
+villains of any age or country.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_The Invasion of Peru._
+
+     The Kingdom of Peru.--Its Metropolis.--The Desperate
+     Condition of Pizarro.--Arrival of De Soto.--Character of the
+     Spaniards.--Exploring tour of De Soto.--The Colony at San
+     Miguel.--The General Advance.--Second Exploration of De
+     Soto.--Infamous Conduct of the Pizarros.
+
+
+The kingdom of Peru, skirting the western coast of South America,
+between the majestic peaks of the Andes and the mirrored waters of the
+Pacific Ocean, was one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
+This kingdom, diversified with every variety of scenery, both of the
+sublime and the beautiful, and enjoying a delicious climate, was about
+eighteen hundred miles in length and one hundred and fifty in breadth.
+The natives had attained a high degree of civilization. Though
+gunpowder, steel armor, war horses, and bloodhounds gave the barbarian
+Spaniards the supremacy on fields of blood, the leading men, among the
+Peruvians, seem to have been in intelligence, humanity and every
+virtue, far superior to the savage leaders of the Spaniards, who so
+ruthlessly invaded their peaceful realms.
+
+The metropolis of the empire was the city of Cuzo, which was situated
+in a soft and luxuriant valley traversing some table-lands which were
+about twelve thousand feet above the level of the sea. The government
+of the country was an absolute monarchy. But its sovereign, called the
+Inca, seems to have been truly a good man, the father of his people;
+wisely and successfully seeking their welfare. The Peruvians had
+attained a degree of excellence in many of the arts unsurpassed by the
+Spaniards. Their houses were generally built of stone; their massive
+temples, though devoid of architectural beauty, were constructed of
+hewn blocks of granite, so admirably joined together that the seams
+could be with difficulty discerned.
+
+Humbolt found, among the ruins of these temples, blocks of hewn stone
+thirty-six feet long, nine feet wide, and six feet in thickness. Their
+great highways, spanning the gulfs, clinging to the precipitous cliffs
+and climbing the mountains, were wonderful works of mechanical skill.
+
+De Soto was thoroughly acquainted with the cruel, faithless, and
+treacherous character of Pizarro. A stigma must ever rest upon his
+name, for consenting to enter into any expedition under the leadership
+of such a man. It may however be said, in reply, that he had no
+intention of obeying Pizarro in any thing that was wrong; that his
+love of adventure was roused by the desire to explore one of the most
+magnificent empires in the New World, which rumor had invested with
+wealth and splendor surpassing the dreams of romance. And perhaps,
+most important of all, he hoped _honestly_ to be able to gather from
+the fabled mines of gold, with which Peru was said to be filled, that
+wealth with which he would be enabled to return to Spain and claim the
+hand, as he had already won the heart, of the fair and faithful
+Isabella.
+
+Pizarro had entered upon his enterprise with an army of one hundred
+and eighty men, twenty-seven of whom were mounted. It seems to be the
+uncontradicted testimony of contemporary historians, that this army
+was composed of as worthless a set of vagabonds as ever disgraced
+humanity. There was no crime or cruelty from which these fiends in
+human form would recoil.
+
+Pizarro, following down the western coast of South America five or six
+hundred miles, had reached the island of Puna, in the extreme northern
+part of Peru. It was separated from the mainland by a narrow strait.
+The inhabitants received him cordially, but the murders, rapine and
+other nameless atrocities, perpetrated by the Spaniards upon the
+friendly natives, soon so aroused their resentment that a conspiracy
+was formed for the entire extermination of the invaders. The
+expedition had become so weakened and demoralized that even Pizarro
+saw that it would be the height of imprudence for him to venture, with
+his vile crew, upon the mainland, before reinforcements under some
+degree of military discipline should arrive. He was in this precarious
+condition, and on the eve of extermination, when De Soto and his
+select and well-ordered troops reached the island.
+
+They came in two vessels, bringing with them an abundant supply of
+arms and ammunition. The party consisted of fifty men, thoroughly
+equipped. Thirty of them were steel-clad cavaliers, well mounted. De
+Soto had been offered the rank of second in command. But when he
+arrived at Puna, he found that Pizarro's brother--Hernando--occupied
+this post, and that he had no intention of relinquishing it. De Soto
+reproached Pizarro in very plain terms for this wrong and insult. He
+however did not allow it long to trouble him. Surrounded by his own
+brave and devoted followers, he felt quite independent of the
+authority of Pizarro, and had no intention of obeying him any farther
+than might be in accordance with his own wishes.
+
+On the other hand, Pizarro had but little confidence in his brother,
+and was fully conscious that the success of his enterprise would be
+mainly dependent upon the energy and skill of De Soto.
+
+Pizarro, now finding himself at the head of really a formidable force,
+prepared to pass over to the mainland. There was quite a large town
+there called Tumbez, surrounded by a rich and densely populated
+country. The Peruvians had gold in abundance, and weapons and utensils
+of copper. With iron and steel, they were entirely unacquainted. As
+when fighting at a distance, the bullet of the Spaniard was
+immeasurably superior to the arrow of the native, so in a hand to hand
+fight, the keen and glittering sabre of steel, especially in the hands
+of steel-clad cavaliers left the poorly armed Peruvians almost
+entirely at their mercy.
+
+Arrangements were made to cross the strait and make a descent upon
+Tumbez. Pizarro had already visited the place, where he had been
+kindly received by the inhabitants, and where he had seen with his own
+eyes that the houses and temples were decorated with golden ornaments,
+often massive in weight, and of almost priceless value. He floated his
+little band across the narrow strait on rafts.
+
+The inhabitants of Tumbez and its vicinity had been disposed to
+receive their Spanish visitors as guests, and to treat them with the
+utmost courtesy and kindness. But the tidings had reached them of the
+terrible outrages which they had inflicted upon the inhabitants of
+Puna. They therefore attacked the Spaniards as they approached the
+shore on their rafts and endeavored to prevent their landing. But the
+invaders, with musketry and a cannon which they had with them,
+speedily drove off their assailants, and with horses and hounds
+planted their banners upon the shore. They then marched directly upon
+Tumbez, confident of gathering, from the decorations of her palaces
+and her temples, abounding wealth. Bitter was their disappointment.
+The Peruvians, conscious of their probable inability to resist the
+invaders, had generally abandoned the city, carrying with them, far
+away into the mountains, all their treasures.
+
+The Spaniards, who had entered the city with hideous yells of triumph,
+being thus frustrated in the main object of their expedition, found,
+by inquiry, that at the distance of several leagues easterly from the
+sea-coast, among the pleasant valleys of the mountains, there were
+populous cities, where abundance of booty might be found.
+
+The whole number of Spaniards, then invading Peru, did not exceed two
+hundred and fifty. The Peruvians were daily becoming more deeply
+exasperated. With such a number of men, and no fortified base to fall
+back upon, Pizarro did not deem it safe to enter upon a plundering
+tour into the interior. Keeping therefore about one hundred and
+thirty men with him, and strongly fortifying himself at Tumbez, he
+sent De Soto, at the head of eighty men, sixty of whom were mounted,
+back into the mountains, to search for gold, and to report respecting
+the condition of the country, in preparation for future expeditions.
+
+The bad fame of Pizarro was spreading far and wide. And though De Soto
+enjoined it strictly upon his men, not to be guilty of any act of
+injustice, still he was an invading Spaniard, and the Peruvians
+regarded them all as the shepherd regards the wolf. De Soto had passed
+but a few leagues from the seashore, ere he entered upon the hilly
+country. As he was ascending one of the gentle eminences, a band of
+two thousand Indians, who had met there to arrest his progress, rushed
+down upon him. His sixty horsemen instantly formed in column and
+impetuously charged into their crowded ranks. These Peruvians had
+never seen a horse before. Their arrows glanced harmless from the
+impenetrable armor, and they were mercilessly cut down and trampled
+beneath iron hoofs. The Spaniards galloped through and through their
+ranks, strewing the ground with the dead. The carnage was of short
+duration. The panic-stricken Peruvians fled wherever there was a
+possibility of escape. The trumpets of the conquerors pealed forth
+their triumphant strains. The silken banners waved proudly in the
+breeze, and the victors exultingly continued their march through one
+of the defiles of the mountains.
+
+Whatever excuses De Soto may make for himself, humanity will never
+forgive him for the carnage of that day. Having thus fairly embarked
+upon this enterprise, where he was surely gaining military renown,
+infamous as it was, and where there was the prospect before him of
+plunder of incalculable worth, De Soto seems to have assumed to act
+upon his own responsibility, and to have paid very little regard to
+the authority of Pizarro, whom he had left behind. He had already
+penetrated the country much farther than he had been authorized to do
+by the orders of his superior. One of the men, whom Pizarro had sent
+with him, very probably as a spy upon his movements, deserted, and
+returned to Tumbez with the report that De Soto was already
+practically in revolt, and had renounced all dependence on Pizarro.
+For this alleged insubordination, Pizarro did not venture to call his
+energetic lieutenant to account.
+
+In the mean time, Pizarro was exploring the country in the vicinity of
+Tumbez, for the site of the colony he wished to establish. He selected
+a position about ninety miles south of that city, in a rich and
+well-watered valley which opened upon the placid surface of the
+Pacific. His troops were transported to the spot by the two vessels.
+Here he laid the foundations of a town, which he called San Miguel.
+With timber from the mountains, and stone from the quarries, and the
+labor of a large number of natives, who were driven to daily toil,
+not as servants, by the stimulus of well-paid labor, but as slaves,
+goaded by the sabres of their task masters, quite a large and
+strongly-fortified town rapidly arose.
+
+De Soto continued his explorations in the interior for some time, and
+discovered a very magnificent highway, leading to the capital of the
+empire. It was smoothly paved with flat blocks of stone, or with
+cement harder than stone. He returned to San Miguel with the report of
+his discoveries, and quite richly laden with the gold which he had
+received as a present from the natives, or which he had seized as what
+he considered the lawful spoils of war. The sight of the gold inspired
+all the Spaniards at San Miguel with the intense desire to press
+forward into a field which promised so rich a harvest.
+
+It was ascertained that the Inca had command of an army of over fifty
+thousand men. Pizarro, leaving sixty men in garrison at San Miguel,
+set out with one hundred and ninety men to visit the Inca in his
+capital. De Soto accompanied him. It was not ostensibly a military
+expedition, seeking the conquest of the country, or moving with any
+hostile intent whatever. De Soto had a conscience; Pizarro had none.
+Whatever reproaches might arise in the mind of De Soto in reference to
+the course he was pursuing, he silenced them by the very plausible
+assumption that he was an ambassador from the king of Spain,
+commissioned to make a friendly visit to the monarch of another
+newly-discovered empire; that he was the messenger of peace seeking to
+unite the two kingdoms in friendly relations with each other for their
+mutual benefit. This was probably the real feeling of De Soto. The
+expedition was commissioned by the king of Spain. The armed retinue
+was only such as became the ambassadors of a great monarch. Such an
+expedition was in every respect desirable. The fault--perhaps we ought
+in candor to say the calamity--of De Soto was in allowing himself to
+be attached to an expedition under a man so thoroughly reckless and
+unprincipled as he knew Pizarro to have been. Perhaps he hoped to
+control the actions of his ignorant and fanatic superior officer. It
+is quite manifest that De Soto did exert a very powerful influence in
+giving shape to the expedition.
+
+An Indian courier was sent forward to Cuzco, one of the capitals of
+the Peruvian monarch, with a friendly and almost an obsequious message
+to the Inca, whose name was Attahuallapa. The courier bore the
+communication that Pizarro was an ambassador commissioned by the king
+of Spain to visit the king of Peru, and to kiss his hand in token of
+peace and fraternity. He therefore solicited that protection in
+passing through the country which every monarch is bound to render to
+the representatives of a foreign and friendly power.
+
+Pizarro, as it will be remembered, was a rough and illiterate soldier,
+unable either to read or write. In this sagacious diplomatic
+arrangement, we undoubtedly see the movement of De Soto's reflective
+and cultivated mind. The expedition moved slowly along, awaiting the
+return of the courier. He soon came back with a very indefinite
+response, and with a present of two curiously carved stone cups, and
+some perfumery. The guarded reply and the meagre present excited some
+alarm in the Spanish camp. It was very evident that the expedition was
+not to anticipate a very cordial reception at the Peruvian court.
+Pizarro was much alarmed. He was quite confident that the Inca was
+trying to lure them on to their ruin. Having called a council of war,
+he urged that they should proceed no farther until he had sent some
+faithful Indian spies to ascertain the intentions of Attahuallapa.
+
+But De Soto, whose youthful energies were inspired by love and
+ambition, was eager to press forward.
+
+"It is not necessary," said he, "for the Inca to use treachery with
+us. He could easily overpower us with numbers were he so disposed. We
+have also heard that he is a just and merciful prince; and the
+courtesy he has already shown us, is some token at least of his good
+will. But why should we hesitate? We have no longer any choice but to
+go forward. If we now retreat, it will prove our professions to be
+false; and when the suspicions of the Inca are once aroused, we shall
+find it impossible to escape from his country."
+
+Pizarro's brother--Hernando--was a man of ignoble birth, of ruffianly
+manners, of low and brutal character. Tauntingly he inquired of De
+Soto, if he were ready to give proof of his confidence in the faith of
+the Peruvian monarch, by going forward to his court, as an envoy from
+the embassy.
+
+De Soto turned his keen and flashing eye upon the man, whom he
+despised, and said in slow and measured words:
+
+"Don Hernando, I may yet convince you that it is neither civil nor
+safe to call my sincerity in question. I have as much confidence in
+the honor of the Inca as I have in the integrity of any man in this
+company, not excepting the commander or yourself. I perceive that you
+are disposed to go backward. You may all return, when and how you
+please, or remain where you are. But I have made up my mind to present
+myself to Attahuallapa. And I shall certainly do so, without asking
+the assistance or permission of any of your party."
+
+This was certainly a very defiant speech. It asserted his entire
+rejection of the authority of Pizarro. De Soto could not have dared
+thus to have spoken, unless he had felt strong in the support of his
+own dragoons.
+
+Hernando Pizarro was silent, indulging only in a malignant smile. It
+was not safe for him to provoke De Soto to a personal rencontre.
+Francisco Pizarro smothered his chagrin and very adroitly availed
+himself of this statement, to commission De Soto to take twenty-four
+horsemen, such as he might select, and accompanied by an Indian guide
+called Filipillo, go forward to the Peruvian court.
+
+Both of the Pizarros seemed quite relieved when the sound of the
+departing squadron of brave cavaliers died away in the distance. De
+Soto, during the whole of his adventurous life, seems to have been
+entirely unconscious of the emotion of fear. During his residence in
+the camp of the Pizarros, he had exerted a powerful restraint upon
+their ferocious natures. He had very earnestly endeavored to impress
+their minds with the conviction that they could not pass through the
+populous empire of Peru, or even remain in it, if their followers were
+allowed to trample upon the rights of the natives. So earnestly and
+persistently did he urge these views, that Pizarro at length
+acknowledged their truth, and in the presence of De Soto, commanded
+his men to abstain from every act of aggression.
+
+But now that De Soto was gone, the Pizarros and their rabble rout of
+vagabonds breathed more freely. Scarcely had the plumed helmets of the
+cavaliers disappeared in the distance, when Hernando Pizarro set out
+on a plundering expedition into the villages of the Peruvians. The
+natives fled in terror before the Spaniards. Pizarro caught one of the
+leading men and questioned him very closely respecting the designs of
+Attahuallapa. The captive honestly and earnestly declared, that he
+knew nothing about the plans of his sovereign.
+
+This demoniac Hernando endeavored to extort a confession from him by
+torture. He tied his victim to a tree, enveloped his feet in cotton
+thoroughly saturated with oil and applied the torch. The wretched
+sufferer in unendurable agony, said "yes" to anything and everything.
+Two days after, it was proved that he could not have known anything
+respecting the intended operations of the Inca. It is a satisfaction
+to one's sense of justice to remember that there is a God who will not
+allow such crimes to go unpunished.
+
+De Soto, with his bold cavaliers, pressed rapidly on towards the
+Peruvian camp. Very carefully he guarded against every act of
+hostility or injustice. Everywhere the natives were treated with the
+utmost courtesy. In the rapid advance of the Spaniards through the
+country, crowds flocked to the highway attracted by the novel
+spectacle. And a wonderful spectacle it must have been! These
+cavaliers, with their nodding plumes, their burnished armor, their
+gleaming sabres, their silken banners, mounted on magnificent war
+horses and rushing along over the hills and through the valleys in
+meteoric splendor, must have presented an aspect more imposing to
+their minds than we can well imagine.
+
+De Soto, who had not his superior as a horseman in the Spanish army,
+was mounted on a milk white steed of extraordinary size and grace of
+figure, and wore a complete suit of the most costly and showy armor.
+It is said that on one occasion his path was crossed by a brook twenty
+feet wide. The noble animal disdained to wade through, but cleared it
+at a single bound.
+
+The crowds who lined the highways seemed to understand and appreciate
+the friendly feelings De Soto manifested in gracefully bowing to them
+and smiling as he passed along. He soon ascertained, though his guide
+Filipillo, that the headquarters of the Peruvian camp was at a place
+now called Caxamarca, among the mountains, about eighty miles
+northeast of the present seaport of Truxillo.
+
+After a rapid ride of about six hours, the expedition approached quite
+a flourishing little town called Caxas. Several hundred Peruvian
+soldiers were drawn up in battle array in the outskirts, to arrest the
+progress of the Spaniards. De Soto halted his dragoons, and sent
+forward Filipillo to assure the commandant that he was traversing the
+country not with any hostile intent, and that he bore a friendly
+message from his own sovereign to the king of Peru.
+
+The kindly disposed Peruvians immediately laid aside their arms,
+welcomed the strangers, and entertained them with a sumptuous feast.
+Thus refreshed, they pressed on several leagues farther, until they
+reached a much larger city called Guancabama. From all the accounts
+given it would seem that the inhabitants of this region had reached a
+degree of civilization, so far as the comforts of life are concerned,
+fully equal to that then to be found in Spain. This city was on the
+magnificent highway which traversed fifteen hundred miles through the
+very heart of the empire. The houses, which were built of hewn stone,
+admirably jointed, consisted of several rooms, and were distinguished
+for cleanliness, order, and domestic comfort.
+
+The men seemed intelligent, the women modest, and various arts of
+industry occupied their time. De Soto testified that the great highway
+which passed through this place far surpassed in grandeur and utility
+any public work which had ever been attempted in Spain. Happy and
+prosperous as were the Peruvians, compared with the inhabitants of
+most other countries, it is quite evident that the ravages of the Fall
+were not unknown there.
+
+Just before entering the town, De Soto passed a high gibbet upon which
+three malefactors were hung in chains, swaying in the breeze. That
+revolting spectacle revealed the sad truth that in Peru, as well as
+elsewhere, man's fallen nature developed itself in crime and woe. The
+Emperor had also a large standing army, and the country had just been
+ravaged by the horrors of civil war.
+
+De Soto was kindly received at Guancabama. Just as he was about to
+leave for Caxamarca, an envoy from the Inca reached the city on its
+way to the Spanish camp. The ambassador was a man of high rank.
+Several servants accompanied him, laden with presents for Pizarro. He
+entreated De Soto to return with him to the headquarters of the
+Spaniards. As these presents and this embassy would probably convince
+Pizarro of the friendly feeling of the Peruvian monarch, De Soto
+judged it wise to comply with his request. Thus he turned back, and
+the united party soon reached Pizarro's encampment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_The Atrocities of Pizarro._
+
+     Fears of Pizarro.--Honorable Conduct of the Inca.--The March
+     to Caxamarca.--Hospitable Reception.--Perfidious Attack upon
+     the Inca.--His Capture and Imprisonment.--The Honor of De
+     Soto.--The Offered Ransom.--Treachery and Extortion of
+     Pizarro.
+
+
+The report which De Soto brought back was in many respects quite
+alarming to the Pizarros. Though they were delighted to hear of the
+wealth which had been discovered, and the golden ornaments decorating
+houses, temples and shrines, they were not a little alarmed in the
+contemplation of the large population over which the Inca reigned, and
+of the power of his government. The spectacle of the gallows also at
+Guancabama, caused very uncomfortable sensations.
+
+Both of these men were aware that they and their troops had committed
+crimes which would doom them to the scaffold, should the Inca be able
+to punish them according to their deserts. Indeed it subsequently
+appeared, that the Inca had heard of their outrages. But with humanity
+and a sense of justice which reflects lustre upon his name, he had
+resolved not to punish them unheard in their own defence. He knew not
+but that false representations had been made of the facts. He knew not
+but that the Spaniards had been goaded to acts of retaliation by
+outrages on the part of the Peruvians.
+
+He therefore invited the Spanish adventurers to meet him at Caxamarca,
+assuring them of a safe passage to that place. With fear and trembling
+Pizarro consented, with his little band of two hundred and fifty men,
+to visit the Peruvian camp, where fifty thousand soldiers might be
+arrayed against him. The path they were to traverse led through
+defiles of the mountains, where a few hundred men could arrest the
+march of an army. The Spaniards afterwards could not but admit, that
+had the Inca cherished any perfidious design, he might with the utmost
+ease have utterly exterminated them. Not a man could have escaped.
+
+The march of these trembling men was not with the triumphant tramp of
+conquerors. They did not enter the Peruvian camp with flourish of
+trumpets and bugle blasts, but as peaceful ambassadors, with a showy
+retinue, who had been permitted to traverse the country unharmed. The
+sun was just sinking behind the rugged peaks of the mountains on the
+fifteenth of November, 1532, when Pizarro's band rode into the streets
+of Caxamarca. In the centre of the town there was a large public
+square. On one side of that square was a spacious stone edifice, which
+the Inca had caused to be prepared for the accommodation of his
+guests. This building was a part of a strong fortress, within whose
+massive walls, a small party of well armed men might easily defend
+themselves against a host.
+
+The fact that Attahuallapa assigned to them such quarters, proves
+conclusively that he had no intention to treat them otherwise than in
+the most friendly manner. The Inca, with the troops immediately under
+his command, was encamped at a distance of about three miles from the
+town. The treacherous Pizarro was ever apprehensive of treachery on
+the part of others. He was an entire stranger to that calm and
+peaceful courage which seemed always to reign in the bosom of De Soto.
+
+Immediately after he reached Caxamarca he dispatched De Soto to inform
+the Inca of his arrival. The Peruvian camp covered several acres of
+ground, with substantial and commodious tents. In the centre there was
+truly a magnificent pavilion, gorgeous in its decorations, which was
+appropriated to the Inca. Attahuallapa was informed of the approach of
+the Spanish cavaliers. He came from his tent and took his seat upon a
+splendid throne prepared for the occasion. The Peruvian soldiers gazed
+with amazement upon the spectacle of these horsemen as they were led
+into the presence of their sovereign.
+
+De Soto, with the native grace which attended all his actions,
+alighted from his horse, bowed respectfully to the monarch, and said
+in words which were interpreted by Filipillo.
+
+"I am sent by my commander, Don Francisco Pizarro, who desires to be
+admitted to your presence, to give you an account of the causes which
+have brought him to this country, and other matters which it may
+behoove your majesty to know. He humbly entreats you to allow him an
+interview this night or to-morrow, as he wishes to make you an offer
+of his services, and to deliver the message which has been committed
+to him by his sovereign, the king of Spain."
+
+Attahuallapa replied with much dignity and some apparent reserve, that
+he cordially accepted the friendly offers of Pizarro, and would grant
+him the desired interview the following morning. The Inca was a young
+man about thirty years of age. He was tall, admirably formed, and with
+a very handsome countenance. But there was an expression of sadness
+overspreading his features, and a pensive tone in his address,
+indicating that he was a man who had seen affliction.
+
+The splendid steed from which De Soto had alighted was restlessly
+pawing the ground at a short distance from the tent of the Inca,
+attracting the particular attention and admiration of the sovereign.
+De Soto, perceiving the admiration which his steed elicited,
+remounted, and touching the spirited animal with the spur, went
+bounding with almost the speed of the wind over the level plain,
+causing his horse now to rear, and now to plunge, wheeling him around,
+and thus exhibiting his excellent qualities. He then came down at full
+speed to the spot where the Inca stood, until within a few feet of the
+monarch, when he checked his horse so suddenly as to throw him back
+upon his haunches. Some of the attendants of the Inca were evidently
+alarmed; but the Inca himself stood proudly immovable. He reproved his
+attendants for their timidity; and Mr. Prescott, who represents
+Attahuallapa as a very cruel man, intimates that he put some of them
+to death that evening for betraying such weakness before the
+strangers. Refreshments were offered to De Soto and his party, and a
+sort of wine was presented to them in golden cups, of extraordinary
+size.
+
+As De Soto, having fulfilled his mission, was about to leave the royal
+presence and return to Caxamarca, Attahuallapa said:
+
+"Tell your companions, that as I am keeping a fast, I cannot to-day
+accept their invitation. I will come to them to-morrow. I may be
+attended by a large and armed retinue. But let not that give you any
+uneasiness. I wish to cultivate your friendship and that of your king.
+I have already given ample proof that no harm is intended you, though
+your captain, I am told, mistrusts me. If you think it will please him
+better, I will come with few attendants and those unarmed."
+
+De Soto warmly assured the Inca that no man could doubt his sincerity,
+and begged him to consult his own taste entirely in reference to the
+manner in which he would approach the Spaniards.
+
+Upon the return of the cavalier to Pizarro, with an account of the
+interview, that perfidious chieftain proposed to his men, that they
+should seize the Inca and hold him in captivity as a hostage. Mr.
+Prescott, in his account of this infamous procedure, speaks of it in
+the following apologetic terms:
+
+    "Pizarro then summoned a council of his officers, to consider
+    the plan of operations, or rather to propose to them the
+    extraordinary plan on which he had himself decided. This was
+    to lay an ambuscade for the Inca, and take him prisoner in
+    the face of his whole army. It was a project full of peril,
+    bordering as it might well seem on desperation. But the
+    circumstances of the Spaniards were desperate. Whichever way
+    they turned they were menaced by the most appalling dangers.
+    And better was it to confront the danger, than weakly to
+    shrink from it when there was no avenue for escape. To fly
+    was now too late. Whither could they fly? At the first signal
+    of retreat the whole army of the Inca would be upon them.
+    Their movements would be anticipated by a foe far better
+    acquainted with the intricacies of the Sierra than
+    themselves; the passes would be occupied, and they would be
+    hemmed in on all sides; while the mere fact of this
+    retrograde movement would diminish the confidence and with it
+    the effective strength of his own men, while it doubled that
+    of the enemy."
+
+The next morning was Saturday, the 16th of November, 1532. The sun
+rose in a cloudless sky, and great preparations were made by the Inca
+to display his grandeur and his power to his not very welcome guests.
+A large retinue preceded and followed the monarch, while a courier was
+sent forward to inform Pizarro of his approach. The Inca, habited in a
+dress which was glittering with gems and gold, was seated in a
+gorgeous open palanquin, borne upon the shoulders of many of his
+nobles.
+
+It was five o'clock in the afternoon, when the Inca, accompanied by a
+small but unarmed retinue, entered the public square of the city. The
+tents of his troops left outside, spread far and wide over the
+meadows, indicating the presence of an immense host. The Inca was
+clothed in a flowing robe of scarlet, woven of the finest wool, and
+almost entirely covered with golden stars and the most precious gems.
+His head was covered with a turban of variegated colors, to which
+there was suspended a scarlet fringe, the badge of royalty. The
+palanquin, or throne, on which he was seated, was apparently of pure
+gold; and the cushion upon which he sat was covered with the most
+costly gems. His nobles were also dressed in the highest possible
+style of Peruvian wealth and art. It was estimated that the number of
+the nobles and officers of the court who accompanied the king into the
+square, was about two thousand. A large company of priests was also in
+attendance, who chanted the Peruvian National Hymn.
+
+It is very difficult for an honest mind to form any just conception of
+such a religious fanatic, and such an irreligious wretch as this
+Francisco Pizarro. Just before the Peruvians arrived he had attended a
+solemn mass, in which the aid of the God of the Christians was
+fervently implored in behalf of their enterprise. The mass was closed
+with chanting one of the psalms of David, in which God is called upon
+to arise and come to judgment. Friar Vincent, who was Pizarro's
+spiritual adviser, and grand chaplain of the so-called Christian army,
+was then sent forward with the Bible in one hand and a crucifix in the
+other, to expound to the Inca the doctrines of the Christian faith,
+stating that it was for that purpose, and for that only, that the
+Spaniards had come into the country.
+
+So far as we can judge from the uncertain records which have reached
+us, the views he presented were what are called evangelical, though
+highly imbued with the claims of the Papal Church. He described the
+creation of man, his fall, the atonement by the crucifixion of the Son
+of God, his ascension, leaving Peter and his successors, as his
+vicegerents upon earth. Invested with this divine power, one of his
+successors, the present Pope, had commissioned Pizarro to visit Peru,
+to conquer and convert the natives to the true faith.
+
+The Inca listened attentively to the arguments of the priest, but was
+apparently unmoved by them. He calmly replied:
+
+"I acknowledge that there is but one God, the maker of all things. As
+for the Pope, I know him not. He must be insane to give away that
+which does not belong to him. The king of Spain is doubtless a great
+monarch, and I wish to make him my friend, but I cannot become his
+vassal."
+
+A few more words were interchanged, when the priest returned into the
+stone fortress, where Pizarro stood surrounded by his soldiers. The
+priest reported the conversation which had taken place; declared that
+the Inca, in the pride of his heart, had rejected Christianity. He
+therefore announced to Pizarro that he was authorized by the divine
+law, to make war upon the Inca and his people.
+
+"Go set on them at once," said he; "spare them not; kill these dogs
+which so stubbornly despise the law of God. I absolve you."
+
+The extraordinary scene which then ensued cannot perhaps be better
+described than in the language of Mr. Prescott:
+
+    "Pizarro saw that the hour had come. He waved a white scarf
+    in the air, the appointed signal. The fatal gun was fired
+    from the fortress. Then springing into the square, the
+    Spanish captain and his followers shouted the old war cry of
+    'St. Jago, and at them!' It was answered by the battle cry of
+    every Spaniard in the city, as rushing from the avenues of
+    the great halls in which they were concealed, they poured
+    into the Plaza, horse and foot, and threw themselves into the
+    midst of the Indian crowd.
+
+    "The latter, taken by surprise, stunned by the reports of
+    artillery and musketry, the echoes of which reverberated like
+    thunder from the surrounding buildings, and blinded by the
+    smoke which rolled in sulphurous volumes along the square,
+    were seized with a panic. They knew not whither to fly for
+    refuge from the coming ruin. Nobles and commoners all were
+    trampled down under the fierce charge of the cavalry, who
+    dealt their blows right and left, without sparing; while
+    their swords, flashing through the thick gloom, carried
+    dismay into the hearts of the wretched natives, who now, for
+    the first time, saw the horse and his rider in all their
+    terrors. They made no resistance, as indeed they had no
+    weapons with which to resist.
+
+    "Every avenue to escape was closed, for the entrance to the
+    square was choked up with the dead bodies of men who had
+    perished in vain efforts to fly. And such was the agony of
+    the survivors, under the terrible pressure of their
+    assailants, that a large body of Indians, by their convulsive
+    struggles, burst through the wall of stone and dried clay,
+    which formed the boundary of the Plaza. It fell, leaving an
+    opening of more than a hundred paces, through which
+    multitudes now found their way into the country, still hotly
+    pursued by the cavalry, who, leaping the piles of rubbish,
+    hung on the rear of the fugitives, striking them down in all
+    directions.
+
+    "There were two great objects in view in this massacre. One
+    was to strike terror into the heart of the Peruvians; the
+    other was to obtain possession of the person of the Inca. It
+    seems that the nobles regarded their sovereign with almost
+    idolatrous homage. They rallied thickly around him, placed
+    their own bodies between him and the sabres of their
+    assailants, and made frantic endeavors to tear the cavaliers
+    from their saddles. Unfortunately they were unarmed, and had
+    neither arrows, javelins nor war clubs. The Inca sat helpless
+    in his palanquin, quite bewildered by the awful storm of war
+    which had thus suddenly burst around him. In the swaying of
+    the mighty mass, the litter heaved to and fro, like a ship in
+    a storm."
+
+At length several of the nobles who supported it being slain, the
+palanquin was overthrown, and the Inca, as he was falling to the
+ground, was caught by the Spaniards. In the confusion of the affray,
+Pizarro was slightly wounded in the hand by one of his own men. This
+was the only hurt received by any Spaniard during the bloody affray.
+
+The Inca being captured, the conflict in the square ceased. But there
+was another object in view, as has been stated, and that was to strike
+terror into the hearts of the Peruvians. Consequently the steel-clad
+cavaliers pursued the fugitives in all directions, cutting them down
+without mercy. Night, which followed the short twilight of the
+tropics, put an end to the carnage, and the trumpets of Pizarro
+recalled the soldiers, wiping their dripping sabres, to their
+fortress. The number slain is variously estimated. The secretary of
+Pizarro says that two thousand fell. A Peruvian annalist swells the
+number of victims to ten thousand.
+
+Attahuallapa, the monarch of the great kingdom of Peru, thus suddenly
+found himself a prisoner in one of his own fortresses; surrounded by a
+band of stern warriors, who had penetrated the heart of his empire
+from a distance of more than two thousand leagues. Pizarro treated the
+unhappy king with respect, and testifies to the dignity with which he
+met his awful reverses. What part De Soto took in the outrages just
+described, cannot now be known. He had unquestionably in good faith,
+and as an honorable man, invited the Inca to visit Caxamarca, by which
+invitation he had been enticed into the power of the Spaniards.
+
+There is evidence that De Soto had no idea of the treachery which was
+intended, for it was not until after he had left on his visit to the
+Peruvian camp that the plot was formed for the seizure of the Inca.
+Pizarro had two bodies of horsemen. One was commanded by his brother
+Hernando, and the other by De Soto. There were thirty dragoons in each
+band. Unquestionably, Hernando was a very eager participant in the
+horrors of this day. It may be that De Soto, from the roof of the
+fortress, was an inactive spectator of the scene. It does not seem
+possible that with the character he had heretofore developed, he
+could have lent his own strong arm and those of his horsemen to the
+perpetration of a crime so atrocious. Still military discipline is a
+terrible power. It sears the conscience and hardens the heart. The
+fact that De Soto was present and that there are no evidences of
+remonstrances on his part, has left a stigma upon his character which
+time cannot efface.
+
+The next morning these Spaniards, so zealous for the propagation of
+the Christian faith, unmindful of their professed Christian mission,
+betook themselves, with all alacrity, to the work of pillage. The
+golden throne, and the royal wardrobe, were of very great value. The
+nobles were clad in their richest garments of state, and the ground
+was strewn with bodies of the dead, glittering in robes of gold and
+gems. Having stripped the dead, they then entered the houses and
+temples of Caxamarca and loaded themselves down with golden vases, and
+other booty of great value. As one suggestive item, which reveals the
+conduct of these brutal men, the good Las Casas states, that a Spanish
+soldier seized a young Peruvian girl. When the mother rushed to rescue
+her child, he cut off her arm with his sword, and then in his rage
+hewed the maiden to pieces.
+
+Pizarro now assumed the proud title of "The Conqueror of Peru." With
+the sovereign as his prisoner, and elated by his great victory, he
+felt that there was no resistance that he had to fear. It seems that
+Attahuallapa had penetration enough to discern that De Soto was a very
+different man in character from the Pizarros. He soon became quite
+cordial and unreserved in his intercourse with him. And there is no
+evidence that De Soto ever, in the slightest degree, betrayed his
+confidence. One day the Inca inquired of De Soto for what amount of
+ransom Pizarro would be willing to release him. De Soto was well aware
+of the timidity and avarice of the captain. The love of the Peruvians
+for their sovereign was such, that Pizarro was confident that so long
+as Attahuallapa was in his power, they would not make war upon him. De
+Soto felt therefore that there was no prospect that Pizarro would
+release his captive for any ransom whatever, and sadly advised him to
+resign all such hope. The Inca was greatly distressed. After a few
+moments of silence, he said:
+
+"My friend, do not deprive me of the only hope that can make life
+supportable. I must be free, or I must die. Your commander loves gold
+above all things. Surely I can purchase my liberty from him at some
+price, and however unreasonable it may be, I am willing to satisfy his
+demand. Tell me, I entreat of you, what sum you think will be
+sufficient?"
+
+For a moment De Soto made no reply. They were sitting in a room,
+according to the statement of Pizarro's secretary, twenty-two feet
+long and seventeen feet broad. Then turning to the Inca, and wishing
+to impress his mind with the conviction that there was not any ransom
+which could effect his release, he said:
+
+"If you could fill this room with gold as high as I can reach with my
+sword, Pizarro might perhaps accept it as your ransom."
+
+"It shall be done," the Inca eagerly replied. "And I beg you to let
+Pizarro know, that within a month from this day, my part of the
+contract shall be fulfilled."
+
+De Soto was troubled, for he had not intended that as an offer, but
+rather as a statement of an impossibility. He however felt bound to
+report the proposition to Pizarro. Much to his surprise the avaricious
+captain readily accepted it. The contract was drawn up, and Pizarro
+gave his solemn pledge that upon the delivery of the gold the prison
+doors of the captive should be thrown open. But after the terms had
+all been settled, the perfidious Spaniard craved a still higher
+ransom, and declared that he would not release his victim unless
+another room of equal size was equally filled with silver.
+
+Attahuallapa could fully appreciate such dishonorable conduct; for in
+all moral qualities he seems to have been decidedly superior to his
+Spanish antagonist. But without any undignified murmurs, he submitted
+to this extortion also. Matters being thus arranged, De Soto, with his
+characteristic plain dealing, said to Pizarro:
+
+"I hope you will remember, Don Francisco, that my honor is pledged for
+the strict fulfilment of the contract on the part of the Spaniards.
+Observe, therefore, that as soon as the gold and the silver are
+produced, Attahuallapa must have his liberty."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_The Execution of the Inca, and Embarrassments of De Soto._
+
+     Pledges of Pizarro.--His Perfidy.--False Mission of De
+     Soto.--Execution of the Inca.--His Fortitude.--Indignation
+     of De Soto.--Great Embarrassments.--Extenuating
+     Considerations.--Arrival of Almagro.--March Towards the
+     Capital.
+
+
+Pizarro gave his most solemn pledges, on his Christian faith, that so
+soon as the money was paid the Inca should be released. The idea does
+not seem to have entered the mind of Attahuallapa that Pizarro could
+be guilty of the perfidy of violating those pledges. The unhappy
+condition of the Inca excited the strong sympathies of De Soto. He
+visited him often, and having a natural facility for the acquisition
+of language, was soon able to converse with the captive in his own
+tongue. Quite a friendship, founded on mutual esteem, sprang up
+between them. By his strong intercession, Pizarro was constrained to
+consent that the gold should not be melted into ingots, thus to fill
+the designated space with its solid bulk, but that it should be
+received and packed away in the form of vases, and ornaments, and
+other manufactured articles, as brought in by the Peruvians.
+
+Several of the principal officers of Attahuallapa's court were sent to
+Cuzco, the capital of the empire, where the main treasures of the
+kingdom were deposited. Three Spaniards accompanied these officers.
+The Inca issued his orders that they should be treated with respect.
+The people obeyed; for they knew that any injury or insult befalling
+the Spaniards would bring down terrible retribution upon their beloved
+sovereign. Peruvian agents were also dispatched to all the temples to
+strip them of their ornaments, and to the homes of the nobility to
+receive the plate and golden decorations which were eagerly
+contributed as ransom for the king. The cornices and entablatures of
+the temples were often of solid gold, and massive plates of gold
+encrusted the walls. For several weeks there seemed to be a constant
+procession of Peruvians entering the fortress, laden with golden vases
+and innumerable other utensils, often of exquisite workmanship.
+
+Within the allotted time the ransom, enormous as it was, was all
+brought in. It is estimated that its value was equal to about twenty
+million dollars of our money. The Inca now demanded his release. The
+infamous Pizarro had perhaps originally intended to set him at
+liberty. But he had now come to the conclusion that the Inca might
+immediately rally around him, not only his whole army, but the whole
+population of the kingdom, cut off the retreat of the Spaniards,
+exterminate them, and win back all the plunder so unrighteously
+extorted. Pizarro was consequently plotting for some plausible excuse
+for putting the monarch to death. The Peruvians thus deprived of their
+sovereign, and in a state of bewilderment, would be thrown into
+anarchy, and the Spaniards would have a much better chance of
+obtaining entire possession of the kingdom.
+
+Pizarro did not dare to reveal to De Soto his treasonable designs. He
+feared not only his reproaches, but his determined and very formidable
+resistance. He therefore gave it as an excuse for postponing the
+liberation of the Inca, that he must wait until he had made a division
+of the spoils. The distribution was performed with imposing religious
+ceremonies. Mass was celebrated, and earnest prayers were addressed to
+Heaven that the work might be so performed as to meet the approbation
+of God. A fifth part of the plunder was set apart for the king of
+Spain, the Emperor, Charles the Fifth. Pizarro, as commander of the
+expedition, came next, and his share amounted to millions. De Soto was
+defrauded, not receiving half so much as Hernando Pizarro. Still, his
+share in this distribution and in another which soon took place,
+amounted to over five hundred thousand dollars. This was an enormous
+sum in those days. It elevated him at once, in point of opulence, to
+the rank of the proudest grandees of Spain.
+
+The great object of De Soto's ambition was accomplished. He had
+acquired fame and wealth beyond his most sanguine expectations. Thus
+he was prepared to return to Spain and demand the hand of Isabella.
+But his generous nature was troubled. He became very anxious for the
+fate of the Inca. His own honor was involved in his release, and day
+after day he became more importunate in his expostulations with
+Pizarro.
+
+"Whatever the consequences may be," said De Soto, "the Inca must now
+be immediately set at liberty. He has your promise to that effect and
+he has _mine_; and my promise, come what will, shall not be violated."
+
+Pizarro urged, in view of their peril, the delay of a few weeks. De
+Soto replied:
+
+"Not a single week, not a day; if you do not liberate the prisoner, I
+will take that liberty on myself."
+
+"To give him his freedom at this time," Pizarro replied, "would be
+certain destruction to us all."
+
+"That may be," responded De Soto, "but that should have been
+considered before he was admitted to ransom."
+
+"But since that agreement was made," said Pizarro, "I have received
+information which justifies me in changing my intentions.
+Attahuallapa's officers, acting under his directions, are now engaged
+in exciting an insurrection for the extermination of the Spaniards."
+
+De Soto had no faith whatever in this accusation. There was a long and
+angry controversy. Pizarro called in his interpreter Filipillo, who
+was undoubtedly bribed to testify according to the wishes of his
+master. He declared that the Inca was organizing this conspiracy. De
+Soto was unconvinced. He still regarded the accusation as a groundless
+calumny.
+
+Finally they came to a compromise. The treacherous and wily Pizarro
+suggested that De Soto should take a party of dragoons and proceed to
+that section of the country, where it was said the conspirators were
+assembling in vast numbers, in preparation for their onset upon the
+Spaniards. If De Soto found no indication of such a movement, Pizarro
+gave his solemn pledge, that immediately upon his return, he would
+release Attahuallapa. De Soto agreed to the arrangement, and at once
+set out on the journey.
+
+Pizarro had thus accomplished his object, of being relieved of the
+embarrassment of De Soto's presence, while he should lead the Inca to
+his execution. A sort of council of war was held, though Attahuallapa
+was not present, and nothing was heard in his defence. It was
+necessary to proceed with the utmost expedition, as De Soto would soon
+return. The horrible verdict of the court was, that the captive should
+be burned to death at the stake. Pizarro himself, it is said, carried
+the terrible intelligence to the prisoner.
+
+The Inca, a young man in the very prime of life, being but thirty
+years of age, was horror stricken, and for some time sat in silence,
+not uttering a word. And then turning to Pizarro, he said:
+
+"Is it possible that you can believe in a God and fear him, and yet
+dare to commit such an act of injustice? What have I done to deserve
+death in any form, and why have you condemned me to a death so unusual
+and painful. Surely you cannot intend to execute this cruel sentence."
+
+Pizarro assured him that the decree of the court was unalterable, and
+must immediately be carried into effect.
+
+"Think of the wrong you have already done me," said the Inca, "and do
+not forget how much you are indebted to my kindness and forbearance. I
+could easily have intercepted you in the mountain passes, and made you
+all prisoners, or sacrificed you all justly to the offended laws of my
+country. I could have overpowered you with my armed warriors at
+Caxamarca. But I failed in my duty to my people in receiving you as
+friends. You have robbed me of my kingdom and compelled me to insult
+my Deity, by stripping his temples to satisfy your avarice.
+
+"Of all my possessions, you have left me nothing but my life, and that
+I supposed you would be willing to spare me, since you can gain
+nothing by taking it away. Consider how hard it is for me to die, so
+suddenly and without any warning of my danger. I have lived but thirty
+years, and until very lately, I had every reason to hope for a long
+and happy life. My prospects for happiness are blighted forever. But I
+will not complain of that, if you will permit me to live out the term
+which God and nature have allotted me."
+
+The execution was to take place immediately. Pizarro waited only for
+the sun to go down, that darkness might shroud the fiendlike deed. As
+they were talking Pizarro's chaplain, Friar Vincent, came in to
+prepare the victim for the sacrifice. He was dressed in his
+ecclesiastical robes, and bore in his hand a large crucifix. Was he an
+unmitigated knave, or was he a fanatic? Who but God can tell.
+
+"It is time for you," said he, "to withdraw your thoughts from earthly
+vanities and fix them upon the realities of the eternal world. You are
+justly condemned to death, for your infidelity and other sins. I call
+on you to accept the free gift of salvation which I now offer you, so
+that you may escape the greater punishment of eternal fire."
+
+The Inca seemed to pay little heed to these words, but with a gesture
+of impatience and anger, exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, where is De Soto? He is a good man, and he is my friend. Surely
+he will not allow me to be thus murdered."
+
+"De Soto," the priest replied, "is far away. No earthly help can avail
+you. Receive the consolations of the Church; kiss the feet of this
+image, and I will absolve you from your sins, and prepare you to enter
+the kingdom of Heaven."
+
+"I worship the Maker of all things," the Inca firmly replied. "As much
+as I desire to live, I will not forsake the faith of my fathers to
+prolong my life."
+
+Two hours after sunset, the sound of the trumpet assembled the Spanish
+soldiers by torchlight in the great square of Caxamarca. It was the
+evening of the twenty-ninth of August, 1533. The clanking of chains
+was heard as the victim, manacled hand and foot, toiled painfully over
+the stone pavement of the square. He was bound by chains to the stake;
+the combustible fagots were piled up around him. Friar Vincent then,
+it is said, holding up the cross before the victim, told him that if
+he would embrace Christianity he should be spared the cruel death by
+the flames, and experience in its stead only the painless death of the
+garotte, and that the Inca did, while thus chained to the stake,
+abjure his religion and receive the rite of baptism. In reference to
+this representation Mr. Lambert A. Wilmer, in his admirable life of
+Ferdinand De Soto, says:
+
+     "As the traducers of the dead Inca were permitted to tell
+     their own story without fear of contradiction, it is
+     impossible to assign any limits to their fabrications. And
+     their testimony is probable, only when it tends to criminate
+     themselves. Perhaps the greatest injustice which these
+     slanderers have done to Attahuallapa's memory, was by
+     pretending that he became an apostate to his own religion
+     and a convert to Catholicism just before his death.
+
+     "If this story were true, how could Pizarro justify himself,
+     or how could the Pope and the king of Spain excuse him for
+     putting a Christian to death on account of sins committed by
+     an infidel. Surely the royal penitent, when he entered the
+     pale of the Holy Catholic Church, would be entitled to a
+     free pardon for those errors of conduct which were
+     incidental to his unregenerate condition. We are told that
+     when the Inca had consented to be baptized by Father
+     Vincent, Pizarro graciously commuted his sentence, and
+     allowed him to be strangled before his body was reduced to
+     ashes."
+
+These fictions were doubtless contrived to illustrate Pizarro's
+clemency, and Father Vincent's apostolic success.
+
+The probability is, as others state, that the Inca remained firm to
+the end; the torch was applied, and while the consuming flames
+wreathed around him, he uttered no cry. In this chariot of fire the
+spirit of this deeply outraged man was borne to the judgment of God.
+
+De Soto soon returned. He was almost frantic with indignation when he
+learned of the crime which had been perpetrated in his absence, and
+perceived that his mission was merely an artifice to get him out of
+the way. His rage blazed forth in the most violent reproaches.
+Hastening to the tent of Pizarro, he rudely pushed aside a sentinel
+who guarded the entrance, and found the culprit seated on a low stool,
+affecting the attitude of a mourner. A large slouched hat was bent
+over his eyes.
+
+"Uncover yourself;" said De Soto, "unless you are ashamed to look a
+human being in the face." Then with the point of his sword he struck
+off his hat, exclaiming:
+
+"Is it not enough that I have disgraced myself in the eyes of the
+world by becoming your companion and confederate, making myself
+accessory to your crimes, and protecting you from the punishment you
+deserve. Have you not heaped infamy enough upon me, without
+dishonoring me by the violation of my pledges, and exposing me to the
+suspicion of being connected with the most cruel and causeless murder
+that ever set human laws and divine justice at defiance? I have
+ascertained, what you well knew before I left Caxamarca, that the
+report of the insurrection was utterly false. I have met nothing on
+the road but demonstrations of good will. The whole country is quiet,
+and Attahuallapa has been basely slandered. You, Francisco Pizarro,
+are his slanderer, and you are his murderer.
+
+"To prove that I have had no participation in the deed, I will make
+you accountable for his death. Craven and prevaricating villain as you
+are, you shall not escape this responsibility. If you refuse to meet
+me in honorable combat, I will denounce you to the king of Spain as a
+criminal, and will proclaim you to the whole world as a coward and an
+assassin."
+
+Pizarro was both, an assassin and a coward. He stood in awe of his
+intrepid lieutenant. He did not dare to meet him in a personal
+rencontre, and he well knew that De Soto was not a man to be taken by
+force or guile, as he could immediately rally around him the whole
+body of his well-drilled dragoons. He therefore began to make excuses,
+admitted that he had acted hastily, and endeavored to throw the blame
+upon others, declaring that by their false representations they had
+forced him to the act.
+
+In the midst of the dispute, Pizarro's brothers--for there were two in
+the camp--entered the tent. De Soto, addressing the three, said:
+
+"I am the champion of Attahuallapa. I accuse Francisco Pizarro of
+being his murderer." Then throwing his glove upon the floor, he
+continued:
+
+"I invite any man who is disposed to deny that Francisco Pizarro is a
+coward and an assassin, to take it up."
+
+The glove remained untouched. De Soto turned upon his heel
+contemptuously, and left the tent, resolved, it is said, no longer to
+have any connection whatever with such perfidious wretches. He
+immediately resigned his commission as lieutenant-general and
+announced his determination to return to Spain. But alas, for human
+frailty and inconsistency, he was to take with him the five hundred
+thousand dollars of treasure of which the Peruvians had been
+ruthlessly despoiled. Perhaps he reasoned with himself,
+
+"What can I do with it. The Inca is dead. It would not be wise to
+throw it into the streets, and I surely am not bound to contribute it
+to the already enormous wealth of Pizarro."
+
+Another source of embarrassment arose. Reinforcements to the number of
+two hundred men had just arrived at Caxamarca, under Almagro. They
+had been sent forward from Panama, commissioned by the king of Spain
+to join the enterprise. The whole number of Spanish soldiers,
+assembled in the heart of the Peruvian empire, now amounted to about
+five hundred. Mountain ridges rose between them and the sea-coast, in
+whose almost impassable defiles a few hundred resolute men might
+arrest the advance of an army. The Peruvians had a standing force of
+fifty thousand soldiers. The whole population of the country was
+roused to the highest pitch of indignation. They were everywhere
+grasping their arms. Nothing but the most consummate prudence could
+rescue the Spaniards from their perilous position. The danger was
+imminent, that they would be utterly exterminated.
+
+For De Soto, under these circumstances, to abandon his comrades, and
+retire from the field, would seem an act of cowardice. He had no
+confidence in the ability of the Pizarros to rescue the Spaniards. He
+therefore judged that duty to his king and his countrymen demanded of
+him that he should remain in Peru, until he could leave the army in a
+safe condition.
+
+Pizarro did not venture to resent the reproaches and defiance of De
+Soto, but immediately prepared to avail himself of his military
+abilities, in a march of several hundred miles south to Cuzco, the
+capital of the empire. With characteristic treachery, Pizarro seized
+one of the most distinguished nobles of the Peruvian court, and held
+him as a hostage. This nobleman, named Chalcukima, had occupied some
+of the highest posts of honor in the kingdom, and was greatly revered
+and beloved by the Peruvians. Pizarro sent far and wide the
+announcement, that upon the slightest movement of hostility on the
+part of the natives, Chalcukima would be put to death.
+
+The Spaniards now set out on their long march. It was in the month of
+September, 1533, one of the most lovely months in that attractive
+clime. But for the rapine, carnage and violence of war, such a tour
+through the enchanting valley of the Cordilleras, in the midst of
+fruits and flowers, and bird songs, and traversing populous villages
+inhabited by a gentle and amiable people, would have been an
+enterprise full of enjoyment. But the path of these demoniac men was
+marked by the ravages of fiends. And notwithstanding the great
+embarrassments in which De Soto found himself involved, it is very
+difficult to find any excuse for him, in allowing himself to be one of
+their number.
+
+Francisco Pizarro led the band. His brother Hernando, De Soto, and
+Almagro, were his leading captains. But it was the genius of De Soto
+alone, with his highly disciplined dragoons, which conducted the
+enterprise to a successful issue. He led the advance; he was always
+sent to every point of danger; his sword opened the path, through
+which Pizarro followed with his vagabond and plundering crew.
+
+In trembling solicitude for his own safety, Pizarro not only held
+Chalcukima as a hostage, but he also seized upon Topaxpa, the young,
+feeble and grief-stricken son of the murdered Attahuallapa, and
+declared him to be, by legitimate right, the successor to the throne.
+Thus he still had the Inca in his power. The Peruvians were still
+accustomed to regard the Inca with almost religious homage. Topaxpa
+was compelled to issue such commands as Pizarro gave to him. Thus an
+additional element of embarrassment was thrown into the ranks of the
+Peruvians. Communication between different parts of the empire was
+extremely difficult and slow. There were no mails and no horses. This
+gave the mounted Spaniards a vast advantage over their bewildered
+victims.
+
+For several days the Spanish army moved delightfully along, through a
+series of luxuriant valleys, where the secluded people had scarcely
+heard of their arrival in the country. The movement of the glittering
+host was one of the most wonderful pageants which Peruvian eyes had
+ever beheld. A multitude of men, women and children, thronged the
+highway, gazing with curiosity and admiration upon the scene, and
+astonished by the clatter of the hoofs of the horses upon the
+flag-stones, with which the national road was so carefully paved.
+During these few days of peaceful travel the natives presented no
+opposition to the march, and the presence of De Soto seemed to
+restrain the whole army from deeds of ruffianly violence. Whenever
+Pizarro wished to engage in any of his acts of villany, he was always
+careful first to send De Soto away on some important mission.
+
+They were now approaching a deep and rapid mountain stream, where the
+bridge had either been carried away by the recent flood or had been
+destroyed by the Peruvians. They were also informed that quite a large
+army was gathered upon the opposite bank to arrest, with the aid of
+the rushing torrent, the farther advance of the Spaniards. Pizarro
+immediately ordered a halt. De Soto, with a hundred horsemen, was sent
+forward to reconnoitre, and, if possible, to open the path. Almagro,
+with two hundred footmen, followed closely behind to support the
+cavalry.
+
+De Soto, without paying much attention to his infantry allies, pressed
+so rapidly forward as soon to leave them far behind. He reached the
+river. It was a swollen mountain torrent. Several thousand natives,
+brandishing their javelins and their war clubs, stood upon the
+opposite bank of the stream. De Soto and his horsemen, without a
+moment's hesitation, plunged into the stream, and some by swimming and
+some by fording, soon crossed the foaming waters. As the war horses,
+with their steel-clad riders, came rushing upon the Peruvians, their
+keen swords flashing in the sunlight, a large part of the army fled in
+great terror. It seemed to them that supernatural foes had descended
+for their destruction.
+
+A few remained, and fought with the energies of despair. But they were
+powerless before the trampling horses and the sharp weapons of their
+foes. They were cut down mercilessly, and it was the genius of De Soto
+which guided in the carnage, and the strong arm of De Soto which led
+in the bloody fray. And we must not forget that these Peruvians were
+fighting for their lives, their liberty, their all; and that these
+Spaniards were ruthless invaders. Neither can we greatly admire the
+heroism displayed by the assailants. The man who is carefully gloved
+and masked can with impunity rob the bees of their honey. The wolf
+does not need much courage to induce him to leap into the fold of the
+lambs.
+
+In the vicinity of this routed army there was a pagan temple; that is,
+a temple dedicated to the Sun, the emblem of the God of the
+Peruvians. It was in those days thought that the heathen and all their
+possessions, rightly belonged to the Christians; that it was the just
+desert of the pagans to be plundered and put to death. Even the mind
+of De Soto was so far in accord with these infamous doctrines of a
+benighted age, that he allowed his troopers to plunder the temple of
+all its rich treasures of silver and of gold. A very large amount of
+booty was thus obtained. One of the principal ornaments of this temple
+was an artificial sun, of large size, composed of pure and solid gold.
+
+Mr. Wilmer, speaking of this event, judiciously remarks:
+
+     "De Soto, finding his path once more unobstructed, pushed
+     forward, evidently disposed to open the way to Cuzco without
+     the assistance of his tardy and irresolute commander. It is
+     a remarkable fact, and one which admits of no denial, that
+     every important military movement of the Spaniards in Peru,
+     until the final subjugation of the empire by the capture of
+     the metropolis, was conducted by De Soto. Up to the time to
+     which our narrative now refers, Pizarro had never fought a
+     single battle which deserved the name. The bloody tragedy of
+     Caxamarca, it will be remembered, was only massacre; the
+     contrivance and execution of which required no military
+     skill and no soldier-like courage. Pizarro acquired the
+     mastery of Peru by the act of a malefactor. And he was, in
+     fact, a thief and not a conqueror. The _heroic_ element of
+     this conquest is represented by the actions of De Soto."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_De Soto Returns to Spain._
+
+     Dreadful Fate of Chalcukima.--His Fortitude.--Ignominy of
+     Pizarro.--De Soto's Advance upon Cuzco.--The Peruvian
+     Highway.--Battle in the Defile.--De Soto takes the
+     Responsibility.--Capture of the Capital and its
+     Conflagration.--De Soto's Return to Spain.--His Reception
+     there.--Preparations for the Conquest of Florida.
+
+
+Considering the relations which existed between De Soto and Pizarro,
+it is not improbable that each was glad to be released from the
+presence of the other. It is very certain that so soon as De Soto was
+gone, Pizarro, instead of hurrying forward to support him in the
+hazardous encounters to which he was exposed, immediately engaged,
+with the main body of his army, in plundering all the mansions of the
+wealthy and the temples on their line of march. And it is equally
+certain that De Soto, instead of waiting for the troops of Pizarro to
+come up, put spurs to his horse and pressed on, as if he were anxious
+to place as great a distance as possible between himself and his
+superior in command.
+
+Though De Soto had allowed his troops to plunder the temple of Xauxa,
+he would allow no robbery of private dwellings, and rigidly prohibited
+the slightest act of violence or injustice towards the persons of the
+natives.
+
+It will be remembered that Pizarro had threatened to hold Chalcukima
+responsible for any act of hostility on the part of the Peruvians. He
+now summoned his captive before him, and charged him with treason;
+accusing him of having incited his countrymen to measures of
+resistance. Chalcukima, with dignity and firmness which indicate a
+noble character, replied:
+
+"If it had been possible for me to communicate with the people, I
+should certainly have advised them to do their duty to their country,
+without any regard to my personal safety. But you well know that the
+vigilance with which you have guarded me, has prevented me from making
+any communication of the kind. I am sorry that it has not been in my
+power to be guilty of the fact with which you charge me."
+
+The wretched Pizarro, utterly incapable of appreciating the grandeur
+of such a character, ordered him to be burned at the stake. The
+fanatic robber and murderer, insulting the cross of Christ, by calling
+himself a Christian, sent his private chaplain, Friar Vincent, to
+convert Chalcukima to what he called the Christian faith. The priest
+gave an awful description of the glooms of hell, to which the prisoner
+was destined as a heathen. In glowing colors he depicted the
+splendors of the celestial Eden, to which he would be admitted the
+moment after his execution if he would accept the Christian faith. The
+captive coldly replied:
+
+"I do not understand your religion, and all that I have seen of it
+does not impress me in its favor."
+
+He was led to the stake. Not a cry escaped his lips, as the fierce
+flames consumed his quivering flesh. From that scene of short, sharp
+agony, we trust that his spirit ascended to be folded in the embrace
+of his Heavenly Father. It is a fundamental principle in the teachings
+of Jesus, that in every nation he that feareth God, and doeth
+righteousness, is accepted of him. But God's ways here on earth are
+indeed past all finding out. Perhaps the future will solve the
+dreadful mystery, but at present, as we contemplate man's inhumanity
+to man, our eyes are often blinded with tears, and our hearts sink
+despairingly within us.
+
+De Soto pressed rapidly onwards, league after league, over sublime
+eminences and through luxuriant vales. The road was admirable: smooth
+and clean as a floor. It was constructed only for foot passengers, as
+the Peruvians had no animals larger than the lama or sheep. This
+advance-guard of the Spanish army, all well mounted, and inspired by
+the energies of their impetuous chief, soon reached a point where the
+road led over a mountain by steps cut in the solid rock, steep as a
+flight of stairs. Precipitous cliffs rose hundreds of feet on either
+side. Here it was necessary for the troopers to dismount, and
+carefully to lead their horses by the bit up the difficult ascent.
+
+The road was winding and irregular, leading through the most savage
+scenery. This pass, at its summit, opened upon smooth table-land,
+luxuriant and beautiful under the influence of a tropical sun and
+mountain showers and dews. About half way up this pass, upon almost
+inaccessible crags, several thousand Peruvians had assembled to make
+another attempt at resistance. Arrows and javelins were of but little
+avail. Indeed they always rebounded from the armor of the Spaniards as
+from the ledges of eternal rock.
+
+But the natives had abundantly provided themselves with enormous
+stones to roll down upon the heads of men and horses. Quite a band of
+armed men were also assembled upon the open plain at the head of the
+pass. As the Spaniards were almost dragging their horses up the gorge,
+suddenly the storm of war burst upon them. Showers of stone descended
+from the cliff from thousands of unseen hands. Huge boulders were
+pried over and went thundering down, crashing all opposition before
+them. It seems now incomprehensible why the whole squadron of
+horsemen was not destroyed. But in this awful hour the self-possession
+of De Soto did not for one moment forsake him. He shouted to his men:
+
+"If we halt here, or attempt to go back, we must certainly perish. Our
+only safety is in pressing forward. As soon as we reach the top of the
+pass, we can easily put these men to flight."
+
+Suiting his action to his words, and being at the head of his men, he
+pushed forward with almost frantic energy, carefully watching and
+avoiding the descending missiles. Though several horses and many men
+were killed, and others sorely wounded, the majority soon reached the
+head of the pass. They then had an unobstructed plain before them,
+over which their horses could gallop in any direction at their utmost
+speed.
+
+Impetuously they fell upon the band collected there, who wielded only
+the impotent weapons of arrows, javelins and war clubs. The Spaniards,
+exasperated by the death of their comrades, and by their own wounds,
+took desperate vengeance. No quarter was shown. Their sabres dripped
+with blood. Few could escape the swift-footed steeds. The dead were
+trampled beneath iron hoofs. Night alone ended the carnage.
+
+During the night the Peruvians bravely rallied from their wide
+dispersion over the mountains, resolved in their combined force to
+make another attempt to resist their foes. They were conscious that
+should they fail here, their case was hopeless.
+
+At the commencement of the conflict a courier had been sent back, by
+De Soto, to urge Almagro to push forward his infantry as rapidly as
+possible. By a forced march they pressed on through the hours of the
+night, almost upon the run. The early dawn brought them to the pass.
+Soon the heart of De Soto was cheered as he heard their bugle blasts
+reverberating among the cliffs of the mountains. Their banners
+appeared emerging from the defile, and two hundred well-armed men
+joined his ranks.
+
+Though the Peruvians were astonished at this accession to the number
+of their foes, they still came bravely forward to the battle. It was
+another scene of slaughter for the poor Peruvians. They inflicted but
+little harm upon the Spaniards, while hundreds of their slain soon
+strewed the ground.
+
+The Spanish infantry, keeping safely beyond the reach of arrow or
+javelin, could, with the deadly bullet, bring down a Peruvian as fast
+as they could load and fire, while the horsemen could almost with
+impunity plunge into the densest ranks of the foe. The Peruvians were
+vanquished, dispersed, and cut down, until the Spaniards even were
+weary with carnage. This was the most important battle which was
+fought in the conquest of Peru.
+
+The field was but twenty-five miles from the capital, to which the
+army could now advance by an almost unobstructed road. De Soto was
+anxious to press on immediately and take possession of the city. He
+however yielded to the earnest entreaties of Almagro, and consented to
+remain where he was with his band of marauders. This delay, in a
+military point of view, proved to be very unfortunate. Had they gone
+immediately forward, the vanquished and panic-stricken Peruvians would
+not have ventured upon another encounter. But Almagro was the friend
+of Pizarro, dependent upon him, and had been his accomplice in many a
+deed of violence. He was anxious that Pizarro should have the renown
+of a conqueror, and should enjoy the triumph of riding at the head of
+his troops into the streets of the vanquished capital.
+
+This delay of several days gave the Peruvians time to recover from
+their consternation, and they organized another formidable line of
+defense in a valley which the Spaniards would be compelled to
+traverse, a few miles from the city. Pizarro was still several miles
+in the rear. De Soto dispatched a courier to him, informing him of the
+new encounter to which the army was exposed, and stating that the
+Peruvians were well posted, and that every hour of delay added to
+their strength. Still Pizarro loitered behind; still Almagro expressed
+his decided reluctance to advance before Pizarro's arrival. To add to
+De Soto's embarrassments, he declared that De Soto was acting without
+authority and in direct opposition to the orders of his superior.
+After a little hesitancy De Soto resolved to take the responsibility
+and to advance. He said to Almagro:
+
+"A soldier who is entrusted with an important command, is not bound in
+all cases to await the orders of his superior. Where there is
+manifestly an important advantage to be gained, he must be allowed to
+act according to his own discretion."
+
+He then appealed to his own dragoons, saying to them:
+
+"The whole success of our expedition now depends upon the celerity of
+our movements. While we are waiting for Pizarro, our best chance for
+victory will be lost."
+
+With one united voice the dragoons of De Soto demanded to be led
+forward. Availing himself of this enthusiasm, De Soto put his troops
+in motion. The Peruvians were a few miles in advance, strongly posted
+in a deep and rugged ravine, where they hoped that the movements of
+the horses would be so impeded that they could accomplish but little.
+They pressed forward, and the battle was immediately commenced. Both
+parties fought with great fury. In the midst of the conflict a large
+reinforcement of the natives came rushing upon the field, under the
+leadership of a young Peruvian noble, who displayed truly chivalric
+courage and energy. De Soto was ever where the blows fell thickest and
+where danger was most imminent.
+
+Quite a number of the Peruvians were slain, and many dead horses were
+strewed over the field. At one time De Soto, separated from his
+comrades by the surging tides of the battle, found himself surrounded
+by twenty Peruvians, who, with arrows, javelins and battle clubs,
+assailed him with the utmost impetuosity. Javelins and arrows glanced
+harmless from the Spanish armor. But war clubs, armed with copper and
+wielded by sinewy arms, were formidable weapons even for the belted
+knight to encounter. De Soto, with his keen and ponderous sword, cut
+his way through his assailants, strewing the ground with the dead. The
+young Peruvian, who, it is said, was heir to the throne of the Inca,
+had assumed the general command.
+
+He gazed with astonishment upon the exploits of De Soto, and said in
+despairing tones to his attendants: "It is useless to contend with
+such enemies! These men are destined to be our masters."
+
+Immediately he approached De Soto, throwing down his arms, advancing
+alone, and indicating by gestures that he was ready to surrender. The
+battle at once ceased, and most of the Peruvian army rushed
+precipitately back towards the city. In a state of frenzy they applied
+the torch in all directions, resolved to thwart the avarice of the
+conqueror by laying the whole city and all its treasures in ashes. The
+inhabitants of Cuzco, almost without exception, fled. Each one seized
+upon whatever of value could be carried away. Volumes of smoke and the
+bursting flames soon announced to the Spaniards the doom of the city.
+
+De Soto and his dragoons put spurs to their horses and hastened
+forward, hoping to extinguish the conflagration. Now that the battle
+was fought and the victory won, Francisco Pizarro, with his band of
+miscreants, came rushing on to seize the plunder.
+
+     "They came like wolves or jackals to fatten on the prey
+     which never could have been attained by their own courage or
+     prowess. The disappointment of Pizarro and his congenial
+     associates, when they found that the principal wealth of the
+     city had been carried off by the Peruvians, vented itself in
+     acts of diabolical cruelty. They seized on the aged and sick
+     persons who had been unable to escape, and put many of them
+     to the torture to make them confess where the treasures of
+     Cuzco were concealed. Either these unfortunate people could
+     not give the information required, or they had sufficient
+     firmness to endure agony and death rather than betray the
+     consecrated treasures of their national monuments and altars
+     into the hands of their enemies."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Life of Ferdinand De Soto, by Lambert A. Wilmer, p. 272.]
+
+It was late in the afternoon of a November day, 1533, when the
+dragoons of De Soto, closely followed by the whole Spanish army,
+entered the burning streets of Cuzco. They ran about eagerly in all
+directions searching for gold in the blazing palaces and temples. Thus
+an immense amount of spoil was found, which the Peruvians had been
+unable to remove. It is said that after one-fifth had been subtracted
+for the Spanish crown, and the officers had received their abundant
+shares, the common soldiers, four hundred and eighty in number,
+received each one a sum amounting to four thousand dollars.
+
+Peru was conquered, but the victors had indeed gained a loss. Nearly
+all who were engaged in the enterprise perished miserably. Almagro was
+eventually taken captive by the Peruvians and strangled. Hernando
+Pizarro, returning to Spain, languished for weary years in a prison.
+The younger brother was beheaded. Friar Vincent, who had given the
+support of religion to many of the most atrocious of these crimes,
+fell into an ambush with a small party, and they all were massacred.
+Francisco Pizarro himself fell a victim to a conspiracy among his own
+soldiers, and at mid-day was put to death in his own palace. But we
+must leave these wild men to their career of cruelty and crime, while
+we follow the footsteps of De Soto.
+
+Early in the year 1534, De Soto took leave of his comrades in Peru,
+and embarked for Spain. He had left his native land in poverty. He now
+returned after an absence of about fifteen years, greatly enriched,
+prepared in opulence as well as in illustrious birth to take his stand
+with the proudest grandees of that then opulent realm. His last labors
+in Peru were spent in unavailing endeavors to humanize the spirit of
+his countrymen there, and to allay the bitter feuds which were
+springing up among them. But his departure seemed to remove from them
+all restraints, and Spaniards and Peruvians alike were whelmed in a
+common ruin.
+
+No account has been transmitted to us of De Soto's return voyage.
+While he was in Peru, Don Pedro had died. His sick-bed was a scene of
+lingering agony, both of body and of mind. The proud spirit is
+sometimes vanquished and crushed by remorse; but it is never, by those
+scorpion lashes, subdued, and rendered humble and gentle and lovable.
+The dying sinner, whose soul was crimsoned with guilt, was
+overwhelmed with "a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery
+indignation." The ecclesiastics, who surrounded his death-bed, assured
+him that such sins as he had been guilty of could only be expiated by
+the most liberal benefactions to the church. He had never forgiven
+Isabella for her pertinacious adherence to De Soto. In the grave he
+could not prohibit their nuptials. By bequeathing his wealth to the
+church, he could accomplish a double object. He could gratify his
+revenge by leaving his daughter penniless, and thus De Soto, if he
+continued faithful, would be compelled to receive to his arms a
+dowerless bride; and a miserable superstition taught him that he could
+thus bribe God to throw open to him the gates of paradise.
+
+Don Pedro's eldest daughter, Maria, was engaged to be married to Vasco
+Nuñez, the very worthy governor who had preceded Don Pedro at Darien,
+and whom he had so infamously beheaded. She had spent fifteen years in
+her father's castle in the gloom and tears of this cruel widowhood.
+Don Pedro bequeathed nearly all his fortune to the endowment of a
+monastery, over which Maria was appointed abbess. Isabella was left
+unprovided for. Thus suddenly the relative position of the two lovers
+was entirely changed. De Soto found himself in possession of large
+wealth. Isabella was reduced to poverty. We know not where to find,
+in the annals of history, the record of a more beautiful attachment
+than that which, during fifteen years of separation, trial, and sorest
+temptations, had united the hearts of De Soto and Isabella. Their love
+commenced when they were children, walking hand in hand, and playing
+in the bowers of Don Pedro's ancestral castle.
+
+De Soto had now attained the age of thirty-five years. Isabella was
+only a few years younger. When we contemplate her youth, her beauty,
+the long years of absence, without even a verbal message passing
+between them, the deadly hostility of her father to the union, and the
+fact that her hand had been repeatedly solicited by the most wealthy
+of the Spanish nobility, this fidelity of Isabella to her youthful
+love is one of the most remarkable in the records of time.
+
+    "During the long separation," says Mr. Wilmer, "of these
+    exemplary lovers, many important changes had taken place.
+    Time and sorrow had somewhat dimmed the lustre of Isabella's
+    beauty. But she was still the fairest among ten thousand, and
+    De Soto was too deeply enamored and too justly appreciative
+    to value her the less, because the rose had partially faded
+    from her cheek."
+
+Immediately upon De Soto's return to Spain, as all obstacles to their
+union were removed, the nuptial ceremony was performed. The voice of
+fame had already proclaimed De Soto as the real conqueror of Peru. As
+such, he had not only enriched himself, but had also greatly enriched
+the Spanish crown. All eyes were fixed upon him. It is said that at
+once he became the most noted and most popular man in the kingdom. He
+and his bride were received at the Spanish court with the most
+flattering marks of distinction. In his style of living he assumed
+almost regal splendor. He had acquired his money very suddenly, and he
+lavished it with an unsparing hand. A contemporary annalist writes:
+
+    "He kept a steward, a gentleman usher, several pages, a
+    gentleman of the horse, a chamberlain, a footman, and all
+    other officers that the house of a nobleman requires."
+
+One of the most splendid mansions in Seville he selected for his
+residence, and in less than two years he found that one-half of his
+princely fortune had melted away. They were two years of adulation, of
+self-indulgence, of mental intoxication. It was a delirious dream from
+which he suddenly awoke. Reflection taught him that he must
+immediately curtail his expenses, and very seriously, or engage in
+some new enterprise to replenish his wasting purse.
+
+The region of North America called Florida, a territory of undefined
+and boundless extent, was then attracting much attention as a fresh
+field for the acquisition of gold and glory. Several expeditions had
+touched upon the unknown coast, but from various causes had proved
+entire failures. Eight years before this De Narvaez had visited the
+country with three hundred adventurers. He found the natives far more
+warlike than the Peruvians, and the country more difficult of access.
+De Narvaez himself, and nearly all his band, fell before the fury of
+the Floridians. Five only escaped. One of these, Cabaca de Vaca, a man
+of glowing imagination, and who held the pen of a ready writer, wrote
+a Baron Munchausen account of the expedition. He descanted upon the
+delicious clime, the luxuriant soil, the populous cities, the
+architectural splendor of the edifices, and the inexhaustible mines of
+silver and of gold. There was no one to call his account in question.
+His extravagant stories were generally believed.
+
+De Soto, who was in the prime of his vigorous manhood, having as yet
+only attained his thirty-seventh year, read this narrative and
+pondered these statements with enthusiasm. A couple of years of
+inaction in his luxurious saloons had inspired him with new zeal for
+romantic adventure; and to this there was added the powerful motive of
+the necessity of retrieving his fortunes. He believed that gold could
+be gathered in Florida, even more abundantly than in Peru; that by
+the aid of the crown a numerous colony might be established where,
+under genial skies, every man could be put into possession of broad
+acres of the most luxuriant soil. And he felt fully confident that his
+long experience on the isthmus and in Peru, qualified him in the
+highest degree to be the leader of such an enterprise.
+
+In these views he was sustained by the common sentiment of the whole
+community. De Soto applied to the king of Spain, the Emperor Charles
+Fifth, for permission to organize an expedition, at his own expense,
+for the conquest of Florida. He offered to the crown, as usual for its
+share, one-fifth of the plunder.
+
+Eagerly the Emperor, who was always in need of money, accepted the
+proposition, "asking no questions, for conscience sake." The Emperor
+was very profuse in conferring honors and titles upon his heroic
+subject. He appointed him governor of the island of Cuba, which he was
+to make the base of his operations, investing him with almost
+dictatorial powers as both military and civil governor. He also
+granted him a private estate in Florida, with the title of marquis, in
+whatever part of the country he might choose. This magnificent estate
+was to consist of a region, ninety miles long and forty-five miles
+wide.
+
+As soon as it was known throughout Spain that De Soto was about to
+embark on such an enterprise, volunteers began to flock to his
+standard. He would accept of none but the most vigorous young men,
+whom he deemed capable of enduring the extremes of toil and hardship.
+In a few months nine hundred and fifty men were assembled at San
+Lucar, eager to embark. Many of these were sons of the wealthy nobles,
+who were thoroughly equipped in splendid style, with costly armor, and
+accompanied by a train of servants.
+
+Twenty-four ecclesiastics, of various grades, joined the expedition,
+whose arduous task it was to convert the natives to that religion of
+the Spaniards which allowed them to rob their houses and their
+temples, to maltreat their wives and daughters, to set fire to their
+villages, to hunt them down with bloodhounds, and to trample them
+under the iron hoofs of their fiery steeds.
+
+Never before had an expedition set out so abundantly supplied. Not
+only was every necessity provided for, but luxury and even wasteful
+extravagance reigned through the armament. De Soto himself was a man
+of magnificent tastes. Many who were with him in Peru, and had become
+there enriched, had joined the enterprise. And the young nobles of
+Spain surrounded themselves with the conveniences and splendor which
+large wealth could furnish.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_The Landing in Florida._
+
+     The Departure from Spain.--Arrival in Cuba.--Leonora and
+     Tobar.--Isabella Invested with the Regency.--Sad Life of
+     Isabella.--Sailing of the Expedition.--The Landing at
+     Tampa Bay.--Outrages of Narvaez.--Noble Spirit of
+     Ucita.--Unsuccessful Enterprises.--Disgrace and Return
+     of Porcallo.
+
+
+The brilliant armament spread its sails to a favorable breeze at the
+port of San Lucar, on the morning of the sixth of April, 1538. The
+squadron consisted of seven large ships, and three smaller vessels. It
+must have been an imposing and busy scene in that little bay, upon
+which the sun looked serenely down three hundred years ago. In
+addition to the Floridian fleet, there was another squadron of
+twenty-six sail, at the same time weighing anchor, bound for Mexico.
+Bugle peals resounded from ship and shore, while salvoes of artillery
+swept over the waves and reverberated among the cliffs.
+
+Isabella accompanied her husband, and quite an imposing train of
+attendants was attached to the governor's family. The sail of a
+fortnight brought them to the Canary Islands. The Count Gomera, a
+Spanish nobleman, was in command. No religious scruples lent their
+restraints to his luxurious court. He had a very beautiful daughter,
+seventeen years of age, named Leonora. The father loved her tenderly.
+He was perhaps anxious to shield her from the deleterious influences
+with which she was surrounded. The high moral worth of Isabella
+impressed him; and arrangements were made for Leonora to accompany
+Isabella to Cuba, as a companion, to be treated in all respects as her
+own daughter.
+
+On the twenty-fourth of April the fleet again set sail, and reached
+St. Jago de Cuba the latter part of May. This city was then the
+capital of the island. It was situated on the southern shore, at the
+head of a bay running inland about six miles. It was then quite
+populous, and was opulent with the wealth of which previous Spanish
+adventurers had robbed the unhappy Cubans. The whole city turned out
+with music, and banners and gorgeous processions, to give a suitable
+reception to their new governor.
+
+A grand tournament was held on the occasion. Among the cavaliers who
+were contending for the prizes there was a young nobleman, Nuño de
+Tobar, who was De Soto's lieutenant-general. He was one of the most
+accomplished of the Spanish grandees, and bore off many of the prizes.
+The beauty of Leonora won his admiration. They were thrown much
+together, and he betrayed her. At the confessional Leonora opened her
+heart to the priest. It is probable that he communicated with the
+governor. De Soto's indignation was thoroughly roused. He summoned the
+culprit before him. Tobar, deeming his offense a very trivial one,
+without hesitation acknowledged it, thinking, perhaps, that he might
+receive some slight reprimand. He was not a little surprised when the
+governor said in indignant tones:
+
+"Leonora was placed under my care by her father. I pledged myself to
+protect her at the hazard of my own life. To-morrow morning you must
+meet me in single combat, where you will have a chance to protect the
+life you have justly forfeited."
+
+There was no man probably, in the whole Spanish army, who could safely
+cross swords with De Soto in mortal strife. Tobar was appalled. He
+well knew that in such a rencontre death was his inevitable doom.
+Overwhelmed with confusion, he said:
+
+"I have not committed a capital crime. If I had, I should not expect
+your Excellency to be my executioner. It is impossible for me to
+contend with you in single combat. By accepting your challenge, I doom
+myself to certain destruction."
+
+De Soto replied: "Your crime is not a trivial one. You cannot evade
+the consequences by refusing to meet them. To say nothing of the wrong
+you have done this unhappy girl, your treachery to me deserves the
+punishment of a traitor. You may choose whether you will die like a
+soldier, sword in hand, or like a criminal, under the axe of the
+executioner."
+
+Tobar withdrew. He hastened to the room of the confessor. With him he
+called upon Leonora, and, taking a few witnesses, repaired to the
+church, where the marriage ceremony was immediately performed. Within
+an hour he returned to the governor and informed him that he had made
+all the reparation in his power. De Soto, his brow still clouded with
+severe displeasure, replied:
+
+"You have saved your life, but you can never regain my confidence. You
+are no longer my lieutenant. That office can be held only by one whose
+honor is unsullied."
+
+De Soto remained about three months in Cuba, making a tour of the
+island, establishing his government, purchasing horses, and making
+other preparations for the expedition to Florida. While thus engaged,
+he sent a vessel, with a picked crew, to coast along the shores of the
+land he was about to invade, in search of a commodious harbor, where
+his troops might disembark. After many perilous adventures, the vessel
+returned with a satisfactory report.
+
+The fleet, and all the armament it was to bear, were rendezvoused at
+Havana, on the northern coast of Cuba, where a fair wind in a few
+hours would convey them to the shores of Florida. On the twelfth of
+May, some authorities say the eighteenth, of the year 1539, the
+expedition set sail upon one of the most disastrous adventures in
+which heroic men ever engaged. Terrible as were the woes they
+inflicted upon the natives, no less dreadful were the calamities which
+they drew down upon themselves.
+
+Isabella had been anxious to accompany her husband to Florida. But he,
+aware of the hardships and perils to which they would be exposed,
+would not give his consent. She consequently remained at Cuba,
+entrusted with the regency of the island. She never saw her husband
+again. Poor Isabella! In sadness she had waited fifteen years for her
+nuptials. Two short years had glided away like a dream in the night.
+And then, after three years of intense anxiety, during which she heard
+almost nothing of her husband, the tidings reached her of his death.
+It was a fatal blow to her faithful and loving heart. World-weary and
+sorrow-crushed, she soon followed him to the spirit-land. Such is
+life; not as God has appointed it, but as sin has made it.
+
+The expedition consisted of eight large ships, a caraval, and two
+brigantines. They were freighted with everything which could be deemed
+needful to conquer the country, and then to colonize it. The force
+embarked, in addition to the sailors who worked the ships, consisted
+of a thousand thoroughly armed men, and three hundred and fifty
+horses. Contrary winds gave them a slow passage across the gulf. On
+the twenty-fifth of May they entered the harbor of which they were in
+search. It was on the western coast of the magnificent peninsula. De
+Soto then gave it the name of Espiritu Santo. It is now however known
+as Tampa Bay.
+
+As they entered the harbor beacon fires were seen blazing along the
+eminences, indicating that the natives had taken the alarm, and were
+preparing for resistance. Several days were employed in cautious
+sounding of the harbor and searching for a suitable landing-place, as
+it seemed probable that opposition was to be encountered. On the last
+day of May, a detachment of three hundred soldiers landed on the beach
+and took possession of the land in the name of Charles the Fifth. The
+serene day was succeeded by a balmy night. Not an Indian was to be
+seen; and the bloom, luxuriance and fruitage of the tropics, spread
+enchantingly around them.
+
+The hours of the night passed away undisturbed. But just before dawn a
+terrific war-whoop resounded through the forest, as from a thousand
+throats, and a band of Indian warriors came rushing down, hurling upon
+the invaders a shower of arrows and javelins. The attack was so
+sudden and impetuous that the Spaniards were thrown into a panic. They
+rushed for their boats, and with loudest bugle peals, called for aid
+from their companions in the ships. The summons met with a prompt
+response. Boats were immediately lowered, and a large party of
+steel-clad men and horses were sent to their aid.
+
+When Nuño Tobar was degraded, and dismissed from his office as
+lieutenant-general, a rich, hair-brained Spanish nobleman, by the name
+of Vasco Porcallo, took his place. He was a gay cavalier, brave even
+to recklessness, of shallow intellect, but a man who had seen much
+hard service in the battlefields of those days. He was very rich,
+residing at Trinidad in Cuba. He joined the enterprise for the
+conquest of Florida, influenced by an instinctive love of adventure,
+and by the desire to kidnap Indians to work as slaves on his
+plantations. The valiant Porcallo headed the party sent to the rescue
+of those on shore.
+
+In such an adventure he was entirely in his element. Immediately upon
+landing he put spurs to his horse and, accompanied by only seven
+dragoons, with his sabre flashing in the air, plunged into the very
+thickest of the Indians. Soon they were put to flight. An Indian
+arrow, however, pierced his saddle and its housings, and reached the
+vitals of his horse. The noble steed dropped dead beneath him.
+Porcallo was quite proud of his achievement, and boasted not a little
+that his arm had put the _infidels_, as he called the Indians, to
+flight, and that his horse was the first to fall in the encounter.
+
+During the day all the troops were disembarked and encamped upon the
+shore. It was reported that there was quite a populous Indian town at
+the distance of about six miles from the place of landing. While the
+ammunition and commissary stores were being brought on shore, the
+little army marched for this village. It was the residence of the
+chief of the powerful tribe who occupied that region. His name was
+Ucita, and from him the village received the same appellation.
+
+The Spaniards met with no opposition on their march. But when they
+reached the village they found it entirely deserted. It was quite a
+large town, the houses being built substantially of timber, thatched
+with palm leaves. Many of these edifices were large and commodious,
+containing several rooms. Their articles of household furniture were
+convenient, and some of them quite elegant. The dresses, especially
+those of the females, were artistic and often highly ornamental. Very
+beautiful shawls and mantillas were manufactured by them. Their finest
+fabrics were woven by the hand from the fibrous bark of the
+mulberry-tree and hemp, which grew wild and in abundance. The natives
+had acquired the art of rich coloring, and the garments thus
+manufactured by them were often really beautiful. The walls of the
+houses of the wealthier citizens were hung with tapestry of very
+softly tanned and richly prepared buckskin; and carpets of the same
+material were spread upon the floors.
+
+The Floridians were not acquainted with iron, that most indispensable
+article with nations of high enlightenment. But they had succeeded in
+imparting a temper to copper, so as to give many of their tools quite
+a keen edge. Though the inhabitants of Florida had not attained that
+degree of civilization which had been reached by the Peruvians, it
+will be seen that they were immeasurably in advance of the savages in
+the northern portion of the continent, and that their homes far
+surpassed those of the peasantry of Ireland, and were more tasteful
+and commodious than the log huts which European emigrants erect as
+their first home in the wilderness of the West. They cultivated the
+ground mainly for their subsistence, though hunting and fishing were
+resorted to, then as now, for recreation as well as for food.
+
+De Soto took possession of the deserted village, and occupied the
+houses of the inhabitants as barracks for his soldiers. A few
+straggling Indians were taken captive. From them he learned that he
+was doomed to suffer for the infamous conduct of the Spanish
+adventurer, Narvaez, who had preceded him in a visit to this region.
+This vile man had been guilty of the most inhuman atrocities. He had
+caused the mother of the chief Ucita to be torn to pieces by
+bloodhounds, and in a transport of passion had awfully mutilated Ucita
+himself, by cutting off his nose. Consequently, the chief and all his
+people were exasperated to the highest degree. The injuries they had
+received were such as could never be forgiven or forgotten.
+
+De Soto was very anxious to cultivate friendly relations with the
+Indians. Whatever may have been his faults, his whole career thus far
+had shown him to be by nature a kind-hearted and upright man, hating
+oppression and loving justice. The faults of his character rather
+belonged to the age in which he lived, than to the individual man. No
+military leader has ever yet been able to restrain the passions of his
+soldiers. Wherever an army moves, there will always be, to a greater
+or less degree, plunder and violence. De Soto earnestly endeavored to
+introduce strict discipline among his troops. He forbade the slightest
+act of injustice or disrespect towards the Indians. Whenever a captive
+was taken, he treated him as a father would treat a child, and
+returned him to his home laden with presents. He availed himself of
+every opportunity to send friendly messages to Ucita. But the
+mutilated chief was in no mood to be placated. His only reply to these
+kind words was,
+
+"I want none of the speeches or promises of the Spaniards. Bring me
+their heads and I will receive them joyfully."
+
+The energies of De Soto inspired his whole camp. The provisions and
+munitions of war were promptly landed and conveyed to Ucita. The place
+was strongly fortified, and a hardy veteran, named Pedro Calderon, was
+placed in command of the garrison entrusted with its defence. All the
+large ships were sent back to Cuba, probably to obtain fresh supplies
+of military stores; some say that it was to teach the army that, there
+being no possibility of escape, it now must depend upon its own valor
+for existence.
+
+De Soto was very unwilling to set out for a march into the interior
+for discovery and in search of gold, while leaving so powerful a tribe
+as that over which Ucita reigned, in hostility behind him. He
+therefore sent repeated messages to Ucita expressing his utter
+detestation of the conduct of Narvaez; his desire to do everything in
+his power to repair the wrong which had been inflicted upon him, and
+his earnest wish to establish friendly relations with the
+deeply-injured chief.
+
+These reiterated friendly advances, ever accompanied by correspondent
+action, at length in some slight degree mitigated the deadly rancor of
+Ucita, so that instead of returning a message of defiance and hate, he
+sent back the truly noble response:
+
+"The memory of my injuries prevents me from returning a kind reply to
+your messages, and your courtesy is such that it will not allow me to
+return a harsh answer."
+
+The man who, under these circumstances, could frame such a reply, must
+have been one of nature's noblemen. De Soto could appreciate the
+grandeur of such a spirit. While these scenes were transpiring, a man
+was brought into the camp, in Indian costume, who announced himself as
+a Spaniard by the name of Juan Ortiz. He had been one of the
+adventurers under Narvaez. In the extermination of that infamous band
+he had been taken captive and bound to the stake, to be consumed. He
+was then but eighteen years of age, tall and very handsome. As the
+tongues of torturing flame began to eat into his quivering flesh,
+cries of agony were extorted from him.
+
+He was in the hands of a powerful chief, whose daughter is represented
+as a very beautiful princess, by the name of Uleleh. She was about
+sixteen years of age, and could not endure the scene. She threw her
+arms around her father's neck, and with tears of anguish pleaded that
+his life might be saved. He was rescued; and though for a time he
+suffered extreme cruelty, he eventually became adopted, as it were,
+into the tribe, and for ten years had resided among the Indians,
+sometimes regarded as a captive, upon whom heavy burdens could be
+imposed, and again treated with great kindness. Juan Ortiz being thus
+familiar with the habits of the natives and their language, became an
+invaluable acquisition to the adventurers.
+
+De Soto inquired very earnestly of him respecting the country and the
+prospect of finding any region abounding with silver and gold. Ortiz
+had but little information to give, save that, at the distance of
+about a hundred miles from where they then were, there was a great
+chief named Uribaracaxi, to whom all the adjacent chiefs were
+tributary. His realms were represented as far more extensive,
+populous, and rich than those of the surrounding chieftains. De Soto
+dispatched a band of sixty horsemen and sixty foot soldiers with
+presents and messages of friendship to Uribaracaxi. The object of the
+expedition was to explore the country and to make inquiries respecting
+gold.
+
+A weary march of about forty miles brought the party to the village of
+Mucozo, where Ortiz had resided for some years. The chief of this
+tribe, whose name was also Mucozo, was brother-in-law to Uribaracaxi.
+Mucozo received the Spaniards with great hospitality, and learning
+that they were on a friendly visit to Uribaracaxi, furnished them with
+a guide. Four days were occupied in a tedious march through a country
+where pathless morasses continually embarrassed their progress.
+
+This expedition was under the command of Balthazar de Gallegos. He
+reached his point of destination in safety. But the chief, deeming it
+not prudent to trust himself in the hands of the Spaniards, whose
+renown for fiendish deeds had filled the land, had retired from his
+capital, and nearly all the inhabitants had fled with him. He left for
+his uninvited guests no message either of welcome or defiance.
+Gallegos found all his attempts to open any communications with him
+unavailing. There was no plunder in the city worth seizing, and De
+Soto's commands to the expedition were very strict, to treat the
+Indians with the utmost kindness and humanity.
+
+Gallegos made earnest inquiries of the Indians whom he met, as to the
+provinces where gold and silver could be found. They told him that
+there was a country many leagues west of them, of marvellous
+luxuriance and beauty, where gold was found in such abundance that the
+warriors had massive shields and helmets made of that precious metal.
+The more shrewd of the Spaniards placed very little reliance upon
+this testimony. They thought they saw evidence that the Indians were
+ready to fabricate any story by which they could rid themselves of
+their visitors.
+
+Soon after the departure of Gallegos, De Soto received the
+intelligence that the chief Ucita had taken refuge in a forest,
+surrounded with swamps, not far from the Spanish camp. The
+vainglorious Porcallo was exceedingly indignant that the Indian chief
+should presume to hold himself aloof from all friendly advances. He
+entreated De Soto to grant him the privilege of capturing the
+fugitive. De Soto complied with his request. The impetuous old man,
+fond of parade, and lavish of his wealth, selected a band of horsemen
+and footmen, all of whom were gorgeously apparelled for the occasion.
+He, himself, was mounted on a magnificent steed and cased in
+glittering armor.
+
+It seems that the noble Ucita kept himself well informed of every
+movement of the invaders. With a spirit of magnanimity which would
+have done honor to the best Christian in the Spanish ranks, he sent a
+courier to meet Porcallo, and to say to him,
+
+"You will only expose yourself to infinite peril from the rivers,
+morasses, and forests through which you will have to pass in your
+attempt to reach my retreat. My position is so secure that all your
+attempts to take me will result only in your own loss. I do not send
+you this message from any fears on my own account, but because your
+leader, De Soto, has manifested so much forbearance in not injuring my
+territory or my subjects."
+
+It is really refreshing to find here and there, among all these
+demoniac deeds of demoniac men, some remaining traces of that nobility
+of character which man had before the fall, when created in God's
+image he was but little lower than the angels. Man, as we see him
+developed in history, is indeed a ruin, but the ruin of a once noble
+fabric. When we think of what man might be, in all generous
+affections, and then think of what man is, it is enough to cause one
+to weep tears of blood.
+
+Porcallo could not appreciate the magnanimity of Ucita. He regarded
+the message as one of the stratagems of war, dictated either by fear
+or cowardice. He therefore ordered the trumpets to sound the advance,
+his only fear being, that the chief might escape. Porcallo, a Quixotic
+knight, had no element of timidity in his character. He led his
+troops. He never said "Go," but "Follow." Pressing rapidly forward,
+the little band soon arrived upon the border of a vast and dismal
+morass, utterly pathless, stretching out many leagues in extent.
+
+The hot-headed cavalier, thinking that the swamp might be waded, put
+spurs to his horse and dashed forward. He had advanced but a few rods
+when the horse, struggling knee-deep through the mire, stumbled and
+fell. One of the legs of the rider was so caught beneath the animal as
+to pin him inextricably in the morass, covering him with water and
+with mud. The weight of his armor sank him deeper in the mire, and in
+the desperate struggles of the steed for extrication, he was in great
+danger of being suffocated. None could come to his aid without danger
+of being swallowed up in the bog.
+
+The unfeeling and brutal soldiers stood upon the borders of the morass
+with shouts of merriment, as they witnessed the sudden discomfiture of
+their leader; a discomfiture the more ludicrous, in contrast with his
+gorgeous attire, and his invariably proud and lofty bearing. At length
+Porcallo extricated himself, and, drenched with water, and covered
+with mud, led his equally bemired steed to the land. He was humiliated
+and enraged. The derision of the soldiers stung him to the quick. He
+had embarked in the expedition to gain glory and slaves. He had
+encountered disgrace; and the prospect of kidnapping the natives,
+under such a leader as De Soto had proved himself to be, was very
+small.
+
+It is probable that before this disaster he had seriously contemplated
+abandoning the expedition and returning to his princely mansion in
+Trinidad. Ordering his men to face about, he sullenly and silently
+returned to the Spanish camp. Throwing up his commission with disgust,
+he embarked for Cuba, and we hear of him no more.
+
+    "His train of servants," writes Mr. Theodore Irving,
+    "Spanish, Indian and negro, were embarked with all speed. But
+    when the gallant old cavalier came to take leave of his young
+    companions in arms, and the soldiers he had lately aspired to
+    lead so vain-gloriously, his magnificent spirit broke forth.
+    He made gifts to the right and left, dividing among the
+    officers and knights all the arms, accoutrements, horses and
+    camp equipage, with which he had come so lavishly and so
+    ostentatiously provided, and gave, for the use of the army,
+    all the ample store of provisions and munitions brought for
+    the use of himself and his retinue. This done, he bade
+    farewell to campaigning and set sail for Cuba, much to the
+    regret of the army, who lamented that so gallant a spirit
+    should have burned out so soon."[B]
+
+[Footnote B: Conquest of Florida, by Theodore Irving, p. 81.]
+
+Indeed, it is stated in what is called "The Portuguese Narrative" of
+these events, that Porcallo and De Soto had already quarrelled so
+decisively that they were no longer on speaking terms. Porcallo,
+thoroughly destitute of moral principle, was a slave hunter; a
+character whom De Soto thoroughly despised, and whose operations he
+would not on any account allow to be carried on in his army. Porcallo
+therefore found no difficulty in obtaining permission to retire from
+the service. Probably both the governor and his lieutenant were
+equally happy to be rid of each other.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+_The March to Ochile._
+
+     The March Commenced.--The Swamps of Florida.--Passage of the
+     Morass.--Heroism of Sylvestre.--Message to Acuera.--His
+     Heroic Reply.--Fierce Hostility of the Indians.--Enter
+     the Town of Ocali.--Strange Incident.--Death of the
+     Bloodhound.--Historical Discrepancies.--Romantic Entrance
+     to Ochile.
+
+
+The day after the departure of Porcallo, a courier from Captain
+Gallegos, accompanied by a small guard, came to the Spanish camp at
+Ucita. He informed De Soto that there was an ample supply of
+provisions at Uribaracaxi to sustain the army for several days; and
+that he had received information that at not a great distance from
+that place large quantities of gold could be obtained. De Soto and his
+companions were greatly elated by these tidings, trusting that they
+were about to enter upon another Peru. A garrison of forty horsemen
+and eighty foot soldiers, was left at Ucita, to protect the military
+and commissariat stores collected there, and to guard the three
+vessels still remaining in the bay. Captain Calderon, who was left in
+command, was strictly enjoined to treat the Indians with the utmost
+kindness, and not to make war upon them, even if provoked by taunts
+and insults.
+
+De Soto, then, with the main body of his army, set out on the march
+for Uribaracaxi. It was soon very evident to him that he was not in
+Peru. There was no smoothly-paved highway for his soldiers to
+traverse. The country was pathless, rough, apparently uninhabited,
+encumbered with tangled forests, and vast dismal swamps. It was a very
+arduous enterprise for soldiers burdened with heavy armor to force
+their way through such a wilderness, with the baggage essential to
+such a body of men.
+
+One of the great objects of the governor, and a humane one, was to
+establish a colony in Florida. A herd of three hundred swine was kept
+in the line of march, as these animals were deemed the most
+advantageous stock for new settlers. After a toilsome march of two
+days they reached the native village of Mucozo, where the friendly
+chief of the same name resided. It is said that this place is now
+called Hichipuchsassa. The chief received them with great hospitality.
+
+Pressing on without delay, they soon reached Uribaracaxi, which town
+it is supposed was situated near the head of the Hillsborough river,
+which stream empties into Tampa Bay. The chief was still absent, in
+his place of refuge, amidst the fastnesses of the forest. All of De
+Soto's friendly endeavors to draw him from his retreat proved
+unavailing. The Spaniards were yet to traverse many leagues of this
+unknown country before they could enter the region where it was
+supposed the gold could be found.
+
+Florida is emphatically a region of swamps. There is probably no
+section of our country which, in a state of nature, would be more
+difficult for the passage of an army. About nine miles from the
+village, directly on their line of march, extending far away to the
+east and the west, there was a vast bog three miles wide. It was a
+chaotic region of mud and water, with gigantic trees and entangling
+roots. After long search a passage was found through which, by the
+toilsome efforts of a whole day, the army forced its way. Beyond the
+swamp there opened before them a smooth, luxuriant flower-enamelled
+prairie. Rejoicingly the army pressed forward over this beautiful
+expanse, when suddenly they found their steps again arrested by a
+series of sluggish streams, stagnant bayous, and impenetrable bogs.
+
+De Soto now took a hundred horse and a hundred foot soldiers, and
+leaving the remainder of the army safely encamped, set out to explore
+the country in search of a practicable route of travel. For three days
+he skirted the region of bogs, lakes and thickets, sending out his
+runners in different directions to find some outlet. But there was no
+outlet for the journeyings of civilized men. They captured some
+Indians, who offered to guide them, but who treacherously led them to
+more difficult passes and into ambushes where many of their horses
+were slain. The dreadful punishment of these false guides was to be
+torn to pieces by bloodhounds. They bore their sufferings with amazing
+fortitude.
+
+At length they found a very rude, difficult and dangerous path by
+which the Indians crossed these swamps. At one point, where the water
+could not be forded for a distance of nearly three hundred feet, the
+Indians had constructed a bridge by cutting down two large trees and
+uniting the space that still remained between them in this Stygian
+lake, by tying logs together, with cross-poles for flooring. To add to
+the embarrassments of the Spaniards, apparently innumerable small
+bands of Indians were hovering on their track, assailing them with
+their sharp-pointed arrows, wherever they could get a shot, and then
+escaping into the impenetrable region around. They were very careful
+never to come to an open conflict. Canoes, propelled by the paddle,
+would often dart out from the thickets, a shower of arrows be
+discharged, and the canoes disappear where no foot could follow them.
+
+A very bold courier, on one of the fleetest horses, was sent back to
+summon the main body of the army to march, under the command of
+Moscoso, and join the party of explorers which De Soto had led. This
+young man, by the name of Sylvestre, accomplished his feat through a
+thousand perils and hair-breadth escapes.
+
+Three days De Soto's band had passed struggling through bog and brake,
+bramble and forest. Sylvestre was to find his path back travelling
+with all possible speed by night as well as by day. One attendant only
+was with him, Juan Lopez. They never could have found their path but
+through the sagacity of their horses. These noble animals seemed to be
+endowed for the time with the instinct of setter dogs. For in the
+darkness of the night they would puff and snort, with their noses
+close to the ground, ever, under the most difficult circumstances,
+finding the track. The distance over which they urged their horses
+exceeded thirty miles. For three days the poor creatures had not been
+unsaddled, and the bits had but occasionally been removed from their
+mouths that they might enjoy the brief refreshment of grazing.
+
+    "At times," writes Mr. Irving, "they passed within sight of
+    huge fires, around which the savages were stretched in wild
+    fantastic groups, or capering and singing, and making the
+    forests ring with yells and howlings. These were probably
+    celebrating their feasts with war-dances. The deafening din
+    they raised was the safeguard of the two Spaniards, as it
+    prevented the savages noticing the clamorous barking of their
+    dogs, and hearing the tramping of the horses as they
+    passed."[C]
+
+[Footnote C: Conquest of Florida, p. 89.]
+
+Immediately on the arrival of these two bold troopers, Moscoso
+dispatched supplies for the governor with an escort of thirty
+horsemen. In the mean time the troops under De Soto were nearly
+perishing with hunger. They were compelled to leave their encampment
+in search of food. Fortunately, at no great distance, they found a
+beautiful valley, waving luxuriantly with fields of corn or maize.
+Here they encamped and here were soon joined by the escort and their
+welcome supplies. In a few days Moscoso came also with the residue of
+the army. They were about sixty miles north of Uribaracaxi. It is
+supposed the place is now known by the old Indian name of Palaklikaha.
+
+The chief, whose name was Acuera, and all his people had fled to the
+woods. De Soto sent Indian interpreters to him with friendly messages
+and the declaration that the Spaniards had no desire to do him any
+injury; but that it was their power, if the Indians resisted, to
+punish them with great severity. He also commissioned them to make the
+declaration, which to him undoubtedly seemed perfectly just and
+reasonable, but which, to our more enlightened minds, seems atrocious
+in the extreme, that it was their only object to bring him and his
+people into obedience to their lawful sovereign, the king of Spain.
+With this end in view, he invited the chief to a friendly interview.
+It can hardly be doubted that in that benighted age De Soto felt that
+he was acting the part of a just and humane man, and of a Christian,
+in extending the _Christian_ reign of Spain over the heathen realms of
+Florida. Acuera returned the heroic reply:
+
+"Others of your accursed race have, in years past, poisoned our
+peaceful shores. They have taught me what you are. What is your
+employment? To wander about like vagabonds from land to land; to rob
+the poor; to betray the confiding; to murder in cold blood the
+defenceless. With such a people I want no peace--no friendship. War,
+never-ending, exterminating war, is all the boon I ask. You boast
+yourself valiant; and so you may be, but my faithful warriors are not
+less brave; and this, too, you shall one day prove, for I have sworn
+to maintain an unsparing conflict while one white man remains in my
+borders; not openly, in battle, though even thus we fear not to meet
+you, but by stratagem, and ambush, and midnight surprisals. I am king
+in my own land, and will never become the vassal of a mortal like
+myself. As for me and my people, we choose death, yes a hundred
+deaths, before the loss of our liberty and the subjugation of our
+country."
+
+This answer certainly indicates a degree of intelligence and mental
+culture far above what we should expect to find in the chief of a
+tribe of Florida Indians. The chivalric spirit of De Soto compelled
+him to admire the heroism it displayed. He consequently redoubled his
+efforts to gain the friendship of the chief, but all in vain. For
+twenty days De Soto remained in this encampment, recruiting his troops
+and making arrangements for a farther advance. The Indians made
+constant warfare upon him, lurking in the thickets which densely
+surrounded his camp. No Spaniard could wander one hundred steps
+without danger of being shot down by an invisible foe, whose deadly
+arrow was more noiseless in its flight than the sighing of the breeze
+through the tree tops. In this way, during these twenty days, fourteen
+Spaniards were killed and many more wounded. Fifty Indians also fell
+struck by the bullets of the invaders. De Soto allowed himself only in
+a war of self-defence. He strictly prohibited his followers from doing
+any injury to the villages or the property of the natives, or of
+engaging in the slightest act of violence towards any who were not in
+active hostility against them.
+
+After twenty days of such repose as could be found in this war
+harassed camp, De Soto resumed his march. He directed the steps of his
+army in a northeasterly direction towards a town called Ocali, about
+sixty miles from their encampment. It seems that in most, if not all
+of this region, the chief and his principal town bore the same name.
+
+The path of the army led just over a dreary expanse of desert sands,
+about thirty miles broad. There was no underbrush, and over the smooth
+surface both men and horses could travel with the greatest ease. They
+then entered upon a beautiful region of fertility and luxuriance.
+Fields of corn waved their graceful leaves and bannered heads in the
+breeze. Farm houses and pleasant villages were scattered around,
+indicating that peace, with its nameless blessings, reigned there.
+They reached the central town, Ocali, and found it to consist of six
+hundred substantially built houses. This would give the place a
+population of probably not less than three thousand.
+
+But the chief, Ocali, and his principal inhabitants, with their
+effects, had fled to the forests. The Spanish army immediately took up
+its quarters in the dwellings of Ocali. They found here an ample
+supply of provisions, which they seem without any questionings to have
+appropriated to their own use. The clime was balmy, the region
+beautiful, the houses commodious, the food abundant, and the few
+Indians who remained behind manifested no hostility. The common
+soldiers, following the example of their leader, treated all with
+great kindness.
+
+De Soto sent several Indian messengers daily to the retreat of the
+chief with proffers of peace and friendship. Though Ocali rejected all
+these overtures, it seems that they must have made an impression on
+the minds of some of his followers.
+
+One day, four young Floridian warriors, gorgeously dressed and with
+nodding plumes, came to the Spanish camp. De Soto received them with
+great cordiality and invited them to a handsome collation with his
+principal officers. Mr. Irving, in his well authenticated narrative,
+gives the following account of the scene which there ensued:
+
+     "They sat down and appeared to be eating quietly, when
+     perceiving the Spaniards to be off their guard, they rose
+     suddenly and rushed full speed to the woods. It was in vain
+     for the Spaniards to pursue them on foot, and there was no
+     horse at hand. A hound of uncommon sagacity, however,
+     hearing the cry of the Indians, and seeing them run, pursued
+     them. Overtaking and passing by the first and second and
+     third, he sprang upon the shoulders of the foremost and
+     pulled him to the ground; as the next Indian passed on, the
+     dog, leaving the one already down, sprang upon his successor
+     and secured him in the same way. In like manner he served
+     the third and fourth, and then kept running from one to the
+     other, pulling them down as fast as they rose, and barking
+     so furiously that the Indians were terrified and confounded
+     and the Spaniards were enabled to overtake and capture them.
+     They were taken back to the camp and examined separately.
+     For as they were armed, the Spaniards apprehended some
+     treachery; but it appeared that their sudden flight was only
+     by way of exploit, to show their address and fleetness."[D]
+
+[Footnote D: Irving's Conquest of Florida, p. 100.]
+
+Ocali, after resisting for six days all friendly advances, was at
+length induced to visit the Spanish camp. He was received by De Soto
+with the greatest kindness, and every effort was made to win his
+confidence. There was a deep and wide river near the village which it
+was necessary for the Spaniards to cross in their advance. De Soto,
+accompanied by Ocali and several of his subjects, was walking on the
+banks of this stream to select a spot for crossing, by means of a
+bridge or raft, when a large number of Indians sprang up from the
+bushes on the opposite side, and assailing them with insulting and
+reproachful language, discharged a volley of arrows upon them, by
+which one of the Spaniards was wounded.
+
+Upon De Soto's demanding of the chief the meaning of this hostile
+movement, Ocali replied, that they were a collection of his mutinous
+subjects, who had renounced their allegiance to him, in consequence of
+his friendship for the Spaniards. The bloodhound, to which we have
+alluded, that had so sagaciously captured the four Floridians, was in
+the company held in a leash by one of the servants of the governor.
+The moment the ferocious animal heard the yells of the Indians, and
+witnessed their hostile actions, by a desperate struggle he broke from
+his keeper and plunged into the river. In vain the Spaniards
+endeavored to call him back. The Indians eagerly watched his approach,
+and as he drew near they showered upon him such a volley of arrows,
+that more than fifty pierced his head and shoulders. He barely reached
+the land, when he fell dead. The army mourned the loss of the
+sagacious, fearless and merciless brute as if he had been one of the
+most valiant of their warriors.
+
+It soon became evident that Ocali had but slight influence over his
+tribe. De Soto, apprehensive that it might be thought that he detained
+him against his will, advised him to return to his people, assuring
+him that he would always be a welcome guest in the Spanish camp. He
+left, and they saw him no more.
+
+Crossing the river by a rude bridge constructed by the Spanish
+engineers, De Soto took the lead with a hundred horse and a hundred
+foot. After a monotonous march of three days over a flat country, they
+came to a very extensive province called Vitachuco, which was governed
+in common by three brothers. The principal village, Ochile, was rather
+a fortress than a village, consisting of fifty large buildings
+strongly constructed of timber. It was a frontier military post; for
+it seems that this powerful tribe was continually embroiled in war
+with the adjacent provinces. Mr. Williams, in his History of Florida,
+locates Ochile just south of what is called the Allachua prairie.
+
+There are two sources of information upon which we are dependent for
+most of the facts here recorded. One is, the "History of Hernando De
+Soto," written by the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. He was the son of a
+Spanish nobleman and of a Peruvian lady of illustrious rank. His
+narrative was written as related to him, by a friend who was one of
+the expedition. With some probable exaggerations it is generally
+deemed authentic. Mr. Southey describes the work as one of the most
+delightful in the Spanish language.
+
+The other is what is called "The Portuguese Narrative." It is from the
+pen of an anonymous writer, who declares himself to have been a
+Spanish cavalier, and that he describes the scenes of which he was an
+eye-witness. Though these two accounts generally harmonize, there is
+at times very considerable discrepancy between their statements. In
+the extraordinary events now to be chronicled, the writer has
+generally endeavored to give the narrative, as has seemed to him most
+probable, in comparing the two accounts, with the well-established
+character of De Soto.
+
+The advance guard of the Spanish army marched all night, and just
+before the dawn of the morning, entered the silent streets of Ochile.
+Wishing to produce as deep an impression as possible upon the minds of
+the Indians, their drums were beat, and their trumpets emitted their
+loudest blasts, as one hundred horsemen with clattering hoofs, and one
+hundred footmen with resounding arms, startled the citizens from their
+repose. To these simple natives, it must have been a scene almost as
+astounding as if a legion of adventurers, from the star Sirius, were
+at midnight to make their appearance in the streets of a European
+city.
+
+The house of the chief was centrally situated. It was a large mansion,
+nearly three hundred feet in length by one hundred and twenty in
+width. There were also connected with it quite a number of
+outbuildings of very considerable dimensions.
+
+As a matter of course, immediately the whole population was in the
+streets in a state of utter amazement. It was the object of De Soto to
+appear in such strength, and to take such commanding positions, as
+would prevent any assault on the part of the Indians, which would lead
+to bloodshed. He was well informed of the warlike reputation of the
+chief who resided there; and knew that in that fortress he was
+surrounded by a numerous band of warriors, ever armed and always ready
+for battle. The region around was densely populated. Should the chief
+escape, determined upon hostility, and rally his troops around him, it
+might lead to sanguinary scenes, greatly to be deplored.
+
+De Soto immediately held an interview with the chief; treated him with
+the utmost kindness and assured him that he had no intention of
+inflicting any injury upon him or any of his subjects; that he sought
+only for permission to pass peaceably and unmolested through his
+realms. The soldiers were strictly enjoined to treat the natives in
+the most friendly manner, and not to allow themselves, by any
+provocation whatever, to be drawn into a conflict.
+
+The chief was very narrowly watched, that he might not escape. Still
+he was unconscious of his captivity, for he was held by invisible
+chains.
+
+During the following day the main body of the army entered Ochile with
+all the pomp which prancing horses richly accoutred, gorgeous
+uniforms, bugle-blasts, waving banners, and glittering armor could
+present. Ocile, its chief, and his warriors were at the mercy of the
+Spaniards. But they had come not as conquerors, but as peaceful
+travellers, with smiles and presents, and kindly words. Still the
+power of these uninvited guests was very manifest, and it was very
+evident that any hostility on the part of the natives would bring down
+upon them swift destruction.
+
+It so happened, that the youngest of the three brother chiefs resided
+at Ochile. At the suggestion of De Soto, he sent couriers to his two
+brothers, informing them of the arrival of the Spaniards, of their
+friendly disposition, and of their desire simply to pass through the
+country unmolested. At the same time he stated, by request of De Soto,
+that the strength of the Spaniards was such that they were abundantly
+able to defend themselves; and that should any attack be made upon
+them, it would lead to results which all would have occasion to
+deplore.
+
+The capital of the second brother was not far distant. In three days
+he came to Ochile, decorated in gorgeous robes of state and
+accompanied by a retinue of his warriors, in their most showy costume.
+It is recorded that he had the bearing of an accomplished gentleman,
+and seemed as much at ease amidst the wondrous surroundings of the
+Spanish camp, as if he had been accustomed to them all his days. He
+entered into the most friendly relations with De Soto and his
+distinguished officers, and seemed very cordially to reciprocate all
+their courteous attentions.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+_The Conspiracy and its Consequences._
+
+     The Three Brother Chieftains.--Reply of Vitachuco to his
+     Brothers.--Feigned Friendship for the Spaniards.--The
+     Conspiracy.--Its Consummation and Results.--Clemency of
+     De Soto.--The Second Conspiracy.--Slaughter of the
+     Indians.--March of the Spaniards for Osachile.--Battle
+     in the Morass.
+
+
+Of the three brothers who reigned over this extended territory the
+elder bore the same name with the province which he governed, which
+was Vitachuco. He was far the most powerful of the three, in both the
+extent and populousness of his domain. His two brothers had united in
+sending an embassy to him, earnestly enjoining the expediency of
+cultivating friendly relations with the Spaniards. The following very
+extraordinary reply, which he returned, is given by Garcilaso de la
+Vega. And though he says he quotes from memory, still he pledges his
+word of honor, that it is a truthful record of the message Vitachuco
+sent back. We read it with wonder, as it indicates a degree of mental
+enlightenment, which we had not supposed could have been found among
+those semi-civilized people.
+
+"It is evident," said the chief to his brothers, "that you are young
+and have neither judgment nor experience, or you would never speak as
+you have done of these hated white men. You extol them as virtuous
+men, who injure no one. You say that they are valiant; are children of
+the Sun, and merit all our reverence and service. The vile chains
+which they have hung upon you, and the mean and dastardly spirit which
+you have acquired during the short period you have been their slaves,
+have caused you to speak like women, lauding what you should censure
+and abhor.
+
+"You remember not that these strangers can be no better than those who
+formerly committed so many cruelties in our country. Are they not of
+the same nation and subject to the same laws? Do not their manner of
+life and actions prove them to be the children of the spirit of evil,
+and not of the Sun and Moon--our Gods? Go they not from land to land
+plundering and destroying; taking the wives and daughters of others
+instead of bringing their own with them; and like mere vagabonds
+maintaining themselves by the laborious toil and sweating brow of
+others!
+
+"Were they virtuous, as you represent, they never would have left
+their own country; since there they might have practised their
+virtues; planting and cultivating the earth, maintaining themselves,
+without prejudice to others or injury to themselves, instead of
+roving about the world, committing robberies and murders, having
+neither the shame of men nor the fear of God before them. Warn them
+not to enter into my dominions. Valiant as they may be, if they dare
+to put foot upon my soil, they shall never go out of my land alive."
+
+De Soto and his army remained eight days at Ochile. By unwearied
+kindness, he so won the confidence of the two brother chiefs, that
+they went in person to Vitachuco to endeavor by their united
+representations to win him to friendly relations with the Spaniards.
+Apparently they succeeded. Vitachuco either became really convinced
+that he had misjudged the strangers, or feigned reconciliation. He
+invited De Soto and his army to visit his territory, assigning to them
+an encampment in a rich and blooming valley. On an appointed day the
+chief advanced to meet them, accompanied by his two brothers and five
+hundred warriors, in the richest decorations and best armament of
+military art as then understood by the Floridians.
+
+De Soto and Vitachuco were about of the same age and alike magnificent
+specimens of physical manhood. The meeting between them was as cordial
+as if they had always been friends. The Indian warriors escorted their
+guests from their encampment to the capital. It consisted of two
+hundred spacious edifices, strongly built of hewn timber. Several days
+were passed in feasting and rejoicing, when Juan Ortiz informed the
+governor that some friendly Indians had revealed to him that a plot
+had been formed, by Vitachuco, for the entire destruction of the
+Spanish army.
+
+The chief was to assemble his warriors, to the number of about ten
+thousand, upon an extensive plain, just outside the city, ostensibly
+to gratify De Soto with the splendors of a peaceable parade. To disarm
+all suspicion, they were to appear without any weapons of war, which
+weapons were however previously to be concealed in the long grass of
+the prairie. De Soto was to be invited to walk out with the chief to
+witness the spectacle. Twelve very powerful Indians, with concealed
+arms, were to accompany the chief or to be near at hand. It was
+supposed that the pageant would call out nearly all the Spaniards, and
+that they would be carelessly sauntering over the plain. At a given
+signal, the twelve Indians were to rush upon De Soto, and take him
+captive if possible, or if it were inevitable, put him to death.
+
+At the same moment the whole band of native warriors, grasping their
+arms, was to rush upon the Spaniards in overpowering numbers of ten to
+one. In this way it was supposed that every man could speedily be put
+to death or captured. Those who were taken prisoners were to be
+exposed to the utmost ingenuity of Indian torture.
+
+This seemed a very plausible story. De Soto, upon careful inquiry,
+became satisfied of its truth. He consulted his captains, and decided
+to be so prepared for the emergence, that should he be thus attacked,
+the Indian chief would fall into the trap which he had prepared for
+his victims.
+
+The designated day arrived. The sun rose in a cloudless sky and a
+gentle breeze swept the prairie. Early in the morning, Vitachuco
+called upon De Soto, and very obsequiously solicited him to confer
+upon him the honor of witnessing a grand muster of his subjects. He
+said they would appear entirely unarmed, but he wished De Soto to
+witness their evolutions, that he might compare them with the military
+drill of European armies. De Soto, assuming a very friendly and
+unsuspicious air, assured the chief, that he should be very happy to
+witness the pageant. And to add to its imposing display, and in his
+turn to do something to interest the natives, he said he would call
+out his whole force of infantry and cavalry, and arrange them in full
+battle array on the opposite side of the plain.
+
+The chief was evidently much embarrassed by this proposition, but he
+did not venture to present any obstacles. Knowing the valor and
+ferocity of his troops, he still thought that with De Soto as his
+captive, he could crush the Spaniards by overwhelming numbers. Matters
+being thus arranged, the whole Spanish army, in its most glittering
+array, defiled upon the plain. De Soto was secretly well armed.
+Servants were ready with two of the finest horses to rush to his aid.
+A body-guard of twelve of his most stalwart men loitered carelessly
+around him.
+
+At nine o'clock in the morning, De Soto and Vitachuco walked out, side
+by side, accompanied by their few attendants and ascended a slight
+eminence which commanded a view of the field. Notwithstanding the
+careless air assumed by De Soto, he was watching every movement of
+Vitachuco with intensest interest. The instant the Indian chief gave
+his signal, his attendants rushed upon De Soto, and his ten thousand
+warriors grasped their arrows and javelins, and with the hideous
+war-whoop rushed upon the Spaniards. But at the same instant a bugle
+blast, echoing over the plain, put the whole Spanish army in motion in
+an impetuous charge. The two signals for the deadly conflict seemed to
+be simultaneous. The body-guard of De Soto, with their far superior
+weapons, not only repelled the Indian assailants, but seized and bound
+Vitachuco as their captive. De Soto lost not a moment in mounting a
+horse, led to him by his servant. But the noble animal fell dead
+beneath him, pierced by many arrows. Another steed was instantly at
+his side, and De Soto was at the head of his cavalry, leading the
+charge. Never, perhaps, before, did so terrible a storm burst thus
+suddenly from so serene a sky.
+
+The natives fought with valor and ferocity which could not be
+surpassed even by the Spaniards. All the day long the sanguinary
+battle raged, until terminated by the darkness of the night. The field
+was bordered, on one side, by a dense forest, and on the other by a
+large body of water, consisting of two lakes. Some of the natives
+escaped into the almost impenetrable forest. Many were drowned.
+Several of the young men, but eighteen years of age, who were taken
+captive,--the sons of chiefs,--developed a heroism of character which
+attracted the highest admiration of De Soto. They fought to the last
+possible moment, and when finally captured, expressed great regret
+that they had not been able to die for their country. They said to
+their conqueror,
+
+"If you wish to add to your favors, take our lives. After surviving
+the defeat and capture of our chieftain, we are not worthy to appear
+before him, or to live in the world."
+
+It is said that De Soto was greatly moved with compassion in view of
+the calamity which had befallen these noble young men. He embraced
+them with parental tenderness, and commended their valor, which he
+regarded as proof of their noble blood.
+
+    "For two days," writes Mr. Irving, "he detained them in the
+    camp, feasting them at his table and treating them with every
+    distinction; at the end of which time he dismissed them with
+    presents of linen, cloths, silks, mirrors and other articles
+    of Spanish manufacture. He also sent by them presents to
+    their fathers and relations, with proffers of friendship."
+
+De Soto had succeeded in capturing four of the most distinguished
+captains of Vitachuco. They had been ostensibly the friends of the
+Spaniard, had ate at his table and had apparently reciprocated all his
+kindly words and deeds. While thus deceiving him, they had coöperated
+with Vitachuco for his destruction. De Soto summoned them with their
+chief before him.
+
+    "He reproached them," says Mr. Irving "with the treacherous
+    and murderous plot, devised against him and his soldiers, at
+    a time when they were professing the kindest amity. Such
+    treason, he observed, merited death; yet he wished to give
+    the natives evidence of his clemency. He pardoned them,
+    therefore, and restored them to his friendship; warning them,
+    however, to beware how they again deceived him, or trespassed
+    against the safety and welfare of the Spaniards, lest they
+    should bring down upon themselves dire and terrible revenge."
+
+Vitachuco was now a captive. Yet notwithstanding the conspiracy which
+had led to such deplorable results, De Soto treated him with great
+kindness, giving him a seat at his own table, and endeavoring in all
+ways to obliterate the remembrance of the conflict. De Soto was in
+search of gold. He had heard of mountains of that precious metal far
+away in the interior. The natives had no wealth which he desired to
+plunder. Their hostility he exceedingly deprecated, as it deprived him
+of food, of comforts, and exposed his little band to the danger of
+being cut off and annihilated, as were the troops of Narvaez, who had
+preceded him. The past career of De Soto proves, conclusively, that he
+was by nature a humane man, loving what he conceived to be justice.
+
+Under these circumstances, a wise policy demanded that he should do
+what he could to conciliate the natives before he advanced in his
+adventurous journey, leaving them, if hostile, disposed to cut off his
+return. It is said that nine hundred of the most distinguished
+warriors of Vitachuco were virtually enslaved, one of whom was
+assigned to each of the Spaniards, to serve him in the camp and at the
+table. Such at least is the story as it comes down to us. Vitachuco
+formed the plan again to assail the Spaniards by a concerted action
+at the dinner-table. Every warrior was to be ready to surprise and
+seize his master, and put him to death. There is much in this
+narrative which seems improbable. We will, however, give it to our
+readers as recorded by Mr. Irving in his very carefully written
+history of the Conquest of Florida. We know not how it can be
+presented in a more impartial manner.
+
+     "Scarcely had Vitachuco conceived this rash scheme than he
+     hastened to put it into operation. He had four young Indians
+     to attend him as pages. These he sent to the principal
+     prisoners, revealing his plan, with orders that they should
+     pass it secretly and adroitly from one to another, and hold
+     themselves in readiness, at the appointed time, to carry it
+     into effect. The dinner hour of the third day was the time
+     fixed upon for striking the blow. Vitachuco would be dining
+     with the governor, and the Indians in general attending upon
+     their respective masters.
+
+     "The cacique was to watch his opportunity, spring upon the
+     governor and kill him, giving at the moment of assault a
+     war-whoop which should resound throughout the village. The
+     war-whoop was to be the signal for every Indian to grapple
+     with his master or with any other Spaniard at hand and
+     dispatch him on the spot.
+
+     "On the day appointed Vitachuco dined as usual with the
+     governor. When the repast was concluded, he sprang upon his
+     feet, closed instantly with the governor, seized him with
+     the left hand by the collar, and with the other fist dealt
+     him such a blow in the face as to level him with the ground,
+     the blood gushing out of eyes, nose and mouth. The cacique
+     threw himself upon his victim to finish his work, giving at
+     the same time his signal war-whoop.
+
+     "All this was the work of an instant; and before the
+     officers present had time to recover from their
+     astonishment, the governor lay senseless beneath the tiger
+     grasp of Vitachuco. One more blow from the savage would have
+     been fatal; but before he could give it a dozen swords and
+     lances were thrust through his body, and he fell dead.
+
+     "The war-whoop had resounded through the village. Hearing
+     the fatal signal, the Indians, attending upon their masters,
+     assailed them with whatever missile they could command. Some
+     seized upon pikes and swords; others snatched up the pots in
+     which meal was stewing at the fire, and beating the
+     Spaniards about the head, bruised and scalded them at the
+     same time. Some caught up plates, pitchers, jars, and the
+     pestles wherewith they pounded the maize. Others seized upon
+     stools, benches and tables, striking with impotent fury,
+     when their weapons had not the power to harm. Others
+     snatched up burning fire-brands, and rushed like very
+     devils into the affray. Many of the Spaniards were terribly
+     burned, bruised and scalded. Some had their arms broken."
+
+This terrible conflict was of short duration. Though the Spaniards
+were taken by surprise, they were not unarmed. Their long keen sabres
+gave them a great advantage over their assailants. Though several were
+slain, and many more severely wounded, the natives were soon
+overpowered. The exasperated Spaniards were not disposed to show much
+mercy. In these two conflicts with the Indians, Vitachuco fell, and
+thirteen hundred of his ablest warriors.
+
+De Soto had received so terrific a blow, that for half an hour he
+remained insensible. The gigantic fist of the savage had awfully
+bruised his face, knocking out several of his teeth. It was four days
+before he recovered sufficient strength to continue his march and
+twenty days elapsed before he could take any solid food. On the fifth
+day after this great disaster the Spaniards resumed their journeyings
+in a northwest direction, in search of a province of which they had
+heard favorable accounts, called Osachile. The first day they advanced
+but about twelve miles, encamping upon the banks of a broad and deep
+river, which is supposed to have been the Suwanee.
+
+A band of Indians was upon the opposite side of the stream evidently
+in hostile array. The Spaniards spent a day and a half in constructing
+rafts to float them across. They approached the shore in such
+strength, that the Indians took to flight, without assailing them.
+Having crossed the river they entered upon a prairie country of
+fertile soil, where the industrious Indians had many fields well
+filled with corn, beans and pumpkins. But as they journeyed on, the
+Indians, in small bands, assailed them at every point from which an
+unseen arrow or javelin could be thrown. The Spaniards, on their
+march, kept in quite a compact body, numbering seven or eight hundred
+men, several hundred of whom were mounted on horses gayly caparisoned,
+which animals, be it remembered, the Indians had never before seen.
+
+After proceeding about thirty miles through a pretty well cultivated
+country, with scattered farm-houses, they came to quite an important
+Indian town called Osachile. It contained about two hundred houses;
+but the terrified inhabitants had fled, taking with them their most
+valuable effects, and utter solitude reigned in its streets.
+
+The country was generally flat, though occasionally it assumed a
+little of the character of what is called the rolling prairie. The
+Indian towns were always built upon some gentle swell of land. Where
+this could not be found, they often constructed artificial mounds of
+earth, sufficient in extent to contain from ten to twenty houses. Upon
+one of these the chief and his immediate attendants would rear their
+dwellings, while the more humble abodes of the common people, were
+clustered around. At Osachile De Soto found an ample supply of
+provisions, and he remained there two days.
+
+It is supposed that Osachile was at the point now called Old Town.
+Here De Soto was informed by captive Indians that about thirty leagues
+to the west there was a very rich and populous country called
+Appalachee. The natives were warlike in the highest degree, spreading
+the terror of their name through all the region around. Gold was said
+to abound there. The country to be passed through, before reaching
+that territory, was filled with gloomy swamps and impenetrable
+thickets, where there was opportunity for ambuscades. De Soto was told
+that the Appalachians would certainly destroy his whole army should he
+attempt to pass through those barriers and enter their borders.
+
+This peril was only an incentive to the adventurous spirit of the
+Spanish commander. To abandon the enterprise and return without the
+gold, would be not only humiliating, but would be his utter ruin. He
+had already expended in the undertaking all that he possessed. He had
+no scruples of conscience to retard his march, however sanguinary the
+hostility of the natives might render it. It was the doctrine of the
+so-called church at Rome, that Christians were entitled to the
+possessions of the heathen; and though De Soto himself by no means
+professed to be actuated by that motive, the principle unquestionably
+influenced nearly his whole army.
+
+But he did assume that he was a peaceful traveller, desiring to
+cultivate only friendly relations with the natives, and that he had a
+right to explore this wilderness of the new world in search of those
+precious medals of which the natives knew not the value, but which
+were of so much importance to the interest of all civilized nations.
+
+For three days the Spaniards toiled painfully along over an arid,
+desert plain, beneath a burning sun. About noon on the fourth day they
+reached a vast swamp, probably near the Estauhatchee river. This swamp
+was bordered by a gloomy forest, with gigantic trees, and a dense,
+impervious underbrush, ever stimulated to wonderful luxuriance by an
+almost tropical sun and a moist and spongy soil. Through this morass
+the Indians, during generations long since passed away, had
+constructed a narrow trail or path about three feet wide. This
+passage, on both sides, was walled up by thorny and entangled
+vegetation almost as impenetrable as if it were brick or stone.
+
+In the centre of this gloomy forest, there was a sheet of shallow
+water about a mile and a half in width and extending north and south
+as far as the eye could reach. The Indians had discovered a ford
+across this lake till they came to the main channel in the centre,
+which was about one hundred and twenty feet wide. This channel, in the
+motionless waters, was passed by a rude bridge consisting of trees
+tied together.
+
+De Soto encamped on the borders of this gloomy region for a short time
+to become acquainted with the route and to force the passage. There
+were various spots where the Indians, familiar with the whole region,
+lay in ambush. From their unseen coverts, they could assail the
+Spaniards with a shower of arrows as they defiled through the narrow
+pass, and escape beyond any possibility of pursuit. Compelling some
+Indians to operate as guides, under penalty of being torn to pieces by
+bloodhounds, De Soto commenced his march just after midnight. Two
+hundred picked men on foot, but carefully encased in armor, led the
+advance in a long line two abreast. Every man was furnished with his
+day's allowance of food in the form of roasted kernels of corn. They
+pressed along through a path which they could not lose, and from which
+they could not wander, till they reached the lake. Here the guides led
+them along by a narrow ford, up to their waists in water, till they
+reached the bridge of logs. The advance-guard had just passed over
+this bridge when the day dawned, and they were discovered by the
+Indians, who had not supposed they would attempt to cross the morass
+by night.
+
+The Appalachian warriors, with hideous yells and great bravery, rushed
+into the lake to meet their foes. Here Spaniard and Floridian grappled
+in the death struggle up to their waists in water. The steel-clad
+Spaniards, with their superior arms, prevailed, and the natives
+repulsed, rushed into the narrow defile upon the other side of the
+lake. The main body of the army pressed on, though continually and
+fiercely assailed by the arrows of the Indians. Arriving at a point
+where there was an expanse of tolerably dry ground, De Soto sent into
+the forests around forty skirmishers to keep off the Indians, while a
+hundred and fifty men were employed in felling trees and burning
+brush, in preparation for an encampment for the night.
+
+Exhausted by the toil of the march and of the battle; drenched with
+the waters of the lake; many of them suffering from wounds, they threw
+themselves down upon the hot and smouldering soil for sleep. But there
+was no repose for them that night. During all the hours of darkness,
+the prowling natives kept up a continuous clamor, with ever recurring
+assaults. With the first dawn of the morning the Spaniards resumed
+their march, anxious to get out of the defile and into the open
+prairie beyond, where they could avail themselves of their horses, of
+which the Indians stood in great dread. As they gradually emerged from
+the impenetrable thicket into the more open forest, the army could be
+spread out more effectually, and the horsesmen could be brought a
+little more into action. But here the valor of the natives did not
+forsake them.
+
+    "As soon as the Spaniards," writes Mr. Irving, "entered this
+    more open woodland, they were assailed by showers of arrows
+    on every side. The Indians, scattered about among the
+    thickets, sallied forth, plied their bows with intense
+    rapidity, and plunged again into the forest. The horses were
+    of no avail. The arquebusiers and archers seemed no longer a
+    terror; for in the time a Spaniard could make one discharge,
+    and reload his musket or place another bolt in his cross-bow,
+    an Indian would launch six or seven arrows. Scarce had one
+    arrow taken flight before another was in the bow. For two
+    long leagues did the Spaniards toil and fight their way
+    forward through this forest.
+
+    "Irritated and mortified by these galling attacks and the
+    impossibility of retaliating, at length they emerged into an
+    open and level country. Here, overjoyed at being freed from
+    this forest prison, they gave reins to their horses, and free
+    vent to their smothered rage, and scoured the plain, lancing
+    and cutting down every Indian they encountered. But few of
+    the enemy were taken prisoners, many were put to the sword."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+_Winter Quarters._
+
+     Incidents of the March.--Passage of the River.--Entering
+     Anhayea.--Exploring Expeditions.--De Soto's desire for
+     Peace.--Capture of Capafi.--His Escape.--Embarrassments
+     of De Soto.--Letter of Isabella.--Exploration of the
+     Coast.--Discovery of the Bay of Pensacola.--Testimony
+     Respecting Cafachiqué.--The March Resumed.
+
+
+The Spaniards now entered upon a beautiful and highly cultivated
+region, waving with fields of corn and adorned with many pleasant
+villages and scattered farm-houses. It seemed to be the abode of
+peace, plenty and happiness. It certainly might have been such, but
+for the wickedness of man. Wearied with their long march and almost
+incessant battle, the Spaniards encamped in the open plain, where
+their horsemen would be able to beat off assaults.
+
+But the night brought them no repose. It was necessary to keep a large
+force mounted and ready for conflict. The natives, in large numbers,
+surrounded them, menacing an attack from every quarter, repeatedly
+drawing near enough in the darkness to throw their arrows into the
+camp, and keeping up an incessant and hideous howling. After a
+sleepless night, with the earliest light of the morning they resumed
+their march along a very comfortable road, which led through extensive
+fields of corn, beans, pumpkins and other vegetables. The prairie
+spread out before them in its beautiful, level expanse, till lost in
+the distant horizon. All the day long their march was harassed by
+bands of natives springing up from ambush in the dense corn-fields
+which effectually concealed them from view. Many were the bloody
+conflicts in which the natives were cut down mercilessly, and still
+their ferocity and boldness continued unabated.
+
+After thus toiling on for six miles the Spaniards approached a deep
+stream, supposed to be the river Uche. It was crossed by a narrow ford
+with deep water above and below. Here the natives had constructed
+palisades, and interposed other obstacles, behind which, with their
+arrows and javelins, they seemed prepared to make a desperate
+resistance. De Soto, after carefully reconnoitering the position,
+selected a number of horsemen, who were most effectually protected
+with their steel armor, and sent them forward, with shields on one
+arm, and with swords and hatchets to hew away these obstructions,
+which were all composed of wood. Though several of the Spaniards were
+slain and many wounded, they effected a passage, when the mounted
+horsemen plunged through the opening, put the Indians to flight and
+cut them down with great slaughter.
+
+Continuing their march, on the other side of the river, for a distance
+of about six miles through the same fertile and well populated region,
+they were admonished by the approach of night, again to seek an
+encampment. The night was dark and gloomy. All were deeply depressed
+in spirits. An incessant battle seemed their destiny. The golden
+mountains of which they were in pursuit were ever vanishing away. They
+were on the same path which had previously been traversed by the cruel
+but energetic Narvaez, and where his whole company had been
+annihilated, leaving but four or five to tell the tale of the awful
+tragedy.
+
+Dreadful as were the woes which these adventurers had brought upon the
+Indians, still more terrible were the calamities in which they had
+involved themselves. They were now three hundred miles from Tampa Bay.
+Loud murmurs began to rise in the camp. Nearly all demanded to return.
+But, for De Soto, the abandonment of the enterprise was disgrace, and
+apparently irretrievable ruin. There was scarcely any condition of
+life more to be deplored than that of an impoverished nobleman. De
+Soto was therefore urged onward by the energies of despair.
+
+Again through all the hours of the night, they were exposed to an
+incessant assault from their unwearied foes. From their captives they
+learned that they were but six miles from the village of Anhayea,
+where their chief, Capafi, resided. This was the first instance in
+which they heard of a chief who did not bear the same name as the town
+in which he dwelt. Early in the morning, De Soto, with two hundred
+mounted cavaliers and one hundred footmen, led the advance, and soon
+entered the village, which consisted of two hundred and fifty houses,
+well built and of large size.
+
+At one end of the village stood the dwelling of the chief, which was
+quite imposing in extent, though not in the grandeur of its
+architecture. The chief and all his men had fled, and the Spaniards
+entered deserted streets. The army remained here for several days,
+finding abundance of food. Still they were harassed, day and night, by
+the indomitable energy of the natives. Two well armed expeditions were
+sent out to explore the country on the north and the west, for a
+distance of forty or fifty miles, while a third was dispatched to the
+south in search of the ocean.
+
+Anhayea, where the main body of the army took up its quarters, is
+supposed to have been near the present site of the city of
+Tallahassee. The two first expeditions sent out, returned, one in
+eight and the other in nine days, bringing back no favorable report.
+The other, sent in search of the ocean, was absent much longer, and De
+Soto became very apprehensive that it had been destroyed by the
+natives.
+
+Through many perilous and wild adventures, being often betrayed and
+led astray by their guides, they reached, after a fortnight's travel,
+the head of the bay now called St. Mark's. Here they found vestiges of
+the adventurers who had perished in the ill-fated Narvaez expedition.
+There was a fine harbor to which reinforcements and fresh supplies of
+ammunition might be sent to them by ships from Cuba, or from Tampa
+Bay. With these tidings they hurried back to Anhayea.
+
+They had now reached the month of November, 1539. The winter in these
+regions, though short, had often days of such excessive cold that men
+upon the open prairie, exposed to bleak winds called northers, often
+perished from the severity of the weather. De Soto resolved to
+establish himself in winter-quarters at Anhayea. With his suite he
+occupied the palace of the chief. The other houses were appropriated
+to the soldiers for their barracks. He threw up strong fortifications
+and sent out foraging parties into the region around, for a supply of
+provisions. As we have no intimation that any payment was made, this
+was certainly robbery. Whatever may be said of the necessities of his
+case, it was surely unjust to rob the Indians of their harvests.
+Still, De Soto should not be condemned unheard; and while we have no
+evidence that he paid the natives for the food he took from them,
+still we have no proof that he did not do so.
+
+In accordance with his invariable custom, he made strenuous efforts to
+win the confidence of the natives. Through captive Indians he sent
+valuable presents to the chief Capafi in his retreat, and also
+assurances that he sought only friendly relations between them. The
+chief, however, was in no mood to give any cordial response to these
+advances. He had taken refuge in a dense forest, surrounded by dismal
+morasses, which could only be traversed by a narrow pass known only to
+the Indians, where his warriors in ambush might easily arrest the
+march of the whole army of Spaniards. The brutal soldiery of Narvaez
+had taught them to hate the Spaniards.
+
+He kept up an incessant warfare, sending out from his retreat fierce
+bands to assail the invaders by day and by night, never allowing them
+one moment of repose. Many of the Spaniards were slain. But they
+always sold their lives very dearly, so that probably ten natives
+perished to one of the Spaniards. There was nothing gained by this
+carnage. De Soto was anxious to arrest it. Every consideration
+rendered it desirable for him to have the good will of the natives.
+Peace and friendship would enable him to press forward with infinitely
+less difficulty in search of his imaginary mountains of gold and
+silver, and would greatly facilitate his establishment of a colony
+around the waters of some beautiful bay in the Gulf, whence he could
+ship his treasures to Spain and receive supplies in return.
+
+Finding it impossible to disarm the hostility of Capafi by any kindly
+messages or presents, he resolved if possible to take him captive. In
+this way only could he arrest the cruel war. The veneration of the
+Indians for their chief was such that, with Capafi in the hands of the
+Spaniards as a hostage, they would cease their attacks out of regard
+to his safety.
+
+It was some time before De Soto could get any clew to the retreat in
+which Capafi was concealed. And he hardly knew how to account for the
+fact, that the sovereign of a nation of such redoubtable ferocity,
+should never himself lead any of his military bands, in the fierce
+onsets which they were incessantly making. At length De Soto learned
+that Capafi, though a man of great mental energy, was incapacitated
+from taking the field by his enormous obesity. He was so fat that he
+could scarcely walk, and was borne from place to place on a litter.
+He could give very energetic commands, but the execution of them must
+be left to others. He also ascertained that this formidable chief had
+taken up his almost unapproachable quarters about twenty-five miles
+from Anhayea; and that in addition to the tangled thickets and
+treacherous morasses with which nature had surrounded him, he had also
+fortified himself in the highest style of semi-barbarian art, and had
+garrisoned his little fortress with a band of his most indomitable
+warriors.
+
+Notwithstanding the difficulty of the enterprise, De Soto resolved to
+attempt to capture him. This was too arduous a feat to be entrusted to
+the leadership of any one but himself. He took a select body of
+horsemen and footmen, and after a very difficult journey of three
+days, came to the borders of the citadel where the chief and his
+garrison were intrenched. Mr. Irving, in his admirable history of the
+Conquest of Florida, gives the following interesting account of the
+fortress, and of the battle in which it was captured:
+
+    "In the heart of this close and impervious forest, a piece of
+    ground was cleared and fortified for the residence of the
+    Cacique and his warriors. The only entrance or outlet, was by
+    a narrow path cut through the forest. At every hundred paces,
+    this path was barricaded by palisades and trunks of trees,
+    at each of which was posted a guard of the bravest warriors.
+    Thus the fat Cacique was ensconced in the midst of the forest
+    like a spider in the midst of his web, and his devoted
+    subjects were ready to defend him to the last gasp.
+
+    "When the Governor arrived at the entrance to the perilous
+    defile, he found the enemy well prepared for its defence. The
+    Spaniards pressed forward, but the path was so narrow that
+    the two foremost only could engage in the combat. They gained
+    the first and second palisades at the point of the sword.
+    There it was necessary to cut the osiers and other bands,
+    with which the Indians had fastened the beams. While thus
+    occupied they were exposed to a galling fire and received
+    many wounds. Notwithstanding all these obstacles, they gained
+    one palisade after the other until, by hard fighting, they
+    arrived at the place of refuge of the Cacique.
+
+    "The conflict lasted a long time, with many feats of prowess
+    on both sides. The Indians however, for want of defensive
+    armor, fought on unequal terms, and were most of them cut
+    down. The Cacique called out to the survivors to surrender.
+    The latter, having done all that good soldiers could do, and
+    seeing all their warlike efforts in vain, threw themselves on
+    their knees before the Governor and offered up their own
+    lives, but entreated him to spare the life of their Cacique.
+
+    "De Soto was moved by their valor and their loyalty;
+    receiving them with kindness, he assured them of his pardon
+    for the past, and that henceforth he would consider them as
+    friends. Capafi, not being able to walk, was borne in the
+    arms of his attendants to kiss the hands of the Governor,
+    who, well pleased to have him in his power, treated him with
+    urbanity and kindness."
+
+Severe as had been the conflict, De Soto returned to Anhayea with his
+captive, highly gratified by the result of his enterprise. He had
+strictly enjoined it upon his troops not to be guilty of any act of
+wanton violence. On the march he had very carefully refrained from any
+ravaging of the country. He now hoped that, the chief being in his
+power and being treated with the utmost kindness, all hostilities
+would cease. But, much to his disappointment, the warriors of Capafi,
+released from the care of their chief, devoted themselves anew to the
+harassment of the Spaniards in every possible way.
+
+Capafi seemed much grieved by this their conduct, assuming to be
+entirely reconciled to his conqueror. He informed De Soto that his
+prominent warriors, who directed the campaign, had established their
+headquarters in a dense forest about thirty miles from Anhayea. He
+said that it would be of no avail for him to send messengers to them,
+for they would believe that the messages were only such as De Soto
+compelled their chief to utter. He however offered to go himself to
+the camp of his warriors, accompanied by such a guard of Spanish
+troops as De Soto might deem it best to send with him. He expressed
+the assurance, that he should be enabled to induce his warriors to
+throw down their arms.
+
+De Soto accepted the proposition. In the early morning a strong escort
+of infantry and cavalry left the village to conduct the chief to the
+encampment of the natives. Skillful guides accompanied them, so that
+they reached the vicinity of the encampment just as the sun was going
+down. The chief sent forward scouts immediately, to inform his friends
+of his approach. The Spaniards, weary of their long day's march, and
+convinced of the impossibility of the escape of the chief, who could
+scarcely walk a step, were very remiss in watchfulness. Though they
+established sentinels and a guard, in accordance with military usage,
+it would seem that they all alike fell asleep. It is probable that the
+wily chief had sent confidential communications to his warriors
+through his scouts.
+
+The Spaniards were encamped in the glooms of the forest. At midnight,
+when darkness, silence and solitude reigned, Capafi stealthily crept
+on his hands and knees, a few rods from his sleeping guard, into the
+thicket, where a band of Indian runners met him with a litter and bore
+him rapidly away beyond all chance of successful pursuit. The
+Spaniards never caught glimpse of their lost captive again. When they
+awoke their chagrin and dread of punishment were extreme. The
+sentinels, who had been appointed to watch the captive, solemnly
+averred, in excuse for their neglect, that during the night demoniac
+spirits had appeared, and had borne away the unwieldy chief through
+the air.
+
+As all the band were implicated in the escape, all were alike ready to
+aver that, during the night, they had witnessed very strange sights
+and heard very strange sounds. When they carried back this report, the
+good-natured De Soto, convinced that fretting and fault-finding would
+do no good, appeased their alarm by saying, with a peculiar smile:
+
+"It is not strange. These Indian wizards perform feats far more
+difficult than conjuring away a fat chief."
+
+The winter passed slowly away. The natives were a very ferocious race;
+tall, strong, athletic, and delighting in war. Every day and every
+hour brought alarm and battle. The Indians conducted a harassing and
+destructive warfare. In small bands they roamed through the forest,
+cutting off any who ventured to wander from the town. It required a
+large amount of food to supply the wants of the army in Anhayea. Not a
+native carried any provisions to the town, and it was necessary for De
+Soto to send out foraging expeditions, at whatever risk. The winter
+was cold. Fires were needed for warmth and cooking. But the sound of
+an axe could not be heard in the forest, without drawing upon the
+wood-cutters, a swarm of foes. De Soto found himself in what is called
+a false position; so that he deemed it necessary to resort to cruel
+and apparently unjustifiable expedients.
+
+He took a large number of Indian captives. These he compelled to be
+his hewers of wood and drawers of water. He would send a party of
+Spaniards into the forests for fuel. Each man led an Indian as a
+servant to operate in the double capacity of a shield against the
+arrows of the natives, and a slave to collect and bring back the
+burden. To prevent the escape of these Indians, each one was led by a
+chain, fastened around his neck or waist. Sometimes these natives
+would make the most desperate efforts to escape; by a sudden twitch
+upon the chain they would endeavor to pull it from the hands of their
+guard, or to throw him down and, seizing any club within their reach,
+would spring upon him with the ferocity of a tiger.
+
+In various ways more than twenty Spaniards lost their lives, and many
+more were seriously wounded. It was indeed a melancholy winter for the
+army of De Soto. Their supplies were so far expended that it was
+needful for them to await the arrival of their vessels in the Bay of
+St. Marks. It will also be remembered, that De Soto had sent back an
+expedition to cut its way for a distance of three hundred miles
+through hostile nations to Ucita, and to summon the garrison there, to
+set out on a march to join him at Anhayea. Five months were thus spent
+in weary waiting.
+
+It is estimated that De Soto's force in Anhayea, including the
+captives who were servants or slaves, amounted to about fifteen
+hundred persons. He had also over three hundred horses. The fertility
+of the region was however such, with its extended fields of corn,
+beans, pumpkins and other vegetables, that it was not necessary to
+send foraging parties to a distance of more than four or five miles
+from the village. On the 29th of December, 1539, the two brigantines,
+which had sailed from Tampa Bay, came into St. Marks, then called the
+Bay of Aute. For twelve days before the arrival of the ships, De Soto
+had kept companies of horse and foot marching and countermarching
+between Anhayea and the Bay, to keep the communication open. They also
+placed banners on the highest trees, as signals to point out the place
+of anchorage.
+
+Juan De Añasco, who had command of the vessels, left them well manned
+in the bay, and with the remainder of the ship's company marched to
+Anhayea, under escort of the troops sent him by De Soto.
+
+Soon after this, Pedro Calderon arrived with his gallant little band
+of a hundred and twenty men. By a series of the wildest adventures and
+most heroic achievements they had cut their way through a wilderness
+thronging with foes, where an army of eight hundred men had with
+difficulty effected a passage. Fighting every step of the way and
+bearing along with them their wounded, their progress was necessarily
+slow. Several of their number were killed and many wounded. Of the
+wounded, twelve died soon after they reached Anhayea.
+
+Their arrival in the village was a cause of great gratification to all
+there. De Soto received them as an affectionate father welcomes his
+son whom he had supposed to have been lost. The rumor had reached the
+Governor that all had been slain on the road.
+
+Captain Calderon brought a letter to De Soto, from his wife Isabella.
+We find the following interesting extract from this letter in the
+life of De Soto by Mr. Lambert A. Wilmer. It seems to bear internal
+evidence of authenticity, though we know not the source from which Mr.
+Wilmer obtained it. The spirit of the letter is in entire accord with
+the noble character which Mr. Washington Irving gives Isabella, in his
+life of Columbus and his companions.
+
+     "I have lately had some conversation with Las Casas, the
+     Bishop of Chiapa. He has convinced me that the behavior of
+     our people to the Indians is inexcusable in the sight of
+     God, however it may be overlooked by men in high authority.
+     The Bishop has proved to me that all who have taken part in
+     the abuse of these harmless people, have been visited in
+     this life with the manifest displeasure of heaven; and God
+     grant that they may not be punished in the life to come
+     according to the measure of their offense.
+
+     "I hope, my dearest husband that no considerations of
+     worldly advantage will make you neglectful of the precepts
+     of humanity and of the duties of religion. Be persuaded to
+     return to me at once; for you can gain nothing in Florida
+     which can repay me for the sorrow and anxiety I feel in your
+     absence. Nor for all the riches of the country would I have
+     you commit one act the remembrance of which would be painful
+     to you hereafter. If you have gained nothing I shall be
+     better satisfied, because there may be the less cause for
+     repentance. Whatever may have been your want of success or
+     your losses, I implore you to come to me without delay; for
+     any reverse of fortune is far better than the suspense and
+     misery I now endure."
+
+This letter must have caused De Soto great perplexity. But for reasons
+which we have above given he could not make up his mind to abandon the
+enterprise, and return to Cuba an unsuccessful and impoverished man.
+
+De Soto now ordered the two vessels under Diego Maldonado to explore
+the coast to the westward, carefully examining every river and bay. It
+would seem also probable that at the same time he fitted out an
+expedition of fifty foot soldiers, to march along the coast on a tour
+of discovery. Maldonado, after a sail of about two hundred miles,
+entered the beautiful bay of Pensacola, then called Archusi. It was an
+admirable harbor, and with shores so steep and bold that ships could
+ride in safety almost within cable length of the land. No Spaniards
+had previously visited that region, consequently the natives were
+friendly. They came freely on board, bringing fruits and vegetables,
+and inviting the strangers to the hospitality of their homes.
+
+Maldonado was allowed without molestation to explore the bay in all
+directions, taking careful soundings. The vessels returned to the bay
+of Aute, after an absence of but eight weeks. De Soto was highly
+gratified with the results of the expedition. It seemed to him that
+the shores of the bay of Pensacola presented just the position he
+desired for the location of his colony. He had thus far failed, in his
+search for gold, but it seemed to him still possible that he might lay
+the foundation of a populous and powerful empire.
+
+It was now the latter part of February, and an almost vertical sun was
+throwing down its rays upon them. Maldonado was dispatched with the
+brigantines to Havana, to return with a supply of clothing, ammunition
+and such other freight as was needful for the army in its isolated
+condition. He received orders to be back in the bay of Pensacola, by
+the first of October. In the mean time De Soto with his army was to
+make a long circuit through the country, in search of gold. De Soto
+had received information of a distant province called Cofachiqui,
+which was governed by a queen, young and beautiful. It was said that
+this nation was quite supreme over the adjacent provinces, from which
+it received tribute and feudal homage.
+
+Two lads but sixteen years of age had come to Anhayea, from this
+province in company with some Indian traders. So far as they could
+make themselves understood, though very unskilful interpreters, they
+represented the country as abounding in silver, gold and precious
+stones. In pantomime they described the process of mining and smelting
+the precious metals so accurately that experienced miners were
+convinced that they must have witnessed those operations.
+
+In the month of March, 1540, De Soto left his comfortable quarters,
+and commenced his march for that province, in a northeasterly
+direction. Their path led first through an almost unpeopled wilderness
+many leagues in extent. Each soldier bore his frugal supper or food
+upon his back. It consisted mainly of roasted corn pounded or ground
+into meal.
+
+An unobstructed but weary tramp of three days brought them through
+this desert region to a very singular village, called Capachiqui. In
+the midst of a vast morass, there was an island of elevated and dry
+ground. Here quite a populous village was erected, which commanded a
+wide spread view of the flat surrounding region. The village could
+only be approached by several causeways crossing the marsh, about
+three hundred feet in length. The country beyond was fertile and
+sprinkled with small hamlets. Eight hundred armed warriors, on the
+open plain, presented a force which the most valiant Indians would
+not venture to assail. The Spaniards entered the village by these
+causeways unopposed, and found there a not inhospitable reception.
+
+The day after their arrival, seven of De Soto's body-guard,
+thoughtless and rollicking young men, set out, without authority from
+their superior officers, to seek amusement in the neighboring hamlets.
+They had scarcely reached the main land, beyond the marsh, when the
+Indians, from an ambush, rushed upon them, and after a very fierce
+struggle all but one were slain, and that one, Aguilar, was mortally
+wounded. The soldiers in the village hastened to the relief of their
+comrades, but they were too late. Aguilar, in a dying condition, was
+carried back to the encampment. He had, however, sufficient strength
+left to make the following extraordinary statement:
+
+"You must know that a band of more than fifty savages sprang out of
+the thickets to attack us. The moment, however, they saw that we were
+but seven, and without our horses, seven warriors stepped forth, and
+the rest retired to some distance. They began the attack, and as we
+had neither arquebus nor cross-bow, we were entirely at their mercy.
+Being more agile, and fleet of foot than our men, they leaped around
+us like so many devils, with horrid laughter, shooting us down like
+wild beasts without our being able to close with them. My poor
+comrades fell one after the other, and the savages seeing me alone,
+all seven rushed upon me, and with their bows battered me as you have
+witnessed."
+
+This singular event took place within the territory of Appalachee. It
+is said that the Spaniards not unfrequently met with similar
+instances, in which the natives disdained to avail themselves of
+superior numbers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+_Lost in the Wilderness._
+
+     Incidents at Achise--Arrival at Cofa.--Friendly Reception
+     by Cofaqui.--The Armed Retinue.--Commission of
+     Patofa.--Splendors of the March.--Lost in the
+     Wilderness.--Peril of the Army.--Friendly Relations.--The
+     Escape from the Wilderness.--They Reach the Frontiers of
+     Cofachiqui.--Dismissal of Patofa.--Wonderful Reception by
+     the Princess of Cofachiqui.
+
+
+After a couple of days of rest and feasting, the Spanish army resumed
+its march. De Soto led the advance with forty horsemen and seventy
+foot soldiers. Ere long they entered the province of Attapaha, from
+which the river Attapaha probably takes its name. On the morning of
+the third day they approached a village called Achise. The affrighted
+natives had fled. Two warriors who had tarried behind, were captured
+as the dragoons came dashing into the streets. They were led into the
+presence of De Soto. Without waiting to be addressed by him, they
+haughtily assailed him with the question,
+
+"What is it you seek in our land? Is it peace, or is it war?" De Soto
+replied, through his interpreter,
+
+"We seek not war with any one. We are in search of a distant province;
+and all that we ask for is an unobstructed passage through your
+country, and food by the way."
+
+The answer seemed to them perfectly satisfactory, and they at once
+entered apparently into the most friendly relations. The captives were
+set at liberty and treated by the Spaniards, in all respects, as
+friends. Promptly the two warriors sent a message to their chief,
+informing him of the peaceful disposition of the Spaniards, and he
+accordingly issued orders to his people not to molest them.
+
+In this pleasant village, and surrounded by this friendly people, De
+Soto spent three days. He then resumed his journey, in a northeasterly
+direction, along the banks of some unknown river, fringed with
+mulberry trees, and winding through many luxuriant and beautiful
+valleys. The natives were all friendly, and not the slightest
+collision occurred. For eleven days the army continued its movements,
+encountering nothing worthy of note.
+
+They then entered a province called Cofa. De Soto sent couriers in
+advance to the chief with proffers of friendship. The chief, in
+return, sent a large number of Indians laden with food for the
+strangers. With the provisions were sent rabbits, partridges, and a
+species of dog whose flesh was held in high esteem. The Spaniards
+suffered for want of meat; for though game in the forest was abundant,
+being constantly on the march, they had no time for hunting.
+
+The chief of Cofa received the Spaniards in his metropolitan town with
+great hospitality. He assigned his own mansion to De Soto, and
+provided comfortable quarters for all his troops. The natives and the
+Spaniards mingled together without the slightest apparent antagonism.
+The province of Cofa was of large extent, populous and fertile. Here
+the Spaniards remained five days, entertained by the abounding
+hospitality of the chief.
+
+De Soto had thus far brought with him a piece of ordnance, which had
+proved of very little service. It was heavy and exceedingly difficult
+of transportation. He decided to leave it behind him with this
+friendly people. To impress them, however, with an idea of its power
+as an engine of destruction, he caused it to be loaded and aimed at a
+large oak tree just outside of the village. Two shots laid the oak
+prostrate. The achievement filled both the chief and his people with
+amazement and awe.
+
+Again the army resumed its march towards the next province, which was
+called Cofaqui; whose chief was brother of Cofa. The Spaniards were
+escorted by Cofa and a division of his army, during one day's journey.
+The friendly chief then took an affectionate leave of De Soto, and
+sent forward couriers to inform his brother of the approach of the
+Spaniards and to intercede for his kindly offices in their behalf. It
+required a march of six days to reach the territory of the new
+chieftain.
+
+In response to Cofa's message, Cofaqui dispatched four of his
+subordinate chiefs, with a message of welcome to the Spaniards. He
+sent out his runners to bring him speedy intelligence of their
+approach. As soon as he received news that they were drawing near, he
+started himself, with a retinue of warriors in their richest
+decorations, to welcome the strangers. The meeting, on both sides, was
+equally cordial. Side by side, almost hand in hand, the Floridians and
+the Spaniards entered the pleasant streets of Cofaqui. The chief led
+De Soto to his own mansion, and left him in possession there while he
+retired to another dwelling.
+
+The intercourse between these two illustrious men seemed to be as
+cordial as that between two loving brothers. The Floridian chief, with
+great frankness, gave De Soto information respecting the extent,
+population and resources of his domain. He informed him that the
+province of Cofachiqui, of which he was in search, could only be
+reached by a journey of seven days, through a dreary wilderness. But
+he offered, should De Soto decide to continue his journey, to send a
+strong band of his army, to accompany him with ample supplies. De Soto
+afterwards ascertained that there was some duplicity in this proposal;
+or rather, that the chief had a double object in view. It appeared,
+that there had been long and hereditary antagonism between the
+province of Cofaqui, and that of Cofachiqui; and the chief availed
+himself of that opportunity to invade the territory of his rival.
+
+Scouts were sent out in all directions to assemble the warriors, and
+De Soto was surprised to find an army of four thousand soldiers, and
+as many burden-bearers, ready to accompany him. The provisions, with
+which they were fully supplied, consisted mainly of corn, dried plums
+and nuts of various kinds. Indian hunters accompanied the expedition
+to search the forests for game.
+
+The Spaniards at first were not a little alarmed in finding themselves
+in company with such an army of natives; outnumbering them eight to
+one, and they were apprehensive of treachery. Soon, however, their
+fears in that direction were allayed, for the chief frankly avowed the
+object of the expedition. Summoning before him Patofa, the captain of
+the native army, he said to him, in presence of the leading Spanish
+officers in the public square:
+
+"You well know that a perpetual enmity has existed between our fathers
+and the Indians of Cofachiqui. That hatred you know has not abated in
+the least. The wrongs we have received from that vile tribe still
+rankle in our hearts, unavenged. The present opportunity must not be
+lost. You, at the head of my braves, must accompany this chief and his
+warriors, and, under their protection, wreak vengeance on our
+enemies."
+
+Patofa, who was a man of very imposing appearance, stepped forward,
+and after going through several evolutions with a heavy broadsword
+carved from wood, exceedingly hard, said:
+
+"I pledge my word to fulfill your commands, so far as may be in my
+power. I promise, by aid of the strangers, to revenge the insults and
+deaths, our fathers have sustained from the natives of Cofachiqui. My
+vengeance shall be such, that the memory of past evils shall be wiped
+away forever. My daring to reappear in your presence will be a token
+that your commands have been executed. Should the fates deny my hopes,
+never again shall you see me, never again shall the sun shine upon me.
+If the enemy deny me death, I will inflict upon myself the punishment
+my cowardice or evil fortune will merit."
+
+It was indeed a large army which then commenced its march, for it
+consisted of four thousand native warriors, and four thousand
+retainers to carry supplies and clothing, and between eight and nine
+hundred Spaniards. The Indians were plumed and decorated in the
+highest style of military display. The horses of the Spaniards were
+gayly caparisoned, and their burnished armor glittered in the sun.
+Silken banners waving in the breeze and bugle peals echoing over the
+plains, added both to the beauty and the sublimity of the scene.
+
+The Spaniards conducted their march as in an enemy's country, and
+according to the established usages of war. They formed in squadrons
+with a van and rear guard. The natives followed, also in martial
+array; for they were anxious to show the Spaniards that they were
+acquainted with military discipline and tactics. Thus in long
+procession, but without artillery trains or baggage wagons, they moved
+over the extended plains and threaded the defiles of the forest. At
+night they invariably encamped at a little distance from each other.
+Both parties posted their sentinels, and adopted every caution to
+guard against surprise.
+
+Indeed, it appears that De Soto still had some distrust of his allies,
+whose presence was uninvited, and with whose company he would gladly
+have dispensed. The more he reflected upon his situation, the more
+embarrassing it seemed to him. He was entering a distant and unknown
+province, ostensibly on a friendly mission, and it was his most
+earnest desire to secure the good-will and coöperation of the natives.
+And yet he was accompanied by an army whose openly avowed object was
+to ravage the country and to butcher the people.
+
+The region upon which they first entered, being a border land between
+the two hostile nations, was almost uninhabited, and was much of the
+way quite pathless. It consisted, however, of a pleasant diversity of
+hills, forests and rivers. The considerable band of hunters which
+accompanied the native army, succeeded in capturing quite an amount of
+game for the use of the troops. For seven days the two armies moved
+slowly over these widely extended plains, when they found themselves
+utterly bewildered and lost in the intricacies of a vast, dense,
+tangled forest, through which they could not find even an Indian's
+trail. The guides professed to be entirely at fault, and all seemed to
+be alike bewildered.
+
+De Soto was quite indignant, feeling that he had been betrayed and led
+into an ambush for his destruction. He summoned Patofa to his presence
+and said to him:
+
+"Why have you, under the guise of friendship, led us into this
+wilderness, whence we can discover no way of extricating ourselves? I
+will never believe that among eight thousand Indians there is not one
+to be found capable of showing us the way to Cofachiqui. It is not at
+all likely that you who have maintained perpetual war with that tribe,
+should know nothing of the public road and secret paths leading from
+one village to another."
+
+Patofa made the following frank and convincing reply.
+
+"The wars that have been waged between these two provinces, have not
+been carried on by pitched battles nor invasions of either party, but
+by skirmishes by small bands who resort to the streams and rivers we
+have crossed, to fish; and also by combats between hunting parties, as
+the wilderness we have traversed is the common hunting ground of both
+nations. The natives of Cofachiqui are more powerful and have always
+worsted us in fight. Our people were therefore dispirited and dared
+not pass over their own frontiers.
+
+"Do you suspect that I have led your army into these deserts to
+perish? If so, take what you please. If my head will suffice, take it;
+if not you may behead every Indian, as they will obey my mandate to
+the death."
+
+The manner of Patofa was in accordance with these feeling and manly
+words. De Soto no longer cherished a doubt of his sincerity, and
+became also convinced that their guides were utterly unable to
+extricate him. Under these circumstances nothing remained but blindly
+to press forward or to retrace his steps. They at length found some
+narrow openings in the forest through which they forced their way
+until they arrived, just before sunset, upon the banks of a deep and
+rapid stream which seemed to present an impassable barrier before
+them.
+
+They had no canoes or rafts with which to cross the river; their food
+was nearly consumed, as it had been supposed that a supply for seven
+days would be amply sufficient to enable them to traverse the desert.
+To turn back was certain death by starvation; to remain where they
+were was equal destruction; to go forward seemed impossible, for they
+had not sufficient food to support them even while constructing rafts.
+It was the darkest hour in all their wanderings. Despair seemed to
+take possession of all hearts excepting that of De Soto. He still kept
+up his courage, assuming before his people an untroubled and even
+cheerful spirit.
+
+The river afforded water to drink. A large grove of pine trees
+bordering the river, beneath whose fragrant shade they were encamped,
+sheltered them from the sun. The level and extended plain, dry and
+destitute of underbrush, presented excellent camping-ground. Food only
+was wanting. But without this food in a few short days the whole army
+must perish.
+
+De Soto, that very evening leaving the armies there, took a detachment
+of horse and foot and set off himself in search of some relief or path
+of extrication. Late in the night he returned, perplexed and
+distressed, having accomplished nothing. A council of war was held. It
+was promptly decided that the armies should remain where they were
+while detachments were sent in all directions in search of food or of
+some path of escape.
+
+These detachments left early in the morning and returned late at night
+having discovered neither road nor corn-field, nor habitation. De Soto
+then organized four bands of horse and two of foot to go up and down
+the river, and to penetrate the interior, and to make as wide an
+exploration as possible within the limit of five days. Each band was
+accompanied by a large number of natives. Patofa himself went with one
+of these detachments. A thousand Indian warriors were scattered
+through the forest in search of a road and such game as could be
+found. The Governor remained on the banks of the river anxiously
+awaiting their return.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+    "The four thousand Indians," writes Mr. Irving, "who remained
+    with him, sallied out every morning and returned at night,
+    some with herbs and roots that were eatable, others with
+    fish, and others again with birds and small animals killed
+    with their bows and arrows. These supplies were, however, by
+    no means sufficient for the subsistence of such a multitude.
+
+    "De Soto fared equally with his men in every respect; and,
+    though troubled and anxious for the fate of his great
+    expedition, he wore a sunny countenance to cheer up his
+    followers. These chivalrous spirits appreciated his care and
+    kindness, and to solace him they concealed their sufferings,
+    assumed an air of contentedness, and appeared as happy as
+    though revelling in abundance."
+
+Most of the exploring parties suffered no less from hunger than did
+their companions who remained behind. Juan De Añasco, after traversing
+the banks of the river for three days, had his heart gladdened by the
+sight of a small village. From an eminence he saw that the country
+beyond was fertile, well cultivated and dotted here and there with
+hamlets. In the village, for some unexplained reason, he found a large
+amount of provisions accumulated, consisting mainly of corn. He
+immediately dispatched four horsemen back to De Soto with the joyful
+tidings. They took with them such food as they could carry. This
+proved to be the first village in the long-sought-for province of
+Cofachiqui.
+
+It will be remembered that Patofa, the commander-in-chief of the
+native army, had, with a large number of his warriors, accompanied
+Añasco. He had pledged his word to his chief that he would do
+everything in his power to harass, pillage and destroy their ancestral
+foes. Añasco encamped his band a little outside the village. At
+midnight Patofa and his warriors crept stealthily from the encampment,
+pillaged the temple which contained many treasures prized by the
+Indians, and killed and scalped every native whom they met, man, woman
+or child. When Añasco awoke in the morning and found what they had
+done, he was terrified. The outrage had been committed by troops under
+his own command. He was apprehensive that every man in the village,
+aided by such warriors as could be gathered from around, would rush
+upon him in revenge, and that he and his enfeebled followers would be
+destroyed. Immediately he commenced a retreat to meet De Soto, who he
+doubted not would be promptly on the move to join him.
+
+The four couriers reached the camp in one day, though in their slow
+exploring tour it had required three days to accomplish the forty
+miles which they had traversed. The troops were overjoyed at the glad
+tidings, and immediately prepared to resume their march. Several of
+their detachments had not yet returned. In order to give them
+information of the direction which the army had taken, De Soto wrote a
+letter, placed it in a box, and buried it at the foot of a tree. Upon
+the bark of the tree, he had these words conspicuously cut: "Dig at
+the root of this pine, and you will find a letter."
+
+The half famished troops, inspired with new energies, reached the
+village in a day and a half, where their hunger was appeased. The
+scattered detachments arrived a few days after. The force of De Soto
+was too strong for the natives to attack him, notwithstanding the
+provocation they had received. He found, however, much to his chagrin,
+that he was utterly unable to restrain the savage propensities of his
+allies. For seven days the Spaniards sojourned in this frontier
+village of Cofachiqui. Warlike bands were continually stealing out,
+penetrating the region around, killing and scalping men, women and
+children, and committing every conceivable outrage of barbaric
+warfare.
+
+De Soto could endure this no longer. He called Patofa before him, and
+told him in very emphatic terms that he must return to his own
+province. He thanked the chieftain very cordially for his friendly
+escort, made him a present of knives, clothing, and other valuables,
+and dismissed him and his followers. Patofa was not unwilling to
+return. He was highly gratified with the presents he had received, and
+still more gratified that he had been permitted to wreak vengeance on
+his hereditary foes.
+
+Two days after his departure, the Spanish army was again in motion,
+along the banks of the river. Every step they took revealed to them
+the awful ravages committed by the bands of Patofa. They passed many
+dwellings and many small hamlets, where the ground was covered with
+the scalpless bodies of the dead. The natives had fled in terror to
+the woods, so that not a living being was encountered. There was,
+however, a plentiful supply of food in the villages, and the army
+again enjoyed abundance.
+
+The heroic Añasco was sent in advance to search out the way and, if
+possible, to capture some Indians as guides. He took with him a small
+band of thirty foot-soldiers, who were ordered to move as noiselessly
+as possible, that they might, perchance, come upon the natives by
+surprise. There was quite a broad, good road leading along the banks
+over which the band advanced. Night came upon them when they were
+about six miles ahead of the army. They were moving in profound
+silence and with noiseless step through a grove, when they heard,
+just before them, the sounds of a village. The barking of dogs, the
+shouts of children, and the voices of men and women, reached their
+ears. Pressing eagerly forward, hoping to capture some Indians in the
+suburbs, they found that there was a sudden turn in the river and that
+they stood upon the banks of its deep and swiftly flowing flood, with
+the village on the other side. There was no means of crossing, neither
+would it have been prudent to have crossed with such small numbers,
+not knowing the force they might encounter there.
+
+They dispatched couriers back in the night, to inform De Soto of their
+discovery. By the break of day, the army was again in motion, De Soto
+himself taking the lead, with one hundred horse and one hundred foot.
+When he reached the banks, and the natives upon the opposite shore
+caught sight of his glittering dragoons, on their magnificent steeds,
+they were struck with amazement and consternation.
+
+It would seem that the language of these different tribes must have
+been essentially the same, for Juan Ortiz was still their interpreter.
+He shouted across the river, assuring the natives of the friendly
+intentions of the Spaniards, and urging them to send some one over to
+convey a message to their chief. After some little hesitation and
+deliberation, the Indians launched a large canoe, in which six
+Indians of venerable appearance took their seats, while quite a number
+of lusty men grasped the oars. Very rapidly the canoe was driven
+through the water.
+
+De Soto, who had watched these movements with deep interest, perceived
+that he was about to be visited by men of much importance. He had
+therefore brought forward and placed upon the banks a very showy
+throne, or chair of state, which he always carried with him for such
+purposes. Here he took his seat, with his retinue of officers around
+him.
+
+The native chieftains landed without any apparent fear, approached him
+with three profound reverences, and then with much dignity inquired,
+"Do you come for peace or for war?"
+
+"I come for peace," De Soto replied, "and seek only an unmolested
+passage through your land. I need food for my people, and implore your
+assistance, by means of canoes and rafts, to cross the river."
+
+The Indians replied, that they were themselves somewhat destitute of
+provisions; that a terrible pestilence the preceding year had swept
+off many of their inhabitants; and that others in their consternation
+had fled from their homes, thus neglecting to cultivate the fields.
+
+They said that their chieftain was a young princess who had recently
+inherited the government, and that they had no doubt that she would
+receive them with hospitality, and do everything in her power, to
+promote their welfare. Having thus concluded this friendly interview,
+the chiefs returned to the other side of the river.
+
+Very soon the Spaniards, who eagerly watched every movement, perceived
+a decided commotion in the village. A large and highly decorated canoe
+appeared upon the banks; then quite a gorgeous palanquin was seen
+borne by four men, descending towards the stream; then several other
+canoes of imposing structure seemed to be preparing for an aquatic
+procession. From the palanquin a graceful girl, showily dressed,
+entered the state canoe and reclined upon cushions in the stern under
+a canopy. Eight female attendants accompanied her.
+
+The six ambassadors, who had already visited De Soto, took seats in
+the canoe which led the van, driven as before by a large number of
+sinewy arms. The royal barge was attached to this canoe and was towed
+by it. Several other boats, filled with distinguished men, followed in
+the rear, completing the imposing show.
+
+As the young princess stepped on shore, all the Spaniards were deeply
+impressed with her dignity, grace and beauty. To their eyes, she was
+in form and feature as perfect as any image which Grecian artist ever
+sculptured. Her attendants brought with them a chair of state upon
+which she took her seat after courteously bowing to the Governor.
+Through an interpreter they immediately entered into conversation. The
+princess confirmed the statement of her ambassadors in reference to
+the pestilence, but offered to do everything in her power to provide
+them with food. She offered one-half of her own residence to De Soto
+for his accommodation, and one-half of the houses in her village as
+barracks for the soldiers. She also promised that by the next day
+rafts and canoes should be in readiness to transport the Spaniards
+across the river.
+
+The generous soul of De Soto was deeply touched, and he assured her of
+his lasting friendship and that of his sovereign. At the close of the
+interview the princess rose, and as a present, suspended a string of
+costly pearls around the neck of De Soto. The Governor then rose and
+presented her with a ring of gold set with a ruby, which she placed
+upon one of her fingers. Thus terminated this extraordinary interview.
+What a difference between peace and war!
+
+     "Were half the power that fills the world with terror,
+     Were half the wealth bestowed on camps and courts,
+     Given to redeem the human mind from error,
+     There were no need for arsenals or forts.
+
+     "The warrior's name would be a name abhorred;
+     And every nation that should lift again
+     Its hand against a brother, on its forehead
+     Would wear forevermore the curse of Cain."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+_The Indian Princess._
+
+     Crossing the River.--Hospitable Reception.--Attempts to
+     visit the Queen Mother.--Suicide of the Prince.--Futile
+     search for Gold.--The Discovery of Pearls.--The Pearl
+     Fishery.--The Princess a Captive.--Held in Silken
+     Chains.--Her Escape.--Location of Cutifachiqui.--The March
+     Resumed.
+
+
+The next day after the extraordinary interview which we have described
+in the last chapter, the princess ordered several large rafts to be
+constructed, and with these, aided by a number of canoes, the army
+crossed the rapid stream. Four horses, in attempting to swim the swift
+river, were carried away and drowned. These animals were so precious
+that the loss was deplored by the whole army.
+
+When the troops had all crossed, they found very pleasant
+accommodations provided for them. Some were lodged in the village. For
+the rest commodious wigwams were erected just outside of the village
+in a beautiful mulberry grove on the river banks. The province of
+Cofachiqui was found to be very fertile and quite densely populated.
+The natives were in complexion nearly as white as the Spaniards. They
+had agreeable features, graceful forms, and were very frank and
+amiable in disposition. They did not seem to be fond of war, though
+often involved in conflicts with their neighbors. According to the
+custom of the times, all prisoners of war were enslaved and were
+employed in servile labor. To prevent their escape the cruel expedient
+was adopted of cutting the main tendon of one leg just above the heel.
+
+The mother of the princess of this tribe was a widow, residing in a
+retired home about thirty-six miles down the river. De Soto, who was
+anxious to secure the firm friendship of this interesting people,
+expressed an earnest desire to see the queen mother. The princess
+immediately dispatched twelve of her chieftains to urge her mother to
+visit her, that she might be introduced to the strange visitors, and
+see the wonderful animals on which they rode.
+
+She however declined the invitation, expressing her very decided
+disapproval of the conduct of her daughter, as both inexpedient and
+indelicate, in entering into such friendly relations with utter
+strangers, of whose ulterior designs she could know nothing. This
+message, greatly increased the desire of De Soto to have an interview
+with the queen mother, that he might conciliate her friendship. He
+therefore dispatched Juan De Añasco, who was alike distinguished for
+bravery and prudence, with thirty companions on foot, to convey to her
+presents and friendly messages, and very earnest requests that she
+would visit them at the court of her daughter.
+
+The princess sent a near relative of the family as guide to this
+party--a young man about twenty-one years of age, and exceedingly
+attractive both in person and character. He was richly habited in
+garments of soft deerskin, beautifully fringed and embroidered, with a
+head-dress of various colored plumes.
+
+"In his hand he bore a beautiful bow, so highly polished as to appear
+as if finely enamelled. At his shoulder hung a quiver full of arrows.
+With a light and elastic step and an animated and gallant air his
+whole appearance was that of an ambassador, worthy of the young and
+beautiful princess whom he served."
+
+The morning was somewhat advanced, ere they left the village. It was a
+beautiful day in a lovely clime. Their route led down the banks of the
+river through luxuriant and enchanting scenery. After a pleasant walk
+of ten or twelve miles, they rested in the shade of a grove, for their
+noonday meal. Their young guide had been very social all the way,
+entertaining them with information of the region through which they
+were passing, and of the people. As they were partaking of their
+refreshments, suddenly the aspect of their young companion became
+greatly altered. He was silent, thoughtful and apparently deeply
+depressed. At length he quietly took the quiver from his shoulder, and
+slowly and seemingly lost in deep reflection, drew out the arrows one
+by one. They were very beautiful, of the highest possible finish,
+keenly pointed, and triangularly feathered.
+
+The Spaniards took them up, admired them greatly, and passed them from
+hand to hand. At length he drew out an arrow barbed with flint, long,
+and sharp, and shaped like a dagger. Casting an anxious glance around,
+and seeing the attention of the Spaniards engrossed in examining his
+weapons, he plunged the keen pointed arrow down his throat, severing
+an artery, and almost immediately fell dead. The soldiers were shocked
+and bewildered, not being able to conceive of any reason for the
+dreadful occurrence. There were several Indian attendants in the
+company, who seemed to be overwhelmed with distress, uttering loud
+cries of grief over the corpse.
+
+It subsequently appeared, that the young guide was a great favorite
+with the queen mother; that he knew that she was very unwilling to
+have any acquaintance with the Spaniards, and he apprehended that it
+was their object to seize her and carry her off by violence. The
+thought that he was guiding them to her retreat overwhelmed him. He
+could not endure the idea of meeting her, and perhaps of being
+reproached as her betrayer.
+
+On the other hand, the queen, whom he revered and loved, had
+commissioned him to conduct the Spaniards to her mother's abode. He
+did not dare to disobey her commands. Either alternative was more to
+be dreaded by him than death. The ingenuous young man had, therefore,
+endeavored to escape from the dilemma by self-destruction.
+
+Juan De Añasco was not only deeply grieved by the fate of his young
+friend, but also greatly perplexed as to the course he was then to
+pursue. None of the Indian attendants knew where the widow was
+concealed. He took several natives prisoners, and anxiously inquired
+of them respecting the residence of the queen mother. But either they
+could not, or would not, give him any information. After wandering
+about fruitlessly until noon of the next day, he returned to the camp,
+much mortified in reporting to De Soto the utter failure of his
+expedition.
+
+Two days after his return, an Indian came to him and offered to
+conduct him down the river in a canoe, to the dwelling of the queen
+mother. Eagerly he accepted the proposition. Two large canoes, with
+strong rowers, were prepared. Añasco, with twenty companions, set out
+on this second expedition. The queen heard of his approach, and, with
+a few attendants, secretly fled to another retreat far away. After a
+search of six days, the canoes returned, having accomplished nothing.
+De Soto relinquished all further endeavors to obtain an interview with
+the widow.
+
+In the meantime, while Añasco was engaged in these unsuccessful
+enterprises, De Soto was making very anxious inquiries respecting the
+silver and the gold which he had been informed was to be found in the
+province. The princess listened to his description of the yellow metal
+and the white metal of which he was in search, and said that they were
+both to be found in great abundance in her territories. She
+immediately sent out some Indians, to bring him specimens. They soon
+returned laden with a yellow metal somewhat resembling gold in color,
+but which proved to be nothing but an alloy of copper. The shining
+substance which he had supposed was silver, was nothing but a
+worthless species of mica, or quartz. Thus again, to his bitter
+disappointment, De Soto awoke from his dreams of golden treasure, to
+the toils and sorrows of his weary life.
+
+The princess seemed to sympathize with her guest in the bitterness of
+his disappointment. In her attempts at consolation, she informed him
+that at the distance of about three miles from where they were, there
+was a village called Talomeco, which was the ancient capital of the
+realm; that here there was a vast sepulchre, in which all the
+chieftains and great warriors had been buried; that their bodies were
+decorated with great quantities of pearls.
+
+De Soto, with a large retinue of his own officers and of the household
+of the princess, visited this mausoleum. Much to his surprise, he
+found there an edifice three hundred feet in length, and one hundred
+and twenty in breadth, with a lofty roof. The entrance was decorated
+with gigantic statuary of wood. One of these statues was twelve feet
+in height. In the interior many statues and carved ornaments were
+found.
+
+A large number of wooden chests or coffins contained the decaying
+bodies of the illustrious dead. By the side of each of these there was
+another smaller chest, containing such valuables as it was probably
+supposed the chief would need in the spirit-land. Both the Inca and
+the Portuguese narrative agree in the account of the almost incredible
+number of pearls there found. It is said that the Spaniards obtained
+fourteen bushels, and that the princess assured them, that by visiting
+the mausoleums of the various villages, they could find enough pearls
+to load down all the horses of the army.
+
+The Spaniards generally were greatly elated at the discovery of these
+riches. Pearls were estimated at a value almost equal to diamonds. It
+is said that Queen Cleopatra possessed a single pearl which was valued
+at three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. Philip II. of
+Spain received as a present a pearl, about the size of a pigeon's egg,
+valued at one hundred and sixty thousand dollars.
+
+De Soto was urged to establish his colony upon this river, which has
+variously been conjectured to have been the St. Helena, the Oconee,
+the Ogeechee, and the Savannah. The country was beautiful and fertile;
+the climate delightful; and apparently an inexhaustible pearl fishery
+near. It was urged that an agricultural colony could be established on
+the fertile banks of the river, while from the seaport at its mouth a
+lucrative trade could be carried on with the mother country for all
+the rich productions of Spain.
+
+But the persistent spirit of De Soto was not to be turned from its one
+great all-absorbing object, the search for gold. He urged, and with
+great show of reason, that, in consequence of the recent pestilence,
+there was not sufficient provision in the country, to support the army
+for a month; that by continuing their march they might enter far
+richer provinces, and might find mines of gold. Should they be
+disappointed, they could easily return; and in the meantime, the
+Indians having replanted their land, the fields would wave with
+abundant golden harvests.
+
+In an army of eight or nine hundred Spanish adventurers, there would
+of course be many worthless characters, difficult of restraint. De
+Soto had been in this village several weeks. Notwithstanding all his
+endeavors to promote peace and friendship, several broils had arisen
+between the natives and some of the low and degraded of his soldiery.
+The conduct of these vile men had produced a general feeling of
+ill-will among the natives. Even the princess herself manifested
+estrangement. She had become distant and reserved, and was evidently
+desirous that her no longer welcome guests should take their speedy
+departure. There were some indications that the princess so far
+distrusted the Spaniards that, like her more prudent mother, she was
+about secretly to escape from them by flight.
+
+This would leave the Spaniards in a very embarrassed condition. They
+needed guides to conduct them through the extended territory of the
+princess. Heavily armed as they were, they needed porters to carry
+their burdens of extra clothing and provisions. The flight of the
+princess would be the signal for the natives, all over the territory,
+to rise in a war of attempted extermination. The queen mother would
+doubtless do everything in her power to rouse and stimulate this
+hostility. The Spaniards thus assailed on every side, destitute of
+guides, without porters to carry their baggage, and with but little
+food, would find themselves compelled in self-defence, to cut their
+way, with blood-dripping sabres, through their foes, to rob their
+granaries, and to leave behind them a path strown with the dead, and
+filled with misery.
+
+Again De Soto found himself in a false position. Again he felt
+constrained to do that which his own conscience told him was unjust.
+The only possible way, as it seemed to him, by which he could obtain
+extrication from these awful difficulties, was to seize the person of
+the princess, his friend and benefactor, and hold her as a captive to
+secure the good behavior of her subjects. He knew that their love for
+her was such that so long as she was in his power, they would not
+enter upon any hostile movement which might bring down vengeance upon
+her head.
+
+If De Soto had accepted the spirit of the noble letter from Isabella,
+and had said, "I will no longer persevere in this invasion of the
+lands of others, which is always plunging me more and more deeply into
+difficulties,"--had he said frankly to the friendly princess, "I have
+decided to return to my home, and I solicit your friendly coöperation
+to assist me on my way;" and had he made her a present, in token of
+his gratitude, of some of those articles with which he could easily
+have parted, and which were of priceless value to her, he might
+doubtless have retired unmolested. Instead of this he followed the
+infamous example which Pizarro had set him in Peru.
+
+He appointed a guard, who were directed to keep a constant watch upon
+the princess, so that she could by no possibility escape; at the same
+time he informing her, in the most courteous tones, that the
+protection of his army and of her own people rendered it necessary
+that she should accompany him on his march. He held her in silken
+chains, treating her with the utmost delicacy and deference. The
+princess had sufficient shrewdness to affect compliance with this
+arrangement. It certainly accomplished the desired effect. All strife
+between the natives and the Spaniards ceased, a sufficient body of
+porters accompanied the army, and its march was unimpeded. A beautiful
+palanquin was provided for the princess, and the highest honors were
+lavished upon her.
+
+Colonel A. J. Pickett, in his interesting and very carefully prepared
+History of Alabama, speaking of the locality of this village where De
+Soto tarried so long, and encountered so many adventures, says:
+
+    "He entered the territory of the present Georgia at its
+    southwestern border, and successively crossing the Ockmulgee,
+    Oconee, and Ogeechee, finally rested on the banks of the
+    Savannah, immediately opposite the modern Silver Bluff. On
+    the eastern side was the town of Cutifachiqui, where lived an
+    Indian queen, young, beautiful, and unmarried, and who ruled
+    the country around to a vast extent. In 1736 George Golphin,
+    then a young Irishman, established himself as an Indian
+    trader at this point, and gave the old site of Cutifachiqui
+    the name of Silver Bluff. The most ancient Indians informed
+    him that this was the place where De Soto found the Indian
+    princess; and this tradition agrees with that preserved by
+    other old traders, and handed down to me."
+
+According to this statement the village of Cutifachiqui was on the
+eastern bank of the Savannah river, in Barnwell county, in the State
+of South Carolina. On the morning of the 4th of May, 1540, De Soto
+again put his army in motion, taking with him the beautiful queen and
+her retinue of plumed warriors. All this country was then called
+Florida. The army advanced rapidly up the eastern bank of the Savannah
+river, where they forded the stream, and, again entering the present
+State of Georgia, traversed nearly its whole breadth until they
+reached the head waters of the Coosa river. Here, at the confluence of
+the Oostanaula and Etowa rivers, they found a large Indian town called
+Chiaha, near the present site of Rome.
+
+While on the march across the State of Georgia, the queen, probably
+dreading to be carried captive beyond her own domain, and aided by an
+understanding with her retinue, leaped from the palanquin and
+disappeared in a dense forest through which they were passing. De Soto
+never saw her or heard from her again. Undoubtedly a band of her
+warriors were in rendezvous there to receive her.
+
+For five days the adventurers pressed along as rapidly as possible,
+over a hilly country about sixty miles in breadth. Though well
+watered, and abounding in beautiful valleys, luxuriant with mulberry
+groves and rich prairies, it seemed to be quite uninhabited. Having
+crossed this mountainous region, they reached a populous district
+called Guachule. The chief had received an intimation of the approach
+of the Spaniards, and that they came as messengers of peace and not of
+war. When De Soto and his band, led by native guides whom they had
+picked up by the way, had arrived within two miles of the village of
+the chief, they discovered him approaching them with a retinue of five
+hundred plumed warriors, adorned with glittering robes and weapons in
+the highest style of semi-barbaric display. The chief was
+unembarrassed, dignified, and courtly in his address. He received De
+Soto with truly fraternal kindness, escorted him to his village, which
+consisted of three hundred spacious houses, in a beautiful valley of
+running streams at the base of adjacent hills.
+
+The dwelling of the chief was upon a spacious artificial mound, the
+summit of which was sufficiently broad for the large edifice, leaving
+a terrace all around it about twelve feet in breadth. Here De Soto
+remained four days, enjoying the hospitality of the friendly Cacique.
+
+Resuming their journey, the army marched down the banks of a large
+stream, supposed to be the Etowa, which empties into the Coosa. For
+five days they continued their march through an uninteresting country,
+almost destitute of inhabitants, until, having traversed, as they
+supposed, about ninety miles, they came in sight of a large village,
+called Chiaha.
+
+De Soto, having arrived opposite the great town of Chiaha, which
+probably occupied the present site of Rome, crossed the Oostanaula in
+canoes, and upon rafts made of logs, prepared by the Indians, and took
+up his quarters in the town. The noble young chief received De Soto
+with unaffected joy, and made him the following address:
+
+"Mighty Chief:--Nothing could have made me so happy as to be the means
+of serving you and your warriors. You sent me word from Guaxule to
+have corn collected to last your army two months. Here I have twenty
+barns full of the best which the country can afford. If I have not met
+your wishes respect my tender age, and receive my good-will to do for
+you whatever I am able."
+
+The Governor responded in a kind manner, and was then conducted to the
+chief's own house, prepared for his accommodation. The confluence of
+the Oostanaula and Etowa at this point forms the Coosa. Here De Soto
+remained for a fortnight, recruiting his wearied men and his still
+more exhausted horses. It was bright and balmy summer, and the
+soldiers encamping in a luxuriant mulberry grove a little outside of
+the town, enjoyed, for a season, rest and abundance. De Soto, as
+usual, made earnest inquiries for gold. He was informed that about
+thirty miles north of him there were mines of copper, and also of some
+metal of the color of copper, but finer, brighter, and softer; and
+that the natives sometimes melted them together in their manufacture
+of barbs, spearheads, and hatchets.
+
+This intelligence excited De Soto with new hopes. He had occasionally
+met on his way natives with hatchets composed of copper and gold
+melted together. As the province, which was called Chisca, was
+separated from Chiaha by a pathless wilderness which horses could not
+traverse, De Soto sent two of his most trusty followers on an
+exploring tour through the region, conducted by Indian guides. After
+an absence of ten days they returned with the disappointing report
+that they found nothing there but copper of different degrees of
+purity.
+
+The rivers in the vicinity of Chiaha seem to have abounded with pearl
+oysters, and large numbers of beautiful pearls were obtained. The
+natives nearly spoiled them all by boring them through with a red-hot
+rod, that they might string them as bracelets. One day the Cacique
+presented De Soto with a string of pearls six feet in length, each
+pearl as large as a filbert. These gems would have been of almost
+priceless value but for the action of fire upon them.
+
+De Soto expressed some curiosity to see how the pearls were obtained.
+The Cacique immediately dispatched forty canoes down the river to fish
+during the night for pearl oysters. In the morning De Soto accompanied
+the Cacique to the banks of the river where the oysters were
+collected. Large fires were built, and the oysters placed upon the
+glowing coals. The heat opened them, and the pearls were sought for.
+From some of the first thus opened ten or twelve pearls were obtained,
+about the size of peas. They were all, however, more or less injured
+by the heat. Col. Pickett says that the oyster mentioned was the
+muscle, to be found in all the rivers of Alabama.
+
+Again De Soto commenced his journey, leaving the friendly chief and
+his people well contented with the presents he made them of gayly
+colored cloths, knives, and other trinkets. Following the banks of the
+Coosa to the west they soon entered what is now the State of Alabama,
+and on the second of July came to a large native town named Acoste.
+The tribe, or nation, inhabiting this region, was famed for its
+martial prowess. The Cacique, a fierce warrior, did not condescend to
+advance to meet De Soto, but at the head of fifteen hundred of his
+soldiers, well armed and gorgeously uniformed, awaited in the public
+square the approach of the Spanish chief. De Soto encamped his army
+just outside of the town, and, with a small retinue, rode in to pay
+his respects to the Cacique.
+
+Some of the vagabond soldiers straggled into the city, and were guilty
+of some outrages, which led the natives to fall upon them. De Soto,
+with his accustomed presence of mind, seized a cudgel and assisted the
+natives in fighting the Spaniards, while at the same moment he
+dispatched a courier to summon the whole army to his rescue. Peace was
+soon established, but there was some irritation on both sides. The
+next morning De Soto was very willing to leave the neighborhood, and
+the chief was not unwilling to have him.
+
+De Soto crossed the river Coosa to the eastern banks, and journeying
+along in a southerly direction, at the rate of about twelve miles a
+day, passed over a fertile and populous region, nearly three hundred
+miles in extent. It is supposed his path led through the present
+counties of Benton, Talladega, Coosa, and Tallapoosa, in Alabama.
+Throughout the whole route they were treated by the natives with the
+most profuse hospitality, being fed by them liberally, and supplied
+with guides to lead them from one village to another. The province
+which De Soto was thus traversing, and which was far-famed for its
+beauty and fertility, was called Coosa.
+
+     "With a delightful climate, and abounding in fine meadows and
+     beautiful little rivers, this region was charming to De Soto and
+     his followers. The numerous barns were full of corn, while acres
+     of that which was growing bent to the warm rays of the sun and
+     rustled in the breeze. In the plains were plum trees, peculiar to
+     the country, and others resembling those of Spain. Wild fruit
+     clambered to the tops of the loftiest trees, and lower branches
+     were laden with delicious Isabella grapes."[E]
+
+[Footnote E: History of Alabama, by Albert James Pickett, p. 17.]
+
+This is supposed to have been the same native grape, called the
+Isabella, which has since been so extensively cultivated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+_The Dreadful Battle of Mobila._
+
+     The Army in Alabama.--Barbaric Pageant.--The Chief of
+     Tuscaloosa.--Native Dignity.--Suspected Treachery of the
+     Chief.--Mobila, its Location and Importance.--Cunning of
+     the Chief.--The Spaniards Attacked.--Incidents of the
+     Battle.--Disastrous Results.
+
+
+On the 15th of July, 1540, the army came in sight of the metropolitan
+town of the rich and populous province through which it was passing.
+The town, like the province, bore the name of Coosa. The army had
+travelled slowly, so that the native chief, by his swift footmen, had
+easily kept himself informed of all its movements. When within a mile
+or two of Coosa, De Soto saw in the distance a very splendid display
+of martial bands advancing to meet him. The friendly greeting he had
+continually received disarmed all suspicion of a hostile encounter.
+
+The procession rapidly approached. At its head was the chief, a young
+man twenty-six years of age, of admirable figure and countenance,
+borne in a chair palanquin upon the shoulders of four of his warriors.
+A thousand soldiers, in their most gaudy attire, composed his train.
+As they drew near, with the music of well-played flutes, with regular
+tread, their mantles and plumes waving in the breeze, all the
+Spaniards were alike impressed with the beauty of the spectacle. The
+chief himself was decorated with a mantle of rich furs gracefully
+thrown over his shoulders. His diadem was of plumes very brilliantly
+colored. He addressed De Soto in the following speech:
+
+"Mighty chief, above all others of the earth. Although I come now to
+receive you, yet I received you many days ago deep in my heart. If I
+had the whole world it would not give me as much pleasure as I now
+enjoy at the presence of yourself and your incomparable warriors. My
+person, lands, and subjects are at your service. I will now march you
+to your quarters with playing and singing."[F]
+
+[Footnote F: Portuguese Narrative, p. 719.]
+
+De Soto made a suitable response. Then the two armies, numbering, with
+their attendants, more than two thousand men, commenced their march
+toward the town. The native chief was borne in his palanquin, and De
+Soto rode on his magnificent charger by his side. The royal palace was
+assigned to De Soto, and one-half of the houses in the town were
+appropriated to the soldiers for their lodgings.
+
+The town of Coosa, which consisted of five hundred houses, was
+situated on the east bank of the river of the same name, between two
+creeks now known as Talladega and Tallasehatchee. During a residence
+of twelve days in this delightful retreat, some slight disturbance
+arose between some of the natives and some of the Spanish soldiers. It
+was, however, easily quelled by the prudence and friendly disposition
+of the chief and the Governor. Indeed, the native chief became so
+attached to De Soto as to urge him to establish his colony there. Or
+if he could not consent to that arrangement, at least to spend the
+winter with him.
+
+    "But De Soto," writes Mr. Irving, "was anxious to arrive at
+    the bay of Achusi, where he had appointed Captain Diego
+    Maldonado to meet him in the autumn. Since leaving the
+    province of Xuala he had merely made a bend through the
+    country, and was now striking southerly for the sea-coast."
+
+On the 20th of August the Spanish army, after having spent twenty-five
+days at Coosa, was again in movement. The chief of Coosa, and a large
+body of his warriors, accompanied De Soto to their frontiers,
+evidently as a friendly retinue. The Portuguese Narrative makes the
+incredible assertion that they were all prisoners, compelled to follow
+the army for its protection and as guides. With much more probability
+it is represented that one of the chief's subordinate officers on the
+frontier was in a state of insurrection, and that upon that account
+the chief gladly accompanied the Spaniards, hoping to overawe his
+refractory subjects by appearing among them with such formidable
+allies.
+
+The Spaniards now entered the territory of Tuscaloosa, who was the
+most warlike and powerful chieftain of all the southern tribes. His
+domain comprised nearly the whole of the present States of Alabama and
+Mississippi. The Tuscaloosa, or Black Warrior river, flowed through
+one of the richest of his valleys. Though there were no mails or
+telegraphs in those days, Indian runners conveyed all important
+intelligence with very considerable rapidity. The chief had heard of
+the approach of the Spaniards, and the annalists of those days say, we
+know not with what authority, that he hesitated whether to receive
+them as friends or foes. Whatever may have been his secret thoughts,
+he certainly sent his son, a young man of eighteen, with a retinue of
+warriors, to meet De Soto with proffers of friendship.
+
+The young ambassador was a splendid specimen of manhood, being taller
+than any Spaniard or Indian in the army, and admirably formed for both
+strength and agility. In his bearing he was self-possessed and
+courteous, appearing like a gentleman accustomed to polished society.
+De Soto was much impressed by his appearance and princely manners. He
+received him with the utmost kindness, made him several valuable
+presents, and dismissed him with friendly messages to his father,
+stating that he cordially accepted of his friendship, and would
+shortly visit him.
+
+De Soto then crossed the river Tuscaloosa, or Black Warrior, having
+first taken an affectionate leave of the Cacique of Coosa, who had
+accompanied him to this frontier river. A journey of two days brought
+the Spaniards to within six miles of the large village where the chief
+of Tuscaloosa was awaiting their arrival. As they reached this spot in
+the evening, they encamped for the night in a pleasant grove. Early
+the next morning De Soto sent forward a courier to apprise the chief
+of his arrival, and set out soon after himself, accompanied by a
+suitable retinue of horsemen.
+
+The chief had, however, by his own scouts, kept himself informed of
+every movement of the Spaniards. He had repaired with a hundred of his
+nobles, and a large band of warriors, to the summit of a hill, over
+which the route of the Spaniards led, and which commanded a
+magnificent prospect of the country for many leagues around. He was
+seated on a chair of state, and a canopy of parti-colored deerskin,
+very softly tanned, and somewhat resembling a large umbrella, was held
+over his head. His chief men were arranged respectfully and in order
+near him, while at a little distance his warriors were posted in
+martial bands. The whole spectacle, crowning the smooth and verdant
+hill, presented a beautiful pageant.
+
+The Cacique was about forty years of age, and of gigantic proportions,
+being, like his son, nearly a head taller than any of his attendants.
+He was well-formed, and his countenance indicated perfect
+self-possession, intelligence, and great firmness. The sight of the
+cavaliers approaching with their silken banners, their glittering
+armor, and bestride their magnificent steeds, must have been
+astounding in the highest degree to one who had never seen a quadruped
+larger than a dog. But the proud chief assumed an air of imperturbable
+gravity and indifference.
+
+One would have supposed that he had been accustomed to such scenes
+from his childhood. He did not deign even to look upon the horsemen,
+though some of them endeavored to arrest his attention by causing the
+animals to prance and rear. Without taking the slightest notice of the
+cavaliers who preceded De Soto, his eye seemed instantly to discern
+the Governor. As he approached, the chief courteously arose, and
+advanced a few steps to meet him. De Soto alighted from his horse, and
+with Spanish courtesy embraced the chieftain, who, with great dignity,
+addressed him in the following words:
+
+"Mighty chief, I bid you welcome. I greet you as I would my brother.
+It is needless to talk long. What I have to say can be said in a few
+words. You shall know how willing I am to serve you. I am thankful for
+the things you have sent me, chiefly because they were yours. I am now
+ready to comply with your desires."
+
+This interview, it is supposed, took place in the present county of
+Montgomery, Alabama. The whole party then returned to the village, De
+Soto and the chief walking arm in arm. A spacious house was assigned
+to De Soto and his suite by the side of that occupied by the Cacique.
+
+After a rest of two days in the village, enjoying the rather cold and
+reserved, but abundant hospitality of the chief, the Spaniards
+continued their march. The chief, either for his own pleasure or by
+persuasion, was induced to accompany him. The most powerful horse in
+the army was selected to bear his herculean frame; and yet it is said
+that when the Cacique bestrode him his feet almost touched the ground.
+De Soto had made him a present of a dress and mantle of rich scarlet
+cloth Thus habited and mounted, with his towering plumes, he
+attracted all eyes. The two chieftains rode side by side. Their route
+led through the counties of Montgomery, Lowndes, and the southeastern
+part of Dallas, until they came to a large town called Piache, upon
+the Alabama river. This stream they passed on rafts of log and cane,
+probably in the upper part of the county of Wilcox. The expedition
+then turned in a southerly direction, following down the western bank
+of the Alabama through Wilcox county.
+
+The Indian chief continued proud and distant; was observed to be
+frequently consulting with his principal men, and often dispatching
+runners in different directions. De Soto was led to suspect that some
+treachery was meditated. Two of the Spaniards, who had wandered a
+little distance in the woods, disappeared, and were never heard of
+again. It was suspected that they had been killed by the natives. The
+Cacique being questioned upon the subject, angrily and contemptuously
+replied:
+
+"Why do you ask me about your people? Am I their keeper?"
+
+These suspicions led De Soto to keep a close watch upon the chief.
+This was done secretly, while still friendly relations were maintained
+between them. It was more than probable that the chief was himself a
+spy in the Spanish camp, and that he was treacherously gathering his
+powerful armies at some favorable point where he could effectually
+annihilate the Spaniards, and enrich himself with all their
+possessions of armor and horses. It was therefore a matter of
+prudence, almost a vital necessity, for De Soto to throw an invisible
+guard around the chieftain, that all his movements might be narrowly
+observed, and that he might not take to sudden flight. With him in
+their hands as a hostage, the hostility of his warriors might,
+perhaps, be effectually arrested.
+
+They were now approaching the town of Mobila, which was the capital of
+the Tuscaloosa kingdom. This town was probably situated at a place now
+called Choctaw Bluff, on the north or western side of the Alabama
+river, in the county of Clarke. At that point the Spaniards were at a
+distance of about twenty-five miles above the confluence of the
+Alabama and the Tombigbee, and about eighty-five miles from the bay of
+Pensacola. The town was beautifully situated upon a spacious plain,
+and consisted of eighty very large houses; each one of which, it was
+stated, would accommodate a thousand men.
+
+As they approached this important place, De Soto sent forward some
+very reliable couriers, to observe if there were any indications of
+conspiracy. Early in the morning of the eighteenth of October, 1540,
+De Soto with the advance guard of his army, consisting of one hundred
+footmen, all picked men, accompanied by the Cacique, entered the
+streets of Mobila. Mr. Irving gives the following interesting account
+of this important capital:
+
+     "This was the stronghold of the Cacique, where he and his
+     principal men resided. It stood in a fine plain, and was
+     surrounded by a high wall, formed of huge trunks of trees
+     driven into the ground, side by side, and wedged together.
+     These were crossed, within and without, by others, small and
+     longer, bound to them by bands made of split reeds and wild
+     vines. The whole was thickly plastered over with a kind of
+     mortar, made of clay and straw trampled together, which
+     filled up every chink and crevice of the wood-work, so that
+     it appeared as if smoothed with a trowel. Throughout its
+     whole circuit, the wall was pierced at the height of a man
+     with loopholes, whence arrows might be discharged at an
+     enemy, and at every fifty paces, it was surmounted by a
+     tower capable of holding seven or eight fighting men."
+
+As De Soto and the chief, accompanied by the advance guard of the
+Spanish army, and a numerous train of Indian warriors, approached the
+walls, a large band of native soldiers, in compact martial array, and
+as usual gorgeously decorated, emerged from one of the gates. They
+were preceded by a musical band, playing upon Indian flutes, and were
+followed by a group of dancing girls, remarkably graceful and
+beautiful. As we have mentioned, De Soto, and the Cacique in his
+scarlet uniform, rode side by side. Traversing the streets, the whole
+band arrived in the central square. Here they alighted, and all the
+horses were led outside the walls to be tethered and fed.
+
+The chief then, through Juan Ortiz, the interpreter, pointed out to De
+Soto one of the largest houses for the accommodation of himself and
+suite. Another adjoining house was appropriated to the servants and
+attendants. Cabins were also immediately reared just outside the walls
+for the accommodation of the main body of the army.
+
+De Soto was somewhat anxious in view of this arrangement. It was
+effectually separating him from his soldiers, and was leaving the
+Cacique entirely at liberty. Some words passed between the chief and
+the Governor, which led to an angry reply on the part of the Cacique,
+who turned upon his heel and retired to his own palace. The main body
+of the army had not yet come up, and if the chief meditated
+treachery, the moment was very favorable for an attack upon the
+advance guard only.
+
+Soon after the Cacique had left in an angry mood, one of the cavaliers
+whom De Soto had sent forward to examine into the state of affairs,
+entered with the announcement that many circumstances indicated a dark
+and treacherous plot. He said that more than ten thousand warriors,
+all evidently picked men, and thoroughly armed, were assembled in the
+various houses. Not a child was to be found in the town, and scarcely
+a woman, excepting the few dancing girls who had formed a part of the
+escort.
+
+The Governor was much alarmed by these tidings. He dispatched orders
+to all the troops who were with him to be on the alert, and to hold
+themselves in readiness to repel an assault. At the same time he sent
+back a courier to inform Luis De Moscoso, who was master of the
+Spanish camp, of the dangerous posture of affairs. Unfortunately,
+relying upon the friendly spirit of the natives, he had allowed his
+men to scatter widely from the camp, hunting and amusing themselves.
+It was some time before they could be collected.
+
+De Soto, anxious to avert a rupture, wished to get the person of the
+Cacique in his power. They had been accustomed since they met to eat
+together. As soon as the attendants of the Governor had prepared some
+refreshments for him, he sent Juan Ortiz to invite the Cacique to join
+him in the repast. The interpreter was not permitted to enter the
+palace, but after a little delay, a messenger announced that the
+Cacique would come pretty soon.
+
+The Governor waited some time, and again sent Ortiz to repeat the
+invitation. Again the interpreter returned with the same response.
+After another interval of waiting, and the Cacique not appearing,
+Ortiz was sent for the third time. Approaching the door of the palace,
+he shouted out, in a voice sufficiently loud to be heard by all
+within, "Tell the chief of Tuscaloosa to come forth. The food is upon
+the table, and the Governor is waiting for him."
+
+Immediately one of the principal attendants of the Cacique rushed out
+in a towering passion, and exclaimed:
+
+"Who are these robbers, these vagabonds, who keep calling to my chief
+of Tuscaloosa, 'come out! come out!' with as little reverence as if he
+were one of them? By the sun and moon, this insolence is no longer to
+be borne! Let us cut them to pieces on the spot, and put an end to
+their wickedness and tyranny!"
+
+Uttering these words, he threw off his superb mantle of marten skins,
+and seizing a bow from the hands of an attendant, drew an arrow to the
+head, aiming at a group of Spaniards in the public square. But before
+the arrow left the bow, a steel-clad cavalier, who had accompanied the
+interpreter, with one thrust of his sword laid the Indian dead at his
+feet. The son of the dead warrior, a vigorous young savage, sprang
+forward and let fly upon the cavalier six or seven arrows, as fast as
+he could draw them. But they all fell harmless from his armor. He then
+seized a club and struck him three or four blows over the head with
+such force that the blood gushed from beneath his casque.
+
+All this was done in an instant, when the cavalier, recovering
+from his surprise, with two sword-thrusts, laid the young warrior
+dead in his blood by the side of his father. It seemed as though
+instantaneously the war-whoop resounded from a thousand throats.
+
+The concealed warriors, ten thousand in number, with hideous yells,
+like swarming bees, rushed into the streets. De Soto had but two
+hundred men to meet them. But these were all admirably armed, and most
+of them protected by coats of mail. He immediately placed himself at
+the head of his troops, and slowly retreating, fighting fiercely every
+inch of the way, with his armored men facing the foe, succeeded in
+withdrawing through the gate out upon the open plain, where his
+horsemen could operate to better advantage. In the retreat five of the
+Spaniards were killed and many severely wounded, De Soto being one of
+the number.
+
+The Indians came rushing out upon the plain in a tumultuous mass, with
+yells of defiance and victory. But the dragoons soon regained their
+horses, which had been tethered outside the walls, and whose bodies
+were much protected from the arrows of the natives; and then, in a
+terrific charge, one hundred steel-clad men, cutting to the right hand
+and to the left, maddened by the treachery of which they had been the
+victims, plunged into the densest masses of their foes, and every
+sabre-blow was death to a half-naked Indian. The slaughter was awful.
+Brave as the Indians were, they were thrown into a panic, and fled
+precipitately into the town.
+
+In the retreat from the town, about twenty of the Spaniards had been
+cut off from their comrades, and had taken refuge in the house
+assigned to the Governor. Here they valiantly defended themselves
+against fearful odds. The bold storming of the place by the Spanish
+troops rescued them from their perilous position. But now all the
+warriors of both parties crowded together in the public square, fought
+hand to hand with a ferocity which could not be surpassed. Though the
+natives were far more numerous than their foes, and were equally brave
+and strong, still the Spaniards had a vast superiority over them in
+their bucklers, their impenetrable armor, and their long, keen sabres
+of steel.
+
+De Soto, conscious that the very existence of his army depended upon
+the issue of the conflict, was ever in the thickest of the battle,
+notwithstanding the severity of the wound from which he was suffering.
+At length, to drive his foes from the protection of their houses, the
+torch was applied in many places. The timber of which they were built
+was dry almost as tinder. Soon the whole place was in flames, the
+fiery billows surging to and fro like a furnace. All alike fled from
+the conflagration. The horsemen were already upon the plain, and they
+cut down the fugitive Indians mercilessly.
+
+The sun was then sinking; Mobila was in ruins, and its flaming
+dwellings formed the funeral pyre of thousands of the dead. The battle
+had lasted nine hours. To the Spaniards it was one of the most
+terrible calamities. Eighty-two of their number were slain. Nearly all
+the rest were more or less severely wounded. Forty-five horses had
+been shot--an irreparable loss which all the army deeply mourned.
+
+In entering the city, they had piled their camp equipage against the
+walls. This was all consumed, consisting of clothing, armor,
+medicines, and all the pearls which they had collected. The disaster
+to the natives was still more dreadful. It is estimated that six
+thousand of their number perished by the sword or the flames. The fate
+of the chieftain is not with certainty known. It is generally supposed
+that he was slain and was consumed in the flames of his capital.
+
+The situation of the Spanish army that night was distressing in the
+highest degree. They were hungry, exhausted, dejected, and seventeen
+hundred dangerous wounds demanded immediate attention. There was but
+one surgeon of the expedition who survived, and he was a man of but
+little skill.
+
+De Soto forgot himself and his wound in devotion to the interests of
+his men. Foraging parties were sent in all directions to obtain food
+for the sufferers, and straw for bedding. Here the army was compelled
+many days to remain to recruit from the awful disaster with which it
+had been so suddenly overwhelmed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+_Days of Darkness._
+
+     The Melancholy Encampment.--The Fleet at
+     Pensacola.--Singular Resolve of De Soto.--Hostility of
+     the Natives.--Beautiful Scenery.--Winter Quarters on the
+     Yazoo.--Feigned Friendship of the Cacique.--Trickery of
+     Juan Ortiz.--The Terrible Battle of Chickasaw.--Dreadful
+     Loss of the Spaniards.
+
+
+For twenty-three days the Spaniards remained in their miserable
+quarters, nursing the sick and the wounded. As nearly all their
+baggage had been consumed in the flames, they were in a condition of
+extreme destitution and suffering. Parties, of those who were least
+disabled, were sent on foraging expeditions, penetrating the country
+around to a distance of about twelve miles. They found the villages
+deserted by the terror-stricken inhabitants. But they obtained a
+sufficient supply of food to meet their immediate wants. In the
+thickets and ravines they found the bodies of many Indians, who had
+died of their wounds, and had been left unburied by their companions.
+They also found in many of the deserted hamlets, wounded Indians, who
+could go no farther, and who were in a starving and dying condition.
+De Soto kindly ordered that their wounds should be dressed, and that
+they should be fed and nursed just as tenderly as his own men. Several
+captives were taken. De Soto inquired of them if another attack were
+meditated. They replied that all their warriors were slain; that none
+were left to renew the battle; that their chief had sent his son to
+watch the movements of the Spaniards, and had summoned his warriors
+from a great distance for their extermination. Nearly all were to be
+slain. The survivors were to be held as slaves. All their possessions
+and especially the magnificent animals they rode, were to be divided
+as the spoils of the conqueror. They said that their chief, upon the
+arrival of De Soto with his advance guard, was holding a council with
+his officers, to decide whether they should immediately attack those
+who had already arrived, or wait until the whole army was within their
+power. The passion and imprudence of one of their generals had
+precipitated the conflict.
+
+The loss of the natives was even greater than De Soto had at first
+imagined. The thousands of Indian warriors who were within the
+spacious houses, shooting their arrows through windows, doors and
+loopholes, were many of them cut off from all escape, by the devouring
+flames. Bewildered, blinded, stifled by the smoke, and encircled by
+the billowy fire, they miserably perished.
+
+While De Soto was thus encamped around the smouldering ruins of
+Mobila, he heard of the arrival of his fleet at Pensacola, then called
+the bay of Achusi. As he was but about one hundred miles from that
+point, an easy march of a few days would bring him to reinforcements
+and abundant supplies. The tidings of their arrival at first gave him
+great satisfaction. His determined spirit was still unvanquished. He
+immediately resolved to establish his colony on the shores of
+Pensacola Bay, whence he could have constant water communication with
+Cuba and with Spain. Having obtained a fresh supply of military stores
+and recruits from the ships, he would recommence his pursuit after
+gold.
+
+While one cannot but condemn his persistence in a ruinous course, the
+invincible spirit it develops wins admiration. Indeed if we accept the
+facts of the affair at Mobila, as above described, and those facts
+seem to be fully corroborated by a careful examination of all the
+reliable annalists of those days, impartial history cannot severely
+condemn De Soto in that dreadful occurrence. But it cannot be denied
+that he would have acted much more wisely, had he followed the counsel
+of Isabella, previously given, and withdrawn from scenes thus fraught
+with violence, cruelty and blood.
+
+As De Soto was conversing with some of his officers, of his plan of
+still prosecuting his journey in search of gold, he was told, not a
+little to his dismay, that his soldiers would not follow him. It was
+said that they were all thoroughly disheartened, and anxious to return
+to their homes, and that immediately upon reaching their ships, they
+would insist upon reembarking, and abandoning a land where they had
+thus far encountered only disasters.
+
+The thought of returning to Cuba an impoverished man, having utterly
+failed in his expedition, surrounded by ragged and clamorous
+followers, and thus in disgrace, was to De Soto dreadful. Not making
+sufficient allowance for the difference in those respects between
+himself and his followers, he found it difficult to credit the
+representations which had been made to him. He therefore dressed
+himself in a disguise, and secretly wandered about by night among the
+frail huts of the soldiers, and soon found, by listening to their
+conversation, his worst fears confirmed. It became clear to his mind
+that immediately on his return to the ships, his present followers
+would disband and shift for themselves, while it would be in vain for
+him to attempt to raise another army.
+
+Speaking of the distress with which these considerations oppressed the
+mind of De Soto, Mr. Irving well says, referring in confirmation of
+his statement, both to the account given by the Portuguese Narrative,
+and that by the Inca:
+
+     "Should his present forces desert him, therefore, he would
+     remain stripped of dignity and command, blasted in
+     reputation, his fortune expended in vain, and his
+     enterprise, which had caused so much toil and trouble, a
+     subject of scoffing rather than renown. The Governor was a
+     man extremely jealous of his honor; and as he reflected upon
+     these gloomy prospects, they produced sudden and desperate
+     resolves. He disguised his anger and his knowledge of the
+     schemes he had overheard, but he determined to frustrate
+     them by turning back upon the coast, striking again into the
+     interior, and never seeking the ships nor furnishing any
+     tidings of himself, until he had crowned his enterprise
+     gloriously by discovering new regions of wealth like those
+     of Peru and Mexico.
+
+     "A change came over De Soto from this day. He was
+     disconcerted in his favorite scheme of colonization, and had
+     lost confidence in his followers. Instead of manifesting his
+     usual frankness, energy and alacrity, he became a moody,
+     irritable, discontented man. He no longer pretended to
+     strike out any grand undertaking, went recklessly wandering
+     from place to place, apparently without order or object, as
+     if careless of time and life, and only anxious to finish his
+     existence."
+
+On the morning of the 15th of November, 1540, the troops, much to
+their consternation, received orders to commence their march to the
+north, instead of to the south. The established habits of military
+discipline, and the stern manner of De Soto, repelled all audible
+murmurs. Each soldier took with him two days' provision, which
+consisted mainly of roasted corn pounded into meal. It was not doubted
+that in the fertile region of that sunny clime they would find food by
+the way. But winter was approaching which, though short, would
+certainly bring with it some days and nights of such severe cold that
+an unsheltered army would almost perish.
+
+After traversing a very pleasant country for five days, without
+meeting any adventure of any especial interest, they came to a river
+wide and deep, with precipitous banks, which is supposed to have been
+the Tuscaloosa, or Black Warrior. The point at which they touched this
+stream, upon whose banks they had already encamped, was probably near
+the present site of Erie, in Greene County. Here they found upon the
+farther banks of the river, a populous village called Cabusto. De Soto
+as usual sent a courier with a friendly message to the chief, saying
+"that he came in friendship and sought only an unobstructed path
+through his realms."
+
+The chief returned the defiant reply--
+
+"We want no peace with you. War only we want; a war of fire and
+blood."
+
+As De Soto, troubled by this message, moved cautiously forward, he
+found an army of fifteen hundred natives drawn up on the banks of the
+stream to prevent the passage; while the opposite banks were occupied
+by between six and seven thousand warriors, extending up and down the
+river for a distance of six miles. There was nothing for the Spaniards
+to do but to press forward. To turn back, in sight of their foes, was
+not to be thought of. After a pretty sharp skirmish, in which the
+Spaniards attacked their opponents, the natives sprang into their
+canoes, and some by swimming crossed the river and joined the main
+body of the Indians upon the opposite bank.
+
+Here they were obviously prepared, to make a desperate resistance.
+Night came on, dark and chill. The Spaniards bivouacked on the open
+plain, awaiting the morning, when, with but about seven hundred men,
+they were to assail eight thousand warriors, very strongly posted on
+bluffs, with a deep and rapid river flowing at their feet. The Indians
+gave the Spaniards no repose. During the darkness they were
+continually passing the river at different points in their canoes, and
+then uniting in one band, with hideous outcries assailing the weary
+travellers. The military genius of De Soto successfully beat them off
+through the night. He then intrenched himself so as to bid defiance to
+their attacks, and employed one hundred of his most skilful workmen in
+building, under the concealment of a neighboring grove, two very large
+flat boats.
+
+Twelve days passed before these barges were finished. By the aid of
+men and horses, they were brought to the river and launched. In the
+morning, before the dawn, ten mounted horsemen and forty footmen
+embarked in each boat, the footmen to ply the oars as vigorously as
+possible in the rapid passage of the river to a designated spot, where
+the horsemen were immediately to spur their steeds upon the shore, and
+with their sabres open a passage for the rest of the troops. De Soto
+was anxious to pass in the first boat, but his followers entreated him
+not to expose his life, upon which everything depended, to so great a
+peril.
+
+The moment the boats were dimly seen by the watchful natives, a signal
+war-whoop rang along the bank for miles. Five hundred warriors rushed
+to the menaced spot, to prevent the landing. Such a shower of arrows
+was thrown upon the boat that every man was more or less wounded. The
+moment the bows touched the beach, the steel-clad horsemen plunged
+upon the foe, and cut their way through them with blood-dripping
+sabres. Other native warriors were however hurrying to the assistance
+of their comrades. In the meantime the boats had with great rapidity
+recrossed the river, and brought over another detachment of eighty men
+with De Soto himself at their head. After a sanguinary conflict the
+Spaniards obtained complete possession of the landing place. Though
+unimportant skirmishes were kept up through the day, the remaining
+troops were without difficulty brought across the river. At nightfall
+not an Indian was to be seen. They had all withdrawn and fortified
+themselves with palisades in a neighboring swamp.
+
+The Spaniards found opening before them a beautiful and fertile
+country, well cultivated, with fields of corn and beans, and with many
+small villages and comfortable farm-houses scattered around. They
+broke up their boats for the sake of the nails, which might prove of
+priceless value to them in their future operations. Leaving the
+Indians unmolested in their fortress, they journeyed on five days in a
+westerly direction, when they reached the banks of another large
+river, which is supposed to have been the Tombigbee.
+
+Here De Soto found hostile Indians arrayed on the opposite bank, ready
+to oppose his passage. Anxious to avoid, if possible, any sanguinary
+collision with the natives, he tarried for two days, until a canoe had
+been constructed by which he could send a friendly message across to
+the chief. A single unarmed Indian was dispatched in the canoe with
+these words of peace. He paddled across the river, and as soon as the
+canoe touched the shore the savages rushed upon him, beat out his
+brains with their war-clubs, and raising yells of defiance,
+mysteriously disappeared.
+
+There being no longer any foe to oppose the passage, the troops were
+easily conveyed across on rafts. Unassailed, they marched tranquilly
+on for several days, until, on the 18th of December, they reached a
+small village called Chickasaw. It was pleasantly situated on a gentle
+eminence, embellished with groves of walnut and oak trees, and with
+streams of pure water running on either side. It is supposed that this
+village was on the Yazoo river, in the upper part of the State of
+Mississippi, about two hundred and fifty miles northwest of Mobile.
+
+It was midwinter, and upon those high lands the weather was intensely
+cold. The ground was frequently encumbered with snow and ice, and the
+troops, unprovided with winter clothing, suffered severely. De Soto
+decided to take up his winter quarters at Chickasaw, there to await
+the returning sun of spring. There appears to have been something
+senseless in the wild wanderings in which De Soto was now persisting,
+which have led some to suppose that care, exhaustion, and sorrow had
+brought on some degree of mental derangement. However that may be, he
+devoted himself with great energy to the promotion of the comfort of
+his men. Foraging parties were dispatched in all directions in search
+of food and of straw for bedding, while an ample supply of fuel was
+collected for their winter fires.
+
+There were two hundred comfortable houses in this village, and De Soto
+added a few more, so that all of his men were well sheltered. So far
+as we can judge from the narratives given, the native inhabitants,
+through fear of the Spaniards, had abandoned their homes and fled to
+distant parts. De Soto did everything in his power to open friendly
+relations with the Indians. He succeeded, through his scouts, in
+capturing a few, whom he sent to their chief laden with presents, and
+with assurances of peace and friendship.
+
+The Cacique returned favorable replies, and sent to De Soto in return
+fruit, fish, and venison. He, however, was very careful not to expose
+his person to the power of the Spaniards. His warriors, in gradually
+increasing numbers, ventured to enter the village, where they were
+treated by De Soto with the greatest consideration. He had still quite
+a large number of swine with him, for they had multiplied wonderfully
+on the way. The Indians, having had a taste of pork, found it so
+delicious that they began to prowl around the encampment by night to
+steal these animals. It is said that two Indians who were caught in
+the act were shot, and as this did not check the thievery, a third had
+both his hands chopped off with a hatchet, and thus mutilated was sent
+to the chief as a warning to others.
+
+It is with great reluctance that we give any credence to this
+statement. It certainly is not sustained by any evidence which would
+secure conviction in a court of justice. It is quite contrary to the
+well-established humanity of De Soto. There can be no possible excuse
+for such an act of barbarity on the part of any civilized man. If De
+Soto were guilty of the atrocity, it would, indeed, indicate that his
+reason was being dethroned.
+
+The chief had taken up his residence about three or four miles from
+the village. Four of the Spanish soldiers one night, well armed, stole
+from their barracks, in direct violation of orders, and repairing to
+the dwelling of the Cacique, robbed him of some rich fur mantles, and
+other valuable articles of clothing. With that even-handed justice
+which has thus far characterized De Soto, he who had ordered two
+Indians to be shot for stealing his swine, now ordered the two
+ringleaders in this robbery of the Indian chief to be put to death.
+
+The priests in the army, and most of the officers, earnestly implored
+De Soto to pardon the culprits. But he was inflexible. He would
+administer equal justice to the Indian and the Spaniard. The culprits
+were led into the public square to be beheaded. It so happened that,
+just at that time, an embassage arrived from the Cacique with
+complaints of the robbery, and demanding the punishment of the
+offenders. Juan Ortiz, the interpreter, whose sympathies were deeply
+moved in behalf of his comrades about to be executed, adopted the
+following singular and sagacious expedient to save them:
+
+He falsely reported to the Governor that the chief had sent his
+messengers to implore the forgiveness of the culprits--to say that
+their offence was a very slight one, and that he should regard it as a
+personal favor if they were pardoned and set at liberty. The
+kind-hearted De Soto, thus delivered from his embarrassment, gladly
+released them.
+
+On the other hand, the tricky interpreter sent word to the Cacique
+that the men who had robbed him were in close imprisonment, and that
+they would be punished with the utmost severity, so as to serve as a
+warning to all others.
+
+Many circumstances led De Soto to the suspicion that the chief was
+acting a treacherous part; that he was marshalling an immense army in
+the vicinity to attack the Spaniards; that his pretended friendliness
+was intended merely to disarm suspicion, and that the warriors who
+visited the village were spies, making preparation for a general
+assault. In this judgment subsequent events proved him to be correct.
+
+Early in the month of March there was a dark and stormy night, and a
+chill north wind swept the bleak plains. The sentinels were driven to
+seek shelter; no one dreamed of peril. It was the hour for the grand
+assault. Just at midnight the Cacique put his martial bands in motion.
+They were in three powerful divisions, the central party being led by
+the chief in person. These moccasoned warriors, with noiseless tread,
+stealthily approached their victims. Suddenly the air resounded with
+war-whoops, blasts of conch shells, and the clangor of wooden drums,
+rising above the roar of the storm, when the savages, like spirits of
+darkness, rushed upon the defenceless village. They bore with them
+lighted matches, made of some combustible substance twisted in the
+form of a cord, which, being waved in the air, would blaze into flame.
+The village was built of reeds, with thatch of dried grass. The torch
+was everywhere applied; the gale fanned the fire. In a few minutes the
+whole village was a roaring furnace of flame.
+
+What pen can describe the scene which ensued of tumult, terror, blood,
+and woe! What imagination can conceive of the horrors of that night,
+when uncounted thousands of savages, fierce as demons, rushed upon the
+steel-clad veterans of Spain, not one of whom would ask for quarter!
+every one of whom would fight with sinewy arm and glittering sabre to
+the last possible gasp.
+
+Nothing could throw the veteran Spaniards into a panic. They always
+slept prepared for surprise. In an instant every man was at his post.
+De Soto, who always slept in hose and doublet, drew his armor around
+him, mounted his steed ever ready, and was one of the first to dash
+into the densest of the foe. Twelve armored horsemen were immediately
+at his side. The arrows and javelins of the natives glanced harmless
+from helmet and cuirass, while every flash of the long, keen sabres
+was death to an Indian, and the proud war-horses trampled the corpses
+beneath their feet.
+
+The fierce conflagration soon drove all alike out into the plain.
+Many of the Spaniards could not escape, but perished miserably in the
+fire. Several of the splendid horses were also burned. Soon all were
+engaged hand to hand, fighting in a tumultuous mass by the light of
+the conflagration. There was, perhaps, alike bravery on either side.
+But the natives knew that if defeated they could flee to the forests;
+while to the Spaniards defeat was certain death, or captivity worse
+than death to every one.
+
+De Soto observed not far from him an Indian chief of herculean
+strength, who was fighting with great success. He closed in upon him,
+and as he rose in his saddle, leaning mainly upon the right stirrup,
+to pierce him with his lance, the saddle, which in the haste had not
+been sufficiently girded, turned beneath him, and he was thrown upon
+the ground in the midst of the enemy. His companions sprang to the
+rescue. Instantly he remounted, and was again in the thickest of the
+foe. The battle was fierce, bloody, and short. So many of the horsemen
+had perished during their long journey that many of the foot soldiers
+were protected by armor. At length the savages were put to flight.
+Pursued by the swift-footed horses, they, in their terror, to add
+speed to their footsteps, threw away their weapons, and thus fell an
+easy prey to the conqueror.
+
+The Spaniards, justly exasperated in being thus treacherously
+assailed by those who had assumed the guise of friendship, pursued the
+fugitives so long as they could be distinguished by the light of the
+conflagration, and cut them down without any mercy. A bugle-blast then
+sounded the recall. The victors returned to an awful scene of
+desolation and misery. Their homes were all in ashes, and many of the
+few comforts they had retained were consumed. Forty Spaniards had been
+slain, besides many more wounded. Fifty horses had perished in the
+flames, or had been shot by the natives. Their herd of swine, which
+they prized so highly, and which they regarded as an essential element
+in the establishment of their colony, had been shut up in an enclosure
+roofed with straw, and nearly every one had perished in the flames.
+
+This disaster was the most severe calamity which had befallen them.
+Since landing at Tampa Bay, over three hundred men had fallen from the
+attacks of the natives. De Soto was thrown into a state of the deepest
+despondency. All hope seemed to be extinguished. World-weary, and in
+despair, he apparently wished only to die. Distress was all around
+him, with no possibility of his affording any relief. Sadly he buried
+the dead of his own army, while he left the bodies of the natives
+thick upon the plain, a prey for wolves and vultures. The smouldering
+ruins of Chickasaw were abandoned, and an encampment was reared of
+logs and bark at a distance of about three miles; where they passed a
+few weeks of great wretchedness. Bodily discomfort and mental
+despondency united in creating almost intolerable gloom.
+
+Terribly as the natives had been punished they soon learned the extent
+of the calamity they had inflicted upon the Spaniards. Through their
+spies they ascertained their diminished numbers, witnessed their
+miserable plight, and had the sagacity to perceive that they were very
+poorly prepared to withstand another attack. Thus they gradually
+regained confidence, marshalled their armies anew, and commenced an
+incessant series of assaults, avoiding any general action, and yet
+wearing out the Spaniards with the expectation of such action every
+hour of every night.
+
+In the daytime, De Soto sent out his horsemen to scour the country
+around in all directions for a distance of ten or twelve miles. They
+would return with the declaration that not a warrior was to be found.
+But before midnight the fleet footed savages would be swarming around
+the encampment, with hideous yells, often approaching near enough to
+throw in upon it a shower of arrows. Occasionally these skirmishes
+became hotly contested. In one of them forty Indians were slain,
+while two of the horses of the Spaniards were killed and two severely
+wounded.
+
+In their thin clothing the Spaniards would have suffered terribly from
+the severe cold of the nights, but for the ingenuity of one of their
+number, who invented a soft, thick, warm matting or coverlet which he
+wove from some long grass that abounded in the vicinity. Every soldier
+was speedily engaged in the manufacture of these beds or blankets.
+They were made several inches in thickness and about six feet square.
+One half served as a mattress, and the other folded over, became a
+blanket. Thus they were relieved from the cold, which otherwise would
+have been almost unendurable.
+
+The foraging parties succeeded in obtaining a supply of corn, beans,
+and dried fruit. Here De Soto was compelled to remain, to heal his
+wounded, for the remainder of the month of March. He was very anxious
+to escape from the hostile region as soon as possible. As an
+illustration of the scenes which were occurring almost every night
+during this sad encampment, we may mention the following.
+
+The night was cold and dark. The defiant war-cries of the savages were
+heard in all directions and no one could tell how great their numbers,
+or upon what point their attack would fall. Several camp-fires were
+built, around which horsemen were assembled ready to meet the foe from
+whatever point, in the darkness, he might approach. Juan De Gusman was
+the leader of one of these bands. He was a cavalier of high renown. In
+figure, he was delicate, almost feminine, but he had the soul of a
+lion.
+
+By the light of the blazing fagots, he discerned a numerous band of
+Indians stealthily approaching. Leaping upon his horse, and followed
+by five companions, and a few armored footmen, he plunged into the
+midst of them. He aimed his javelin, at apparently the leader of the
+savages, a man of gigantic stature. The Indian wrenched the lance from
+his hand, seized him by the collar, and hurled him from his saddle to
+the ground. Instantly the soldiers rushed in, with their sabers, cut
+the savage to pieces and after a short conflict in which a large
+number of the natives were slain, put the rest to flight.
+
+It may seem strange that so few of the Spaniards were killed in these
+terrible conflicts, in which they often cut down hundreds and even
+thousands of their foes. But it should be remembered that their coats
+of mail quite effectually protected them from the flint pointed arrows
+of the Indians. The only vulnerable point was the face, and even this
+was sometimes shielded by the visor. But the bodies of the natives,
+thinly clad, were easily cut down by the steel blades of the
+cavaliers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+_The Discovery of the Mississippi._
+
+     The Fortress of Hostile Indians.--Its Capture.--The
+     Disastrous Conflict.--The Advance of the Army.--Discovery
+     of the Mississippi River.--Preparations for
+     Crossing.--Extraordinary Pageants.--Unjustifiable
+     Attack.--The passage of the River.--Friendly Reception
+     by Casquin.--Extraordinary Religious Festival.
+
+
+On the first day of April, 1541, the army broke up its encampment, and
+again set out languidly on its journey to the westward. No sounds of
+joy were heard, for there was no longer hope to cheer. The indomitable
+energy of De Soto dragged along the reluctant footsteps of his troops.
+The first day they travelled about twelve miles, through a level and
+fertile country with many villages and farm houses to charm the eye.
+At night they encamped beyond the territory of Chickasaw, and
+consequently supposed that they would no longer be molested, by those
+hostile Indians.
+
+A well armed party of cavalry and infantry was sent out on a foraging
+expedition. They accidently approached a strong fortress where a large
+number of Indian warriors was assembled, prepared to resist their
+march. They were very fantastically clothed, and painted in the
+highest style of barbaric art, so as to render them as hideous as
+possible. Immediately upon catching sight of the Spaniards they rushed
+out upon them with ferocious cries. Añasco, who was in command of the
+Spanish party, seeing such overwhelming numbers coming upon him,
+retreated to an open field, where he drew up his horses and placed his
+cross-bow men in front with their bucklers, to protect the precious
+animals. At the same time he sent hastily back to De Soto for
+reinforcements.
+
+The Indians came rushing on, clashing their weapons, beating wooden
+drums and raising the war-whoop, till they arrived within reach of the
+arrows of the cross-bow men. Then, somewhat appalled by the formidable
+military array of the Spaniards glittering in steel armor, they
+stopped and taunted their foes from the distance, with cries of
+defiance and gestures of insolence and insult.
+
+The hot-headed Añasco found it hard to restrain his impatience. Soon
+De Soto himself came, with all his force, except a few left to guard
+the camp. Carefully he scrutinized the fortress where these savages
+had gathered their strength to crush him. It was indeed a formidable
+structure: consisting of a quadrangle twelve hundred feet square.
+There were three entrance gates, purposely so low that mounted men
+could not enter. In the rear of the fortress there was a deep and
+rapid river with steep banks, probably the Yazoo; in the county of
+Tallahatchee. The fort was called the Alabama. Across this stream,
+frail bridges were constructed, over which the Indians, in case of
+necessity, could retreat, and easily destroy the bridges behind them.
+Directly in the rear of the front entrance, there was a second wall,
+and in the rear of that a third; so that if the outer wall were
+gained, the garrison could retreat behind one and the other.
+
+De Soto very carefully reconnoitred the fort. He judged that the
+slightest appearance of timidity, on his part, would so embolden the
+savages as to expose him to great peril. Should he avoid the conflict,
+to which he was challenged, and endeavor to escape, by fleeing before
+his enemies, he would draw them down upon him with resistless fury.
+Thus again he found himself impelled to rouse all the energies of his
+army for the slaughter of the poor savages.
+
+He formed his attacking force in three columns, to seize the three
+entrances. The Indians, carefully noting these preparations, made a
+simultaneous rush upon the Spaniards, pouring in upon them an
+incessant volley of flint-pointed arrows. Notwithstanding the armor,
+many of the Spaniards were wounded, the savages taking careful aim at
+those parts which were least protected. The three storming columns
+pressed vigorously on, while two bands of horsemen, twenty in each,
+De Soto leading one of them, attacked the tumultuous foe on each
+flank. The assault was resistless. The panic-stricken savages fled to
+the fortress. The entrances were clogged by the crowd, and horsemen
+and footmen, with their long sharp sabres cut down their foes with
+enormous slaughter.
+
+In the heat of the conflict an arrow, thrown by the sinewy arm of an
+Indian, struck the steel casque of De Soto with such force that it
+rebounded some sixteen feet in the air. The blow was so severe that it
+almost unhorsed the Governor, and seemingly caused, as he afterwards
+said, the fire to flash from his eyes. As the savages rushed pell-mell
+into the fortress, their pursuers were at their heels, cutting them
+down. The Spaniards were exasperated. They had sought peace, and had
+found only war. De Soto had wished, in a friendly spirit, to traverse
+their country, and they were hedging up his way and pursuing him with
+relentless ferocity. He assumed that it was necessary, for the
+salvation of his army, to teach them a lesson which they would not
+soon forget.
+
+The carnage within the fortress was dreadful. All was inextricable
+confusion. It was a hand-to-hand fight. Wooden swords fell harmless
+upon helmet, cuirass and buckler. But the keen and polished steel of
+the Spaniards did fearful execution upon the almost naked bodies of
+the Indians. Some climbed the palisades and leaped down into the
+plain, where they were instantly slain by the mounted troops. Others
+crowded through the fort and endeavored to escape by the narrow
+bridges. Many were jostled off, and in the swift current were drowned.
+But a few moments elapsed ere the fort was in the hands of the
+Spaniards. Its floor was covered by the gory bodies of the slain.
+Still, not a few had escaped, some by swimming, some by the bridges.
+They immediately formed in battle array upon the opposite bank of the
+river, where they supposed they were beyond the reach of the
+Spaniards.
+
+Again they raised shouts of defiance and insult. De Soto was not in a
+mood to endure these taunts. Just above the fort he found a ford.
+Crossing with a squadron of horsemen, they rushed with gleaming sabres
+upon the savages, and put them instantly to flight. For more than
+three miles they pursued them over the plain, till wearied with
+slaughter. They then returned, victors, slowly and sadly to their
+encampment. Peace and friendship would have been far preferable to
+this war and misery. Even their victory was to the Spaniards a great
+disaster, for several of the men were slain, and many severely
+wounded. Of the latter, fifteen subsequently died. De Soto remained
+four days in the encampment, nursing the wounded, and then resumed his
+weary march.
+
+He still directed his footsteps in a westerly direction, carefully
+avoiding an approach to the sea, lest his troops should rise in
+mutiny, send for the ships, and escape from the ill-starred
+enterprise. This certainly indicates, under the circumstances, an
+unsound, if not a deranged mind. For four days the troops toiled along
+through a dismal region, uninhabited, and encumbered with tangled
+forests and almost impassable swamps.
+
+At length they came to a small village called Chisca, upon the banks
+of the most majestic stream they had yet discovered. Sublimely the
+mighty flood, a mile and a half in width, rolled by them. The current
+was rapid and bore upon its bosom a vast amount of trees, logs, and
+drift-wood, showing that its sources must be hundreds of leagues far
+away, in the unknown interior. This was the mighty Mississippi, the
+'father of waters.' The Indians, at that point, called it Chucagua.
+Its source and its embouchure were alike unknown to De Soto. Little
+was he then aware of the magnitude of the discovery he had made.
+
+    "De Soto," says Mr. Irving, "was the first European who
+    looked out upon the turbid waters of this magnificent river;
+    and that event has more surely enrolled his name among those
+    who will ever live in American history, than if he had
+    discovered mines of silver and gold."
+
+The Spaniards had reached the river after a four days' march through
+an unpeopled wilderness. The Indians of Chisca knew nothing of their
+approach, and probably had never heard of their being in the country.
+The tribe inhabiting the region of which Chisca was the metropolis,
+was by no means as formidable, as many whom they had already
+encountered. The dwelling of the Cacique stood on a large artificial
+mound, from eighteen to twenty feet in height. It was ascended by two
+ladders, which could of course be easily drawn up, leaving the royal
+family thus quite isolated from the people below.
+
+Chisca, the chieftain, was far advanced in years, a feeble, emaciate
+old man of very diminutive stature. In the days of his prime, he had
+been a renowned warrior. Hearing of the arrival of the Spaniards, he
+was disposed to regard them as enemies, and seizing his tomahawk, he
+was eager to descend from his castle and lead his warriors to battle.
+
+The contradictory statements are made that De Soto, weary of the
+harassing warfare of the winter, was very anxious to secure the
+friendship of these Indians. Unless he were crazed, it must have been
+so, for there was absolutely nothing to be gained, but everything to
+be imperilled, by war. On the other hand, it is said that the moment
+the Spaniards descried the village, they rushed into it, plundering
+the houses, seizing men and women as captives. Both statements may
+have been partially true. It is not improbable that the disorderly
+troops of De Soto, to his great regret, were guilty of some outrages,
+while he personally might have been intensely anxious to repress this
+violence and cultivate only friendly relations with the natives.
+
+But whatever may have been the hostile or friendly attitude assumed by
+the Spaniards, it is admitted that the Cacique was disposed to wage
+war against the new comers. The more prudent of his warriors urged
+that he should delay his attack upon them until he had made such
+preparations as would secure successful results.
+
+"It will be best first," said they, "to assemble all the warriors of
+our nation, for these men are well armed. In the meantime, let us
+pretend friendship and not provoke an attack until we are strong
+enough to be sure of victory."
+
+The irascible old chief was willing only partially to listen to this
+advice. He delayed the conflict, but did not disguise his hostility.
+De Soto sent to him a very friendly message, declaring that he came
+in peace and wished only for an unmolested march through his country.
+The Cacique returned an angry reply, refusing all courteous
+intercourse.
+
+The Spaniards had been but three hours in the village when, to their
+surprise, they perceived an army of four thousand warriors, thoroughly
+prepared for battle, gathered around the mound upon which was reared
+the dwelling of the chief. If so many warriors could be assembled in
+so short a time, they feared there must be a large number in reserve
+who could be soon drawn in. The Spaniards, in their long marches and
+many battles, had dwindled away to less than five hundred men. Four
+thousand against five hundred were fearful odds; and yet the number of
+their foes might speedily be doubled or even quadrupled. In addition
+to this, the plains around the city were exceedingly unfavorable for
+the movements of the Spanish army, while they presented great
+advantages to the nimble-footed natives, for the region was covered
+with forests, sluggish streams and bogs.
+
+By great exertions, De Soto succeeded in effecting a sort of
+compromise. The Cacique consented to allow the Spaniards to remain for
+six days in the village to nurse the sick and the wounded. Food was to
+be furnished them by the Cacique. At the end of six days the
+Spaniards were to leave, abstaining entirely from pillage, from
+injuring the crops, and from all other acts of violence.
+
+The Cacique and all the inhabitants of the village abandoned the
+place, leaving it to the sole occupancy of the Spaniards. April, in
+that sunny clime, was mild as genial summer. The natives, with their
+simple habits, probably found little inconvenience in encamping in the
+groves around. On the last day of his stay, De Soto obtained
+permission to visit the Cacique. He thanked the chief cordially for
+his kindness and hospitality, and taking an affectionate leave,
+continued his journey into the unknown regions beyond.
+
+Ascending the tortuous windings of the river on the eastern bank, the
+Spaniards found themselves, for four days, in almost impenetrable
+thickets, where there were no signs of inhabitants. At length they
+came to quite an opening in the forest. A treeless plain, waving with
+grass, spread far and wide around them. The Mississippi river here was
+about half a league in width. On the opposite bank large numbers of
+Indians were seen, many of them warriors in battle array, while a
+fleet of canoes lined the shore.
+
+De Soto decided, for some unexplained reason, to cross the river at
+that point, though it was evident that the Indians had in some way
+received tidings of his approach, and were assembled there to dispute
+his passage. The natives could easily cross the river in their canoes,
+but they would hardly venture to attack the Spaniards upon the open
+plain, where there was such a fine opportunity for the charges of
+their cavalry.
+
+Here De Soto encamped for twenty days, while all who could handle
+tools were employed in building four large flat boats for the
+transportation of the troops across the stream. On the second day of
+the encampment, several natives from some tribe disposed to be
+friendly, on the eastern side of the river, visited the Spaniards.
+With very much ceremony of bowing and semi-barbaric parade, they
+approached De Soto, and informed him that they were commissioned by
+their chief to bid him welcome to his territory, and to assure him of
+his friendly services. De Soto, much gratified by this message,
+received the envoys with the greatest kindness, and dismissed them
+highly pleased with their reception.
+
+Though this chief sent De Soto repeated messages of kindness, he did
+not himself visit the Spanish camp, the alleged reason being, and
+perhaps the true one, that he was on a sick bed. He, however, sent
+large numbers of his subjects with supplies of food, and to assist the
+Spaniards in drawing the timber to construct their barges. The hostile
+Indians on the opposite bank frequently crossed in their canoes, and
+attacking small bands of workmen, showered upon them volleys of
+arrows, and fled again to their boats.
+
+One day the Spaniards, while at work, saw two hundred canoes filled
+with natives, in one united squadron, descending the river. It was a
+beautiful sight to witness this fleet, crowded with decorated and
+plumed warriors, their paddles, ornaments, and burnished weapons
+flashing in the sunlight. They came in true military style: several
+warriors standing at the bows and stern of each boat, with large
+shields of buffalo hides on their left arms, and with bows and arrows
+in their hands. De Soto advanced to the shore to meet them, where he
+stood surrounded by his staff. The royal barge containing the chief
+was paddled within a few rods of the bank. The Cacique then rose, and
+addressed De Soto in words which were translated by the interpreter as
+follows:
+
+"I am informed that you are the envoy of the most powerful monarch on
+the globe. I have come to proffer to you friendship and homage, and to
+assure you of my assistance in any way in which I can be of service."
+
+De Soto thanked him heartily for his offers, and entreated him to
+land, assuring him he should meet only the kindest reception. The
+following extraordinary account of the termination of this interview,
+a termination which seems incredible, is given in the "Conquest of
+Florida:"
+
+     "The Cacique returned no answer, but sent three canoes on
+     shore with presents of fruit, and bread made of the pulp of
+     a certain kind of plum. The Governor again importuned the
+     savage to land, but perceiving him to hesitate, and
+     suspecting a treacherous and hostile intent, marshalled his
+     men in order of battle. Upon this the Indians turned their
+     prows and fled.
+
+     "The cross-bowmen sent a flight of arrows after them, and
+     killed five or six of their number. They retreated in good
+     order, covering the rowers with their shields. Several times
+     after this they landed to attack the soldiers, as was
+     supposed, but the moment the Spaniards charged upon them
+     they fled to their canoes."
+
+If this account be true, the attack by the Spaniards was as
+inexcusable as it was senseless. At the end of twenty days the four
+barges were built and launched. In the darkness of the night De Soto
+ordered them to be well manned with rowers and picked troops of tried
+prudence and courage. The moment the bows touched the beach the
+soldiers sprang ashore, to their surprise encountering no resistance.
+The boats immediately returned for another load. Rapidly they passed
+to and fro, and before the sun went down at the close of that day, the
+whole army was transported to the western bank of the Mississippi. The
+point where De Soto and his army crossed, it is supposed, was at what
+is called the lowest Chickasaw Bluff.
+
+    "The river in this place," says the Portuguese Narrative,
+    "was a mile and a half in breadth, so that a man standing
+    still could scarcely be discerned from the opposite shore. It
+    was of great depth, of wonderful rapidity, and very turbid,
+    and was always filled with floating trees and timber, carried
+    down by the force of the current."
+
+The army having all crossed, the boats were broken up, as usual, to
+preserve the nails. It would seem that the hostile Indians had all
+vanished, for the Spaniards advanced four days in a westerly
+direction, through an uninhabited wilderness, encountering no
+opposition. On the fifth day they toiled up a heavy swell of land,
+from whose summit they discerned, in a valley on the other side, a
+large village of about four hundred dwellings. It was situated on the
+fertile banks of a stream, which is supposed to have been the St.
+Francis.
+
+The extended valley, watered by this river, presented a lovely view as
+far as the eye could reach, with luxuriant fields of Indian corn and
+with groves of fruit trees. The natives had received some intimation
+of the approach of the Spaniards, and in friendly crowds gathered
+around them, offering food and the occupancy of their houses. Two of
+the highest chieftains, subordinate to the Cacique, soon came with an
+imposing train of warriors, bearing a welcome from their chief and the
+offer of his services.
+
+De Soto received them with the utmost courtesy, and in the interchange
+of these friendly offices, both Spaniards and natives became alike
+pleased with each other. The adventurers remained in this village for
+six days, finding abundant food for themselves and their horses, and
+experiencing in the friendship and hospitality of the natives, joys
+which certainly never were found in the horrors of war. The province
+was called by the name of Kaska, and was probably the same as that
+occupied by the Kaskaskias Indians.
+
+Upon commencing anew their march they passed through a populous and
+well cultivated country, where peace, prosperity and abundance seemed
+to reign. In two days, having journeyed about twenty miles up the
+western bank of the Mississippi, they approached the chief town of the
+province where the Cacique lived. It was situated, as is supposed, in
+the region now called Little Prairie, in the extreme southern part of
+the State of Missouri, not far from New Madrid. Here they found the
+hospitable hands of the Cacique and his people extended to greet them.
+
+The residence of the chief stood upon a broad artificial mound,
+sufficiently capacious for twelve or thirteen houses, which were
+occupied by his numerous family and attendants. He made De Soto a
+present of a rich fur mantle, and invited him, with his suite, to
+occupy the royal dwellings for their residence. De Soto politely
+declined this offer, as he was unwilling thus to incommode his kind
+entertainer. He, however, accepted the accommodation of several houses
+in the village. The remainder of the army were lodged in exceedingly
+pleasant bowers, skilfully, and very expeditiously constructed by the
+natives, of bark and the green boughs of trees, outside the village.
+
+It was now the month of May. The weather was intensely hot, and these
+rustic bowers were found to be refreshingly cool and grateful. The
+name of this friendly chief was Casquin. Here the army remained for
+three days, without a ripple of unfriendly feeling arising between the
+Spaniards and the natives.
+
+It was a season of unusual drouth in the country, and on the fourth
+day the following extraordinary incident occurred: Casquin,
+accompanied by quite an imposing retinue of his most distinguished
+men, came into the presence of De Soto, and stepping forward, with
+great solemnity of manner, said to him,--
+
+"Señor, as you are superior to us in prowess and surpass us in arms,
+we likewise believe that your God is better than our God. These you
+behold before you are the chief warriors of my dominions. We
+supplicate you to pray to your God to send us rain, for our fields are
+parched for the want of water."
+
+De Soto, who was a reflective man, of pensive temperament and devoutly
+inclined, responded,--
+
+"We are all alike sinners, but we will pray to God, the Father of
+mercies, to show his kindness to you."
+
+He then ordered the carpenter to cut down one of the tallest pine
+trees in the vicinity. It was carefully trimmed and formed into a
+perfect, but gigantic cross. Its dimensions were such, that it
+required the strength of one hundred men to raise and plant it in the
+ground. Two days were employed in this operation. The cross stood upon
+a bluff, on the western bank of the Mississippi. The next morning
+after it was reared, the whole Spanish army was called out to
+celebrate the erection of the cross, by a solemn religious procession.
+A large number of the natives, with apparent devoutness, joined in the
+festival.
+
+Casquin and De Soto took the lead, walking side by side. The Spanish
+soldiers and the native warriors, composing a procession of more than
+a thousand persons, walked harmoniously along as brothers, to
+commemorate the erection of the cross--the symbol of the Christian's
+faith. The Cross! It should be the emblem of peace on earth and good
+will among men. Alas! how often has it been the badge of cruelty and
+crime.
+
+The priests, for there were several in the army, chanted their
+Christian hymns, and offered fervent prayers. The Mississippi at this
+point is not very broad, and it is said that upon the opposite bank
+twenty thousand natives were assembled, watching with intensest
+interest the imposing ceremony, and apparently, at times, taking part
+in the exercises. When the priests raised their hands in prayer, they,
+too, extended their arms and raised their eyes, as if imploring the
+aid of the God of heaven and of earth.
+
+Occasionally a low moan was heard wafted across the river--a wailing
+cry, as if woe-stricken children were imploring the aid of an Almighty
+Father. The spirit of De Soto was deeply moved to tenderness and
+sympathy as he witnessed this benighted people paying such homage to
+the emblem of man's redemption. After several prayers were offered,
+the whole procession, slowly advancing two by two, knelt before the
+cross, as in brief ejaculatory prayer, and kissed it. All then
+returned with the same solemnity to the village, the priests chanting
+the grand anthem, "Te Deum Laudamus."
+
+Thus more than three hundred years ago the cross, significant of the
+religion of Jesus, was planted upon the banks of the Mississippi, and
+the melody of Christian hymns was wafted across the silent waters, and
+was blended with the sighing of the breeze through the tree-tops. It
+is sad to reflect how little of the spirit of that religion has since
+been manifested in those realms in man's treatment of his brother man.
+
+It is worthy of especial notice that upon the night succeeding this
+eventful day clouds gathered, and the long-looked-for rain fell
+abundantly. The devout Las Casas writes:
+
+    "God, in his mercy, willing to show these heathen that he
+    listeneth to those who call upon him in truth, sent down, in
+    the middle of the ensuing night, a plenteous rain, to the
+    great joy of the Indians."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+_Vagrant Wanderings._
+
+     Trickery of Casquin.--The March to Capaha.--The Battle and
+     its Results.--Friendly Relations with Capaha.--The Return
+     Journey.--The Marsh Southward.--Salt Springs.--The Savages
+     of Tula.--Their Ferocity.--Anecdote.--Despondency of De
+     Soto.
+
+
+It is painful to recall the mind from these peaceful, joy-giving,
+humanizing scenes of religion, to barbaric war--its crime, carnage,
+and misery. It is an affecting comment upon the fall of man, that far
+away in this wilderness, among these tribes that might so have blessed
+and cheered each other by fraternal love, war seems to have been the
+normal condition. After a residence of nine days in this village,
+beneath truly sunny skies, in the enjoyment of abundance, and cheered
+by fruits, flowers, and bird-songs, the Spanish army again commenced
+its march in the wild and apparently senseless search for gold.
+
+The Cacique, Casquin, was about fifty years of age. He begged
+permission to accompany De Soto to the next province, with his whole
+army in its best military array, and with a numerous band of
+attendants to carry provisions and to gather wood and fodder for the
+encampments. De Soto cheerfully accepted this friendly offer. But he
+soon found that it was hatred, not love, which was the impelling
+motive; that the chief was incited by a desire to make war, not to
+cultivate peace. The chief of the next province was a redoubtable
+warrior named Capaha. His territories were extensive; his subjects
+numerous and martial. Time out of mind there had been warfare between
+these two provinces, the subjects of each hating each other
+implacably.
+
+Capaha had in recent conflicts been quite the victor, and Casquin
+thought this a good opportunity, with the Spaniards for his powerful
+allies, to take signal vengeance upon his foe. Of this De Soto, at the
+time, knew nothing.
+
+The army commenced its march. There were five thousand native warriors
+who accompanied him, plumed, painted, and armed in the highest style
+of savage art. There were three thousand attendants, who bore the
+supplies, and who were also armed with bows and arrows. Casquin, with
+his troops, took the lead; wishing, as he said, to clear the road of
+any obstructions, to drive off any lurking foes, and to prepare at
+night the ground for the comfortable encampment of the Spaniards. His
+troops were in a good state of military discipline, and marched in
+well organized array about a mile and a half in advance of the
+Spaniards.
+
+Thus they travelled for three uneventful days, until they reached an
+immense swamp, extending back unknown miles from the Mississippi. This
+was the frontier line which bordered the hostile provinces of Casquin
+and Capaha. Crossing it with much difficulty, they encamped upon a
+beautiful prairie upon the northern side. A journey of two days
+through a sparsely inhabited country brought them to the more fertile
+and populous region of the new province. Here they found the capital
+of the Cacique. It was a well fortified town of about five hundred
+large houses, situated upon elevated land, which commanded an
+extensive view of the country around. One portion of the town was
+protected by a deep ditch, one hundred and fifty feet broad. The
+higher portion was defended by a strong palisade. The ditch, or canal,
+connected with the Mississippi river, which was nine miles distant.
+
+Capaha, hearing suddenly of the arrival of so formidable a force, fled
+down the canal in a curve, to an island in the river, where he
+summoned his warriors to meet him as speedily as possible. Casquin,
+marching as usual a mile and a half in advance, finding the town
+unprotected, and almost abandoned, entered and immediately commenced
+all the ravages of savage warfare. One hundred men, women and
+children, caught in the place, were immediately seized, the men killed
+and scalped, the women and boys made captives. To gratify their
+vengeance, they broke into the mausoleum, held so sacred by the
+Indians, where the remains of all the great men of the tribe had been
+deposited. They broke open the coffins, scattered the remains over the
+floor and trampled them beneath their feet.
+
+It is said that Casquin, would have set fire to the mausoleum, and
+laid it and the whole village in ashes, but that he feared that he
+might thus incur the anger of De Soto. When the Governor arrived and
+saw what ravages had been committed by those who had come as his
+companions, friends and allies, he was greatly distressed. Immediately
+he sent envoys to Capaha on the island, assuring him of his regret in
+view of the outrages; that neither he, nor his soldiers, had in the
+slightest degree participated in them, and that he sought only
+friendly relations with the Cacique.
+
+Capaha, who was a proud warrior, and who had retired but for a little
+time that he might marshal his armies to take vengeance on the
+invaders, returned an indignant and defiant answer; declaring that he
+sought no peace; but that he would wage war to the last extremity.
+
+Again De Soto found himself in what may be called a false position.
+The chief Capaha and his people were exasperated against him in the
+highest degree. The nation was one of the most numerous and powerful
+on the Mississippi. Should the eight thousand allies, who had
+accompanied him from Kaska, and who had plunged him into these
+difficulties, withdraw, he would be left entirely at the mercy of
+these fierce warriors. From ten to twenty thousand might rush upon his
+little band, now numbering but about four hundred, and their utter
+extermination could hardly be doubtful. Under these circumstances he
+decided to attempt to conquer a peace. Still he made other efforts,
+but in vain, to conciliate the justly enraged chieftain. He then
+prepared for war. However severely he may be censured for this
+decision, it is the duty of the impartial historian to state those
+facts which may in some degree modify the severity of judgment.
+
+A large number of canoes were prepared, in which two hundred Spaniards
+and three thousand Indians embarked to attack Capaha upon his island,
+before he had time to collect a resistless force of warriors. They
+found the island covered with a dense forest, and the chief and his
+troops strongly intrenched. The battle was fought with great fury, the
+Spanish soldiers performing marvellous feats of bravery, strength and
+endurance. The warriors of Capaha, who fought with courage equal to
+that of the Spaniards, and struck such dismay into the more timid
+troops of Casquin, that they abandoned their allies and fled
+tumultuously to their canoes, and swiftly paddled away.
+
+De Soto, thus left to bear the whole brunt of the hostile army, was
+also compelled to retreat. He did this in good order, and might have
+suffered terribly in the retreat but for the singular and, at the
+time, unaccountable fact that Capaha withdrew his warriors and allowed
+the Spaniards to embark unmolested. It would seem that the sagacious
+chieftain, impressed by the wonderful martial prowess displayed by the
+Spaniards, and by the reiterated proffers of peace and friendship
+which had been made to him, and despising the pusillanimity of the
+troops of Casquin, whom he had always been in the habit of conquering,
+thought that by detaching the Spaniards from them he could convert De
+Soto and his band into friends and allies. Then he could fall upon the
+Indian army, and glut his vengeance, by repaying them tenfold for all
+the outrages they had committed.
+
+Accordingly, the next morning, four ambassadors of highest rank
+visited the Spanish encampment. De Soto and Casquin were together. The
+ambassadors bowed to De Soto with profound reverence, but
+disdainfully took no notice whatever of Casquin. The speaker then
+said,--
+
+"We have come, in the name of our chief, to implore the oblivion of
+the past and to offer to you his friendship and homage."
+
+De Soto was greatly relieved by the prospect of this termination of
+the difficulties in which he had found himself involved. He treated
+the envoys with great affability, reciprocated all their friendly
+utterances, and they returned to Capaha highly pleased with their
+reception.
+
+Casquin was very indignant. He did everything in his power to excite
+the hostility of De Soto against Capaha, but all was in vain. The
+Governor was highly displeased with the trick Casquin had played upon
+him, in setting out on a military expedition under the guise of an
+honorary escort. He despised the cowardice which Casquin's troops had
+evinced in the battle, and he respected the courage which Capaha had
+exhibited, and the frankness and magnanimity of his conduct. He
+therefore issued orders to his own and the native army that no one
+should inflict any injury whatever, either upon the persons or the
+property of the natives of the province. He allowed Casquin to remain
+in his camp and under his protection for a few days, but compelled
+him to send immediately home the whole body of his followers,
+retaining merely enough vassals for his personal service.
+
+The next morning Capaha himself, accompanied by a train of one hundred
+of his warriors, fearlessly returned to his village. He must have had
+great confidence in the integrity of De Soto, for by this act he
+placed himself quite in the power of the Spaniards. Immediately upon
+entering the village, he visited the desecrated mausoleum of his
+ancestors, and in silent indignation repaired, as far as possible, the
+injury which had been done. He then proceeded to the headquarters of
+De Soto. The Spanish Governor and Casquin were seated together.
+
+Capaha was about twenty-six years of age, of very fine person and of
+frank and winning manners. With great cordiality he approached De
+Soto, reiterating his proffers of friendship, and his earnest desire
+that kindly feelings should be cherished between them. Casquin he
+treated with utter disdain, paying no more attention to him than if he
+had not been present. For some time the Indian Cacique and the Spanish
+Governor conversed together with perfect frankness and cordiality. A
+slight pause occurring in their discourse, Capaha fixed his eyes
+sternly for a moment upon Casquin and said, in tones of strong
+indignation,--
+
+"You, Casquin, undoubtedly exult in the thought that you have revenged
+your past defeats. This you never could have done through your own
+strength. You are indebted to these strangers for what you have
+accomplished. Soon they will go on their way. But we shall be left in
+this country as we were before. We shall then meet again. Pray to the
+gods that they may send us good weather."
+
+De Soto humanely did everything in his power to promote reconciliation
+between the hostile chieftains. But all was in vain. Though they
+treated each other with civility, he observed frequent interchanges of
+angry glances.
+
+The Spaniards found, in this town, a great variety of valuable skins
+of deer, panthers, buffalo and bears. Taught by the Indians, the
+Spaniards made themselves very comfortable moccasons of deerskin, and
+also strong bucklers, impervious to arrows, of buffalo hide.
+
+After making minute and anxious inquiries for gold, and ascertaining
+that there was none to be found in that direction, De Soto turned his
+desponding steps backwards to Kaska. Here he remained for four days,
+preparing for a march to the southward. He then continued his progress
+nine days down the western bank of the river, until, on the fourth of
+August, he reached a province called Quigate. His path had led him
+through a populous country, but the Indians made no attempt to molest
+his movements. It is supposed that Quigate must have been on the White
+river, about forty or fifty miles from its mouth. Here De Soto learned
+that, faraway in the northwest there was a range of mountains, and
+there he thought might perhaps be the gold region of which he had so
+long been in search.
+
+Immediately he put his soldiers in motion, led by a hope which was
+probably rejected by every mind in the army, except his own. A single
+Indian guide led them on a weary tramp for many days, through dreary
+morasses and tangled forests. They at length came to a village called
+Coligoa, which is supposed to have been upon the banks of White river.
+The natives at first fled in terror at their approach, but as no
+hostility was manifested by the Spaniards, they soon gained
+confidence, and returned with kind words and presents. But there was
+no gold there, and no visions of gold in the distance.
+
+The chief informed De Soto that there was a very rich and populous
+province about thirty miles to the south, where the inhabitants were
+in the enjoyment of a great abundance of the good things of life.
+Again the Spaniards took up their line of march in that direction.
+They found a fertile and quite thickly inhabited country on their
+route. The Indians were friendly, and seemed to have attained a
+degree of civilization superior to that of most of the tribes they had
+as yet visited. The walls of the better class of houses were hung with
+deerskins, so softly tanned and colored that they resembled beautiful
+tapestry. The floors were also neatly carpeted with richly decorated
+skins.
+
+The Spaniards seem to have travelled very slowly, for nine days were
+occupied in reaching Tanico, in the Cayas country, which was situated
+probably upon Saline river, a branch of the Washita. Here they found
+some salt springs, and remained several days to obtain a supply of
+salt, of which they were greatly in need. Turning their steps towards
+the west, still groping blindly, hunting for gold, they journeyed four
+days through a barren and uninhabited region, when suddenly they
+emerged upon a wide and blooming prairie.
+
+In the centre, at the distance of about a couple of miles, between two
+pleasant streams, they saw quite a large village. It was mid-day, and
+the Governor encamped his army in the edge of the grove, on the
+borders of the plain. In the afternoon, with a strong party of horse
+and foot, he set out upon a reconnoitering excursion. As he approached
+the village the inhabitants, men and women, sallied forth and attacked
+him with great ferocity. De Soto was not a man ever to turn his back
+upon his assailants. The Spaniards drew their sabres, and, all being
+in armor, and led by charges of the horsemen, soon put the tumultuous
+savages to flight, and pursued them pell-mell into the village.
+
+The natives fought like tigers from doors, windows, and housetops. The
+exasperated Spaniards, smarting with their wounds, and seeing many of
+their comrades already slain, cut down their foes remorselessly. The
+women fell before their blows as well as the men, for the women fought
+with unrelenting fierceness which the Spaniards had never seen
+surpassed. Night came on while the battle still raged, with no
+prospect of its termination. De Soto withdrew his troops from the
+village, much vexed at having allowed himself to be drawn into so
+useless a conflict, where there was nothing to be gained, and where he
+had lost several valuable men in killed, while many more were wounded.
+
+The next morning De Soto put his whole army in motion and advanced
+upon the village. They found it utterly abandoned. Strong parties were
+sent out in all directions to capture some of the natives, that De
+Soto might endeavor to enter into friendly relations with them. But it
+seemed impossible to take any one alive. They were as untamable and as
+savage as bears and wolves, fighting against any odds to the last
+gasp. Both women and men were exceedingly ill-looking, with shapeless
+heads, which were said to have been deformed by the compression of
+bandages in infancy. The province was called Tula, and the village was
+situated, it is supposed, between the waters of the upper Washita and
+the little Missouri.
+
+The Spaniards remained in the village four days, when suddenly, in the
+darkness of midnight, the war-whoop resounded from three different
+directions, and three large bands of native warriors, who had so
+stealthily approached as to elude the vigilance of the sentinels,
+plunged into the village in a simultaneous attack. Egyptian darkness
+enveloped the combatants, and great was the confusion, for it was
+almost impossible to distinguish friend from foe. The Spaniards, to
+avoid wounding each other, incessantly shouted the name of the Virgin.
+The savages were armed with bows and arrows and with javelins, heavy,
+sharp-pointed, and nine or ten feet in length, which could be used
+either as clubs or pikes. Wielded by their sinewy arms, in a
+hand-to-hand fight, the javelin proved a very formidable weapon.
+
+The battle raged with unintermitted fury till the dawn of the morning.
+The savages then, at a given signal, fled simultaneously to the woods.
+The Spaniards did not pursue them. Thoroughly armored as they were,
+but four of their number were killed, but many were severely wounded.
+It was nearly twenty days before the wounded were so far convalescent
+that the army could resume its march. The following incident
+illustrates the almost unexampled ferocity of these barbaric warriors:
+
+The morning after the battle a large number of the Spanish soldiers,
+thoroughly armed, were exploring the fields around the village, on
+foot and on horseback. Three foot soldiers and two mounted men were in
+company. One of them saw in a thicket an Indian raise his head and
+immediately conceal it. The foot soldier ran up to kill him. The
+savage rose, and with a ponderous battle-axe which he had won from the
+Spaniards the day before, struck the shield of the Spaniard with such
+force as to cut it in two, at the same time severely wounding his arm.
+The blow was so violent and the wound so severe, that the soldier was
+rendered helpless. The savage then rushed upon another of the foot
+soldiers, and in the same way effectually disabled him.
+
+One of the horsemen, seeing his companions thus roughly handled, put
+spurs to his steed and charged upon the Indian. The savage sprang to
+the trunk of an oak tree, whose low hanging branches prevented the
+near approach of the trooper. Watching his opportunity, he sprang
+forth and struck the horse such a terrible blow with his axe as to
+render the animal utterly incapable of moving. Just at this moment the
+gallant Gonsalvo Sylvestre came up. The Indian rushed upon him,
+swinging his battle-axe in both hands; but Sylvestre warded the blow
+so that the axe glanced over his shield and buried its edge deeply in
+the ground.
+
+Instantly the keen sabre of Sylvestre fell upon the savage, laying
+open his face and breast with a fearful gash, and so severing his
+right hand from the arm that it hung only by the skin. The desperate
+Indian, seizing the axe between the bleeding stump and the other hand,
+attempted to strike another blow. Again Sylvestre warded off the axe
+with his shield, and with one blow of his sword upon the waist of the
+naked Indian so nearly cut his body in two that he fell dead at his
+feet.
+
+During the time the Spaniards tarried in Tula many foraging excursions
+were sent out to various parts of the province. The region was
+populous and fertile, but it was found impossible to conciliate in any
+degree the hostile inhabitants.
+
+Again the soldiers were in motion. They directed their steps towards
+the northwest, towards a province named Utiangue, which was said to be
+situated on the borders of a great lake, at the distance of about two
+hundred and forty miles. They hoped that this lake might prove an arm
+of the sea, through which they could open communications with their
+friends in Cuba, and return to them by water. The journey was
+melancholy in the extreme, through a desolate country occupied by
+wandering bands of ferocious savages, who were constantly assailing
+them from ambuscades by day and by night.
+
+At length they reached the village of Utiangue, the capital of the
+province. It was pleasantly situated on a fine plain upon the banks of
+a river, which was probably the Arkansas. Upon the approach of the
+Spaniards the inhabitants had abandoned the place, leaving their
+granaries well stocked with corn, beans, nuts, and plums. The meadows
+surrounding the town offered excellent pasturage for the horses. As
+the season was far advanced, De Soto decided to take up his winter
+quarters here. He fortified the place, surrounding it with strong
+palisades. To lay in ample stores for the whole winter, foraging
+parties were sent out, who returned laden with dried fruits, corn, and
+other grain.
+
+Deer ranged the forests in such numbers that large quantities of
+venison were obtained. Rabbits also were in abundance. The Cacique,
+who kept himself aloof, sent several messengers to De Soto, but they
+so manifestly came merely as spies, and always in the night, that De
+Soto gave orders that none should be admitted save in the daytime.
+One persisting to enter was killed by a sentinel. This put an end to
+all intercourse between De Soto and the chief; but the Spaniards were
+assaulted whenever the natives could take any advantage of them on
+their foraging expeditions.
+
+Here the Spaniards enjoyed on the whole, the most comfortable winter
+they had experienced since they entered Florida. Secure from attack in
+their fortified town, sheltered from the weather in their comfortable
+dwellings, and with a sufficient supply of food, they were almost
+happy, as they contrasted the comforts they then enjoyed with the
+frightful sufferings they had hitherto experienced. During the winter,
+the expedition met with a great loss from the death of its intelligent
+interpreter, Juan Ortiz. In reference to his services, Mr. Pickett
+says:
+
+    "Understanding only the Floridian language, he conducted
+    conversations through the Indians of different tribes who
+    understood each other and who attended the expedition. In
+    conversing with the Chickasaws, for instance, he commenced
+    with the Floridian, who carried the word to a Georgian, the
+    Georgian to the Coosa, the Coosa to the Mobilian, and the
+    latter to the Chickasaw. In the same tedious manner the reply
+    was conveyed to him and reported to De Soto."
+
+During the winter at Utiangue, the views and feelings of the Governor
+apparently experienced quite a change. His hopes of finding gold seem
+all to have vanished. He was far away in unknown wilds, having lost
+half his troops and nearly all his horses. The few horses that
+remained, were many of them lame, not having been shod for more than a
+year. He did not hesitate to confess, confidentially to his friends,
+his regret that he had not joined the ships at Pensacola. He now
+despairingly decided to abandon these weary and ruinous wanderings,
+and to return to the Mississippi river. Here he would establish a
+fortified colony, build a couple of brigantines, send them to Cuba
+with tidings of safety to his wife, and procure reinforcements and
+supplies. It seems that his pride would not allow him to return
+himself a ruined man to his friends.
+
+With the early spring he broke up his cantonment, and commenced a
+rapid march for the Mississippi. He had heard of a village called
+Anilco, at the mouth of a large stream emptying into that majestic
+river. They followed down the south side of the Arkansas river for ten
+days, when they crossed on rafts to the north or east side. It was
+probably the intention of De Soto to reach the Mississippi nearly at
+the point at which they had crossed it before.
+
+Continuing his journey through morasses and miry grounds, where the
+horses often waded up to their girths in water, where there were few
+inhabitants, and little food to be obtained, he at length reached the
+village of Anilco, and found it to be on the northern bank of the
+Arkansas river. Here he learned that, at the distance of some leagues
+to the south, there was a populous and fertile country such as he
+thought would be suitable for the establishment of his colony. Again
+he crossed the Arkansas river to the south side, and moving in a
+southerly direction reached the Mississippi at a village called
+Guachoya, about twenty miles below the mouth of the Arkansas river.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+_Death of De Soto._
+
+     Ascent of the Mississippi.--Revenge of Guachoya.--Sickness
+     of De Soto.--Affecting Leave-taking.--His Death and
+     Burial.--The March for Mexico.--Return to the
+     Mississippi.--Descent of the River.--Dispersion of the
+     Expedition.--Death of Isabella.
+
+
+The village of Guachoya was situated on a bluff on the western bank of
+the Mississippi, and was strongly fortified with palisades. De Soto
+succeeded in establishing friendly relations with the chief, and was
+hospitably entertained within the town. The Cacique and Governor ate
+at the same table, and were served by Indian attendants. Still, for
+some unexplained reason, the Cacique with his warriors retired at
+sunset in their canoes, to the eastern side of the Mississippi, and
+did not return till after sunrise the next morning.
+
+De Soto's great anxiety now was to get access to the ocean. But he
+could not learn that the Cacique had ever heard of such a body of
+water. He then sent Juan de Añasco with eight horsemen to follow down
+the banks of the river in search of the sea. They returned in eight
+days, having explored but about fifty miles, in consequence of the
+windings of the stream and the swamps which bordered its banks. Upon
+this discouraging information, the Governor decided to build two
+brigantines at Guachoya, and to establish his colony upon some fertile
+fields which he had passed between Anilco and that place. This
+rendered it very important for him to secure abiding friendly
+relations with the chiefs of both of these provinces.
+
+The territory indeed upon which he intended to settle, was within the
+province of Anilco, and on the north bank of the Arkansas. The chief
+Guachoya, very kindly offered to supply De Soto with eighty large and
+many small canoes with which a portion of his force with the baggage
+could ascend the Mississippi, twenty-one miles to the mouth of the
+Arkansas, and then ascending that stream about forty miles would reach
+the point selected for the settlement. The Governor and the chief,
+with united military force in light marching order, would proceed by
+land so as to reach the spot about the same time as the canoes.
+
+Four thousand Indian warriors embarked in these canoes, and in three
+days accomplished the voyage. At the same time, the land forces
+commenced their march. The Cacique led two thousand warriors, besides
+the attendants. Mr. Irving writes:
+
+     "The two expeditions arrived safely at the time opposite the
+     village. The chief of Anilco was absent, but the inhabitants
+     of the place made a stand at the pass of the river. Nuño
+     Tobar fell furiously upon them with a party of horse. Eager
+     for the fight, they charged so heedlessly that each trooper
+     found himself surrounded by a band of Indians. The poor
+     savages, however, were so panic-stricken that they turned
+     their backs upon the village, and fled in wild disorder to
+     the forests, amid the shouts of the pursuers, and the
+     shrieks and cries of the women and children.
+
+     "On entering the conquered village, they massacred all they
+     met, being chiefly old men, women and children, inflicting
+     the most horrible barbarities.
+
+     "In all this they acted in such fury and haste, that the
+     mischief was effected almost before De Soto was aware of it.
+     He put an end to the carnage as speedily as possible,
+     reprimanded the Cacique severely, forbade any one to set
+     fire to a house, or injure an Indian under pain of death,
+     and hastened to leave the village, taking care that the
+     Indian allies should be the first to pass the river, and
+     none remained behind to do mischief."
+
+From this untoward enterprise De Soto returned to the village of
+Guachoya, renouncing all idea of establishing his colony in Anilco. He
+immediately commenced with all energy building his two brigantines,
+while he looked anxiously about in search of some region of fertility
+and abundance, where his army could repose till the envoys should
+bring back a sufficient fleet to transport those to Cuba who should
+wish to return there, and could also bring those reinforcements and
+supplies essential to the establishment of the colony. The river at
+this point was about a mile and a half in width. The country on both
+sides was rich in fertility, and thickly inhabited.
+
+Upon the eastern bank there was a province called Quigualtanqui, of
+which De Soto heard such glowing reports that he sent an exploring
+party to examine the country. By fastening four canoes together, he
+succeeded in transporting the horses across the stream. To his
+disappointment he found the Cacique deadly hostile. He sent word to De
+Soto that he would wage a war of utter extermination against him and
+his people, should they attempt to invade his territories.
+
+Care, fatigue and sorrow now began to show their traces upon the
+Governor. He could not disguise the deep despondency which oppressed
+him. His step became feeble, his form emaciate, his countenance
+haggard. A weary, grief-worn pilgrim, he was in a mood to welcome
+death, as life presented him nothing more to hope for. A slow fever
+aggravated by the climate, placed him upon a sick bed. Here, the
+victim of the most profound melancholy, he was informed that the
+powerful chief, Quigualtanqui, was forming a league of all the
+neighboring tribes for the extermination of the Spaniards. De Soto's
+arm was paralyzed and his heart was broken. He had fought his last
+battle. His words were few; his despondency oppressed all who
+approached his bedside. Day after day the malady increased until the
+fever rose so high, that it was manifest to De Soto, and to all his
+companions, that his last hour was at hand.
+
+Calmly and with the piety of a devout Catholic, he prepared for death.
+Luis De Moscoso was appointed his successor in command of the army,
+and also the successor of whatever authority and titles De Soto might
+possess, as Governor of Florida. He called together the officers and
+most prominent soldiers, and with the trembling voice of a dying man
+administered to them the oath of obedience to Moscoso. He then called
+to his bedside, in groups of three persons, the cavaliers who had so
+faithfully followed him through his long and perilous adventures, and
+took an affectionate leave of them. The common soldiers were then, in
+groups of about twenty, brought into the death chamber, and tenderly
+he bade them adieu.
+
+These war-worn veterans wept bitterly in taking leave of their beloved
+chief. It is worthy of record that he urged them to do all in their
+power to convert the natives to the Christian religion; that he
+implored the forgiveness of all whom he had in any way offended; and
+entreated them to live as brothers, loving and helping one another. On
+the seventh day after he was attacked by the fever, he expired.
+
+    "He died," writes the Inca, "like a Catholic Christian,
+    imploring mercy of the most Holy Trinity, relying on the
+    protection of the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord, and the
+    intercession of the Virgin and of all the celestial court,
+    and in the faith of the Roman church. With these words
+    repeated many times, he resigned his soul to God; this
+    magnanimous and never-conquered cavalier, worthy of great
+    dignities and titles, and deserving a better historian than a
+    rude Indian."
+
+Thus perished De Soto, in the forty-second year of his age. His life,
+almost from the cradle to the grave, had been filled with care,
+disappointment and sorrow. When we consider the age in which he lived,
+the influences by which he was surrounded, and the temptations to
+which he was exposed, it must be admitted that he developed many noble
+traits of character, and that great allowances should be made for his
+defects.
+
+The Governor had won the confidence and affection of his army to an
+extraordinary degree. He was ever courteous in his demeanor, and kind
+in his treatment. He shared all the hardships of his soldiers, placed
+himself in the front in the hour of peril, and was endowed with that
+wonderful muscular strength and energy which enabled him by his
+achievements often to win the admiration of all his troops. His death
+overwhelmed the army with grief. They feared to have it known by the
+natives, for his renown as a soldier was such as to hold them in awe.
+
+It was apprehended that should his death be known, the natives would
+be encouraged to revolt, and to fall with exterminating fury upon the
+handful of Spaniards now left in the land. They therefore "buried him
+silently at dead of night." Sentinels were carefully posted to prevent
+the approach of any of the natives. A few torches lighted the
+procession to a sandy plain near the encampment, where his body was
+interred, with no salute fired over his grave or even any dirge
+chanted by the attendant priests. The ground was carefully smoothed
+over so as to obliterate as far as possible all traces of the burial.
+
+The better to conceal his death, word was given out the next morning
+that he was much better, and a joyous festival was arranged in honor
+of his convalescence. Still the natives were not deceived. They
+suspected that he was dead, and even guessed the place of his burial.
+This was indicated by the fact that they frequently visited the spot,
+looking around with great interest, and talking together with much
+volubility.
+
+One mode of revenge adopted by the natives was to disinter the body of
+an enemy and expose the remains to every species of insult. It was
+feared that as soon as the Spaniards should have withdrawn from the
+region, the body of De Soto might be found and exposed to similar
+outrages. It was therefore decided to take up the remains and sink it
+in the depths of the river.
+
+In the night, Juan De Añasco, with one or two companions, embarked in
+a canoe, and, by sounding, found a place in the channel of the river
+nearly a hundred and twenty feet deep. They cut down an evergreen oak,
+whose wood is almost as solid and heavy as lead, gouged out a place in
+it sufficiently large to receive the body, and nailed over the top a
+massive plank. The body, thus placed in its final coffin, was taken at
+midnight to the centre of the river, where it immediately sank to its
+deep burial. The utmost silence was preserved, and every precaution
+adopted to conceal the movement from all but those engaged in the
+enterprise.
+
+    "The discoverer of the Mississippi," writes the Inca, "slept
+    beneath its waters. He had crossed a large part of the
+    continent in search of gold, and found nothing so remarkable
+    as his burial-place."
+
+Upon the death of De Soto, a council of war was held to decide what to
+do in the new attitude of affairs. In their exhausted state, and with
+their diminished numbers, they could not think of attempting a march
+back for hundreds of leagues through hostile nations, to Tampa Bay. It
+would take a long time to build their brigantines and to await an
+arrival from Cuba. In the meantime there was great danger that they
+might be attacked and destroyed by the powerful league then forming
+against them.
+
+A rumor had reached them that a large number of Spaniards were in
+Mexico, not very far to the westward; that they were powerful in
+numbers, conquering all before them, and enriching themselves with the
+spoils of a majestic empire. It was consequently determined to march
+with all speed in that direction, and join this Spanish army in its
+career of Mexican conquest.
+
+Early in the month of June they commenced their march in a line due
+west. Their geographical knowledge was so limited that they were not
+aware that they were in a latitude far above the renowned city of the
+Montezumas.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Day after day the troops pressed on, through many sufferings and weary
+marches. On the way, one of their number, Diego De Guzman, a very
+ambitious young cavalier of high rank and wealthy connections, fell so
+passionately in love with the beautiful daughter of a Cacique that he
+deserted from the army to remain with her. She was but eighteen years
+of age, of very amiable spirit, and of unusual gracefulness of form
+and loveliness of feature. Moscoso sent an embassy to the Cacique,
+demanding the return of Guzman as a deserter, and threatening, in case
+of refusal, to lay waste his territory with fire and sword. The chief
+sent back the heroic reply--
+
+"I have used no force to detain Diego De Guzman. I shall use no force
+to compel him to depart. On the contrary I shall treat him as a
+son-in-law, with all honor and kindness, and shall do the same with
+any others of the strangers who may choose to remain with me. If for
+thus doing my duty you think proper to lay waste my lands and slay my
+people, you can do so. The power is in your hands."
+
+It would seem that this manly reply disarmed Moscoso, for the Spanish
+army continued its journey, leaving Guzman behind. Onward and still
+onward the weary men pressed, wading morasses, forcing their way
+through tangled forests, crossing rivers on rafts; now hungry and now
+thirsty, again enjoying abundance; sometimes encountering hostility
+from the natives, when they took fearful vengeance, applying the torch
+to their villages; and again enjoying the hospitality of the natives,
+until having traversed a region of about three hundred miles in
+breadth, they supposed they had reached the confines of Mexico.
+
+They had no suitable interpreters with them. The most contrary
+impressions were received from the attempts they made to obtain
+intelligence from the Indians. Lured by false hopes, they wandered
+about here and there, ever disappointed in their hopes of finding the
+white men. Entering a vast uninhabited region, they found their food
+exhausted, and but for the roots and herbs they dug up, would have
+perished from hunger.
+
+The Spaniards were in despair. They were lost in savage wilds,
+surrounded by a barbarous and hostile people, with whom, for want of
+an interpreter, they could hold no intelligible communication. They
+had now been wandering in these bewildering mazes for three months.
+Mountains were rising before them; dense forests were around. They had
+probably reached the hunting-grounds of the Pawnees and Comanches. It
+was the month of October; winter would soon be upon them. A council of
+war was called, and after much agitating debate, it was at length
+decided, as the only refuge from perishing in the wilderness, to
+retrace their steps to the Mississippi.
+
+Forlorn, indeed, were their prospects now. They had made no attempt to
+conciliate the natives through whose provinces they had passed, and
+they could expect to encounter only hostility upon every step of their
+return. The country also, devastated in their advance, could afford
+but little succor in their retreat. Their worst fears were realized.
+Though they made forced marches, often with weary feet, late into the
+night, they were constantly falling into ambuscades, and had an almost
+incessant battle to fight.
+
+Before they reached the Arkansas river the severe weather of winter
+set in. They were drenched with rains, pierced with freezing gales,
+and covered with the mud through which they were always wading. Their
+European clothing had long since vanished. Their grotesque and
+uncomfortable dress consisted principally of skins belted around their
+waists and over their shoulders; they were bare-legged. Many of them
+had neither shoes nor sandals; a few had moccasons made of skins. In
+addition to all this, and hardest to be borne, their spirits were all
+broken, and they were sunk in despondency which led them to the very
+verge of despair.
+
+Every day some died. One day, seven dropped by the wayside. The
+Spaniards could hardly stop to give them burial, for hostile Indians
+were continually rising before, behind, and on each side of them. At
+length, early in December, they reached the banks of the Mississippi
+near the mouth of the Arkansas.
+
+The noble army with which De Soto left Spain but three and a half
+years before, had dwindled away to about three hundred and fifty men;
+and many of these gained this refuge only to die. Fifty of these
+wanderers, exhausted by hunger, toil and sorrow, found repose in the
+grave. Soon the survivors commenced building seven brigantines to take
+them back to Cuba. They had one ship-carpenter left, and several other
+mechanics. Swords, stirrups, chains, cutlasses, and worn out
+fire-arms, were wrought into spikes. Ropes were made from grass. The
+Indians proved friendly, furnishing them with food, and aiding them in
+their labors.
+
+The hostile chief of whom we have before spoken, Quigualtanqui, on the
+eastern bank of the river, began to renew his efforts to form a
+hostile league against the Spaniards. He was continually sending spies
+into the camp. Moscoso was a merciless man. One day thirty Indians
+came into the town as spies, but under pretence of bringing presents
+of food, and messages of kindness from their Cacique. Moscoso thought
+he had ample evidence of their treachery. Cruelly he ordered the right
+hand of every one of these chiefs to be chopped off with a hatchet,
+and thus mutilated, sent them back to the Cacique as a warning to
+others.
+
+Moscoso, conscious of the peril of his situation, made the utmost
+haste to complete his fleet. It consisted of seven large barques, open
+save at the bows and stern. The bulwarks were mainly composed of
+hides. Each barque had seven oars on a side. This frail squadron was
+soon afloat, and the Governor and his diminished bands embarked.
+
+It was on the evening of the second of July, just as the sun was
+setting, when they commenced their descent of the majestic
+Mississippi, leading they knew not where. They had succeeded in
+fabricating sails of matting woven from grass. With such sails and
+oars, they set out to voyage over unexplored seas, without a chart,
+and without a compass. The current of the river was swift and their
+descent rapid. They occasionally landed to seize provisions wherever
+they were to be found, and to take signal vengeance on any who opposed
+them.
+
+It seems that the Indians, during the winter, had been collecting a
+fleet, manned with warriors, to cut off the retreat of the Spaniards.
+This fleet consisted of a large number of canoes, sufficiently
+capacious to hold from thirty to seventy warriors, in addition to
+from thirteen to twenty-four men with paddles. They could move with
+great rapidity.
+
+Two days after embarking, the Spaniards met this formidable fleet. The
+natives attacked them with great ferocity, circling around the
+cumbrous brigantines, discharging upon them showers of arrows, and
+withdrawing at their pleasure. This assault, which was continued
+almost without intermission for seven days and nights, was attended by
+hideous yells and war-songs. Though the Spaniards were protected by
+their bulwarks and their shields, nearly every one received some
+wound. All the horses but eight were killed.
+
+On the sixteenth day of the voyage four small boats, containing in all
+fifty-five men, which had pushed out a little distance from the
+brigantines, were cut off by the natives, and all but seven perished.
+The natives now retired from pursuing their foes, and with exultant
+yells of triumph turned their bows up the river and soon disappeared
+from sight.
+
+On the twentieth day they reached the Gulf. Here they anchored their
+fleet to a low marshy island, a mere sand bank, surrounded with a vast
+mass of floating timber. Again a council was held to decide what
+course was to be pursued. They had no nautical instruments, and they
+knew not in what direction to seek for Cuba. It was at length decided
+that as their brigantines could not stand any rough usage of a stormy
+sea, their only safety consisted in creeping cautiously along the
+shore towards the west in search of their companions in Mexico. They
+could thus run into creeks and bays in case of storms, and could
+occasionally land for supplies.
+
+It was three o'clock in the afternoon when they again made sail. There
+was much division of counsel among them; much diversity of opinion as
+to the best course to be pursued; and the authority of Moscoso was but
+little regarded. They had many adventures for fifty-three days, as
+they coasted slowly along to the westward. Then a violent gale arose,
+a norther, which blew with unabated fury for twenty-six hours. In this
+gale the little fleet became separated. The brigantines contained
+about fifty men each. Five of them succeeded in running into a little
+bay for shelter. Two were left far behind, and finding it impossible
+to overtake their companions, as the wind was directly ahead, and as
+there was danger of their foundering during the night, though with
+quarrels among themselves, they ran their two vessels upon a sand
+beach and escaped to the shore.
+
+Moscoso, with the five brigantines, had entered the river Panuco, now
+called Tampico. Here he found, to his great joy, that his countrymen
+had quite a flourishing colony, and that they had reared quite a
+large town, called Panuco, at a few miles up the stream. They kissed
+the very ground for joy, and abandoning their storm-shattered
+brigantines, commenced a tumultuous march towards the town. They were
+received with great hospitality. The Mayor took Moscoso into his own
+house, and the rest of the party were comfortably provided for.
+
+It is worthy of note that one of their first acts was to repair to the
+church to thank God for their signal deliverance from so many perils.
+They were soon joined by their shipwrecked comrades. They numbered
+only three hundred, and they resembled wild beasts rather than men,
+with uncut and uncombed hair and beard, haggard with fatigue,
+blackened from exposure, and clad only in the skins of bears, deer,
+buffaloes, and other animals. Here their military organization ended.
+
+For twenty-five days they remained at Panuco; a riotous band of
+disappointed and reckless men, frequently engaging in sanguinary
+broils. Gradually they dispersed. Many of the common soldiers found
+their way to the city of Mexico, where they enlisted in the Mexican
+and Peruvian armies. Most of the leaders found their way back to
+Spain, broken in health and spirits.
+
+Many months elapsed ere Isabella heard of the death of her husband,
+and of the utter ruin of the magnificent enterprise in which he had
+engaged. It was to her an overwhelming blow. Her heart was broken; she
+never smiled again, and soon followed her husband to the grave. Sad,
+indeed, were the earthly lives of Ferdinand De Soto and Isabella De
+Bobadilla. We hope their redeemed spirits have met in that better land
+where the weary are at rest.
+
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+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
+  <head>
+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi, by John S. C. Abbott.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+
+    p {  margin-top: .75em;
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+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the
+Mississippi, by John S. C. Abbott
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi
+       American Pioneers and Patriots
+
+Author: John S. C. Abbott
+
+Release Date: June 20, 2009 [EBook #29172]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FERDINAND DE SOTO ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 327px;">
+<img src="images/icover.jpg" width="327" height="500" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox2">
+<h1><span class="smcap">Ferdinand de Soto,</span></h1>
+
+<h4>THE</h4>
+
+<h3>DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI</h3>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 170px;">
+<img src="images/i001.jpg" width="170" height="200" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h4>BY</h4>
+
+<h2>JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.</h2>
+
+<h3>NEW YORK:<br />
+DODD &amp; MEAD, No. 762 BROADWAY.<br />
+1873.</h3></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<p class="center">Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by<br />
+DODD &amp; MEAD,<br />
+in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.</p>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="60%" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="10" summary="printers">
+
+<tr><th><span class="smcap">Wm. McCrea &amp; Co.,</span> Stereotypers,<br />
+Newburgh, N. Y.</th>
+<td><span class="smcap">Lange, Little &amp; Hillman,</span><br />
+PRINTERS,<br />
+<span class="smcap">108 to 114 Wooster Street,</span> N. Y.</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+<h3><i>AMERICAN PIONEERS AND PATRIOTS.</i></h3>
+
+<h2>FERDINAND DE SOTO.</h2>
+
+<p class="smallgap">&nbsp;</p>
+
+<h4>THE</h4>
+
+<h3>DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI.</h3>
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">By</span> JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.</h3>
+
+<hr class="tiny" />
+<h3>ILLUSTRATED.</h3>
+<hr class="tiny" />
+
+<h3>NEW YORK:<br />DODD &amp; MEAD, No. 762 BROADWAY.<br />
+1873.</h3>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/i004.jpg" class="ispace" width="500" height="331" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><h2><a name="PREFACE" id="PREFACE"></a>PREFACE.</h2>
+
+<p>Mr. Theodore Irving, in his valuable history of the "Conquest of
+Florida," speaking of the astonishing achievements of the Spanish
+Cavaliers, in the dawn of the sixteenth century says:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Of all the enterprises undertaken in this spirit of daring
+adventure, none has surpassed, for hardihood and variety of
+incident, that of the renowned Hernando de Soto, and his
+band of cavaliers. It was poetry put in action. It was the
+knight-errantry of the old world carried into the depths of
+the American wilderness. Indeed the personal adventures, the
+feats of individual prowess, the picturesque description of
+steel-clad cavaliers, with lance and helm and prancing
+steed, glittering through the wildernesses of Florida,
+Georgia, Alabama, and the prairies of the Far West, would
+seem to us mere fictions of romance, did they not come to us
+recorded in matter of fact narratives of contemporaries, and
+corroborated by minute and daily memoranda of
+eye-witnesses."</p></div>
+
+<p>These are the wild and wondrous adventures which I wish here to
+record. I have spared no pains in obtaining the most accurate
+information which the records of those days have transmitted to us.
+It is as wrong to traduce the dead as the living. If one should be
+careful not to write a line which dying he would wish to blot, he
+should also endeavor to write of the departed in so candid and
+paternal a spirit, while severely just to the truth of history, as to
+be safe from reproach. One who is aiding to form public opinion
+respecting another, who has left the world, should remember that he
+may yet meet the departed in the spirit land. And he may perhaps be
+greeted with the words, "Your condemnation was too severe. You did not
+make due allowance for the times in which I lived. You have held up my
+name to unmerited reproach."</p>
+
+<p>Careful investigation has revealed De Soto to me as by no means so bad
+a man as I had supposed him to have been. And I think that the candid
+reader will admit that there was much, in his heroic but melancholy
+career, which calls for charitable construction and sympathy.</p>
+
+<p>The authorities upon which I have mainly relied for my statements, are
+given in the body of the work. There is no country on the globe, whose
+early history is so full of interest and instruction as our own. The
+writer feels grateful to the press, in general, for the kindly spirit
+in which it has spoken of the attempt, in this series, to interest the
+popular reader in those remarkable incidents which have led to the
+establishment of this majestic republic.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><h2>CONTENTS.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&#9670;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="60%" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" summary="CONTENTS">
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER I.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>Childhood and Youth.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="right">PAGE</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Birthplace of Ferdinand De Soto.&mdash;Spanish Colony at Darien.&mdash;Don Pedro
+de Avila, Governor of Darien.&mdash;Vasco Nu&ntilde;ez.&mdash;Famine.&mdash;Love in the
+Spanish Castle.&mdash;Character of Isabella.&mdash;Embarrassment of De
+Soto.&mdash;Isabella's Parting Counsel.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_I">9</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER II.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>The Spanish Colony.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Character of De Soto.&mdash;Cruel Command of Don Pedro.&mdash;Incident.&mdash;The
+Duel.&mdash;Uracca.&mdash;Consternation at Darien.&mdash;Expedition
+Organized.&mdash;Uracca's Reception of Espinosa and his Troops.&mdash;The
+Spaniards Retreat.&mdash;De Soto Indignant.&mdash;Espinosa's Cruelty, and
+Deposition from Command.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_II">21</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER III.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>Life at Darien.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Reinforcements from Spain.&mdash;Aid sent to Borrica.&mdash;Line of Defense Chosen
+by the Natives.&mdash;Religion of the Buccaneers.&mdash;The Battle and the
+Rout.&mdash;Strategy of Uracca.&mdash;Cruelty of Don Pedro.&mdash;The
+Retreat.&mdash;Character of Uracca.&mdash;Embarrassment of Don Pedro.&mdash;Warning
+of M. Codro.&mdash;Expedition of Pizarro.&mdash;Mission of M. Codro.&mdash;Letter of
+De Soto to Isabella.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_III">37</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER IV.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>Demoniac Reign.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Giles Gonzales.&mdash;Unsuccessful Contest of De Soto with Gonzales.&mdash;Bold
+Reply of De Soto to the Governor.&mdash;Cruelty of Don Pedro to M.
+Codro.&mdash;Assassination of Cordova.&mdash;New Expedition of Discovery.&mdash;Revenge
+upon Valenzuela.&mdash;Reign of Don Pedro at Nicaragua.&mdash;Unwise Decision of
+De Soto.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IV">55</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER V.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>The Invasion of Peru.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">The Kingdom of Peru.&mdash;Its Metropolis.&mdash;The Desperate Condition of
+Pizarro.&mdash;Arrival of De Soto.&mdash;Character of the Spaniards.&mdash;Exploring
+Tour of De Soto.&mdash;The Colony at San Miguel.&mdash;The General
+Advance.&mdash;Second Exploration of De Soto.&mdash;Infamous Conduct of the
+Pizarros.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_V">72</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER VI.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>The Atrocities of Pizarro.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Fears of Pizarro.&mdash;Honorable Conduct of the Inca.&mdash;The March to
+Caxamarca.&mdash;Hospitable Reception.&mdash;Perfidious Attack upon the
+Inca.&mdash;His Capture and Imprisonment.&mdash;The Honor of De Soto.&mdash;The
+Offered Ransom.&mdash;Treachery and Extortion of Pizarro.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VI">90</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER VII.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>The Execution of the Inca, and Embarrassments of<br />
+De Soto.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Pledges of Pizarro.&mdash;His Perfidy.&mdash;False Mission of De Soto.&mdash;Execution
+of the Inca.&mdash;His Fortitude.&mdash;Indignation of De Soto.&mdash;Great
+Embarrassments.&mdash;Extenuating Considerations.&mdash;Arrival of Almagro.&mdash;March
+Towards the Capital.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VII">107</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER VIII.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>De Soto Returns to Spain.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Dreadful Fate of Chalcukima.&mdash;His Fortitude.&mdash;Ignominy of Pizarro.&mdash;De
+Soto's Advance upon Cuzco.&mdash;The Peruvian Highway.&mdash;Battle in the
+Defile.&mdash;De Soto takes the Responsibility.&mdash;Capture of the Capital and
+its Conflagration.&mdash;De Soto's Return to Spain.&mdash;His Reception
+there.&mdash;Preparations for the Conquest of Florida.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">126</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER IX.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>The Landing in Florida.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">The Departure from Spain.&mdash;Arrival in Cuba.&mdash;Leonora and Tobar.&mdash;Isabella
+Invested with the Regency.&mdash;Sad Life of Isabella.&mdash;Sailing of the
+Expedition.&mdash;The Landing at Tampa Bay.&mdash;Outrages of Narvaez.&mdash;Noble
+Spirit of Ucita.&mdash;Unsuccessful Enterprises.&mdash;Disgrace and Return of
+Porcallo.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_IX">144</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER X.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>The March to Ochile.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">The March Commenced.&mdash;The Swamps of Florida.&mdash;Passage of the
+Morass.&mdash;Heroism of Sylvestre.&mdash;Message to Acuera.&mdash;His Heroic
+Reply.&mdash;Fierce Hostility of the Indians.&mdash;Enter the Town of
+Ocali.&mdash;Strange Incident.&mdash;Death of the Bloodhound.&mdash;Historical
+Discrepancies.&mdash;Romantic Entrance to Ochile.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_X">163</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XI.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>The Conspiracy and its Consequences.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">The Three Brother Chieftains.&mdash;Reply of Vitachuco to his
+Brothers.&mdash;Feigned Friendship for the Spaniards.&mdash;The Conspiracy.&mdash;Its
+Consummation and Results.&mdash;Clemency of De Soto.&mdash;The Second
+Conspiracy.&mdash;Slaughter of the Indians.&mdash;March of the Spaniards for
+Osachile.&mdash;Battle in the Morass.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XI">180</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XII.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>Winter Quarters.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Incidents of the March.&mdash;Passage of the River.&mdash;Entering
+Anhayea.&mdash;Exploring Expeditions.&mdash;De Soto's desire for Peace.&mdash;Capture
+of Capafi.&mdash;His Escape.&mdash;Embarrassments of De Soto.&mdash;Letter of
+Isabella.&mdash;Exploration of the Coast.&mdash;Discovery of the Bay of
+Pensacola.&mdash;Testimony Respecting Cofachiqui.&mdash;The March Resumed.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XII">199</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIII.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>Lost in the Wilderness.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Incidents at Achise.&mdash;Arrival at Cofa.&mdash;Friendly Reception by
+Cofaqui.&mdash;The Armed Retinue.&mdash;Commission of Patofa.&mdash;Splendors of the
+March.&mdash;Lost in the Wilderness.&mdash;Peril of the Army.&mdash;Friendly
+Relations.&mdash;The Escape from the Wilderness.&mdash;They Reach the Frontiers
+of Cofachiqui.&mdash;Dismissal of Patofa.&mdash;Wonderful Reception by the
+Princess of Cofachiqui.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">220</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIV.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>The Indian Princess.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Crossing the River.&mdash;Hospitable Reception.&mdash;Attempts to visit the
+Queen Mother.&mdash;Suicide of the Prince.&mdash;Futile search for
+Gold.&mdash;The Discovery of Pearls.&mdash;The Pearl Fishery.&mdash;The Princess
+a Captive.&mdash;Held in Silken Chains.&mdash;Her Escape.&mdash;Location of
+Cutifachiqui.&mdash;The March Resumed.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">240</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XV.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>The Dreadful Battle of Mobila.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">The Army in Alabama.&mdash;Barbaric Pageant.&mdash;The Chief of Tuscaloosa.&mdash;Native
+Dignity.&mdash;Suspected Treachery of the Chief.&mdash;Mobila, its Location and
+Importance.&mdash;Cunning of the Chief.&mdash;The Spaniards Attacked.&mdash;Incidents
+of the Battle.&mdash;Disastrous Results.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XV">259</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XVI.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>Days of Darkness.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">The Melancholy Encampment.&mdash;The Fleet at Pensacola.&mdash;Singular Resolve
+of De Soto.&mdash;Hostility of the Natives.&mdash;Beautiful Scenery.&mdash;Winter
+Quarters on the Yazoo.&mdash;Feigned Friendship of the Cacique.&mdash;Trickery
+of Juan Ortiz.&mdash;The Terrible Battle of Chickasaw.&mdash;Dreadful Loss of
+the Spaniards.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">276</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XVII.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>The Discovery of the Mississippi.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">The Fortress of Hostile Indians.&mdash;Its Capture.&mdash;The Disastrous
+Conflict.&mdash;The Advance of the Army.&mdash;Discovery of the Mississippi
+River.&mdash;Preparations for Crossing.&mdash;Extraordinary
+Pageants.&mdash;Unjustifiable Attack.&mdash;The passage of the
+River.&mdash;Friendly Reception by Casquin.&mdash;Extraordinary Religious
+Festival.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">296</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XVIII.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>Vagrant Wanderings.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Trickery of Casquin.&mdash;The March to Capaha.&mdash;The Battle and its
+Results.&mdash;Friendly Relations with Capaha.&mdash;The Return Journey.&mdash;The
+March Southward.&mdash;Salt Springs.&mdash;The Savages of Tula.&mdash;Their
+Ferocity.&mdash;Anecdote.&mdash;Despondency of De Soto.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">315</a></td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2">CHAPTER XIX.</td></tr>
+
+<tr>
+<td align="center" colspan="2"><i>Death of De Soto.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="justify">Ascent of the Mississippi.&mdash;Revenge of Guachoya.&mdash;Sickness of
+De Soto.&mdash;Affecting Leave-taking.&mdash;His Death and Burial.&mdash;The
+March for Mexico.&mdash;Return to the Mississippi.&mdash;Descent of the
+River.&mdash;Dispersion of the Expedition.&mdash;Death of Isabella.</td>
+<td align="right"><a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">334</a></td></tr>
+
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>Childhood and Youth.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Birthplace of Ferdinand De Soto.&mdash;Spanish Colony at
+Darien.&mdash;Don Pedro de Avila, Governor of Darien.&mdash;Vasco
+Nu&ntilde;ez.&mdash;Famine.&mdash;Love in the Spanish Castle.&mdash;Character of
+Isabella.&mdash;Embarrassment of De Soto.&mdash;Isabella's Parting
+Counsel.</p></div>
+
+<p>In the interior of Spain, about one hundred and thirty miles southwest
+of Madrid, there is the small walled town of Xeres. It is remote from
+all great routes of travel, and contains about nine thousand
+inhabitants, living very frugally, and in a state of primitive
+simplicity. There are several rude castles of the ancient nobility
+here, and numerous gloomy, monastic institutions. In one of these
+dilapidated castles, there was born, in the year 1500, a boy, who
+received the name of Ferdinand de Soto. His parents were Spanish
+nobles, perhaps the most haughty class of nobility which has ever
+existed. It was, however, a decayed family, so impoverished as to find
+it difficult to maintain the position of gentility. The parents were
+not able to give their son a liberal education. Their rank did not
+allow them to introduce <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span>him to any of the pursuits of industry; and
+so far as can now be learned, the years of his early youth were spent
+in idleness.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand was an unusually handsome boy. He grew up tall, well formed,
+and with remarkable muscular strength and agility. He greatly excelled
+in fencing, horseback riding, and all those manly exercises which were
+then deemed far more essential for a Spanish gentleman than literary
+culture. He was fearless, energetic, self-reliant; and it was manifest
+that he was endowed with mental powers of much native strength.</p>
+
+<p>When quite a lad he attracted the attention of a wealthy Spanish
+nobleman, Don Pedro de Avila, who sent him to one of the Spanish
+universities, probably that of Saragossa, and maintained him there for
+six years. Literary culture was not then in high repute; but it was
+deemed a matter of very great moment that a nobleman of Spain should
+excel in horsemanship, in fencing, and in wielding every weapon of
+attack or defence.</p>
+
+<p>Ferdinand became quite renowned for his lofty bearing, and for all
+chivalric accomplishments. At the tournaments, and similar displays of
+martial prowess then in vogue, he was prominent, exciting the envy of
+competitive cavaliers, and winning the admiration of the ladies.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span></p><p>Don Pedro became very proud of his foster son, received him to his
+family, and treated him as though he were his own child. The Spanish
+court had at that time established a very important colony at the
+province of Darien, on the Isthmus of Panama. This isthmus, connecting
+North and South America, is about three hundred miles long and from
+forty to sixty broad. A stupendous range of mountains runs along its
+centre, apparently reared as an eternal barrier between the Atlantic
+and Pacific oceans. From several of the summits of this ridge the
+waters of the two oceans can at the same time be distinctly seen. Here
+the Spanish court, in pursuit of its energetic but cruel conquest of
+America, had established one of its most merciless colonies. There was
+gold among the mountains. The natives had many golden ornaments. They
+had no conception of the value of the precious ore in civilized lands.
+Readily they would exchange quite large masses of gold for a few glass
+beads. The great object of the Spaniards in the conquest of Darien was
+to obtain gold. They inferred that if the ignorant natives, without
+any acquaintance with the arts, had obtained so much, there must be
+immense quantities which careful searching and skilful mining would
+reveal.</p>
+
+<p>The wanton cruelties practised by the Spaniards <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span>upon the unoffending
+natives of these climes seem to have been as senseless as they were
+fiendlike. It is often difficult to find any motive for their
+atrocities. These crimes are thoroughly authenticated, and yet they
+often seem like the outbursts of demoniac malignity. Anything like a
+faithful recital of them would torture the sensibilities of our
+readers almost beyond endurance. Mothers and maidens were hunted and
+torn down by bloodhounds; infant children were cut in pieces, and
+their quivering limbs thrown to the famished dogs.</p>
+
+<p>The large wealth and the rank of Don Pedro de Avila gave him much
+influence at the Spanish court. He succeeded in obtaining the
+much-coveted appointment of Governor of Darien. His authority was
+virtually absolute over the property, the liberty, and the lives of a
+realm, whose extended limits were not distinctly defined.</p>
+
+<p>Don Pedro occupied quite an imposing castle, his ancestral mansion, in
+the vicinity of Badajoz. Here the poor boy Ferdinand, though descended
+from families of the highest rank, was an entire dependent upon his
+benefactor. The haughty Don Pedro treated him kindly. Still he
+regarded him, in consequence of his poverty, almost as a favored
+menial. He fed him, clothed him, patronized him.</p>
+
+<p>It was in the year 1514 that Don Pedro entered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>upon his office of
+Governor of Darien. The insatiate thirst for gold caused crowds to
+flock to his banners. A large fleet was soon equipped, and more than
+two thousand persons embarked at St. Lucar for the golden land. The
+most of these were soldiers; men of sensuality, ferocity, and thirst
+for plunder. Not a few noblemen joined the enterprise; some to add to
+their already vast possessions, and others hoping to retrieve their
+impoverished fortunes.</p>
+
+<p>A considerable number of priests accompanied the expedition, and it is
+very certain that some of these at least were actuated by a sincere
+desire to do good to the natives, and to win them to the religion of
+Jesus:&mdash;that religion which demands that we should do to others as we
+would that others should do to us, and whose principles, the governor,
+the nobles, and the soldiers, were ruthlessly trampling beneath their
+feet. Don Pedro, when measured by the standard of Christianity, was
+proud, perfidious and tyrannical. The course he pursued upon his
+arrival in the country was impolitic and almost insane.</p>
+
+<p>His predecessor in the governorship was Vasco Nu&ntilde;ez. He had been on
+the whole a prudent, able and comparatively merciful governor. He had
+entered into trade with the natives, and had so far secured their good
+will as to induce them to bring in an ample supply of provisions for
+his colony. He <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span>had sent out Indian explorers, with careful
+instructions to search the gold regions among the mountains. Don
+Pedro, upon assuming the reins of government, became very jealous of
+the popularity of Nu&ntilde;ez, whom he supplanted. His enmity soon became so
+implacable that, without any cause, he accused him of treason and
+ordered him to be decapitated. The sentence was executed in the public
+square of Acla. Don Pedro himself gazed on the cruel spectacle
+concealed in a neighboring house. He seemed ashamed to meet the
+reproachful eye of his victim, as with an axe his head was cut off
+upon a block.</p>
+
+<p>All friendly relations with the Indians were speedily terminated. They
+were robbed of their gold, of their provisions, and their persons were
+outraged in the most cruel manner. The natives, terror-stricken, fled
+from the vicinity of the colony, and suddenly the Spaniards found all
+their supplies of provisions cut off. More than two thousand were
+crowded into a narrow space on the shores of the gulf, with no
+possibility of obtaining food. They were entirely unprepared for any
+farming operations, having neither agricultural tools nor seed.
+Neither if they had them could they wait for the slow advent of the
+harvest. Famine commenced its reign, and with famine, its invariable
+attendant, pestilence. In <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span>less than six months, of all the glittering
+hosts, which with music and banners had landed upon the isthmus,
+expecting soon to return to Europe with their ships freighted with
+gold, but a few hundred were found alive, and they were haggard and in
+rags.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards had robbed the Indians of their golden trinkets, but
+these trinkets could not be eaten and they would purchase no food.
+They were as worthless as pebbles picked from the beach. Often lumps
+of gold, or jewels of inestimable value, were offered by one starving
+wretch to another for a piece of mouldy bread. The colony would have
+become entirely extinct, but for the opportune arrival of vessels from
+Spain with provisions. Don Pedro had sent out one or two expeditions
+of half-famished men to seize the rice, Indian corn, and other food,
+wherever such food could be found.</p>
+
+<p>The natives had sufficient intelligence to perceive that the colonists
+were fast wasting away. The Indians were gentle and amiable in
+character, and naturally timid; with no taste for the ferocities of
+war. But emboldened by the miseries of the colonies, and beginning to
+despise their weakness, they fell upon the foraging parties with great
+courage and drove them back ignominiously to the coast. The arrival of
+the ships to which we have referred with provisions <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span>and
+reinforcements, alone saved the colony from utter extinction.</p>
+
+<p>Don Pedro, after having been in the colony five years, returned to
+Spain to obtain new acquisitions of strength in men and means for the
+prosecution of ever-enlarging plans of wealth and ambition. North and
+south of the narrow peninsula were the two majestic continents of
+North and South America. They both invited incursions, where nations
+could be overthrown, empires established, fame won, and where
+mountains of gold might yet be found.</p>
+
+<p>It seems that De Soto had made the castle of Don Pedro, near Badajoz,
+his home during the absence of the governor. There all his wants had
+been provided for through the charitable munificence of his patron. He
+probably had spent his term time at the university. He was now
+nineteen years of age, and seemed to have attained the full maturity
+of his physical system, and had developed into a remarkably elegant
+young man.</p>
+
+<p>The family of Don Pedro had apparently remained at the castle. His
+second daughter, Isabella, was a very beautiful girl in her sixteenth
+year. She had already been presented at the resplendent court of
+Spain, where she had attracted great admiration. Rich, beautiful and
+of illustrious birth, many noblemen had sought her hand, and among the
+rest, one <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span>of the princes of the blood royal. But Isabella and De
+Soto, much thrown together in the paternal castle, had very naturally
+fallen in love with each other.</p>
+
+<p>The haughty governor was one day exceedingly astounded and enraged,
+that De Soto had the audacity to solicit the hand of his daughter in
+marriage. In the most contemptuous and resentful manner, he repelled
+the proposition as an insult. De Soto was keenly wounded. He was
+himself a man of noble birth. He had no superior among all the young
+noblemen around him, in any chivalric accomplishment. The only thing
+wanting was money. Don Pedro loved his daughter, was proud of her
+beauty and celebrity, and was fully aware that she had a very decided
+will of her own.</p>
+
+<p>After the lapse of a few days, the governor was not a little alarmed
+by a statement, which the governess of the young lady ventured to make
+to him. She assured him that Isabella had given her whole heart to De
+Soto, and that she had declared it to be her unalterable resolve to
+retire to a convent, rather than to become the wife of any other
+person. Don Pedro was almost frantic with rage. As totally devoid of
+moral principle as he was of human feelings, he took measures to have
+De Soto assassinated. Such is the uncontradicted testimony of
+contemporary historians. But every day revealed to him more <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span>clearly
+the strength of Isabella's attachment for De Soto, and the
+inflexibility of her will. He became seriously alarmed, not only from
+the apprehension that if her wishes were thwarted, no earthly power
+could prevent her from burying herself in a convent, but he even
+feared that if De Soto were to be assassinated, she would, by
+self-sacrifice, follow him to the world of spirits. This caused him to
+feign partial reconciliation, and to revolve in his mind more cautious
+plans for his removal.</p>
+
+<p>He decided to take De Soto back with him to Darien. The historians of
+those days represent that it was his intention to expose his young
+prot&eacute;g&eacute; to such perils in wild adventures in the New World, as would
+almost certainly secure his death. De Soto himself, proud though poor,
+was tortured by the contemptuous treatment which he received, even
+from the menials in the castle, who were aware of his rejection by
+their proud lord. He therefore eagerly availed himself of the
+invitation of Don Pedro to join in a new expedition which he was
+fitting out for Darien.</p>
+
+<p>He resolved, at whatever sacrifice, to be rich. The acquisition of
+gold, and the accumulation of fame, became the great objects of his
+idolatry. With these he could not only again claim the hand of
+Isabella, but the haughty Don Pedro would eagerly seek <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span>the alliance
+of a man of wealth and renown. Thousands of adventurers were then
+crowding to the shores of the New World, lured by the accounts of the
+boundless wealth which it was said could there be found, and inspired
+by the passion which then pervaded Christendom, of obtaining celebrity
+by the performance of chivalric deeds.</p>
+
+<p>Many had returned greatly enriched by the plunder of provinces. The
+names of Pizarro and Cortez had been borne on the wings of renown
+through all the countries of Europe, exciting in all honorable minds
+disgust, in view of their perfidy and cruelty, and inspiring others
+with emotions of admiration, in contemplation of their heroic
+adventures.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was greatly embarrassed by his poverty. Both his parents were
+dead. He was friendless; and it was quite impossible for him to
+provide himself with an outfit suitable to the condition of a Spanish
+grandee. The insulting treatment he had received from Don Pedro
+rendered it impossible for him to approach that haughty man as a
+suppliant for aid. But Don Pedro did not dare to leave De Soto behind
+him. The family were to remain in the ancestral home. And it was very
+certain that, Don Pedro being absent, ere long he would hear of the
+elopement of Ferdinand and Isabella. Thus influenced, he offered De
+Soto a free passage to Darien, a captain's <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>commission with a suitable
+outfit, and pledged himself that he should have ample opportunity of
+acquiring wealth and distinction, in an expedition he was even then
+organizing for the conquest of Peru. As Don Pedro made these overtures
+to the young man, with apparently the greatest cordiality, assuming
+that De Soto, by embarking in the all-important enterprise, would
+confer a favor rather than receive one, the offer was eagerly
+accepted.</p>
+
+<p>Don Pedro did everything in his power to prevent the two lovers from
+having any private interview before the expedition sailed. But the
+ingenuity of love as usual triumphed over that of avarice. Isabella
+and De Soto met, and solemnly pledged constancy to each other. It
+seems that Isabella thoroughly understood the character of her father,
+and knew that he would shrink from no crime in the accomplishment of
+his purposes. As she took her final leave of her lover, she said to
+him, very solemnly and impressively,</p>
+
+<p>"Ferdinand, remember that one treacherous friend is more dangerous
+than a thousand avowed enemies."</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>The Spanish Colony.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Character of De Soto.&mdash;Cruel Command of Don
+Pedro.&mdash;Incident.&mdash;The Duel.&mdash;Uracca.&mdash;Consternation at
+Darien.&mdash;Expedition Organized.&mdash;Uracca's Reception of
+Espinosa and his Troops.&mdash;The Spaniards Retreat.&mdash;De Soto
+Indignant.&mdash;Espinosa's Cruelty, and Deposition from Command.</p></div>
+
+<p>It was in the year 1519, when the expedition sailed from St. Lucar for
+Darien. We have no account of the incidents which occurred during the
+voyage. The fleet reached Darien in safety, and the Spanish
+adventurers, encased in coats of mail, which the arrows and javelins
+of the natives could not pierce, mounted on powerful war horses, armed
+with muskets and cannon, and with packs of ferocious bloodhounds at
+their command, were all prepared to scatter the helpless natives
+before them, as the whirlwind scatters autumnal leaves.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was then but nineteen years of age. In stature and character
+he was a mature man. There are many indications that he was a young
+man of humane and honorable instincts, shrinking from the deeds of
+cruelty and injustice which he saw everywhere <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span>perpetrated around him.
+It is however probable, that under the rigor of military law, he at
+times felt constrained to obey commands from which his kindly nature
+recoiled.</p>
+
+<p>Don Pedro was a monster of cruelty. He gave De Soto command of a troop
+of horse. He sent him on many expeditions which required not only
+great courage, but military sagacity scarcely to be expected in one so
+young and inexperienced. It is however much to the credit of De Soto,
+that the annalists of those days never mentioned his name in
+connection with those atrocities which disgraced the administration of
+Don Pedro. He even ventured at times to refuse obedience to the orders
+of the governor, when commanded to engage in some service which he
+deemed dishonorable.</p>
+
+<p>One remarkable instance of this moral and physical intrepidity is on
+record. Don Pedro had determined upon the entire destruction of a
+little village occupied by the natives. The torch was to be applied,
+and men, women and children, were to be put to the sword. Don Pedro
+had issued such a command as this, with as much indifference as he
+would have placed his foot upon an anthill. It is not improbable that
+one of the objects he had in view was to impose a revolting task upon
+De Soto, that he might be, as it were, whipped into implicit
+obedience. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span>He therefore sent one of the most infamous of his captains
+to De Soto with the command that he should immediately take a troop of
+horse, proceed to the doomed village, gallop into its peaceful and
+defenceless street, set fire to every dwelling, and with their keen
+sabres, cut down every man, woman and child. It was a deed fit only
+for demons to execute.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto deemed himself insulted in being ordered on such a mission.
+This was not war,&mdash;it was butchery. The defenceless natives could make
+no resistance. Indignantly and heroically he replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Tell Don Pedro, the governor, that my life and services are always at
+his disposal, when the duty to be performed is such as may become a
+Christian and a gentleman. But in the present case, I think the
+governor would have shown more discretion by entrusting you, Captain
+Perez, with this commission, instead of sending you with the order to
+myself."</p>
+
+<p>This reply Captain Perez might certainly regard as reflecting very
+severely upon his own character, and as authorizing him to demand that
+satisfaction which, under such circumstances, one cavalier expects of
+another. He however carried the message to the governor. Don Pedro was
+highly gratified. He saw that a duel was the necessary result. Captain
+Perez was a veteran soldier, and was the most expert swordsman in the
+army. He was famed for his quarrelsome <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span>disposition; had already
+fought many duels, in which he had invariably killed his man. In a
+rencontre between the youthful De Soto and the veteran Captain Perez,
+there could be no doubt in the mind of the governor as to the result.
+He therefore smiled very blandly upon Captain Perez, and said in
+language which the captain fully understood:</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my friend, if you, who are a veteran soldier, can endure the
+insolence of this young man, De Soto, I see no reason why an infirm
+old man like myself should not show equal forbearance."</p>
+
+<p>Captain Perez was not at all reluctant to take the hint. It was only
+giving him an opportunity to add another to the list of those who had
+fallen before his sword. The challenge was immediately given. De
+Soto's doom was deemed sealed. Duels in the Spanish army were
+fashionable, and there was no moral sentiment which recoiled in the
+slightest degree from the barbaric practice.</p>
+
+<p>The two combatants met with drawn swords in the presence of nearly all
+the officers of the colonial army, and of a vast concourse of
+spectators. The stripling De Soto displayed skill with his weapon
+which not only baffled his opponent, but which excited the surprise
+and admiration of all the on-lookers. For two hours the deadly
+conflict continued, without any decisive results. De Soto had received
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span>several trifling wounds, while his antagonist was unharmed. At
+length, by a fortunate blow, he inflicted such a gash upon the right
+wrist of Perez, that his sword dropped from his hand. As he attempted
+to catch it with his left hand, he stumbled and fell to the ground. De
+Soto instantly stood over him with his sword at his breast, demanding
+that he should ask for his life. The proud duellist, thus for the
+first time in his life discomfited, was chagrined beyond endurance. In
+sullen silence, he refused to cry for mercy. De Soto magnanimously
+returned his sword to its scabbard, saying: "The life that is not
+worth asking for, is not worth taking."</p>
+
+<p>He then gracefully bowed to the numerous spectators and retired from
+the field, greeted with the enthusiastic acclaim of all who were
+present. This achievement gave the youthful victor prominence above
+any other man in the army. Perez was so humiliated by his defeat, that
+he threw up his commission and returned to Spain. Thus the New World
+was rid of one of the vilest of the adventurers who had cursed it.</p>
+
+<p>The region of the peninsula, and the adjoining territory of South
+America, were at that time quite densely populated. The inhabitants
+seem to have been a happy people, not fond of war, and yet by no means
+deficient in bravery. The Spanish colonists <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span>were but a handful among
+them. But the war horse, bloodhounds, steel coats of mail and
+gunpowder, gave them an immense, almost resistless superiority.</p>
+
+<p>There was at this time, about the year 1521, an Indian chief by the
+name of Uracca, who reigned over quite a populous nation, occupying
+one of the northern provinces of the isthmus. He was a man of unusual
+intelligence and ability. The outrages which the Spaniards were
+perpetrating roused all his energies of resentment, and he resolved to
+adopt desperate measures for their extermination. He gathered an army
+of twenty thousand men. In that warm climate, in accordance with
+immemorial usage, they went but half clothed. Their weapons were
+mainly bows, with poisoned arrows; though they had also javelins and
+clumsy swords made of a hard kind of wood.</p>
+
+<p>The tidings of the approach of this army excited the greatest
+consternation at Darien. A shower of poisoned arrows from the strong
+arms of twenty thousand native warriors, driven forward by the
+energies of despair, even these steel-clad adventurers could not
+contemplate without dread. The Spaniards had taught the natives
+cruelty. They had hunted them down with bloodhounds; they had cut off
+their hands with the sword; they had fed their dogs with their
+infants; had tortured them at slow fires and cast <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span>their children into
+the flames. They could not expect that the natives could be more
+merciful than the Spaniards had been.</p>
+
+<p>Don Pedro, instead of waiting the arrival of his foes, decided to
+assail the army on its march, hoping to take it by surprise and to
+throw consternation into the advancing ranks. He divided his army of
+attack into two parties. One division of about one hundred men, he
+sent in two small vessels along the western coast of the isthmus, to
+invade the villages of Uracca, hoping thus to compel the Indian chief
+to draw back his army for the defence of his own territories. This
+expedition was under the command of General Espinosa.</p>
+
+<p>The main body of the Spanish troops, consisting of about two hundred
+men, marched along the eastern shore of the isthmus, intending
+eventually to effect a junction with the naval force in the realms of
+the foe. The energetic, but infamous Francisco Pizarro, led these
+troops. A very important part of his command consisted of a band of
+dragoons, thirty or forty in number, under the leadership of De Soto.
+His steel-clad warriors were well mounted, with housings which greatly
+protected their steeds from the arrows of the natives.</p>
+
+<p>The wary Indian chieftain, who developed during the campaign military
+abilities of a high order, had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span>his scouts out in all directions. They
+discerned in the distant horizon the approach of the two vessels, and
+swift runners speedily reported the fact to Uracca. He immediately
+marched with a force in his judgment sufficiently strong to crush the
+invaders, notwithstanding their vast superiority in arms.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards entered a sheltered bay skirted by a plain, which could
+be swept by their guns, and where the Indian warriors would have no
+opportunity to hide in ambush. Uracca allowed the Spaniards to
+disembark unopposed. He stationed his troops, several thousand in
+number, in a hilly country, several leagues distant from the place of
+landing, which was broken with chasms and vast boulders, and covered
+with tropical forest. Here every Indian could fight behind a rampart,
+and the Spaniards could only approach in the scattered line of
+skirmishers. The proud Spaniards advanced in their invading march with
+as much of war's pageantry as could be assumed. They hoped that
+nodding plumes and waving banners, and trumpet peals, would strike
+with consternation the heart of the Indians.</p>
+
+<p>Uracca calmly awaited their approach. His men were so concealed that
+Espinosa could form no judgment of their numbers or position. Indeed
+he was scarcely conscious that there was any foe there who would
+venture to oppose his march. Accustomed as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span>he was to ride rough shod
+over the naked Indians, he was emboldened by a fatal contempt for the
+prowess of his foe. Uracca allowed the Spaniards to become entangled
+in the intricacies of rocks and gullies and gigantic forest trees,
+when suddenly he opened upon them such a shower of poisoned arrows as
+the Spaniards had never encountered before. The touch of one of these
+arrows, breaking the skin, caused immediate and intense agony, and
+almost certain death. The sinewy arms of the Indians could throw these
+sharp-pointed weapons with almost the precision and force of a bullet,
+and with far greater rapidity than the Spaniards could load and fire
+their muskets.</p>
+
+<p>Espinosa found himself assailed by a foe outnumbering him ten or
+twenty to one. The air was almost darkened with arrows, and every one
+was thrown with unerring aim. The rout of the Spaniards was almost
+instantaneous. Several were killed, many wounded. In a panic, they
+turned and fled precipitately from the trap in which they had been
+caught. The natives impetuously pursued, showing no quarter, evidently
+determined to exterminate the whole band.</p>
+
+<p>It so happened that De Soto, with his dragoons, had left Pizarro's
+band, and in a military incursion into the country, was approaching
+the bay <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span>where Espinosa had landed his troops. Suddenly the clamor of
+the conflict burst upon his ear&mdash;the shouts of the Indian warriors and
+the cry of the fugitive Spaniards. His little band put spurs to their
+horses and hastened to the scene of action. Very great difficulties
+impeded their progress. The rugged ground, encumbered by rocks and
+broken by ravines, was almost impassable for horsemen. But the energy
+of De Soto triumphed over these obstacles, even when the bravest of
+his companions remonstrated and hesitated to follow him. At length he
+reached the open country over which the Spaniards were rushing to gain
+their ships, pursued by the Indians in numbers and strength which
+seemed to render the destruction of the Spaniards certain.</p>
+
+<p>The natives stood in great dread of the horses. When they saw the
+dragoons, glittering in their steel armor, come clattering down upon
+the plain, their pursuit was instantly checked. Espinosa, thus
+unexpectedly reinforced, rallied his panic-stricken troops, and in
+good order continued the retreat to the ships. De Soto with his
+cavalry occupied the post of danger as rear-guard. The Indians
+cautiously followed, watching for every opportunity which the
+inequalities of the ground might offer, to assail the invaders with
+showers of arrows. Occasionally De Soto would halt and turn his
+horses' heads towards the Indians. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span>Apprehensive of a charge, they
+would then fall back. The retreat was thus conducted safely, but
+slowly.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards had advanced many leagues from the shores of the
+Pacific. They were now almost perishing from hunger and fatigue.
+Indian bands were coming from all directions to reinforce the native
+troops. The sun was going down and night was approaching. All hearts
+were oppressed with the greatest anxiety. Just then Pizarro, with his
+two hundred men, made his appearance. He had not been far away, and a
+courier having informed him of the peril of the Spaniards, he hastened
+to their relief. Night with its gloom settled down over the plain, and
+war's hideous clamor was for a few hours hushed. The morning would
+usher in a renewal of the battle, under circumstances which caused the
+boldest hearts in the Spanish camp to tremble.</p>
+
+<p>In the night Generals Espinosa and Pizarro held a council of war, and
+came to the inglorious resolve to steal away under the protection of
+darkness, leaving Uracca in undisputed possession of the field. This
+decision excited the indignation of De Soto. He considered it a
+disgrace to the Spanish arms, and declared that it would only embolden
+the natives in all their future military operations. His bitter
+remonstrances were only answered by a sneer from General <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span>Espinosa,
+who assured him that the veteran captains of Spain would not look to
+his youth and inexperience for guidance and wisdom.</p>
+
+<p>At midnight the Spaniards commenced their retreat as secretly and
+silently as possible. But they had a foe to deal with who was not
+easily to be deceived. His scouts were on the alert, and immediate
+notice was communicated to Uracca of the movements of the Spaniards.
+The pursuit was conducted with as much vigor as the flight. For eight
+and forty hours the fugitives were followed so closely, and with such
+fierce assailment, that large numbers of the rank and file perished.
+The officers and the dragoons of De Soto, wearing defensive armor,
+generally escaped unharmed. The remnant at length, weary and
+famine-stricken, reached their ships and immediately put to sea. With
+the exception of De Soto's dragoons, they numbered but fifty men.
+Deeply despondent in view of their disastrous campaign, they sailed
+several leagues along the western coast of the isthmus towards the
+south, till they reached a flourishing Indian village called Borrica.
+Conscious that here they were beyond the immediate reach of Uracca's
+avenging forces, they ventured to land. They found all the men absent.
+They were probably in the ranks of the native army.</p>
+
+<p>General Espinosa, who was now chief in command, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span>meanly sacked the
+defenceless village and captured all the women and children, to be
+sent to the West Indies and sold as slaves. The generous heart of De
+Soto was roused by this outrage. He was an imperious man, and was
+never disposed to be very complaisant to his superiors. Sternly the
+young captain rebuked Espinosa as a kidnapper, stealing the
+defenceless; and he demanded that the prisoners should be set at
+liberty. An angry controversy ensued. De Soto accused Espinosa of
+cowardice and imbecility, in ordering the troops of Spain to retreat
+before naked savages. Espinosa, whose domineering spirit could brook
+no opposition, accused De Soto of mutinous conduct, and threatened to
+report him to the governor. De Soto angrily turned his heel upon his
+superior officer and called upon his troops to mount their horses.
+Riding proudly at their head, he approached the tent of Espinosa and
+thus addressed him:</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or Espinosa, the governor did not place me under your command, and
+you have no claim to my obedience. I now give you notice, that if you
+retain these prisoners so cruelly and unjustly captured, you must do
+so at your own risk. If these Indian warriors choose to make any
+attempt to recover their wives and their children, I declare to you
+upon my solemn oath, and by all that I hold most sacred, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span>that they
+shall meet with no opposition from me. Consider, therefore, whether
+you have the power to defend yourself and secure your prey, when I and
+my companions have withdrawn from this spot."</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro does not seem to have taken any active part in this dispute,
+though he advised the headstrong Espinosa to give up his captives.
+While these scenes were transpiring, about one hundred of the men of
+the village returned. Most earnestly they entreated the release of
+their wives and children. If not peacefully released, it was pretty
+evident that they would fight desperately for their rescue. It was
+quite apparent that the Indian runners had gone in all directions to
+summon others to their aid. The withdrawal of De Soto left Espinosa so
+weakened that he could hardly hope successfully to repel such forces.
+Indeed he was so situated that, destitute of provisions and
+ammunition, he did not dare to undertake a march back through the
+wilderness to Darien. He therefore very ungraciously consented to
+surrender his captives.</p>
+
+<p>Governor Don Pedro had established his headquarters at Panama. De
+Soto, accompanied by a single dragoon, who like himself was an
+admirable horseman, rode with the utmost possible dispatch to Panama,
+where he informed the governor of the disasters <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span>which had befallen
+the expedition, and of the precarious condition in which he had left
+the remnant of the troops. He also made such representation of the
+military conduct of General Espinosa as to induce the governor to
+remove him from the command and send General Herman Ponce to take his
+place. The garrison at Panama was then so weak that only forty men
+could be spared to go to the relief of the troops at Borrica.</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time the Indian chief Uracca had received full information
+of the position and condition of the Spanish troops. Very sagaciously
+he formed his plan to cut off their retreat. Detachments of warriors
+were placed at every point through which they could escape; they could
+not venture a league from their ramparts on any foraging expedition,
+and no food could reach them. They obtained a miserable subsistence
+from roots and herbs.</p>
+
+<p>At length De Soto returned with a fresh supply of ammunition and the
+small reinforcement. By the aid of his cavalry he so far broke up the
+blockade as to obtain food for the famishing troops. Still it was very
+hazardous to attempt a retreat to Panama. With the reinforcements led
+by General Ponce, their whole army, infantry and cavalry, amounted to
+less than one hundred and fifty men. They would be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>compelled on their
+retreat to climb mountains, plunge into ragged ravines, thread
+tropical forests and narrow defiles, where armies of uncounted
+thousands of natives were ready to dispute their passage.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>Life at Darien.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Reinforcements from Spain.&mdash;Aid sent to Borrica.&mdash;Line of
+Defense Chosen by the Natives.&mdash;Religion of the
+Buccaneers.&mdash;The Battle and the Rout.&mdash;Strategy of
+Uracca.&mdash;Cruelty of Don Pedro.&mdash;The Retreat.&mdash;Character of
+Uracca.&mdash;Embarrassment of Don Pedro.&mdash;Warning of M.
+Codro.&mdash;Expedition of Pizarro.&mdash;Mission of M. Codro.&mdash;Letter
+of De Soto to Isabella.</p></div>
+
+<p>While governor Don Pedro was awaiting with intense anxiety the receipt
+of intelligence from Borrica, a ship arrived from Spain bringing three
+or four hundred adventurers, all of whom were eager for any military
+expedition which would open to them an opportunity for plunder. One
+hundred and fifty of these were regular soldiers, well taught in the
+dreadful trade of war. Don Pedro took these fresh troops and one
+hundred and fifty volunteers; and set out with the utmost expedition
+for Borrica. His impetuous nature was inspired with zeal to retrieve
+the disgrace which had befallen the Spanish arms. He took with him
+several pieces of ordnance,&mdash;guns with which the Indians thus far had
+no acquaintance.</p>
+
+<p>Upon arriving at Borrica he very earnestly harangued his troops,
+reminding them of the ancient renown <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span>of the Spanish soldiers, and
+stimulating their cupidity by the assurance that the kingdom of
+Veragua, over which Uracca reigned, was full of gold; and that all
+that was now requisite for the conquest of the country and the
+accumulation of princely wealth, was a display of the bravery ever
+characteristic of Spanish troops.</p>
+
+<p>There was a deep and rapid river, the Arva, rushing down from the
+mountains, which it was necessary for the Spaniards to cross in their
+renewed invasion of Veragua. On the northern banks of this stream
+Uracca stationed his troops, selecting this spot with much skill as
+his main line of defence. He however posted an advanced guard some
+miles south of the stream in ground broken by hills, rocks and
+ravines, through which the Spaniards would be compelled to pass, and
+where their cavalry could be of very little avail.</p>
+
+<p>By great effort Don Pedro had collected an army of about five hundred
+men. Rapidly marching, he soon reached the spot of broken ground where
+the native troops were stationed awaiting their approach.</p>
+
+<p>It seems almost incomprehensible that this band of thieves and
+murderers, who, without the slightest excuse or provocation, were
+invading the territory of the peaceful natives, carrying to their
+homes death <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span>and woe, that they might acquire fame for military
+exploits and return laden with plunder, could have looked to God for
+his blessing upon their infamous expedition. But so it was. And still
+more strange to say, they did not apparently engage in these religious
+services with any consciousness of hypocrisy. The thoughtful mind is
+bewildered in contemplating such developments of the human heart.
+Previous to the attack the whole army was drawn up for prayers, which
+were solemnly offered by the ecclesiastics who always accompanied
+these expeditions. Then every soldier attended the confessional and
+received absolution. Thus he felt assured that, should he fall in the
+battle, he would be immediately translated to the realms of the blest.</p>
+
+<p>Thus inspired by military zeal and religious fanaticism, the Spaniards
+rushed upon the natives in a very impetuous assault. We are happy to
+record that the natives stood nobly on the defence. They met their
+assailants with such a shower of arrows and javelins that the
+Spaniards were first arrested in their march, then driven back, then
+utterly routed and put to flight. In that broken ground where the
+cavalry could not be brought into action, where every native warrior
+stood behind a tree or a rock, and where the natives did not commence
+the action till the Spaniards were within half bow shot of them,
+arrows <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span>and javelins were even more potent weapons of war than the
+clumsy muskets then in use.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the open field the arrows of the natives were quite impotent. A
+bullet could strike the heart at twice or three times the distance at
+which an arrow could be thrown. The Spaniards, hotly pursued,
+retreated from this broken ground several miles back into the open
+plain. Many were slain. Here the rout was arrested by the cavalry and
+the discharges from the field-pieces, which broke the Indian ranks.</p>
+
+<p>The natives, however, boldly held their ground, and the Spaniards,
+disheartened and mortified by their discomfiture, encamped upon the
+plain. It was very evident that God had not listened to their prayers.</p>
+
+<p>For several days they remained in a state of uncertainty. For five
+hundred Spaniards to retreat before eight hundred natives, would
+inflict a stigma upon their army which could never be effaced. They
+dared not again attack the natives who were flushed with victory in
+their stronghold. They were well aware that the band of warriors
+before them was but the advanced guard of the great army of Uracca.
+These eight hundred natives were led by one of Uracca's brothers. Even
+should these Indians be attacked and repulsed, they had only to
+retreat a few miles, cross the river Arva in their canoes, and on the
+northern banks join the formidable army of twenty <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span>thousand men under
+their redoubtable chief, who had already displayed military abilities
+which compelled the Spaniards to regard him with dread.</p>
+
+<p>Affairs were in this position when Uracca adopted a stratagem which
+completely deceived the Spaniards and inflicted upon them very serious
+loss. He caused several of his warriors to be taken captive. When
+closely questioned by Don Pedro where gold was to be found, and
+threatened with torture if they refused the information, they with
+great apparent reluctance directed their captors to a spot, at the
+distance of but a few leagues, where the precious metal could be
+obtained in great abundance. These unlettered savages executed their
+artifice with skill which would have done honor even to European
+diplomatists.</p>
+
+<p>Don Pedro immediately selected a company of forty of his most reliable
+men and sent them to the designated spot. Here they were surrounded by
+Indian warriors in ambush, and the whole party, with the exception of
+three, put to death. The three who escaped succeeded in reaching the
+Spanish camp with tidings of the disaster. Don Pedro in his rage
+ordered his captives to be torn to pieces, by the bloodhounds. They
+were thrown naked to the dogs. The Spaniards looked on complacently,
+as the merciless beasts, with bloody fangs, tore them limb from limb,
+devouring their quivering flesh. The natives bore <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span>this awful
+punishment with fortitude and heroism, which elicited the admiration
+of their foes. With their last breath they exulted that they were
+permitted to die in defence of their country.</p>
+
+<p>The expedition of Don Pedro had thus far proved an utter failure. He
+had already lost one-fourth of his army through the prowess of the
+natives. The prospect before him was dark in the extreme. His troops
+were thoroughly discouraged, and the difficulties still to be
+encountered seemed absolutely insurmountable. Humiliated as never
+before, the proud Don Pedro was compelled to order a retreat. He
+returned to Panama, where, as we have mentioned, he had removed his
+seat of government from Darien. Panama was north of Darien, or rather
+west, as the isthmus there runs east and west. Its seaport was on the
+Pacific, not the Atlantic coast.</p>
+
+<p>Uracca, having thus rescued his country from the invaders, did not
+pursue the retreating Spaniards. He probably in this course acted
+wisely. Could Don Pedro have drawn his enemies into the open field, he
+could undoubtedly have cut down nearly their whole army with grape
+shot, musketry, and charges by his strongly mounted steel-clad
+cavaliers. A panic had however pervaded the Spanish camp. They were in
+constant apprehension of pursuit. Even when they had reached Panama,
+they were day after day in intense <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span>apprehension of the approach of
+their outnumbering foes, by whose valor they had already been
+discomfited, and so greatly disgraced.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"When the Spaniards looked out towards the mountains and the plains,"
+writes the Spanish historian Herrera, "the boughs of trees and the
+very grass, which grew high in the savannas, appeared to their excited
+imagination to be armed with Indians. And when they turned their eyes
+towards the sea, they fancied that it was covered with canoes of their
+exasperated foemen."</p></div>
+
+<p>Uracca must have been in all respects an extraordinary man. We have
+the record of his deeds only from the pen of his enemies. And yet
+according to their testimony, he, a pagan, manifested far more of the
+spirit of Christ than did his Christian opponents. In the war which he
+was then waging, there can be no question whatever that the wrong was
+inexcusably and outrageously on the side of Don Pedro. We cannot learn
+that Uracca engaged in any aggressive movements against the Spaniards
+whatever. He remained content with expelling the merciless intruders
+from his country. Even the fiendlike barbarism of the Spaniards could
+not provoke him to retaliatory cruelty. The brutal soldiery of Spain
+paid no respect whatever to the wives and daughters of the natives,
+even to those of the highest chieftains.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p><p>On one occasion a Spanish lady, Donna Clara Albitez, fell into the
+hands of Uracca. He treated her with as much delicacy and tenderness
+as if she had been his own daughter or mother, and availed himself of
+the first opportunity of restoring her to her friends.</p>
+
+<p>Though De Soto was one of the bravest of his cavaliers, and was so
+skilful as an officer that his services were almost indispensable to
+Don Pedro, yet the governor was anxious to get rid of him. It is
+probable that he felt somewhat condemned by the undeniable virtues of
+De Soto; for the most of men can feel the power of high moral
+principle as witnessed in others. De Soto, intensely proud, was not at
+all disposed to play the sycophant before his patron. He had already
+exasperated him by his refusal to execute orders which he deemed
+dishonorable. And worst of all, by winning the love of Isabella, he
+had thwarted one of the most ambitious of Don Pedro's plans; he having
+contemplated her alliance with one of the most illustrious families of
+the Spanish nobility.</p>
+
+<p>Don Pedro did not dare to send De Soto to the scaffold or to order him
+to be shot. He had already braved public opinion by the outrageous
+execution of Vasco Nu&ntilde;ez, without a shadow of law or justice, and had
+drawn down upon himself an avalanche of condemnation from the highest
+dignitaries of both <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>church and state. He was trembling through fear
+that the Spanish government might call him to account for this
+tyrannic act. Thus situated, it was highly impolitic to send De Soto,
+who was greatly revered and admired by the army, to the block. He
+therefore still sought, though with somewhat waning zeal, to secure
+the death of De Soto on the field of battle. De Soto could not fail to
+perceive that Don Pedro was not his friend. Still, being a magnanimous
+man himself, he could not suspect the governor of being guilty of such
+treachery as to be plotting his death.</p>
+
+<p>When the little army of Spaniards was beleaguered at Borrica, and De
+Soto with his cavalry was scouring the adjacent country on foraging
+expeditions, he chanced to rescue from captivity M. Codro, an Italian
+philosopher, who had accompanied the Spaniards to Darien. In the
+pursuit of science, he had joined the forty men who, under the command
+of Herman Ponce, had been sent as a reinforcement to Borrica. While at
+some distance from the camp on a botanical excursion, he was taken
+captive by the natives, and would have been put to death but for the
+timely rescue by De Soto.</p>
+
+<p>M. Codro was an astrologer. In that superstitious age he was supposed
+by others, and probably himself supposed, that by certain occult arts
+he was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>able to predict future events. Six months after the return of
+the Spaniards from their disastrous expedition against Uracca, this
+singular man sought an interview with De Soto, and said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"A good action deserves better reward than verbal acknowledgment.
+While it was not in my power to make any suitable recompense to you
+for saving my life, I did not attempt to offer you any. But the time
+has now come when I can give you some substantial evidence of my
+gratitude. I can now inform you that your life is now in no less
+danger than mine was when you rescued me from the Indians."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto replied: "My good friend, though I do not profess to be a
+thorough believer in your prophetic art, I am no less thankful for
+your kind intentions. And in this case, I am free to confess that your
+information, from whatever source derived, is confirmed in a measure
+by my own observations."</p>
+
+<p>"Ferdinand De Soto," said the astrologer with great deliberation and
+solemnity of manner, "I think I can read the page of <i>your</i> destiny,
+even without such light as the stars can shed upon it. Be assured that
+the warning I give you does not come from an unearthly source. But if
+any supernatural confirmation of my words were needed, even on that
+score you might be satisfied. While comparing your horoscope with that
+of my departed friend Vasco Nu&ntilde;ez, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>I have observed some resemblances
+in your lives and fortunes, which you, with all your incredulity, must
+allow to be remarkable. Nu&ntilde;ez and you were both born in the same town;
+were both members of noble but impoverished families; both sought to
+ally yourselves with the family of Don Pedro, and both thus incurred
+his deadly resentment."</p>
+
+<p>"These coincidences are certainly remarkable," replied De Soto; "but
+what other similarities do you find in the destinies of Nu&ntilde;ez and
+myself?"</p>
+
+<p>"You are a brave man," replied M. Codro, "and you are too skeptical to
+be much disturbed by the prognostications of evil. I may therefore
+venture to tell you that according to my calculations, you will be in
+one important event of your life more happy than Vasco Nu&ntilde;ez. It seems
+to be indicated by the superior intelligences, that your death will
+not be in the ordinary course of nature; but I find likewise that the
+term of your life will be equal to that which Nu&ntilde;ez attained. When I
+consider your present circumstances, this appears to me to be the most
+improbable part of the prediction."</p>
+
+<p>Nu&ntilde;ez was forty-two years old at the time of his death. This gave De
+Soto the promise of nearly twenty years more of life. Reverently he
+replied, "I am in the hands of God. I rely with humble confidence on
+his protection."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p><p>"In that you do well," rejoined M. Codro. "Still it is your duty to
+use such human means as may be required to defend yourself against
+open violence or fraudful malice."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto thanked the astrologer for the caution he had given him, and
+as he reflected upon it, saw that it was indeed necessary to be
+constantly on his guard. As time passed on Don Pedro became more
+undisguised in his hostility to De Soto. Ferdinand and Isabella
+exerted all their ingenuity to correspond with each other. Don Pedro
+had been equally vigilant in his endeavors to intercept their letters;
+and so effectual were the plans which he adopted, that for five years,
+while the lovers remained perfectly faithful to each other, not a
+token of remembrance passed between them.</p>
+
+<p>These were weary years to De Soto. He was bitterly disappointed in all
+his expectations. There was no glory to be obtained even in victory,
+in riding rough-shod over the poor natives. And thus far, instead of
+victory attending the Spanish arms, defeat and disgrace had been their
+doom. Moreover, he was astonished and heartily ashamed when he saw the
+measures which his countrymen had adopted to enrich themselves. They
+were highway robbers of the most malignant type. They not only
+slaughtered the victims whom they robbed, but fired their dwellings,
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>trampled down their harvests and massacred their wives and children.</p>
+
+<p>The most extravagant tales had been circulated through Europe
+respecting the wealth of the New World. It was said that masses of
+pure gold could be gathered like pebble stones from the banks of the
+rivers, and that gems of priceless value were to be found in the
+ravines. De Soto had been now five years on the isthmus of Darien, and
+had acquired neither fame nor fortune, and there was nothing in the
+prospect of the future to excite enthusiasm or even hope.</p>
+
+<p>There was quite a remarkable man, made so by subsequent events, under
+the command of Don Pedro. His name was Francisco Pizarro. He was a man
+of obscure birth and of very limited education, save only in the
+material art of war. He could neither read nor write, and was thus
+intellectually hardly the equal of some of the most intelligent of the
+natives. We have briefly alluded to him as entrusted with the command
+of one portion of the army in the inglorious expedition against
+Uracca. De Soto had very little respect for the man, and was not at
+all disposed as a subordinate officer to look to him for counsel. Don
+Pedro, however, seems to have formed a high opinion of the military
+abilities of Pizarro. For notwithstanding his ignominious defeat and
+retreat from <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>Veragua, he now appointed him as the leader of an
+expedition, consisting of one hundred and thirty men, to explore the
+western coast of the isthmus by cruising along the Pacific Ocean.</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro set sail from Panama on the fourteenth of November, 1524, in
+one small vessel. It was intended that another vessel should soon
+follow to render such assistance as might be necessary. De Soto was
+urged to become one of this party; but probably from dislike of
+Pizarro, refused to place himself under his command.</p>
+
+<p>The vessel, which was soon joined by its consort under Almagro,
+coasted slowly along in a northerly direction, running in at every
+bay, and landing whenever they approached a flourishing Indian
+village, plundering the natives and maltreating them in every shameful
+way. At length they aroused such a spirit of desperation on the part
+of the natives, that they fell upon the buccaneers with resistless
+ferocity. Two-thirds of the miscreants were slain. Pizarro barely
+escaped with his life, having received severe wounds and being borne
+to his ship in a state of insensibility.</p>
+
+<p>While Pizarro was absent on this ill-fated expedition, a new trouble
+befell Don Pedro. Las Casas, a devoted Christian missionary, whose
+indignation was roused to the highest pitch by the atrocities
+perpetrated <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>upon the Indians, reported the inhuman conduct of Don
+Pedro to the Spanish government. The King appointed Peter de Los Rios
+to succeed him. The new governor was to proceed immediately to Panama
+and bring the degraded official to trial, and, if found guilty, to
+punishment. The governor of a Spanish colony in those days was
+absolute. Don Pedro had cut off the head of his predecessor, though
+that predecessor was one of the best of men. He now trembled in
+apprehension of the loss of his own head. Conscious of his deserts, he
+was terror-stricken.</p>
+
+<p>About four or five hundred miles north of Panama there was the
+magnificent province of Nicaragua. The isthmus is here about one
+hundred and fifty miles in breadth, and the province being about two
+hundred miles in a line from north to south, extended from the
+Atlantic to the Pacific shores. Don Pedro was popular with his brutal
+soldiery, since he allowed them unlimited license and plunder. He
+resolved, surrounded by them, to take refuge in Nicaragua.
+Nevertheless, to render himself as secure as possible, he decided to
+send an agent to plead his cause at the Spanish court.</p>
+
+<p>Among those rude, unprincipled adventurers, men of violence and blood,
+it was very difficult to find a suitable person. At length he fixed
+with much hesitation <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span>upon M. Codro, the astrologer. He was a
+simple-minded, good man; learned, though very artless. M. Codro was
+strongly attached to De Soto, the preserver of his life. As we have
+seen, he was well aware of the peril to which his benefactor was
+hourly exposed from the malignity of the governor. Gladly therefore he
+accepted the mission, as he hoped it would afford him an opportunity
+of conferring some favor upon his imperilled friend.</p>
+
+<p>Don Pedro had adopted the most rigorous measures to prevent any
+communication between the colony and Spain, which was not subjected to
+his inspection. He was mainly influenced to this course that he might
+prevent the interchange of any messages whatever between De Soto and
+Isabella. The most severe penalties were denounced against all persons
+who should convey any writing across the seas, excepting through the
+regular mails. But the grateful M. Codro declared himself ready to run
+all risks in carrying a letter from De Soto to Isabella. Though De
+Soto at first hesitated to expose his friend to such hazard, his
+intense desire to open some communication with Isabella, at length
+induced him to accept the generous offer.</p>
+
+<p>As we have mentioned, for five years not one word had passed between
+the lovers. It is said that the following is a literal translation of
+the letter which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span>De Soto wrote. We cannot be certain of its
+authenticity, but it bears internal evidence of genuineness, and a
+manuscript copy is in the library of a Spanish gentleman who has spent
+his life in collecting documents in reference to the past history of
+his country:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"<span class="smcap">Most Dearly Beloved Isabella</span>:</p>
+
+<p>"For the first time within five years, I write to you with
+some assurance that you will receive my letter. Many times
+have I written before; but how could I write freely when I
+had reason to fear that other eyes might peruse those fond
+expressions which your goodness and condescension alone
+could pardon? But what reason have I to hope that you can
+still look with favorable regard on my unworthiness? My
+mature judgment teaches me that this dream of my youth,
+which I have so long cherished, is not presumption merely,
+but madness.</p>
+
+<p>"When I consider your many perfections, and compare them
+with my own little deserving, I feel that I ought to
+despair, even if I could empty into your lap the treasure of
+a thousand kingdoms. How then can I lift my eyes to you when
+I have nothing to offer but the tribute of an affection
+which time cannot change, and which must still live when my
+last hope has departed.</p>
+
+<p>"O Isabella! the expectation which brought me <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span>to this land
+has not been fulfilled. I can gather no gold, except by such
+means as my honor, my conscience and yourself must condemn.
+Though your nobleness may pity one on whom fortune has
+disdained to smile, I feel that your relations are justified
+in claiming for you an alliance with exalted rank and
+affluence; and I love you far too well to regard my own
+happiness more than your welfare. If, therefore, in your
+extreme youth you have made a promise which you now regret,
+as far as it is in my power to absolve you from that
+engagement, you are released. On my side, the obligation is
+sacred and eternal. It is not likely that I shall ever
+return to my country. While I am banished from your
+presence, all countries are alike to me.</p>
+
+<p>"The person who brings you this exposes himself to great
+danger in his desire to serve me. I entreat you to use such
+precautions as his safety may require. If your goodness
+should vouchsafe any message to me, he will deliver it, and
+you may have perfect confidence in his fidelity. Pardon my
+boldness in supposing it possible that I still have a place
+in your remembrance. Though you may now think of me with
+indifference or dislike, do not censure me too severely for
+calling myself unchangeably and devotedly,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Yours, <span class="smcap">De Soto</span>."</p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>Demoniac Reign.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Giles Gonzales.&mdash;Unsuccessful Contest of De Soto with
+Gonzales.&mdash;Bold Reply of De Soto to the Governor.&mdash;Cruelty
+of Don Pedro to M. Codro.&mdash;Assassination of Cordova.&mdash;New
+Expedition of Discovery.&mdash;Revenge upon Valenzuela.&mdash;Reign of
+Don Pedro at Nicaragua.&mdash;Unwise Decision of De Soto.</p></div>
+
+<p>It was supposed at that time that there must be a strait somewhere
+north of Panama across the narrow isthmus, which would connect the
+waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Several expeditions had
+been fitted out in search of this all-important passage. Almost
+invariably a company of priests joined these expeditions, who exerted
+all their energies to convert the Indians to nominal Christianity. A
+fanatic adventurer by the name of Giles Gonzales, acquired much
+celebrity for his success in inducing the natives to accept the
+Christian faith and to acknowledge fealty to the king of Spain. He was
+at the head of one hundred steel-clad warriors. His mode of
+persuasion, though unique, was very potent. When he approached the
+seat of the chief of Nicaragua, he sent a courier to him with the
+following message:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span></p><p>"I am coming as a friend to teach you the only true religion, and to
+persuade you to recognize the most powerful monarch on the globe. If
+you refuse to yield to my teachings, you must prepare for battle, and
+I challenge you to meet me in the field."</p>
+
+<p>The gentle and peace-loving natives contemplated with consternation
+these fierce Spaniards mounted on powerful war horses, animals which
+they had never before seen, and glittering in coats of mail. They had
+no religious creed to which they adhered with any tenacity. The
+Nicaraguan chief unhesitatingly expressed his readiness to accept the
+new faith, and in token of friendship, sent Gonzales a quantity of
+gold, equal it is said in value to seventy-five thousand dollars of
+our money. The Spanish historian Herrera, whose record is generally
+deemed in the main accurate, says that the chief, his family, and nine
+thousand of his subjects, were baptized and became Christians.
+Influenced by this example, and by the glowing representations of the
+rewards which were sure to follow the acceptance of the Christian
+faith, more than thirty-six thousand of the natives were baptized
+within the space of half a year. The baptismal fees charged by
+Gonzales amounted to over four hundred thousand dollars.</p>
+
+<p>While Gonzales was engaged on his own responsibility in this career of
+spiritual conquest, with its <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>rich pecuniary accompaniment, Don Pedro
+sent two of his generals, Ferdinand de Cordova and Ferdinand De Soto,
+to explore Nicaragua and take possession of it in his name. He assumed
+that Gonzales, acting without authority, was engaged in a treasonable
+movement. The two parties soon came into collision.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, with a party of fifty men, twenty of them being well mounted
+cavaliers, encamped at a small village called Torebo. Gonzales was in
+the near vicinity with a little army of three hundred men, two hundred
+of whom were Indians. In the darkness of the night, Gonzales fell upon
+De Soto, and outnumbering him six to one, either killed or took
+captive all the thirty footmen; while the cavaliers, on their horses,
+cut their way through and escaped. Gonzales lost fifty of his best men
+in the conflict, and was so impressed with the military vigor of De
+Soto, that he was not at all disposed again to meet him on the field
+of battle. He therefore retired to a distant part of the province,
+where he vigorously engaged in the work of converting the natives,
+never forgetting his baptismal fee.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto and Cordova established themselves in a new town which they
+called Grenada. Here they erected a church, several dwelling houses,
+and barracks for the soldiers. They also surrounded the village <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span>with
+a trench and earthworks, as protection from any sudden assault.
+Gonzales was a fugitive from justice, having assassinated an officer
+sent by Hernando Cortes to arrest him.</p>
+
+<p>Cordova was a mild and humane man. Under his sway the Indians were
+prosperous and happy. Two flourishing towns grew up rapidly quite near
+each other, Leon and Grenada. The climate was delightful, the soil
+fertile, the means of living abundant. Many of the inhabitants of
+Panama emigrated to this more favored region.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, leaving Cordova in command of Nicaragua, returned to Panama
+to report proceedings to Don Pedro. It was not till then that he
+learned, to his extreme regret, that the Governor had selected
+Nicaragua as a place for his future abode. He knew that the presence
+of the tyrannical governor could only prove disastrous to the
+flourishing colony, and ruinous to the happiness of the natives. The
+gloom with which the contemplation oppressed his mind spread over his
+speaking countenance. The eagle eye of the suspicious governor
+immediately detected these indications of discontent. With an air of
+deference, but in a tone of mockery, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I judge from your appearance, captain, that my Nicaraguan enterprise
+does not meet with your cordial approbation."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p><p>De Soto boldly, and with great deliberation of words, replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Governor Don Pedro, I confess that I feel but little interested in
+any of your movements or intentions, except when they encroach upon
+the rights of others. Nicaragua is at this time well governed by
+Ferdinand de Cordova. The change you propose to make, is to be
+deprecated as one of the greatest misfortunes that could befall not
+only the Indian inhabitants of that district, but our own countrymen
+likewise, who have flocked thither to escape from your jurisdiction."</p>
+
+<p>The countenance of Don Pedro became pallid with rage. Struggling,
+however, to suppress the unavailing outburst of his passion, he said,
+with a malignant smile:</p>
+
+<p>"I thank you, Captain De Soto, for giving me this opportunity which I
+have so long desired. Were I to permit such insolence to go
+unpunished, my authority in this colony would soon be at an end."</p>
+
+<p>"It is at an end," replied De Soto. "You must be aware that your
+successor, De Los Rios, is now on his way to Panama."</p>
+
+<p>"I do not choose," replied Don Pedro, "to debate this matter with you.
+I still claim the right to command you as your superior military
+officer. I now command you to hold yourself and your company in
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span>readiness to march. When we arrive at Leon, I promise you that full
+justice shall be done to your friend De Cordova, and to yourself."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto fully comprehended the significance of these threats. He wrote
+immediately to Cordova, urging him to be on his guard. The inhabitants
+of Leon and Grenada, learning of the intention of Don Pedro,&mdash;to take
+the government into his own hands,&mdash;entreated De Cordova to resist the
+tyrant, promising him their unanimous and energetic support. But De
+Cordova declined these overtures, saying, that all the authority to
+which he was legitimately entitled was derived from Don Pedro, and
+that it was his duty to obey him as his superior officer, until he
+should be deposed by the Spanish crown.</p>
+
+<p>Just before Don Pedro, with his suite, left Panama for Nicaragua, M.
+Codro returned from Spain. He brought dispatches to the governor, and
+also secretly a letter from Isabella to De Soto. The spies of the
+governor, in his castle in Spain, watched every movement of M. Codro.
+The simple minded man had very little skill in the arts of duplicity.
+These spies reported to Don Pedro that M. Codro had held a secret
+interview with Isabella, and had frankly stated that he was entrusted
+with a private message to her. Don Pedro knew that such a message
+could have gone only from De Soto; and that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span>unquestionably M. Codro
+had brought back from his daughter a response. We may remark in
+passing, that the letter from Isabella to De Soto informed him of the
+inflexible fidelity of Isabella, and filled the heart of De Soto with
+joy.</p>
+
+<p>The malignant nature of Don Pedro was roused by these suspicions to
+intensity of action, and he resolved upon direful revenge. As the new
+governor was hourly expected, he could not venture upon any open act
+of assassination or violence, for he knew that in that case summary
+punishment would be his doom. Calling M. Codro before him, he assumed
+his blandest smile, thanked the artless philosopher for the services
+he had rendered him in Spain, and said that he wished to entrust him
+with the management of a mineralogical survey of a region near the
+gulf of San Miguel.</p>
+
+<p>The good man was delighted. This was just the employment which his
+nature craved. He was directed to embark in a vessel commanded by one
+of the governor's tools, an infamous wretch by the name of De
+Valenzuela. This man had been for many years a private, and was then
+engaged in kidnapping Indians for the slave trade. He was ordered as
+soon as the vessel was at sea, to chain M. Codro to the foremast, to
+expose him to all the tortures of the blaze of a tropical sun by day
+and chilling <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span>dews by night. The crew were enjoined to assail him with
+insulting mockery. Thus exposed to hunger, burning heat, and incessant
+abuse, he was to be kept through these lingering agonies until he
+died.</p>
+
+<p>For ten days the good man bore this cruel martyrdom, when he breathed
+his last, and was buried on a small island about a hundred miles
+southwest of Panama. This brutal assassination was so conducted, that
+De Soto at the time had no knowledge of the tragedy which was being
+enacted.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the year 1526, Don Pedro, surrounded by a large retinue of
+his obedient soldiery, left Panama to assume the government of
+Nicaragua, to which he had no legitimate title. De Soto accompanied
+the governor. Much as he detested his character, he could not forget
+that he was the father of Isabella. When Don Pedro approached the
+little town of Leon, he sent a courier before him, to order De Cordova
+to meet him in the public square, with his municipal officers and his
+clergy, prepared to give an account of his administration.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto with his horsemen was ordered to form in line on one side of
+the square. The foot soldiers of Don Pedro surrounded the governor on
+the other side. All the vacant space was filled with citizens and
+natives. By the side of the governor stood his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>executioner; a man of
+gigantic stature and of herculean strength, whose massive sword few
+arms but his could wield. De Cordova advanced to meet Don Pedro, and
+bowing respectfully before him, commenced giving an account of the
+state of affairs in the province. Suddenly he was interrupted in his
+narrative by Don Pedro, who with forced anger exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Silence, you hypocrite! Your treasonable projects cannot be hidden
+under these absurd pretensions of loyalty and patriotism: I will now
+let your accomplices see how a traitor should be punished."</p>
+
+<p>He made a sign to his executioner. His gleaming sword flashed through
+the air, and in an instant the dissevered head of Cordova rolled in
+the dust. The headsman grasped the gory trophy by the hair, and
+raising it high above his head exclaimed,</p>
+
+<p class="center">"<i>Behold the doom of a traitor.</i>"</p>
+
+<p>All this took place in an instant. The spectators were horror
+stricken. De Soto instinctively seized his sword, and would doubtless
+have put spurs to his horse, rushed upon the governor, and plunged the
+weapon to the hilt in his breast, but for the restraining memories of
+the past. Hesitatingly he returned his sword to its scabbard.</p>
+
+<p>But Don Pedro had not yet finished the contemplated <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span>work of the day.
+Another victim he had doomed to fall. A file of soldiers, very
+resolute men, led by a determined officer, crossing the square,
+approached De Soto, at the head of his troops. Don Pedro then
+exclaimed in a loud voice,</p>
+
+<p>"Ferdinand De Soto, you are ordered to dismount and submit yourself to
+the punishment which you have just seen inflicted on your traitorous
+comrade. Soldiers! drag him from his horse if he refuse to obey."</p>
+
+<p>The officer reached forth his hand to seize De Soto. Like lightning's
+flash, the sword of the cavalier fell upon the officer, and his head
+was cleft from crown to chin. The spurs were applied to the fiery
+steed. He plunged through the soldiers, knocking several of them down,
+and in an instant De Soto had his sword's point at the breast of the
+governor. Shouts of "kill the tyrant," rose from all parts of the
+square, which were echoed even from the ranks of Don Pedro's soldiers.
+Again De Soto held back his avenging hand; but in words which made Don
+Pedro quake in his shoes, he said,</p>
+
+<p>"You hear the expression of public sentiment. You hear the wishes of
+those who are subject to your authority. It is the voice of justice
+speaking through these people. In refusing to obey the call, I am
+scarcely less guilty than yourself. But remember, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span>Don Pedro, that in
+sparing your life at this moment, I discharge all the obligations I
+have owed you. Miserable old man! Be thankful that the recollection of
+one that is absent, can make me forget what I owe to my murdered
+friend.</p>
+
+<p>"I will now sheathe my sword, but I solemnly declare by the sacred
+emblem of the cross which it bears, that I will never draw it again in
+your service."</p>
+
+<p>The assassination, for it could hardly be called execution, of De
+Cordova, excited the general indignation of the Spanish settlers. They
+all knew that Don Pedro had no authority from the king of Spain to
+assume the government of Nicaragua, and that he was therefore an
+usurper. The noble character which De Soto had exhibited, and his
+undeniable ability and bravery, had won for him universal regard. The
+Spaniards generally rallied around him, and entreated him to assume
+the command, promising him their enthusiastic support. They could not
+comprehend why De Soto so persistently refused their solicitations.
+They knew nothing of the secret reasons which rendered it almost
+impossible for De Soto to draw his sword against the father of
+Isabella.</p>
+
+<p>As we have mentioned, it was generally supposed that there must be
+some strait between the Isthmus of Darien and the southern frontiers
+of Mexico, which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span>connected the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific
+Oceans. The king of Spain had offered a large reward for the discovery
+of this passage. Several of the wealthy citizens of Leon organized an
+expedition in pursuit of this object. De Soto was placed at its head.
+He selected, from his cavalry troop, five of his most intelligent and
+energetic young men. They started from Leon, and followed along the
+coast of the Pacific, in northwesterly course, penetrating every bay
+and inlet. They travelled on horseback and encountered innumerable
+difficulties from the rugged and pathless wilderness, through which
+they pressed their way. They also had much to fear from the unfriendly
+character of the natives, whose hostility had been aroused by the
+outrages which companies of vagabond Spaniards had inflicted upon
+them.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, however, and his companions, by their just and kindly spirit,
+soon won the regards of the Indians. They found that the natives
+possessed large quantities of gold, which they seemed to esteem of
+little value. Eagerly they exchanged the precious metal for such
+trinkets as the explorers took with them. Upon this arduous
+expedition, which De Soto managed with consummate skill, he was absent
+eleven months. Seven hundred miles of sea-coast were carefully
+explored, and he became fully convinced that the looked-for strait did
+not exist. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span>Though in this respect the expedition had proved a
+failure, he returned to Leon quite enriched by the gold which he had
+gathered. With honesty, rarely witnessed in those days, he impartially
+divided the treasure among the projectors of the enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>As De Soto was returning, he discovered a small Spanish vessel
+anchored near the present site of San Salvador. As his men and horses
+were worn down by their fatiguing journey, he engaged a passage in the
+vessel to Leon. Upon embarking he found the captain and crew consisted
+of some of the most depraved and brutal men who had ever visited the
+New World. They were cruising along the coast, watching for
+opportunity to kidnap the natives, to convey them to the West Indies
+as slaves. The captain was the infamous Valenzuela, who, as agent of
+Don Pedro, had tortured M. Codro to death.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto had no knowledge, as we have mentioned, of the dreadful doom
+which had befallen his friend. One day the fiendlike captain was
+amusing his crew with a recital of his past deeds of villany. He told
+the story of the murder of Codro.</p>
+
+<p>"He was," he said, "an old wizard whom Don Pedro, the governor of
+Panama, commissioned me to torture and to put to death, in consequence
+of some treachery of which he had been guilty while on a mission to
+Spain."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span></p><p>The words caught the ear of De Soto. He joined the group, and listened
+with breathless attention and a throbbing heart, to the statement of
+Valenzuela.</p>
+
+<p>"I chained the old fellow," said the captain, "to the mainmast, and
+the sailors amused themselves by drenching him with buckets of cold
+water, till he was almost drowned. After several days, he became so
+sick and exhausted, that we saw that our sport would soon be at an
+end. For two days he was speechless. He then suddenly recovered the
+use of his voice, and endeavored to frighten me by saying:</p>
+
+<p>"'Captain, your treatment has caused my death. I now call upon you to
+hear the words of a dying man. Within a year from this time, I summon
+you to meet me before the judgment seat of God.'"</p>
+
+<p>Here the captain burst into a derisive and scornful laugh. He then
+added:</p>
+
+<p>"Come comrades, we'll have a hamper of wine, and drink to the repose
+of M. Codro's soul."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto stepped forward, and repressing all external exhibition of the
+rage which consumed his soul, said calmly to the captain,</p>
+
+<p>"You say that the astrologer prophesied that you should die within the
+year. When will that year expire?"</p>
+
+<p>"In about two weeks," the captain replied. "But <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span>I have no fear but
+that the prophet will prove to be a liar."</p>
+
+<p>"He shall not," De Soto added. And drawing from his scabbard his keen,
+glittering sword, with one blow from his sinewy arm, severed the
+captain's head from his body. The ghastly trophy rolled gushing with
+blood upon the deck. These wild and savage men were accustomed to such
+scenes. They admired the courage of De Soto, and the marvellous skill
+with which, at one blow, he had struck off the head of the captain. De
+Soto then turned to the crowd and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Gentlemen, if any of you are disposed to hold me accountable for what
+I have just done, I am ready to answer you according to your desires.
+But I consider myself bound, in reason and in courtesy, to inform you,
+that M. Codro, the man whom this villain murdered, was my friend; and
+I doubt not that he was condemned to death for doing me an important
+service."</p>
+
+<p>All seemed satisfied with this explanation. These sanguinary scenes in
+those days produced but a momentary impression.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto and Don Pedro no longer held any intercourse with each other.
+The reign of the usurping governor was atrocious beyond the power of
+language to express. With horses and bloodhounds he <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span>ran down the
+natives, seizing and selling them as slaves. Droves of men, women and
+children, chained together, were often driven into the streets of
+Leon.</p>
+
+<p>The assumption then was that a nominal Christian might pardonably
+inflict any outrages upon those who had not accepted the Christian
+faith. Several of the Indian chiefs had embraced Christianity. Don
+Pedro compelled them all to pay him a tribute of fifty slaves a month.
+All orphans were to be surrendered as slaves. And then the wretch
+demanded that all parents who had several children, should surrender
+one or more, as slaves to the Spaniards. The natives were robbed of
+their harvests, so that they had no encouragement to cultivate the
+soil. This led to famine, and more than twenty thousand perished of
+starvation. Famine introduced pestilence. The good Las Casas declares
+that in consequence of the oppressions of the Spaniards, in ten years,
+more than sixty thousand of the natives of Nicaragua perished.</p>
+
+<p>About this time Francisco Pizarro had embarked in a hair-brained
+enterprise for the conquest of Peru, on the western coast of South
+America. Very slowly he had forced his way along, towards that vast
+empire, encountering innumerable difficulties, and enduring frightful
+sufferings, until he had reached a point where his progress seemed to
+be arrested. His army was greatly weakened, and he had not sufficient
+force to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>push his conquests any farther. Threatened with the utter
+extermination of his band, he remembered De Soto, whom he had never
+loved. He knew that he was anxious for fame and fortune, and thought
+that his bravery and great military ability might extricate him from
+his embarrassments.</p>
+
+<p>He therefore wrote to Don Pedro, praying that De Soto, with
+reinforcements, might be sent to his aid. For three years there had
+been no communication whatever between the governor and the lover of
+his daughter. But Don Pedro regarded the adventure of Pizarro as
+hazardous in the extreme, and felt sure that all engaged in the
+enterprise would miserably perish. Eagerly he caught at the idea of
+sending De Soto to join them; for his presence was to Don Pedro a
+constant source of annoyance and dread. He therefore caused the
+communication from Pizarro to be conveyed to De Soto, saying to the
+messenger who bore it:</p>
+
+<p>"Urge De Soto to depart immediately for Peru. And I pray Heaven that
+we may never hear of him again."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, not knowing what to do with himself, imprudently consented,
+and thus allied his fortunes with those of one of the greatest
+villains of any age or country.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>The Invasion of Peru.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Kingdom of Peru.&mdash;Its Metropolis.&mdash;The Desperate
+Condition of Pizarro.&mdash;Arrival of De Soto.&mdash;Character of the
+Spaniards.&mdash;Exploring tour of De Soto.&mdash;The Colony at San
+Miguel.&mdash;The General Advance.&mdash;Second Exploration of De
+Soto.&mdash;Infamous Conduct of the Pizarros.</p></div>
+
+<p>The kingdom of Peru, skirting the western coast of South America,
+between the majestic peaks of the Andes and the mirrored waters of the
+Pacific Ocean, was one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
+This kingdom, diversified with every variety of scenery, both of the
+sublime and the beautiful, and enjoying a delicious climate, was about
+eighteen hundred miles in length and one hundred and fifty in breadth.
+The natives had attained a high degree of civilization. Though
+gunpowder, steel armor, war horses, and bloodhounds gave the barbarian
+Spaniards the supremacy on fields of blood, the leading men, among the
+Peruvians, seem to have been in intelligence, humanity and every
+virtue, far superior to the savage leaders of the Spaniards, who so
+ruthlessly invaded their peaceful realms.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span></p><p>The metropolis of the empire was the city of Cuzo, which was situated
+in a soft and luxuriant valley traversing some table-lands which were
+about twelve thousand feet above the level of the sea. The government
+of the country was an absolute monarchy. But its sovereign, called the
+Inca, seems to have been truly a good man, the father of his people;
+wisely and successfully seeking their welfare. The Peruvians had
+attained a degree of excellence in many of the arts unsurpassed by the
+Spaniards. Their houses were generally built of stone; their massive
+temples, though devoid of architectural beauty, were constructed of
+hewn blocks of granite, so admirably joined together that the seams
+could be with difficulty discerned.</p>
+
+<p>Humbolt found, among the ruins of these temples, blocks of hewn stone
+thirty-six feet long, nine feet wide, and six feet in thickness. Their
+great highways, spanning the gulfs, clinging to the precipitous cliffs
+and climbing the mountains, were wonderful works of mechanical skill.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was thoroughly acquainted with the cruel, faithless, and
+treacherous character of Pizarro. A stigma must ever rest upon his
+name, for consenting to enter into any expedition under the leadership
+of such a man. It may however be said, in reply, that he had no
+intention of obeying Pizarro in any <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span>thing that was wrong; that his
+love of adventure was roused by the desire to explore one of the most
+magnificent empires in the New World, which rumor had invested with
+wealth and splendor surpassing the dreams of romance. And perhaps,
+most important of all, he hoped <i>honestly</i> to be able to gather from
+the fabled mines of gold, with which Peru was said to be filled, that
+wealth with which he would be enabled to return to Spain and claim the
+hand, as he had already won the heart, of the fair and faithful
+Isabella.</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro had entered upon his enterprise with an army of one hundred
+and eighty men, twenty-seven of whom were mounted. It seems to be the
+uncontradicted testimony of contemporary historians, that this army
+was composed of as worthless a set of vagabonds as ever disgraced
+humanity. There was no crime or cruelty from which these fiends in
+human form would recoil.</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro, following down the western coast of South America five or six
+hundred miles, had reached the island of Puna, in the extreme northern
+part of Peru. It was separated from the mainland by a narrow strait.
+The inhabitants received him cordially, but the murders, rapine and
+other nameless atrocities, perpetrated by the Spaniards upon the
+friendly natives, soon so aroused their resentment <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>that a conspiracy
+was formed for the entire extermination of the invaders. The
+expedition had become so weakened and demoralized that even Pizarro
+saw that it would be the height of imprudence for him to venture, with
+his vile crew, upon the mainland, before reinforcements under some
+degree of military discipline should arrive. He was in this precarious
+condition, and on the eve of extermination, when De Soto and his
+select and well-ordered troops reached the island.</p>
+
+<p>They came in two vessels, bringing with them an abundant supply of
+arms and ammunition. The party consisted of fifty men, thoroughly
+equipped. Thirty of them were steel-clad cavaliers, well mounted. De
+Soto had been offered the rank of second in command. But when he
+arrived at Puna, he found that Pizarro's brother&mdash;Hernando&mdash;occupied
+this post, and that he had no intention of relinquishing it. De Soto
+reproached Pizarro in very plain terms for this wrong and insult. He
+however did not allow it long to trouble him. Surrounded by his own
+brave and devoted followers, he felt quite independent of the
+authority of Pizarro, and had no intention of obeying him any farther
+than might be in accordance with his own wishes.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, Pizarro had but little confidence in his brother,
+and was fully conscious that the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span>success of his enterprise would be
+mainly dependent upon the energy and skill of De Soto.</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro, now finding himself at the head of really a formidable force,
+prepared to pass over to the mainland. There was quite a large town
+there called Tumbez, surrounded by a rich and densely populated
+country. The Peruvians had gold in abundance, and weapons and utensils
+of copper. With iron and steel, they were entirely unacquainted. As
+when fighting at a distance, the bullet of the Spaniard was
+immeasurably superior to the arrow of the native, so in a hand to hand
+fight, the keen and glittering sabre of steel, especially in the hands
+of steel-clad cavaliers left the poorly armed Peruvians almost
+entirely at their mercy.</p>
+
+<p>Arrangements were made to cross the strait and make a descent upon
+Tumbez. Pizarro had already visited the place, where he had been
+kindly received by the inhabitants, and where he had seen with his own
+eyes that the houses and temples were decorated with golden ornaments,
+often massive in weight, and of almost priceless value. He floated his
+little band across the narrow strait on rafts.</p>
+
+<p>The inhabitants of Tumbez and its vicinity had been disposed to
+receive their Spanish visitors as guests, and to treat them with the
+utmost courtesy and kindness. But the tidings had reached them of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>the
+terrible outrages which they had inflicted upon the inhabitants of
+Puna. They therefore attacked the Spaniards as they approached the
+shore on their rafts and endeavored to prevent their landing. But the
+invaders, with musketry and a cannon which they had with them,
+speedily drove off their assailants, and with horses and hounds
+planted their banners upon the shore. They then marched directly upon
+Tumbez, confident of gathering, from the decorations of her palaces
+and her temples, abounding wealth. Bitter was their disappointment.
+The Peruvians, conscious of their probable inability to resist the
+invaders, had generally abandoned the city, carrying with them, far
+away into the mountains, all their treasures.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards, who had entered the city with hideous yells of triumph,
+being thus frustrated in the main object of their expedition, found,
+by inquiry, that at the distance of several leagues easterly from the
+sea-coast, among the pleasant valleys of the mountains, there were
+populous cities, where abundance of booty might be found.</p>
+
+<p>The whole number of Spaniards, then invading Peru, did not exceed two
+hundred and fifty. The Peruvians were daily becoming more deeply
+exasperated. With such a number of men, and no fortified base to fall
+back upon, Pizarro did not deem it safe to enter upon a plundering
+tour into the interior. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span>Keeping therefore about one hundred and
+thirty men with him, and strongly fortifying himself at Tumbez, he
+sent De Soto, at the head of eighty men, sixty of whom were mounted,
+back into the mountains, to search for gold, and to report respecting
+the condition of the country, in preparation for future expeditions.</p>
+
+<p>The bad fame of Pizarro was spreading far and wide. And though De Soto
+enjoined it strictly upon his men, not to be guilty of any act of
+injustice, still he was an invading Spaniard, and the Peruvians
+regarded them all as the shepherd regards the wolf. De Soto had passed
+but a few leagues from the seashore, ere he entered upon the hilly
+country. As he was ascending one of the gentle eminences, a band of
+two thousand Indians, who had met there to arrest his progress, rushed
+down upon him. His sixty horsemen instantly formed in column and
+impetuously charged into their crowded ranks. These Peruvians had
+never seen a horse before. Their arrows glanced harmless from the
+impenetrable armor, and they were mercilessly cut down and trampled
+beneath iron hoofs. The Spaniards galloped through and through their
+ranks, strewing the ground with the dead. The carnage was of short
+duration. The panic-stricken Peruvians fled wherever there was a
+possibility of escape. The trumpets <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>of the conquerors pealed forth
+their triumphant strains. The silken banners waved proudly in the
+breeze, and the victors exultingly continued their march through one
+of the defiles of the mountains.</p>
+
+<p>Whatever excuses De Soto may make for himself, humanity will never
+forgive him for the carnage of that day. Having thus fairly embarked
+upon this enterprise, where he was surely gaining military renown,
+infamous as it was, and where there was the prospect before him of
+plunder of incalculable worth, De Soto seems to have assumed to act
+upon his own responsibility, and to have paid very little regard to
+the authority of Pizarro, whom he had left behind. He had already
+penetrated the country much farther than he had been authorized to do
+by the orders of his superior. One of the men, whom Pizarro had sent
+with him, very probably as a spy upon his movements, deserted, and
+returned to Tumbez with the report that De Soto was already
+practically in revolt, and had renounced all dependence on Pizarro.
+For this alleged insubordination, Pizarro did not venture to call his
+energetic lieutenant to account.</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, Pizarro was exploring the country in the vicinity of
+Tumbez, for the site of the colony he wished to establish. He selected
+a position about ninety miles south of that city, in a rich and
+well-watered valley which opened upon the placid <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span>surface of the
+Pacific. His troops were transported to the spot by the two vessels.
+Here he laid the foundations of a town, which he called San Miguel.
+With timber from the mountains, and stone from the quarries, and the
+labor of a large number of natives, who were driven to daily toil, not
+as servants, by the stimulus of well-paid labor, but as slaves, goaded
+by the sabres of their task masters, quite a large and
+strongly-fortified town rapidly arose.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto continued his explorations in the interior for some time, and
+discovered a very magnificent highway, leading to the capital of the
+empire. It was smoothly paved with flat blocks of stone, or with
+cement harder than stone. He returned to San Miguel with the report of
+his discoveries, and quite richly laden with the gold which he had
+received as a present from the natives, or which he had seized as what
+he considered the lawful spoils of war. The sight of the gold inspired
+all the Spaniards at San Miguel with the intense desire to press
+forward into a field which promised so rich a harvest.</p>
+
+<p>It was ascertained that the Inca had command of an army of over fifty
+thousand men. Pizarro, leaving sixty men in garrison at San Miguel,
+set out with one hundred and ninety men to visit the Inca in his
+capital. De Soto accompanied him. It was not ostensibly a military
+expedition, seeking the conquest of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span>country, or moving with any
+hostile intent whatever. De Soto had a conscience; Pizarro had none.
+Whatever reproaches might arise in the mind of De Soto in reference to
+the course he was pursuing, he silenced them by the very plausible
+assumption that he was an ambassador from the king of Spain,
+commissioned to make a friendly visit to the monarch of another
+newly-discovered empire; that he was the messenger of peace seeking to
+unite the two kingdoms in friendly relations with each other for their
+mutual benefit. This was probably the real feeling of De Soto. The
+expedition was commissioned by the king of Spain. The armed retinue
+was only such as became the ambassadors of a great monarch. Such an
+expedition was in every respect desirable. The fault&mdash;perhaps we ought
+in candor to say the calamity&mdash;of De Soto was in allowing himself to
+be attached to an expedition under a man so thoroughly reckless and
+unprincipled as he knew Pizarro to have been. Perhaps he hoped to
+control the actions of his ignorant and fanatic superior officer. It
+is quite manifest that De Soto did exert a very powerful influence in
+giving shape to the expedition.</p>
+
+<p>An Indian courier was sent forward to Cuzco, one of the capitals of
+the Peruvian monarch, with a friendly and almost an obsequious message
+to the Inca, whose name was Attahuallapa. The courier <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span>bore the
+communication that Pizarro was an ambassador commissioned by the king
+of Spain to visit the king of Peru, and to kiss his hand in token of
+peace and fraternity. He therefore solicited that protection in
+passing through the country which every monarch is bound to render to
+the representatives of a foreign and friendly power.</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro, as it will be remembered, was a rough and illiterate soldier,
+unable either to read or write. In this sagacious diplomatic
+arrangement, we undoubtedly see the movement of De Soto's reflective
+and cultivated mind. The expedition moved slowly along, awaiting the
+return of the courier. He soon came back with a very indefinite
+response, and with a present of two curiously carved stone cups, and
+some perfumery. The guarded reply and the meagre present excited some
+alarm in the Spanish camp. It was very evident that the expedition was
+not to anticipate a very cordial reception at the Peruvian court.
+Pizarro was much alarmed. He was quite confident that the Inca was
+trying to lure them on to their ruin. Having called a council of war,
+he urged that they should proceed no farther until he had sent some
+faithful Indian spies to ascertain the intentions of Attahuallapa.</p>
+
+<p>But De Soto, whose youthful energies were inspired <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span>by love and
+ambition, was eager to press forward.</p>
+
+<p>"It is not necessary," said he, "for the Inca to use treachery with
+us. He could easily overpower us with numbers were he so disposed. We
+have also heard that he is a just and merciful prince; and the
+courtesy he has already shown us, is some token at least of his good
+will. But why should we hesitate? We have no longer any choice but to
+go forward. If we now retreat, it will prove our professions to be
+false; and when the suspicions of the Inca are once aroused, we shall
+find it impossible to escape from his country."</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro's brother&mdash;Hernando&mdash;was a man of ignoble birth, of ruffianly
+manners, of low and brutal character. Tauntingly he inquired of De
+Soto, if he were ready to give proof of his confidence in the faith of
+the Peruvian monarch, by going forward to his court, as an envoy from
+the embassy.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto turned his keen and flashing eye upon the man, whom he
+despised, and said in slow and measured words:</p>
+
+<p>"Don Hernando, I may yet convince you that it is neither civil nor
+safe to call my sincerity in question. I have as much confidence in
+the honor of the Inca as I have in the integrity of any man in this
+company, not excepting the commander or yourself. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>I perceive that you
+are disposed to go backward. You may all return, when and how you
+please, or remain where you are. But I have made up my mind to present
+myself to Attahuallapa. And I shall certainly do so, without asking
+the assistance or permission of any of your party."</p>
+
+<p>This was certainly a very defiant speech. It asserted his entire
+rejection of the authority of Pizarro. De Soto could not have dared
+thus to have spoken, unless he had felt strong in the support of his
+own dragoons.</p>
+
+<p>Hernando Pizarro was silent, indulging only in a malignant smile. It
+was not safe for him to provoke De Soto to a personal rencontre.
+Francisco Pizarro smothered his chagrin and very adroitly availed
+himself of this statement, to commission De Soto to take twenty-four
+horsemen, such as he might select, and accompanied by an Indian guide
+called Filipillo, go forward to the Peruvian court.</p>
+
+<p>Both of the Pizarros seemed quite relieved when the sound of the
+departing squadron of brave cavaliers died away in the distance. De
+Soto, during the whole of his adventurous life, seems to have been
+entirely unconscious of the emotion of fear. During his residence in
+the camp of the Pizarros, he had exerted a powerful restraint upon
+their ferocious natures. He had very earnestly endeavored to impress
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span>their minds with the conviction that they could not pass through the
+populous empire of Peru, or even remain in it, if their followers were
+allowed to trample upon the rights of the natives. So earnestly and
+persistently did he urge these views, that Pizarro at length
+acknowledged their truth, and in the presence of De Soto, commanded
+his men to abstain from every act of aggression.</p>
+
+<p>But now that De Soto was gone, the Pizarros and their rabble rout of
+vagabonds breathed more freely. Scarcely had the plumed helmets of the
+cavaliers disappeared in the distance, when Hernando Pizarro set out
+on a plundering expedition into the villages of the Peruvians. The
+natives fled in terror before the Spaniards. Pizarro caught one of the
+leading men and questioned him very closely respecting the designs of
+Attahuallapa. The captive honestly and earnestly declared, that he
+knew nothing about the plans of his sovereign.</p>
+
+<p>This demoniac Hernando endeavored to extort a confession from him by
+torture. He tied his victim to a tree, enveloped his feet in cotton
+thoroughly saturated with oil and applied the torch. The wretched
+sufferer in unendurable agony, said "yes" to anything and everything.
+Two days after, it was proved that he could not have known anything
+respecting the intended operations of the Inca. It is <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span>a satisfaction
+to one's sense of justice to remember that there is a God who will not
+allow such crimes to go unpunished.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, with his bold cavaliers, pressed rapidly on towards the
+Peruvian camp. Very carefully he guarded against every act of
+hostility or injustice. Everywhere the natives were treated with the
+utmost courtesy. In the rapid advance of the Spaniards through the
+country, crowds flocked to the highway attracted by the novel
+spectacle. And a wonderful spectacle it must have been! These
+cavaliers, with their nodding plumes, their burnished armor, their
+gleaming sabres, their silken banners, mounted on magnificent war
+horses and rushing along over the hills and through the valleys in
+meteoric splendor, must have presented an aspect more imposing to
+their minds than we can well imagine.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, who had not his superior as a horseman in the Spanish army,
+was mounted on a milk white steed of extraordinary size and grace of
+figure, and wore a complete suit of the most costly and showy armor.
+It is said that on one occasion his path was crossed by a brook twenty
+feet wide. The noble animal disdained to wade through, but cleared it
+at a single bound.</p>
+
+<p>The crowds who lined the highways seemed to understand and appreciate
+the friendly feelings De <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span>Soto manifested in gracefully bowing to them
+and smiling as he passed along. He soon ascertained, though his guide
+Filipillo, that the headquarters of the Peruvian camp was at a place
+now called Caxamarca, among the mountains, about eighty miles
+northeast of the present seaport of Truxillo.</p>
+
+<p>After a rapid ride of about six hours, the expedition approached quite
+a flourishing little town called Caxas. Several hundred Peruvian
+soldiers were drawn up in battle array in the outskirts, to arrest the
+progress of the Spaniards. De Soto halted his dragoons, and sent
+forward Filipillo to assure the commandant that he was traversing the
+country not with any hostile intent, and that he bore a friendly
+message from his own sovereign to the king of Peru.</p>
+
+<p>The kindly disposed Peruvians immediately laid aside their arms,
+welcomed the strangers, and entertained them with a sumptuous feast.
+Thus refreshed, they pressed on several leagues farther, until they
+reached a much larger city called Guancabama. From all the accounts
+given it would seem that the inhabitants of this region had reached a
+degree of civilization, so far as the comforts of life are concerned,
+fully equal to that then to be found in Spain. This city was on the
+magnificent highway which traversed fifteen hundred miles through the
+very heart of the empire. The houses, which were built <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span>of hewn stone,
+admirably jointed, consisted of several rooms, and were distinguished
+for cleanliness, order, and domestic comfort.</p>
+
+<p>The men seemed intelligent, the women modest, and various arts of
+industry occupied their time. De Soto testified that the great highway
+which passed through this place far surpassed in grandeur and utility
+any public work which had ever been attempted in Spain. Happy and
+prosperous as were the Peruvians, compared with the inhabitants of
+most other countries, it is quite evident that the ravages of the Fall
+were not unknown there.</p>
+
+<p>Just before entering the town, De Soto passed a high gibbet upon which
+three malefactors were hung in chains, swaying in the breeze. That
+revolting spectacle revealed the sad truth that in Peru, as well as
+elsewhere, man's fallen nature developed itself in crime and woe. The
+Emperor had also a large standing army, and the country had just been
+ravaged by the horrors of civil war.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was kindly received at Guancabama. Just as he was about to
+leave for Caxamarca, an envoy from the Inca reached the city on its
+way to the Spanish camp. The ambassador was a man of high rank.
+Several servants accompanied him, laden with presents for Pizarro. He
+entreated De Soto to return with him to the headquarters of the
+Spaniards. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>As these presents and this embassy would probably convince
+Pizarro of the friendly feeling of the Peruvian monarch, De Soto
+judged it wise to comply with his request. Thus he turned back, and
+the united party soon reached Pizarro's encampment.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>The Atrocities of Pizarro.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Fears of Pizarro.&mdash;Honorable Conduct of the Inca.&mdash;The March
+to Caxamarca.&mdash;Hospitable Reception.&mdash;Perfidious Attack upon
+the Inca.&mdash;His Capture and Imprisonment.&mdash;The Honor of De
+Soto.&mdash;The Offered Ransom.&mdash;Treachery and Extortion of
+Pizarro.</p></div>
+
+<p>The report which De Soto brought back was in many respects quite
+alarming to the Pizarros. Though they were delighted to hear of the
+wealth which had been discovered, and the golden ornaments decorating
+houses, temples and shrines, they were not a little alarmed in the
+contemplation of the large population over which the Inca reigned, and
+of the power of his government. The spectacle of the gallows also at
+Guancabama, caused very uncomfortable sensations.</p>
+
+<p>Both of these men were aware that they and their troops had committed
+crimes which would doom them to the scaffold, should the Inca be able
+to punish them according to their deserts. Indeed it subsequently
+appeared, that the Inca had heard of their outrages. But with humanity
+and a sense of justice which reflects lustre upon his name, he had
+resolved not to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span>punish them unheard in their own defence. He knew not
+but that false representations had been made of the facts. He knew not
+but that the Spaniards had been goaded to acts of retaliation by
+outrages on the part of the Peruvians.</p>
+
+<p>He therefore invited the Spanish adventurers to meet him at Caxamarca,
+assuring them of a safe passage to that place. With fear and trembling
+Pizarro consented, with his little band of two hundred and fifty men,
+to visit the Peruvian camp, where fifty thousand soldiers might be
+arrayed against him. The path they were to traverse led through
+defiles of the mountains, where a few hundred men could arrest the
+march of an army. The Spaniards afterwards could not but admit, that
+had the Inca cherished any perfidious design, he might with the utmost
+ease have utterly exterminated them. Not a man could have escaped.</p>
+
+<p>The march of these trembling men was not with the triumphant tramp of
+conquerors. They did not enter the Peruvian camp with flourish of
+trumpets and bugle blasts, but as peaceful ambassadors, with a showy
+retinue, who had been permitted to traverse the country unharmed. The
+sun was just sinking behind the rugged peaks of the mountains on the
+fifteenth of November, 1532, when Pizarro's band rode into the streets
+of Caxamarca. In the centre of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span>town there was a large public
+square. On one side of that square was a spacious stone edifice, which
+the Inca had caused to be prepared for the accommodation of his
+guests. This building was a part of a strong fortress, within whose
+massive walls, a small party of well armed men might easily defend
+themselves against a host.</p>
+
+<p>The fact that Attahuallapa assigned to them such quarters, proves
+conclusively that he had no intention to treat them otherwise than in
+the most friendly manner. The Inca, with the troops immediately under
+his command, was encamped at a distance of about three miles from the
+town. The treacherous Pizarro was ever apprehensive of treachery on
+the part of others. He was an entire stranger to that calm and
+peaceful courage which seemed always to reign in the bosom of De Soto.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately after he reached Caxamarca he dispatched De Soto to inform
+the Inca of his arrival. The Peruvian camp covered several acres of
+ground, with substantial and commodious tents. In the centre there was
+truly a magnificent pavilion, gorgeous in its decorations, which was
+appropriated to the Inca. Attahuallapa was informed of the approach of
+the Spanish cavaliers. He came from his tent and took his seat upon a
+splendid throne prepared for the occasion. The Peruvian soldiers gazed
+with amazement <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span>upon the spectacle of these horsemen as they were led
+into the presence of their sovereign.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, with the native grace which attended all his actions,
+alighted from his horse, bowed respectfully to the monarch, and said
+in words which were interpreted by Filipillo.</p>
+
+<p>"I am sent by my commander, Don Francisco Pizarro, who desires to be
+admitted to your presence, to give you an account of the causes which
+have brought him to this country, and other matters which it may
+behoove your majesty to know. He humbly entreats you to allow him an
+interview this night or to-morrow, as he wishes to make you an offer
+of his services, and to deliver the message which has been committed
+to him by his sovereign, the king of Spain."</p>
+
+<p>Attahuallapa replied with much dignity and some apparent reserve, that
+he cordially accepted the friendly offers of Pizarro, and would grant
+him the desired interview the following morning. The Inca was a young
+man about thirty years of age. He was tall, admirably formed, and with
+a very handsome countenance. But there was an expression of sadness
+overspreading his features, and a pensive tone in his address,
+indicating that he was a man who had seen affliction.</p>
+
+<p>The splendid steed from which De Soto had alighted was restlessly
+pawing the ground at a short <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span>distance from the tent of the Inca,
+attracting the particular attention and admiration of the sovereign.
+De Soto, perceiving the admiration which his steed elicited,
+remounted, and touching the spirited animal with the spur, went
+bounding with almost the speed of the wind over the level plain,
+causing his horse now to rear, and now to plunge, wheeling him around,
+and thus exhibiting his excellent qualities. He then came down at full
+speed to the spot where the Inca stood, until within a few feet of the
+monarch, when he checked his horse so suddenly as to throw him back
+upon his haunches. Some of the attendants of the Inca were evidently
+alarmed; but the Inca himself stood proudly immovable. He reproved his
+attendants for their timidity; and Mr. Prescott, who represents
+Attahuallapa as a very cruel man, intimates that he put some of them
+to death that evening for betraying such weakness before the
+strangers. Refreshments were offered to De Soto and his party, and a
+sort of wine was presented to them in golden cups, of extraordinary
+size.</p>
+
+<p>As De Soto, having fulfilled his mission, was about to leave the royal
+presence and return to Caxamarca, Attahuallapa said:</p>
+
+<p>"Tell your companions, that as I am keeping a fast, I cannot to-day
+accept their invitation. I will come to them to-morrow. I may be
+attended by a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span>large and armed retinue. But let not that give you any
+uneasiness. I wish to cultivate your friendship and that of your king.
+I have already given ample proof that no harm is intended you, though
+your captain, I am told, mistrusts me. If you think it will please him
+better, I will come with few attendants and those unarmed."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto warmly assured the Inca that no man could doubt his sincerity,
+and begged him to consult his own taste entirely in reference to the
+manner in which he would approach the Spaniards.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the return of the cavalier to Pizarro, with an account of the
+interview, that perfidious chieftain proposed to his men, that they
+should seize the Inca and hold him in captivity as a hostage. Mr.
+Prescott, in his account of this infamous procedure, speaks of it in
+the following apologetic terms:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Pizarro then summoned a council of his officers, to consider the plan
+of operations, or rather to propose to them the extraordinary plan on
+which he had himself decided. This was to lay an ambuscade for the
+Inca, and take him prisoner in the face of his whole army. It was a
+project full of peril, bordering as it might well seem on desperation.
+But the circumstances of the Spaniards were desperate. Whichever way
+they turned they were menaced by the most appalling dangers. And
+better was it to confront the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span>danger, than weakly to shrink from it
+when there was no avenue for escape. To fly was now too late. Whither
+could they fly? At the first signal of retreat the whole army of the
+Inca would be upon them. Their movements would be anticipated by a foe
+far better acquainted with the intricacies of the Sierra than
+themselves; the passes would be occupied, and they would be hemmed in
+on all sides; while the mere fact of this retrograde movement would
+diminish the confidence and with it the effective strength of his own
+men, while it doubled that of the enemy."</p></div>
+
+<p>The next morning was Saturday, the 16th of November, 1532. The sun
+rose in a cloudless sky, and great preparations were made by the Inca
+to display his grandeur and his power to his not very welcome guests.
+A large retinue preceded and followed the monarch, while a courier was
+sent forward to inform Pizarro of his approach. The Inca, habited in a
+dress which was glittering with gems and gold, was seated in a
+gorgeous open palanquin, borne upon the shoulders of many of his
+nobles.</p>
+
+<p>It was five o'clock in the afternoon, when the Inca, accompanied by a
+small but unarmed retinue, entered the public square of the city. The
+tents of his troops left outside, spread far and wide over the
+meadows, indicating the presence of an immense host. The Inca was
+clothed in a flowing robe of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span>scarlet, woven of the finest wool, and
+almost entirely covered with golden stars and the most precious gems.
+His head was covered with a turban of variegated colors, to which
+there was suspended a scarlet fringe, the badge of royalty. The
+palanquin, or throne, on which he was seated, was apparently of pure
+gold; and the cushion upon which he sat was covered with the most
+costly gems. His nobles were also dressed in the highest possible
+style of Peruvian wealth and art. It was estimated that the number of
+the nobles and officers of the court who accompanied the king into the
+square, was about two thousand. A large company of priests was also in
+attendance, who chanted the Peruvian National Hymn.</p>
+
+<p>It is very difficult for an honest mind to form any just conception of
+such a religious fanatic, and such an irreligious wretch as this
+Francisco Pizarro. Just before the Peruvians arrived he had attended a
+solemn mass, in which the aid of the God of the Christians was
+fervently implored in behalf of their enterprise. The mass was closed
+with chanting one of the psalms of David, in which God is called upon
+to arise and come to judgment. Friar Vincent, who was Pizarro's
+spiritual adviser, and grand chaplain of the so-called Christian army,
+was then sent forward with the Bible in one hand and a crucifix in the
+other, to expound to the Inca the doctrines of the Christian <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span>faith,
+stating that it was for that purpose, and for that only, that the
+Spaniards had come into the country.</p>
+
+<p>So far as we can judge from the uncertain records which have reached
+us, the views he presented were what are called evangelical, though
+highly imbued with the claims of the Papal Church. He described the
+creation of man, his fall, the atonement by the crucifixion of the Son
+of God, his ascension, leaving Peter and his successors, as his
+vicegerents upon earth. Invested with this divine power, one of his
+successors, the present Pope, had commissioned Pizarro to visit Peru,
+to conquer and convert the natives to the true faith.</p>
+
+<p>The Inca listened attentively to the arguments of the priest, but was
+apparently unmoved by them. He calmly replied:</p>
+
+<p>"I acknowledge that there is but one God, the maker of all things. As
+for the Pope, I know him not. He must be insane to give away that
+which does not belong to him. The king of Spain is doubtless a great
+monarch, and I wish to make him my friend, but I cannot become his
+vassal."</p>
+
+<p>A few more words were interchanged, when the priest returned into the
+stone fortress, where Pizarro stood surrounded by his soldiers. The
+priest reported the conversation which had taken place; declared that
+the Inca, in the pride of his heart, had rejected <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>Christianity. He
+therefore announced to Pizarro that he was authorized by the divine
+law, to make war upon the Inca and his people.</p>
+
+<p>"Go set on them at once," said he; "spare them not; kill these dogs
+which so stubbornly despise the law of God. I absolve you."</p>
+
+<p>The extraordinary scene which then ensued cannot perhaps be better
+described than in the language of Mr. Prescott:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Pizarro saw that the hour had come. He waved a white scarf in the
+air, the appointed signal. The fatal gun was fired from the fortress.
+Then springing into the square, the Spanish captain and his followers
+shouted the old war cry of 'St. Jago, and at them!' It was answered by
+the battle cry of every Spaniard in the city, as rushing from the
+avenues of the great halls in which they were concealed, they poured
+into the Plaza, horse and foot, and threw themselves into the midst of
+the Indian crowd.</p>
+
+<p>"The latter, taken by surprise, stunned by the reports of artillery
+and musketry, the echoes of which reverberated like thunder from the
+surrounding buildings, and blinded by the smoke which rolled in
+sulphurous volumes along the square, were seized with a panic. They
+knew not whither to fly for refuge from the coming ruin. Nobles and
+commoners all were trampled down under the fierce charge of the
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span>cavalry, who dealt their blows right and left, without sparing; while
+their swords, flashing through the thick gloom, carried dismay into
+the hearts of the wretched natives, who now, for the first time, saw
+the horse and his rider in all their terrors. They made no resistance,
+as indeed they had no weapons with which to resist.</p>
+
+<p>"Every avenue to escape was closed, for the entrance to the square was
+choked up with the dead bodies of men who had perished in vain efforts
+to fly. And such was the agony of the survivors, under the terrible
+pressure of their assailants, that a large body of Indians, by their
+convulsive struggles, burst through the wall of stone and dried clay,
+which formed the boundary of the Plaza. It fell, leaving an opening of
+more than a hundred paces, through which multitudes now found their
+way into the country, still hotly pursued by the cavalry, who, leaping
+the piles of rubbish, hung on the rear of the fugitives, striking them
+down in all directions.</p>
+
+<p>"There were two great objects in view in this massacre. One was to
+strike terror into the heart of the Peruvians; the other was to obtain
+possession of the person of the Inca. It seems that the nobles
+regarded their sovereign with almost idolatrous homage. They rallied
+thickly around him, placed their own bodies between him and the sabres
+of their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span>assailants, and made frantic endeavors to tear the cavaliers
+from their saddles. Unfortunately they were unarmed, and had neither
+arrows, javelins nor war clubs. The Inca sat helpless in his
+palanquin, quite bewildered by the awful storm of war which had thus
+suddenly burst around him. In the swaying of the mighty mass, the
+litter heaved to and fro, like a ship in a storm."</p></div>
+
+<p>At length several of the nobles who supported it being slain, the
+palanquin was overthrown, and the Inca, as he was falling to the
+ground, was caught by the Spaniards. In the confusion of the affray,
+Pizarro was slightly wounded in the hand by one of his own men. This
+was the only hurt received by any Spaniard during the bloody affray.</p>
+
+<p>The Inca being captured, the conflict in the square ceased. But there
+was another object in view, as has been stated, and that was to strike
+terror into the hearts of the Peruvians. Consequently the steel-clad
+cavaliers pursued the fugitives in all directions, cutting them down
+without mercy. Night, which followed the short twilight of the
+tropics, put an end to the carnage, and the trumpets of Pizarro
+recalled the soldiers, wiping their dripping sabres, to their
+fortress. The number slain is variously estimated. The secretary of
+Pizarro says that two thousand <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span>fell. A Peruvian annalist swells the
+number of victims to ten thousand.</p>
+
+<p>Attahuallapa, the monarch of the great kingdom of Peru, thus suddenly
+found himself a prisoner in one of his own fortresses; surrounded by a
+band of stern warriors, who had penetrated the heart of his empire
+from a distance of more than two thousand leagues. Pizarro treated the
+unhappy king with respect, and testifies to the dignity with which he
+met his awful reverses. What part De Soto took in the outrages just
+described, cannot now be known. He had unquestionably in good faith,
+and as an honorable man, invited the Inca to visit Caxamarca, by which
+invitation he had been enticed into the power of the Spaniards.</p>
+
+<p>There is evidence that De Soto had no idea of the treachery which was
+intended, for it was not until after he had left on his visit to the
+Peruvian camp that the plot was formed for the seizure of the Inca.
+Pizarro had two bodies of horsemen. One was commanded by his brother
+Hernando, and the other by De Soto. There were thirty dragoons in each
+band. Unquestionably, Hernando was a very eager participant in the
+horrors of this day. It may be that De Soto, from the roof of the
+fortress, was an inactive spectator of the scene. It does not seem
+possible that with the character he had heretofore <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span>developed, he
+could have lent his own strong arm and those of his horsemen to the
+perpetration of a crime so atrocious. Still military discipline is a
+terrible power. It sears the conscience and hardens the heart. The
+fact that De Soto was present and that there are no evidences of
+remonstrances on his part, has left a stigma upon his character which
+time cannot efface.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning these Spaniards, so zealous for the propagation of
+the Christian faith, unmindful of their professed Christian mission,
+betook themselves, with all alacrity, to the work of pillage. The
+golden throne, and the royal wardrobe, were of very great value. The
+nobles were clad in their richest garments of state, and the ground
+was strewn with bodies of the dead, glittering in robes of gold and
+gems. Having stripped the dead, they then entered the houses and
+temples of Caxamarca and loaded themselves down with golden vases, and
+other booty of great value. As one suggestive item, which reveals the
+conduct of these brutal men, the good Las Casas states, that a Spanish
+soldier seized a young Peruvian girl. When the mother rushed to rescue
+her child, he cut off her arm with his sword, and then in his rage
+hewed the maiden to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro now assumed the proud title of "The Conqueror of Peru." With
+the sovereign as his prisoner, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span>and elated by his great victory, he
+felt that there was no resistance that he had to fear. It seems that
+Attahuallapa had penetration enough to discern that De Soto was a very
+different man in character from the Pizarros. He soon became quite
+cordial and unreserved in his intercourse with him. And there is no
+evidence that De Soto ever, in the slightest degree, betrayed his
+confidence. One day the Inca inquired of De Soto for what amount of
+ransom Pizarro would be willing to release him. De Soto was well aware
+of the timidity and avarice of the captain. The love of the Peruvians
+for their sovereign was such, that Pizarro was confident that so long
+as Attahuallapa was in his power, they would not make war upon him. De
+Soto felt therefore that there was no prospect that Pizarro would
+release his captive for any ransom whatever, and sadly advised him to
+resign all such hope. The Inca was greatly distressed. After a few
+moments of silence, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"My friend, do not deprive me of the only hope that can make life
+supportable. I must be free, or I must die. Your commander loves gold
+above all things. Surely I can purchase my liberty from him at some
+price, and however unreasonable it may be, I am willing to satisfy his
+demand. Tell me, I entreat of you, what sum you think will be
+sufficient?"</p>
+
+<p>For a moment De Soto made no reply. They <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>were sitting in a room,
+according to the statement of Pizarro's secretary, twenty-two feet
+long and seventeen feet broad. Then turning to the Inca, and wishing
+to impress his mind with the conviction that there was not any ransom
+which could effect his release, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"If you could fill this room with gold as high as I can reach with my
+sword, Pizarro might perhaps accept it as your ransom."</p>
+
+<p>"It shall be done," the Inca eagerly replied. "And I beg you to let
+Pizarro know, that within a month from this day, my part of the
+contract shall be fulfilled."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was troubled, for he had not intended that as an offer, but
+rather as a statement of an impossibility. He however felt bound to
+report the proposition to Pizarro. Much to his surprise the avaricious
+captain readily accepted it. The contract was drawn up, and Pizarro
+gave his solemn pledge that upon the delivery of the gold the prison
+doors of the captive should be thrown open. But after the terms had
+all been settled, the perfidious Spaniard craved a still higher
+ransom, and declared that he would not release his victim unless
+another room of equal size was equally filled with silver.</p>
+
+<p>Attahuallapa could fully appreciate such dishonorable conduct; for in
+all moral qualities he seems <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span>to have been decidedly superior to his
+Spanish antagonist. But without any undignified murmurs, he submitted
+to this extortion also. Matters being thus arranged, De Soto, with his
+characteristic plain dealing, said to Pizarro:</p>
+
+<p>"I hope you will remember, Don Francisco, that my honor is pledged for
+the strict fulfilment of the contract on the part of the Spaniards.
+Observe, therefore, that as soon as the gold and the silver are
+produced, Attahuallapa must have his liberty."</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>The Execution of the Inca, and Embarrassments of De Soto.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Pledges of Pizarro.&mdash;His Perfidy.&mdash;False Mission of De
+Soto.&mdash;Execution of the Inca.&mdash;His Fortitude.&mdash;Indignation
+of De Soto.&mdash;Great Embarrassments.&mdash;Extenuating
+Considerations.&mdash;Arrival of Almagro.&mdash;March Towards the
+Capital.</p></div>
+
+<p>Pizarro gave his most solemn pledges, on his Christian faith, that so
+soon as the money was paid the Inca should be released. The idea does
+not seem to have entered the mind of Attahuallapa that Pizarro could
+be guilty of the perfidy of violating those pledges. The unhappy
+condition of the Inca excited the strong sympathies of De Soto. He
+visited him often, and having a natural facility for the acquisition
+of language, was soon able to converse with the captive in his own
+tongue. Quite a friendship, founded on mutual esteem, sprang up
+between them. By his strong intercession, Pizarro was constrained to
+consent that the gold should not be melted into ingots, thus to fill
+the designated space with its solid bulk, but that it should be
+received and packed away in the form of vases, and ornaments, and
+other manufactured articles, as brought in by the Peruvians.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p><p>Several of the principal officers of Attahuallapa's court were sent to
+Cuzco, the capital of the empire, where the main treasures of the
+kingdom were deposited. Three Spaniards accompanied these officers.
+The Inca issued his orders that they should be treated with respect.
+The people obeyed; for they knew that any injury or insult befalling
+the Spaniards would bring down terrible retribution upon their beloved
+sovereign. Peruvian agents were also dispatched to all the temples to
+strip them of their ornaments, and to the homes of the nobility to
+receive the plate and golden decorations which were eagerly
+contributed as ransom for the king. The cornices and entablatures of
+the temples were often of solid gold, and massive plates of gold
+encrusted the walls. For several weeks there seemed to be a constant
+procession of Peruvians entering the fortress, laden with golden vases
+and innumerable other utensils, often of exquisite workmanship.</p>
+
+<p>Within the allotted time the ransom, enormous as it was, was all
+brought in. It is estimated that its value was equal to about twenty
+million dollars of our money. The Inca now demanded his release. The
+infamous Pizarro had perhaps originally intended to set him at
+liberty. But he had now come to the conclusion that the Inca might
+immediately rally around him, not only his whole army, but the whole
+population<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> of the kingdom, cut off the retreat of the Spaniards,
+exterminate them, and win back all the plunder so unrighteously
+extorted. Pizarro was consequently plotting for some plausible excuse
+for putting the monarch to death. The Peruvians thus deprived of their
+sovereign, and in a state of bewilderment, would be thrown into
+anarchy, and the Spaniards would have a much better chance of
+obtaining entire possession of the kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro did not dare to reveal to De Soto his treasonable designs. He
+feared not only his reproaches, but his determined and very formidable
+resistance. He therefore gave it as an excuse for postponing the
+liberation of the Inca, that he must wait until he had made a division
+of the spoils. The distribution was performed with imposing religious
+ceremonies. Mass was celebrated, and earnest prayers were addressed to
+Heaven that the work might be so performed as to meet the approbation
+of God. A fifth part of the plunder was set apart for the king of
+Spain, the Emperor, Charles the Fifth. Pizarro, as commander of the
+expedition, came next, and his share amounted to millions. De Soto was
+defrauded, not receiving half so much as Hernando Pizarro. Still, his
+share in this distribution and in another which soon took place,
+amounted to over five hundred thousand dollars. This was an enormous
+sum in those days. It <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span>elevated him at once, in point of opulence, to
+the rank of the proudest grandees of Spain.</p>
+
+<p>The great object of De Soto's ambition was accomplished. He had
+acquired fame and wealth beyond his most sanguine expectations. Thus
+he was prepared to return to Spain and demand the hand of Isabella.
+But his generous nature was troubled. He became very anxious for the
+fate of the Inca. His own honor was involved in his release, and day
+after day he became more importunate in his expostulations with
+Pizarro.</p>
+
+<p>"Whatever the consequences may be," said De Soto, "the Inca must now
+be immediately set at liberty. He has your promise to that effect and
+he has <i>mine</i>; and my promise, come what will, shall not be violated."</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro urged, in view of their peril, the delay of a few weeks. De
+Soto replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Not a single week, not a day; if you do not liberate the prisoner, I
+will take that liberty on myself."</p>
+
+<p>"To give him his freedom at this time," Pizarro replied, "would be
+certain destruction to us all."</p>
+
+<p>"That may be," responded De Soto, "but that should have been
+considered before he was admitted to ransom."</p>
+
+<p>"But since that agreement was made," said Pizarro, "I have received
+information which justifies me <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>in changing my intentions.
+Attahuallapa's officers, acting under his directions, are now engaged
+in exciting an insurrection for the extermination of the Spaniards."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto had no faith whatever in this accusation. There was a long and
+angry controversy. Pizarro called in his interpreter Filipillo, who
+was undoubtedly bribed to testify according to the wishes of his
+master. He declared that the Inca was organizing this conspiracy. De
+Soto was unconvinced. He still regarded the accusation as a groundless
+calumny.</p>
+
+<p>Finally they came to a compromise. The treacherous and wily Pizarro
+suggested that De Soto should take a party of dragoons and proceed to
+that section of the country, where it was said the conspirators were
+assembling in vast numbers, in preparation for their onset upon the
+Spaniards. If De Soto found no indication of such a movement, Pizarro
+gave his solemn pledge, that immediately upon his return, he would
+release Attahuallapa. De Soto agreed to the arrangement, and at once
+set out on the journey.</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro had thus accomplished his object, of being relieved of the
+embarrassment of De Soto's presence, while he should lead the Inca to
+his execution. A sort of council of war was held, though Attahuallapa
+was not present, and nothing was heard in his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span>defence. It was
+necessary to proceed with the utmost expedition, as De Soto would soon
+return. The horrible verdict of the court was, that the captive should
+be burned to death at the stake. Pizarro himself, it is said, carried
+the terrible intelligence to the prisoner.</p>
+
+<p>The Inca, a young man in the very prime of life, being but thirty
+years of age, was horror stricken, and for some time sat in silence,
+not uttering a word. And then turning to Pizarro, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Is it possible that you can believe in a God and fear him, and yet
+dare to commit such an act of injustice? What have I done to deserve
+death in any form, and why have you condemned me to a death so unusual
+and painful. Surely you cannot intend to execute this cruel sentence."</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro assured him that the decree of the court was unalterable, and
+must immediately be carried into effect.</p>
+
+<p>"Think of the wrong you have already done me," said the Inca, "and do
+not forget how much you are indebted to my kindness and forbearance. I
+could easily have intercepted you in the mountain passes, and made you
+all prisoners, or sacrificed you all justly to the offended laws of my
+country. I could have overpowered you with my armed warriors at
+Caxamarca. But I failed in my duty to my people in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span>receiving you as
+friends. You have robbed me of my kingdom and compelled me to insult
+my Deity, by stripping his temples to satisfy your avarice.</p>
+
+<p>"Of all my possessions, you have left me nothing but my life, and that
+I supposed you would be willing to spare me, since you can gain
+nothing by taking it away. Consider how hard it is for me to die, so
+suddenly and without any warning of my danger. I have lived but thirty
+years, and until very lately, I had every reason to hope for a long
+and happy life. My prospects for happiness are blighted forever. But I
+will not complain of that, if you will permit me to live out the term
+which God and nature have allotted me."</p>
+
+<p>The execution was to take place immediately. Pizarro waited only for
+the sun to go down, that darkness might shroud the fiendlike deed. As
+they were talking Pizarro's chaplain, Friar Vincent, came in to
+prepare the victim for the sacrifice. He was dressed in his
+ecclesiastical robes, and bore in his hand a large crucifix. Was he an
+unmitigated knave, or was he a fanatic? Who but God can tell.</p>
+
+<p>"It is time for you," said he, "to withdraw your thoughts from earthly
+vanities and fix them upon the realities of the eternal world. You are
+justly condemned to death, for your infidelity and other sins. I call
+on you to accept the free gift of salvation which <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span>I now offer you, so
+that you may escape the greater punishment of eternal fire."</p>
+
+<p>The Inca seemed to pay little heed to these words, but with a gesture
+of impatience and anger, exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, where is De Soto? He is a good man, and he is my friend. Surely
+he will not allow me to be thus murdered."</p>
+
+<p>"De Soto," the priest replied, "is far away. No earthly help can avail
+you. Receive the consolations of the Church; kiss the feet of this
+image, and I will absolve you from your sins, and prepare you to enter
+the kingdom of Heaven."</p>
+
+<p>"I worship the Maker of all things," the Inca firmly replied. "As much
+as I desire to live, I will not forsake the faith of my fathers to
+prolong my life."</p>
+
+<p>Two hours after sunset, the sound of the trumpet assembled the Spanish
+soldiers by torchlight in the great square of Caxamarca. It was the
+evening of the twenty-ninth of August, 1533. The clanking of chains
+was heard as the victim, manacled hand and foot, toiled painfully over
+the stone pavement of the square. He was bound by chains to the stake;
+the combustible fagots were piled up around him. Friar Vincent then,
+it is said, holding up the cross before the victim, told him that if
+he would embrace <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span>Christianity he should be spared the cruel death by
+the flames, and experience in its stead only the painless death of the
+garotte, and that the Inca did, while thus chained to the stake,
+abjure his religion and receive the rite of baptism. In reference to
+this representation Mr. Lambert A. Wilmer, in his admirable life of
+Ferdinand De Soto, says:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"As the traducers of the dead Inca were permitted to tell
+their own story without fear of contradiction, it is
+impossible to assign any limits to their fabrications. And
+their testimony is probable, only when it tends to criminate
+themselves. Perhaps the greatest injustice which these
+slanderers have done to Attahuallapa's memory, was by
+pretending that he became an apostate to his own religion
+and a convert to Catholicism just before his death.</p>
+
+<p>"If this story were true, how could Pizarro justify himself,
+or how could the Pope and the king of Spain excuse him for
+putting a Christian to death on account of sins committed by
+an infidel. Surely the royal penitent, when he entered the
+pale of the Holy Catholic Church, would be entitled to a
+free pardon for those errors of conduct which were
+incidental to his unregenerate condition. We are told that
+when the Inca had consented to be baptized by Father
+Vincent, Pizarro graciously commuted his sentence, and
+allowed him to be strangled before his body was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span>reduced to
+ashes."</p></div>
+
+<p>These fictions were doubtless contrived to illustrate Pizarro's
+clemency, and Father Vincent's apostolic success.</p>
+
+<p>The probability is, as others state, that the Inca remained firm to
+the end; the torch was applied, and while the consuming flames
+wreathed around him, he uttered no cry. In this chariot of fire the
+spirit of this deeply outraged man was borne to the judgment of God.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto soon returned. He was almost frantic with indignation when he
+learned of the crime which had been perpetrated in his absence, and
+perceived that his mission was merely an artifice to get him out of
+the way. His rage blazed forth in the most violent reproaches.
+Hastening to the tent of Pizarro, he rudely pushed aside a sentinel
+who guarded the entrance, and found the culprit seated on a low stool,
+affecting the attitude of a mourner. A large slouched hat was bent
+over his eyes.</p>
+
+<p>"Uncover yourself;" said De Soto, "unless you are ashamed to look a
+human being in the face." Then with the point of his sword he struck
+off his hat, exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not enough that I have disgraced myself in the eyes of the
+world by becoming your companion and confederate, making myself
+accessory to your crimes, and protecting you from the punishment you
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>deserve. Have you not heaped infamy enough upon me, without
+dishonoring me by the violation of my pledges, and exposing me to the
+suspicion of being connected with the most cruel and causeless murder
+that ever set human laws and divine justice at defiance? I have
+ascertained, what you well knew before I left Caxamarca, that the
+report of the insurrection was utterly false. I have met nothing on
+the road but demonstrations of good will. The whole country is quiet,
+and Attahuallapa has been basely slandered. You, Francisco Pizarro,
+are his slanderer, and you are his murderer.</p>
+
+<p>"To prove that I have had no participation in the deed, I will make
+you accountable for his death. Craven and prevaricating villain as you
+are, you shall not escape this responsibility. If you refuse to meet
+me in honorable combat, I will denounce you to the king of Spain as a
+criminal, and will proclaim you to the whole world as a coward and an
+assassin."</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro was both, an assassin and a coward. He stood in awe of his
+intrepid lieutenant. He did not dare to meet him in a personal
+rencontre, and he well knew that De Soto was not a man to be taken by
+force or guile, as he could immediately rally around him the whole
+body of his well-drilled dragoons. He therefore began to make excuses,
+admitted that he had acted hastily, and endeavored to throw the blame
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span>upon others, declaring that by their false representations they had
+forced him to the act.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of the dispute, Pizarro's brothers&mdash;for there were two in
+the camp&mdash;entered the tent. De Soto, addressing the three, said:</p>
+
+<p>"I am the champion of Attahuallapa. I accuse Francisco Pizarro of
+being his murderer." Then throwing his glove upon the floor, he
+continued:</p>
+
+<p>"I invite any man who is disposed to deny that Francisco Pizarro is a
+coward and an assassin, to take it up."</p>
+
+<p>The glove remained untouched. De Soto turned upon his heel
+contemptuously, and left the tent, resolved, it is said, no longer to
+have any connection whatever with such perfidious wretches. He
+immediately resigned his commission as lieutenant-general and
+announced his determination to return to Spain. But alas, for human
+frailty and inconsistency, he was to take with him the five hundred
+thousand dollars of treasure of which the Peruvians had been
+ruthlessly despoiled. Perhaps he reasoned with himself,</p>
+
+<p>"What can I do with it. The Inca is dead. It would not be wise to
+throw it into the streets, and I surely am not bound to contribute it
+to the already enormous wealth of Pizarro."</p>
+
+<p>Another source of embarrassment arose. Reinforcements to the number of
+two hundred men had just <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span>arrived at Caxamarca, under Almagro. They
+had been sent forward from Panama, commissioned by the king of Spain
+to join the enterprise. The whole number of Spanish soldiers,
+assembled in the heart of the Peruvian empire, now amounted to about
+five hundred. Mountain ridges rose between them and the sea-coast, in
+whose almost impassable defiles a few hundred resolute men might
+arrest the advance of an army. The Peruvians had a standing force of
+fifty thousand soldiers. The whole population of the country was
+roused to the highest pitch of indignation. They were everywhere
+grasping their arms. Nothing but the most consummate prudence could
+rescue the Spaniards from their perilous position. The danger was
+imminent, that they would be utterly exterminated.</p>
+
+<p>For De Soto, under these circumstances, to abandon his comrades, and
+retire from the field, would seem an act of cowardice. He had no
+confidence in the ability of the Pizarros to rescue the Spaniards. He
+therefore judged that duty to his king and his countrymen demanded of
+him that he should remain in Peru, until he could leave the army in a
+safe condition.</p>
+
+<p>Pizarro did not venture to resent the reproaches and defiance of De
+Soto, but immediately prepared to avail himself of his military
+abilities, in a march of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span>several hundred miles south to Cuzco, the
+capital of the empire. With characteristic treachery, Pizarro seized
+one of the most distinguished nobles of the Peruvian court, and held
+him as a hostage. This nobleman, named Chalcukima, had occupied some
+of the highest posts of honor in the kingdom, and was greatly revered
+and beloved by the Peruvians. Pizarro sent far and wide the
+announcement, that upon the slightest movement of hostility on the
+part of the natives, Chalcukima would be put to death.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards now set out on their long march. It was in the month of
+September, 1533, one of the most lovely months in that attractive
+clime. But for the rapine, carnage and violence of war, such a tour
+through the enchanting valley of the Cordilleras, in the midst of
+fruits and flowers, and bird songs, and traversing populous villages
+inhabited by a gentle and amiable people, would have been an
+enterprise full of enjoyment. But the path of these demoniac men was
+marked by the ravages of fiends. And notwithstanding the great
+embarrassments in which De Soto found himself involved, it is very
+difficult to find any excuse for him, in allowing himself to be one of
+their number.</p>
+
+<p>Francisco Pizarro led the band. His brother Hernando, De Soto, and
+Almagro, were his leading captains. But it was the genius of De Soto
+alone, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>with his highly disciplined dragoons, which conducted the
+enterprise to a successful issue. He led the advance; he was always
+sent to every point of danger; his sword opened the path, through
+which Pizarro followed with his vagabond and plundering crew.</p>
+
+<p>In trembling solicitude for his own safety, Pizarro not only held
+Chalcukima as a hostage, but he also seized upon Topaxpa, the young,
+feeble and grief-stricken son of the murdered Attahuallapa, and
+declared him to be, by legitimate right, the successor to the throne.
+Thus he still had the Inca in his power. The Peruvians were still
+accustomed to regard the Inca with almost religious homage. Topaxpa
+was compelled to issue such commands as Pizarro gave to him. Thus an
+additional element of embarrassment was thrown into the ranks of the
+Peruvians. Communication between different parts of the empire was
+extremely difficult and slow. There were no mails and no horses. This
+gave the mounted Spaniards a vast advantage over their bewildered
+victims.</p>
+
+<p>For several days the Spanish army moved delightfully along, through a
+series of luxuriant valleys, where the secluded people had scarcely
+heard of their arrival in the country. The movement of the glittering
+host was one of the most wonderful pageants <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span>which Peruvian eyes had
+ever beheld. A multitude of men, women and children, thronged the
+highway, gazing with curiosity and admiration upon the scene, and
+astonished by the clatter of the hoofs of the horses upon the
+flag-stones, with which the national road was so carefully paved.
+During these few days of peaceful travel the natives presented no
+opposition to the march, and the presence of De Soto seemed to
+restrain the whole army from deeds of ruffianly violence. Whenever
+Pizarro wished to engage in any of his acts of villany, he was always
+careful first to send De Soto away on some important mission.</p>
+
+<p>They were now approaching a deep and rapid mountain stream, where the
+bridge had either been carried away by the recent flood or had been
+destroyed by the Peruvians. They were also informed that quite a large
+army was gathered upon the opposite bank to arrest, with the aid of
+the rushing torrent, the farther advance of the Spaniards. Pizarro
+immediately ordered a halt. De Soto, with a hundred horsemen, was sent
+forward to reconnoitre, and, if possible, to open the path. Almagro,
+with two hundred footmen, followed closely behind to support the
+cavalry.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, without paying much attention to his infantry allies, pressed
+so rapidly forward as soon to leave them far behind. He reached the
+river. It <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span>was a swollen mountain torrent. Several thousand natives,
+brandishing their javelins and their war clubs, stood upon the
+opposite bank of the stream. De Soto and his horsemen, without a
+moment's hesitation, plunged into the stream, and some by swimming and
+some by fording, soon crossed the foaming waters. As the war horses,
+with their steel-clad riders, came rushing upon the Peruvians, their
+keen swords flashing in the sunlight, a large part of the army fled in
+great terror. It seemed to them that supernatural foes had descended
+for their destruction.</p>
+
+<p>A few remained, and fought with the energies of despair. But they were
+powerless before the trampling horses and the sharp weapons of their
+foes. They were cut down mercilessly, and it was the genius of De Soto
+which guided in the carnage, and the strong arm of De Soto which led
+in the bloody fray. And we must not forget that these Peruvians were
+fighting for their lives, their liberty, their all; and that these
+Spaniards were ruthless invaders. Neither can we greatly admire the
+heroism displayed by the assailants. The man who is carefully gloved
+and masked can with impunity rob the bees of their honey. The wolf
+does not need much courage to induce him to leap into the fold of the
+lambs.</p>
+
+<p>In the vicinity of this routed army there was a pagan temple; that is,
+a temple dedicated to the Sun, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span>the emblem of the God of the
+Peruvians. It was in those days thought that the heathen and all their
+possessions, rightly belonged to the Christians; that it was the just
+desert of the pagans to be plundered and put to death. Even the mind
+of De Soto was so far in accord with these infamous doctrines of a
+benighted age, that he allowed his troopers to plunder the temple of
+all its rich treasures of silver and of gold. A very large amount of
+booty was thus obtained. One of the principal ornaments of this temple
+was an artificial sun, of large size, composed of pure and solid gold.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Wilmer, speaking of this event, judiciously remarks:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"De Soto, finding his path once more unobstructed, pushed
+forward, evidently disposed to open the way to Cuzco without
+the assistance of his tardy and irresolute commander. It is
+a remarkable fact, and one which admits of no denial, that
+every important military movement of the Spaniards in Peru,
+until the final subjugation of the empire by the capture of
+the metropolis, was conducted by De Soto. Up to the time to
+which our narrative now refers, Pizarro had never fought a
+single battle which deserved the name. The bloody tragedy of
+Caxamarca, it will be remembered, was only massacre; the
+contrivance and execution of which required no <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span>military
+skill and no soldier-like courage. Pizarro acquired the
+mastery of Peru by the act of a malefactor. And he was, in
+fact, a thief and not a conqueror. The <i>heroic</i> element of
+this conquest is represented by the actions of De Soto."</p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>De Soto Returns to Spain.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Dreadful Fate of Chalcukima.&mdash;His Fortitude.&mdash;Ignominy of
+Pizarro.&mdash;De Soto's Advance upon Cuzco.&mdash;The Peruvian
+Highway.&mdash;Battle in the Defile.&mdash;De Soto takes the
+Responsibility.&mdash;Capture of the Capital and its
+Conflagration.&mdash;De Soto's Return to Spain.&mdash;His Reception
+there.&mdash;Preparations for the Conquest of Florida.</p></div>
+
+<p>Considering the relations which existed between De Soto and Pizarro,
+it is not improbable that each was glad to be released from the
+presence of the other. It is very certain that so soon as De Soto was
+gone, Pizarro, instead of hurrying forward to support him in the
+hazardous encounters to which he was exposed, immediately engaged,
+with the main body of his army, in plundering all the mansions of the
+wealthy and the temples on their line of march. And it is equally
+certain that De Soto, instead of waiting for the troops of Pizarro to
+come up, put spurs to his horse and pressed on, as if he were anxious
+to place as great a distance as possible between himself and his
+superior in command.</p>
+
+<p>Though De Soto had allowed his troops to plunder the temple of Xauxa,
+he would allow no robbery of private dwellings, and rigidly prohibited
+the slightest <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span>act of violence or injustice towards the persons of the
+natives.</p>
+
+<p>It will be remembered that Pizarro had threatened to hold Chalcukima
+responsible for any act of hostility on the part of the Peruvians. He
+now summoned his captive before him, and charged him with treason;
+accusing him of having incited his countrymen to measures of
+resistance. Chalcukima, with dignity and firmness which indicate a
+noble character, replied:</p>
+
+<p>"If it had been possible for me to communicate with the people, I
+should certainly have advised them to do their duty to their country,
+without any regard to my personal safety. But you well know that the
+vigilance with which you have guarded me, has prevented me from making
+any communication of the kind. I am sorry that it has not been in my
+power to be guilty of the fact with which you charge me."</p>
+
+<p>The wretched Pizarro, utterly incapable of appreciating the grandeur
+of such a character, ordered him to be burned at the stake. The
+fanatic robber and murderer, insulting the cross of Christ, by calling
+himself a Christian, sent his private chaplain, Friar Vincent, to
+convert Chalcukima to what he called the Christian faith. The priest
+gave an awful description of the glooms of hell, to which the prisoner
+was destined as a heathen. In glowing colors he depicted <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span>the
+splendors of the celestial Eden, to which he would be admitted the
+moment after his execution if he would accept the Christian faith. The
+captive coldly replied:</p>
+
+<p>"I do not understand your religion, and all that I have seen of it
+does not impress me in its favor."</p>
+
+<p>He was led to the stake. Not a cry escaped his lips, as the fierce
+flames consumed his quivering flesh. From that scene of short, sharp
+agony, we trust that his spirit ascended to be folded in the embrace
+of his Heavenly Father. It is a fundamental principle in the teachings
+of Jesus, that in every nation he that feareth God, and doeth
+righteousness, is accepted of him. But God's ways here on earth are
+indeed past all finding out. Perhaps the future will solve the
+dreadful mystery, but at present, as we contemplate man's inhumanity
+to man, our eyes are often blinded with tears, and our hearts sink
+despairingly within us.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto pressed rapidly onwards, league after league, over sublime
+eminences and through luxuriant vales. The road was admirable: smooth
+and clean as a floor. It was constructed only for foot passengers, as
+the Peruvians had no animals larger than the lama or sheep. This
+advance-guard of the Spanish army, all well mounted, and inspired by
+the energies of their impetuous chief, soon reached a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span>point where the
+road led over a mountain by steps cut in the solid rock, steep as a
+flight of stairs. Precipitous cliffs rose hundreds of feet on either
+side. Here it was necessary for the troopers to dismount, and
+carefully to lead their horses by the bit up the difficult ascent.</p>
+
+<p>The road was winding and irregular, leading through the most savage
+scenery. This pass, at its summit, opened upon smooth table-land,
+luxuriant and beautiful under the influence of a tropical sun and
+mountain showers and dews. About half way up this pass, upon almost
+inaccessible crags, several thousand Peruvians had assembled to make
+another attempt at resistance. Arrows and javelins were of but little
+avail. Indeed they always rebounded from the armor of the Spaniards as
+from the ledges of eternal rock.</p>
+
+<p>But the natives had abundantly provided themselves with enormous
+stones to roll down upon the heads of men and horses. Quite a band of
+armed men were also assembled upon the open plain at the head of the
+pass. As the Spaniards were almost dragging their horses up the gorge,
+suddenly the storm of war burst upon them. Showers of stone descended
+from the cliff from thousands of unseen hands. Huge boulders were
+pried over and went thundering down, crashing all opposition before
+them. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span>It seems now incomprehensible why the whole squadron of
+horsemen was not destroyed. But in this awful hour the self-possession
+of De Soto did not for one moment forsake him. He shouted to his men:</p>
+
+<p>"If we halt here, or attempt to go back, we must certainly perish. Our
+only safety is in pressing forward. As soon as we reach the top of the
+pass, we can easily put these men to flight."</p>
+
+<p>Suiting his action to his words, and being at the head of his men, he
+pushed forward with almost frantic energy, carefully watching and
+avoiding the descending missiles. Though several horses and many men
+were killed, and others sorely wounded, the majority soon reached the
+head of the pass. They then had an unobstructed plain before them,
+over which their horses could gallop in any direction at their utmost
+speed.</p>
+
+<p>Impetuously they fell upon the band collected there, who wielded only
+the impotent weapons of arrows, javelins and war clubs. The Spaniards,
+exasperated by the death of their comrades, and by their own wounds,
+took desperate vengeance. No quarter was shown. Their sabres dripped
+with blood. Few could escape the swift-footed steeds. The dead were
+trampled beneath iron hoofs. Night alone ended the carnage.</p>
+
+<p>During the night the Peruvians bravely rallied <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span>from their wide
+dispersion over the mountains, resolved in their combined force to
+make another attempt to resist their foes. They were conscious that
+should they fail here, their case was hopeless.</p>
+
+<p>At the commencement of the conflict a courier had been sent back, by
+De Soto, to urge Almagro to push forward his infantry as rapidly as
+possible. By a forced march they pressed on through the hours of the
+night, almost upon the run. The early dawn brought them to the pass.
+Soon the heart of De Soto was cheered as he heard their bugle blasts
+reverberating among the cliffs of the mountains. Their banners
+appeared emerging from the defile, and two hundred well-armed men
+joined his ranks.</p>
+
+<p>Though the Peruvians were astonished at this accession to the number
+of their foes, they still came bravely forward to the battle. It was
+another scene of slaughter for the poor Peruvians. They inflicted but
+little harm upon the Spaniards, while hundreds of their slain soon
+strewed the ground.</p>
+
+<p>The Spanish infantry, keeping safely beyond the reach of arrow or
+javelin, could, with the deadly bullet, bring down a Peruvian as fast
+as they could load and fire, while the horsemen could almost with
+impunity plunge into the densest ranks of the foe. The Peruvians were
+vanquished, dispersed, and cut down, until the Spaniards even were
+weary with carnage. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span>This was the most important battle which was
+fought in the conquest of Peru.</p>
+
+<p>The field was but twenty-five miles from the capital, to which the
+army could now advance by an almost unobstructed road. De Soto was
+anxious to press on immediately and take possession of the city. He
+however yielded to the earnest entreaties of Almagro, and consented to
+remain where he was with his band of marauders. This delay, in a
+military point of view, proved to be very unfortunate. Had they gone
+immediately forward, the vanquished and panic-stricken Peruvians would
+not have ventured upon another encounter. But Almagro was the friend
+of Pizarro, dependent upon him, and had been his accomplice in many a
+deed of violence. He was anxious that Pizarro should have the renown
+of a conqueror, and should enjoy the triumph of riding at the head of
+his troops into the streets of the vanquished capital.</p>
+
+<p>This delay of several days gave the Peruvians time to recover from
+their consternation, and they organized another formidable line of
+defense in a valley which the Spaniards would be compelled to
+traverse, a few miles from the city. Pizarro was still several miles
+in the rear. De Soto dispatched a courier to him, informing him of the
+new encounter to which the army was exposed, and stating that the
+Peruvians <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span>were well posted, and that every hour of delay added to
+their strength. Still Pizarro loitered behind; still Almagro expressed
+his decided reluctance to advance before Pizarro's arrival. To add to
+De Soto's embarrassments, he declared that De Soto was acting without
+authority and in direct opposition to the orders of his superior.
+After a little hesitancy De Soto resolved to take the responsibility
+and to advance. He said to Almagro:</p>
+
+<p>"A soldier who is entrusted with an important command, is not bound in
+all cases to await the orders of his superior. Where there is
+manifestly an important advantage to be gained, he must be allowed to
+act according to his own discretion."</p>
+
+<p>He then appealed to his own dragoons, saying to them:</p>
+
+<p>"The whole success of our expedition now depends upon the celerity of
+our movements. While we are waiting for Pizarro, our best chance for
+victory will be lost."</p>
+
+<p>With one united voice the dragoons of De Soto demanded to be led
+forward. Availing himself of this enthusiasm, De Soto put his troops
+in motion. The Peruvians were a few miles in advance, strongly posted
+in a deep and rugged ravine, where they hoped that the movements of
+the horses would be so impeded that they could accomplish but little.
+They <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span>pressed forward, and the battle was immediately commenced. Both
+parties fought with great fury. In the midst of the conflict a large
+reinforcement of the natives came rushing upon the field, under the
+leadership of a young Peruvian noble, who displayed truly chivalric
+courage and energy. De Soto was ever where the blows fell thickest and
+where danger was most imminent.</p>
+
+<p>Quite a number of the Peruvians were slain, and many dead horses were
+strewed over the field. At one time De Soto, separated from his
+comrades by the surging tides of the battle, found himself surrounded
+by twenty Peruvians, who, with arrows, javelins and battle clubs,
+assailed him with the utmost impetuosity. Javelins and arrows glanced
+harmless from the Spanish armor. But war clubs, armed with copper and
+wielded by sinewy arms, were formidable weapons even for the belted
+knight to encounter. De Soto, with his keen and ponderous sword, cut
+his way through his assailants, strewing the ground with the dead. The
+young Peruvian, who, it is said, was heir to the throne of the Inca,
+had assumed the general command.</p>
+
+<p>He gazed with astonishment upon the exploits of De Soto, and said in
+despairing tones to his attendants: "It is useless to contend with
+such enemies! These men are destined to be our masters."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span></p><p>Immediately he approached De Soto, throwing down his arms, advancing
+alone, and indicating by gestures that he was ready to surrender. The
+battle at once ceased, and most of the Peruvian army rushed
+precipitately back towards the city. In a state of frenzy they applied
+the torch in all directions, resolved to thwart the avarice of the
+conqueror by laying the whole city and all its treasures in ashes. The
+inhabitants of Cuzco, almost without exception, fled. Each one seized
+upon whatever of value could be carried away. Volumes of smoke and the
+bursting flames soon announced to the Spaniards the doom of the city.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto and his dragoons put spurs to their horses and hastened
+forward, hoping to extinguish the conflagration. Now that the battle
+was fought and the victory won, Francisco Pizarro, with his band of
+miscreants, came rushing on to seize the plunder.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"They came like wolves or jackals to fatten on the prey
+which never could have been attained by their own courage or
+prowess. The disappointment of Pizarro and his congenial
+associates, when they found that the principal wealth of the
+city had been carried off by the Peruvians, vented itself in
+acts of diabolical cruelty. They seized on the aged and sick
+persons who had been unable to escape, and put many of them
+to the torture to make them confess where <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>the treasures of
+Cuzco were concealed. Either these unfortunate people could
+not give the information required, or they had sufficient
+firmness to endure agony and death rather than betray the
+consecrated treasures of their national monuments and altars
+into the hands of their enemies."<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a></p></div>
+
+<p>It was late in the afternoon of a November day, 1533, when the
+dragoons of De Soto, closely followed by the whole Spanish army,
+entered the burning streets of Cuzco. They ran about eagerly in all
+directions searching for gold in the blazing palaces and temples. Thus
+an immense amount of spoil was found, which the Peruvians had been
+unable to remove. It is said that after one-fifth had been subtracted
+for the Spanish crown, and the officers had received their abundant
+shares, the common soldiers, four hundred and eighty in number,
+received each one a sum amounting to four thousand dollars.</p>
+
+<p>Peru was conquered, but the victors had indeed gained a loss. Nearly
+all who were engaged in the enterprise perished miserably. Almagro was
+eventually taken captive by the Peruvians and strangled. Hernando
+Pizarro, returning to Spain, languished for weary years in a prison.
+The younger brother was beheaded. Friar Vincent, who had given the
+support of religion to many of the most atrocious of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span>these crimes,
+fell into an ambush with a small party, and they all were massacred.
+Francisco Pizarro himself fell a victim to a conspiracy among his own
+soldiers, and at mid-day was put to death in his own palace. But we
+must leave these wild men to their career of cruelty and crime, while
+we follow the footsteps of De Soto.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the year 1534, De Soto took leave of his comrades in Peru,
+and embarked for Spain. He had left his native land in poverty. He now
+returned after an absence of about fifteen years, greatly enriched,
+prepared in opulence as well as in illustrious birth to take his stand
+with the proudest grandees of that then opulent realm. His last labors
+in Peru were spent in unavailing endeavors to humanize the spirit of
+his countrymen there, and to allay the bitter feuds which were
+springing up among them. But his departure seemed to remove from them
+all restraints, and Spaniards and Peruvians alike were whelmed in a
+common ruin.</p>
+
+<p>No account has been transmitted to us of De Soto's return voyage.
+While he was in Peru, Don Pedro had died. His sick-bed was a scene of
+lingering agony, both of body and of mind. The proud spirit is
+sometimes vanquished and crushed by remorse; but it is never, by those
+scorpion lashes, subdued, and rendered humble and gentle and lovable.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>The dying sinner, whose soul was crimsoned with guilt, was
+overwhelmed with "a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery
+indignation." The ecclesiastics, who surrounded his death-bed, assured
+him that such sins as he had been guilty of could only be expiated by
+the most liberal benefactions to the church. He had never forgiven
+Isabella for her pertinacious adherence to De Soto. In the grave he
+could not prohibit their nuptials. By bequeathing his wealth to the
+church, he could accomplish a double object. He could gratify his
+revenge by leaving his daughter penniless, and thus De Soto, if he
+continued faithful, would be compelled to receive to his arms a
+dowerless bride; and a miserable superstition taught him that he could
+thus bribe God to throw open to him the gates of paradise.</p>
+
+<p>Don Pedro's eldest daughter, Maria, was engaged to be married to Vasco
+Nu&ntilde;ez, the very worthy governor who had preceded Don Pedro at Darien,
+and whom he had so infamously beheaded. She had spent fifteen years in
+her father's castle in the gloom and tears of this cruel widowhood.
+Don Pedro bequeathed nearly all his fortune to the endowment of a
+monastery, over which Maria was appointed abbess. Isabella was left
+unprovided for. Thus suddenly the relative position of the two lovers
+was entirely changed. De Soto found himself in possession of large
+wealth. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>Isabella was reduced to poverty. We know not where to find,
+in the annals of history, the record of a more beautiful attachment
+than that which, during fifteen years of separation, trial, and sorest
+temptations, had united the hearts of De Soto and Isabella. Their love
+commenced when they were children, walking hand in hand, and playing
+in the bowers of Don Pedro's ancestral castle.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto had now attained the age of thirty-five years. Isabella was
+only a few years younger. When we contemplate her youth, her beauty,
+the long years of absence, without even a verbal message passing
+between them, the deadly hostility of her father to the union, and the
+fact that her hand had been repeatedly solicited by the most wealthy
+of the Spanish nobility, this fidelity of Isabella to her youthful
+love is one of the most remarkable in the records of time.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"During the long separation," says Mr. Wilmer, "of these exemplary
+lovers, many important changes had taken place. Time and sorrow had
+somewhat dimmed the lustre of Isabella's beauty. But she was still the
+fairest among ten thousand, and De Soto was too deeply enamored and
+too justly appreciative to value her the less, because the rose had
+partially faded from her cheek."</p></div>
+
+<p>Immediately upon De Soto's return to Spain, as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span>all obstacles to their
+union were removed, the nuptial ceremony was performed. The voice of
+fame had already proclaimed De Soto as the real conqueror of Peru. As
+such, he had not only enriched himself, but had also greatly enriched
+the Spanish crown. All eyes were fixed upon him. It is said that at
+once he became the most noted and most popular man in the kingdom. He
+and his bride were received at the Spanish court with the most
+flattering marks of distinction. In his style of living he assumed
+almost regal splendor. He had acquired his money very suddenly, and he
+lavished it with an unsparing hand. A contemporary annalist writes:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"He kept a steward, a gentleman usher, several pages, a gentleman of
+the horse, a chamberlain, a footman, and all other officers that the
+house of a nobleman requires."</p></div>
+
+<p>One of the most splendid mansions in Seville he selected for his
+residence, and in less than two years he found that one-half of his
+princely fortune had melted away. They were two years of adulation, of
+self-indulgence, of mental intoxication. It was a delirious dream from
+which he suddenly awoke. Reflection taught him that he must
+immediately curtail his expenses, and very seriously, or engage in
+some new enterprise to replenish his wasting purse.</p>
+
+<p>The region of North America called Florida, a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span>territory of undefined
+and boundless extent, was then attracting much attention as a fresh
+field for the acquisition of gold and glory. Several expeditions had
+touched upon the unknown coast, but from various causes had proved
+entire failures. Eight years before this De Narvaez had visited the
+country with three hundred adventurers. He found the natives far more
+warlike than the Peruvians, and the country more difficult of access.
+De Narvaez himself, and nearly all his band, fell before the fury of
+the Floridians. Five only escaped. One of these, Cabaca de Vaca, a man
+of glowing imagination, and who held the pen of a ready writer, wrote
+a Baron Munchausen account of the expedition. He descanted upon the
+delicious clime, the luxuriant soil, the populous cities, the
+architectural splendor of the edifices, and the inexhaustible mines of
+silver and of gold. There was no one to call his account in question.
+His extravagant stories were generally believed.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, who was in the prime of his vigorous manhood, having as yet
+only attained his thirty-seventh year, read this narrative and
+pondered these statements with enthusiasm. A couple of years of
+inaction in his luxurious saloons had inspired him with new zeal for
+romantic adventure; and to this there was added the powerful motive of
+the necessity of retrieving his fortunes. He believed that gold could
+be gathered in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span>Florida, even more abundantly than in Peru; that by
+the aid of the crown a numerous colony might be established where,
+under genial skies, every man could be put into possession of broad
+acres of the most luxuriant soil. And he felt fully confident that his
+long experience on the isthmus and in Peru, qualified him in the
+highest degree to be the leader of such an enterprise.</p>
+
+<p>In these views he was sustained by the common sentiment of the whole
+community. De Soto applied to the king of Spain, the Emperor Charles
+Fifth, for permission to organize an expedition, at his own expense,
+for the conquest of Florida. He offered to the crown, as usual for its
+share, one-fifth of the plunder.</p>
+
+<p>Eagerly the Emperor, who was always in need of money, accepted the
+proposition, "asking no questions, for conscience sake." The Emperor
+was very profuse in conferring honors and titles upon his heroic
+subject. He appointed him governor of the island of Cuba, which he was
+to make the base of his operations, investing him with almost
+dictatorial powers as both military and civil governor. He also
+granted him a private estate in Florida, with the title of marquis, in
+whatever part of the country he might choose. This magnificent estate
+was to consist of a region, ninety miles long and forty-five miles
+wide.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span></p><p>As soon as it was known throughout Spain that De Soto was about to
+embark on such an enterprise, volunteers began to flock to his
+standard. He would accept of none but the most vigorous young men,
+whom he deemed capable of enduring the extremes of toil and hardship.
+In a few months nine hundred and fifty men were assembled at San
+Lucar, eager to embark. Many of these were sons of the wealthy nobles,
+who were thoroughly equipped in splendid style, with costly armor, and
+accompanied by a train of servants.</p>
+
+<p>Twenty-four ecclesiastics, of various grades, joined the expedition,
+whose arduous task it was to convert the natives to that religion of
+the Spaniards which allowed them to rob their houses and their
+temples, to maltreat their wives and daughters, to set fire to their
+villages, to hunt them down with bloodhounds, and to trample them
+under the iron hoofs of their fiery steeds.</p>
+
+<p>Never before had an expedition set out so abundantly supplied. Not
+only was every necessity provided for, but luxury and even wasteful
+extravagance reigned through the armament. De Soto himself was a man
+of magnificent tastes. Many who were with him in Peru, and had become
+there enriched, had joined the enterprise. And the young nobles of
+Spain surrounded themselves with the conveniences and splendor which
+large wealth could furnish.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>The Landing in Florida.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Departure from Spain.&mdash;Arrival in Cuba.&mdash;Leonora and
+Tobar.&mdash;Isabella Invested with the Regency.&mdash;Sad Life of
+Isabella.&mdash;Sailing of the Expedition.&mdash;The Landing at Tampa
+Bay.&mdash;Outrages of Narvaez.&mdash;Noble Spirit of
+Ucita.&mdash;Unsuccessful Enterprises.&mdash;Disgrace and Return of
+Porcallo.</p></div>
+
+<p>The brilliant armament spread its sails to a favorable breeze at the
+port of San Lucar, on the morning of the sixth of April, 1538. The
+squadron consisted of seven large ships, and three smaller vessels. It
+must have been an imposing and busy scene in that little bay, upon
+which the sun looked serenely down three hundred years ago. In
+addition to the Floridian fleet, there was another squadron of
+twenty-six sail, at the same time weighing anchor, bound for Mexico.
+Bugle peals resounded from ship and shore, while salvoes of artillery
+swept over the waves and reverberated among the cliffs.</p>
+
+<p>Isabella accompanied her husband, and quite an imposing train of
+attendants was attached to the governor's family. The sail of a
+fortnight brought them to the Canary Islands. The Count Gomera, a
+Spanish nobleman, was in command. No religious scruples <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span>lent their
+restraints to his luxurious court. He had a very beautiful daughter,
+seventeen years of age, named Leonora. The father loved her tenderly.
+He was perhaps anxious to shield her from the deleterious influences
+with which she was surrounded. The high moral worth of Isabella
+impressed him; and arrangements were made for Leonora to accompany
+Isabella to Cuba, as a companion, to be treated in all respects as her
+own daughter.</p>
+
+<p>On the twenty-fourth of April the fleet again set sail, and reached
+St. Jago de Cuba the latter part of May. This city was then the
+capital of the island. It was situated on the southern shore, at the
+head of a bay running inland about six miles. It was then quite
+populous, and was opulent with the wealth of which previous Spanish
+adventurers had robbed the unhappy Cubans. The whole city turned out
+with music, and banners and gorgeous processions, to give a suitable
+reception to their new governor.</p>
+
+<p>A grand tournament was held on the occasion. Among the cavaliers who
+were contending for the prizes there was a young nobleman, Nu&ntilde;o de
+Tobar, who was De Soto's lieutenant-general. He was one of the most
+accomplished of the Spanish grandees, and bore off many of the prizes.
+The beauty of Leonora won his admiration. They were thrown much
+together, and he betrayed her. At the confessional <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span>Leonora opened her
+heart to the priest. It is probable that he communicated with the
+governor. De Soto's indignation was thoroughly roused. He summoned the
+culprit before him. Tobar, deeming his offense a very trivial one,
+without hesitation acknowledged it, thinking, perhaps, that he might
+receive some slight reprimand. He was not a little surprised when the
+governor said in indignant tones:</p>
+
+<p>"Leonora was placed under my care by her father. I pledged myself to
+protect her at the hazard of my own life. To-morrow morning you must
+meet me in single combat, where you will have a chance to protect the
+life you have justly forfeited."</p>
+
+<p>There was no man probably, in the whole Spanish army, who could safely
+cross swords with De Soto in mortal strife. Tobar was appalled. He
+well knew that in such a rencontre death was his inevitable doom.
+Overwhelmed with confusion, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I have not committed a capital crime. If I had, I should not expect
+your Excellency to be my executioner. It is impossible for me to
+contend with you in single combat. By accepting your challenge, I doom
+myself to certain destruction."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto replied: "Your crime is not a trivial one. You cannot evade
+the consequences by refusing to meet them. To say nothing of the wrong
+you have done this unhappy girl, your treachery to me <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span>deserves the
+punishment of a traitor. You may choose whether you will die like a
+soldier, sword in hand, or like a criminal, under the axe of the
+executioner."</p>
+
+<p>Tobar withdrew. He hastened to the room of the confessor. With him he
+called upon Leonora, and, taking a few witnesses, repaired to the
+church, where the marriage ceremony was immediately performed. Within
+an hour he returned to the governor and informed him that he had made
+all the reparation in his power. De Soto, his brow still clouded with
+severe displeasure, replied:</p>
+
+<p>"You have saved your life, but you can never regain my confidence. You
+are no longer my lieutenant. That office can be held only by one whose
+honor is unsullied."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto remained about three months in Cuba, making a tour of the
+island, establishing his government, purchasing horses, and making
+other preparations for the expedition to Florida. While thus engaged,
+he sent a vessel, with a picked crew, to coast along the shores of the
+land he was about to invade, in search of a commodious harbor, where
+his troops might disembark. After many perilous adventures, the vessel
+returned with a satisfactory report.</p>
+
+<p>The fleet, and all the armament it was to bear, were rendezvoused at
+Havana, on the northern coast <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span>of Cuba, where a fair wind in a few
+hours would convey them to the shores of Florida. On the twelfth of
+May, some authorities say the eighteenth, of the year 1539, the
+expedition set sail upon one of the most disastrous adventures in
+which heroic men ever engaged. Terrible as were the woes they
+inflicted upon the natives, no less dreadful were the calamities which
+they drew down upon themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Isabella had been anxious to accompany her husband to Florida. But he,
+aware of the hardships and perils to which they would be exposed,
+would not give his consent. She consequently remained at Cuba,
+entrusted with the regency of the island. She never saw her husband
+again. Poor Isabella! In sadness she had waited fifteen years for her
+nuptials. Two short years had glided away like a dream in the night.
+And then, after three years of intense anxiety, during which she heard
+almost nothing of her husband, the tidings reached her of his death.
+It was a fatal blow to her faithful and loving heart. World-weary and
+sorrow-crushed, she soon followed him to the spirit-land. Such is
+life; not as God has appointed it, but as sin has made it.</p>
+
+<p>The expedition consisted of eight large ships, a caraval, and two
+brigantines. They were freighted with everything which could be deemed
+needful to conquer the country, and then to colonize it. The <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>force
+embarked, in addition to the sailors who worked the ships, consisted
+of a thousand thoroughly armed men, and three hundred and fifty
+horses. Contrary winds gave them a slow passage across the gulf. On
+the twenty-fifth of May they entered the harbor of which they were in
+search. It was on the western coast of the magnificent peninsula. De
+Soto then gave it the name of Espiritu Santo. It is now however known
+as Tampa Bay.</p>
+
+<p>As they entered the harbor beacon fires were seen blazing along the
+eminences, indicating that the natives had taken the alarm, and were
+preparing for resistance. Several days were employed in cautious
+sounding of the harbor and searching for a suitable landing-place, as
+it seemed probable that opposition was to be encountered. On the last
+day of May, a detachment of three hundred soldiers landed on the beach
+and took possession of the land in the name of Charles the Fifth. The
+serene day was succeeded by a balmy night. Not an Indian was to be
+seen; and the bloom, luxuriance and fruitage of the tropics, spread
+enchantingly around them.</p>
+
+<p>The hours of the night passed away undisturbed. But just before dawn a
+terrific war-whoop resounded through the forest, as from a thousand
+throats, and a band of Indian warriors came rushing down, hurling upon
+the invaders a shower of arrows and javelins. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>The attack was so
+sudden and impetuous that the Spaniards were thrown into a panic. They
+rushed for their boats, and with loudest bugle peals, called for aid
+from their companions in the ships. The summons met with a prompt
+response. Boats were immediately lowered, and a large party of
+steel-clad men and horses were sent to their aid.</p>
+
+<p>When Nu&ntilde;o Tobar was degraded, and dismissed from his office as
+lieutenant-general, a rich, hair-brained Spanish nobleman, by the name
+of Vasco Porcallo, took his place. He was a gay cavalier, brave even
+to recklessness, of shallow intellect, but a man who had seen much
+hard service in the battlefields of those days. He was very rich,
+residing at Trinidad in Cuba. He joined the enterprise for the
+conquest of Florida, influenced by an instinctive love of adventure,
+and by the desire to kidnap Indians to work as slaves on his
+plantations. The valiant Porcallo headed the party sent to the rescue
+of those on shore.</p>
+
+<p>In such an adventure he was entirely in his element. Immediately upon
+landing he put spurs to his horse and, accompanied by only seven
+dragoons, with his sabre flashing in the air, plunged into the very
+thickest of the Indians. Soon they were put to flight. An Indian
+arrow, however, pierced his saddle and its housings, and reached the
+vitals of his horse. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span>The noble steed dropped dead beneath him.
+Porcallo was quite proud of his achievement, and boasted not a little
+that his arm had put the <i>infidels</i>, as he called the Indians, to
+flight, and that his horse was the first to fall in the encounter.</p>
+
+<p>During the day all the troops were disembarked and encamped upon the
+shore. It was reported that there was quite a populous Indian town at
+the distance of about six miles from the place of landing. While the
+ammunition and commissary stores were being brought on shore, the
+little army marched for this village. It was the residence of the
+chief of the powerful tribe who occupied that region. His name was
+Ucita, and from him the village received the same appellation.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards met with no opposition on their march. But when they
+reached the village they found it entirely deserted. It was quite a
+large town, the houses being built substantially of timber, thatched
+with palm leaves. Many of these edifices were large and commodious,
+containing several rooms. Their articles of household furniture were
+convenient, and some of them quite elegant. The dresses, especially
+those of the females, were artistic and often highly ornamental. Very
+beautiful shawls and mantillas were manufactured by them. Their finest
+fabrics were woven by the hand from the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span>fibrous bark of the
+mulberry-tree and hemp, which grew wild and in abundance. The natives
+had acquired the art of rich coloring, and the garments thus
+manufactured by them were often really beautiful. The walls of the
+houses of the wealthier citizens were hung with tapestry of very
+softly tanned and richly prepared buckskin; and carpets of the same
+material were spread upon the floors.</p>
+
+<p>The Floridians were not acquainted with iron, that most indispensable
+article with nations of high enlightenment. But they had succeeded in
+imparting a temper to copper, so as to give many of their tools quite
+a keen edge. Though the inhabitants of Florida had not attained that
+degree of civilization which had been reached by the Peruvians, it
+will be seen that they were immeasurably in advance of the savages in
+the northern portion of the continent, and that their homes far
+surpassed those of the peasantry of Ireland, and were more tasteful
+and commodious than the log huts which European emigrants erect as
+their first home in the wilderness of the West. They cultivated the
+ground mainly for their subsistence, though hunting and fishing were
+resorted to, then as now, for recreation as well as for food.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto took possession of the deserted village, and occupied the
+houses of the inhabitants as barracks for his soldiers. A few
+straggling Indians <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span>were taken captive. From them he learned that he
+was doomed to suffer for the infamous conduct of the Spanish
+adventurer, Narvaez, who had preceded him in a visit to this region.
+This vile man had been guilty of the most inhuman atrocities. He had
+caused the mother of the chief Ucita to be torn to pieces by
+bloodhounds, and in a transport of passion had awfully mutilated Ucita
+himself, by cutting off his nose. Consequently, the chief and all his
+people were exasperated to the highest degree. The injuries they had
+received were such as could never be forgiven or forgotten.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was very anxious to cultivate friendly relations with the
+Indians. Whatever may have been his faults, his whole career thus far
+had shown him to be by nature a kind-hearted and upright man, hating
+oppression and loving justice. The faults of his character rather
+belonged to the age in which he lived, than to the individual man. No
+military leader has ever yet been able to restrain the passions of his
+soldiers. Wherever an army moves, there will always be, to a greater
+or less degree, plunder and violence. De Soto earnestly endeavored to
+introduce strict discipline among his troops. He forbade the slightest
+act of injustice or disrespect towards the Indians. Whenever a captive
+was taken, he treated him as a father would treat a child, and
+returned him to his <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span>home laden with presents. He availed himself of
+every opportunity to send friendly messages to Ucita. But the
+mutilated chief was in no mood to be placated. His only reply to these
+kind words was,</p>
+
+<p>"I want none of the speeches or promises of the Spaniards. Bring me
+their heads and I will receive them joyfully."</p>
+
+<p>The energies of De Soto inspired his whole camp. The provisions and
+munitions of war were promptly landed and conveyed to Ucita. The place
+was strongly fortified, and a hardy veteran, named Pedro Calderon, was
+placed in command of the garrison entrusted with its defence. All the
+large ships were sent back to Cuba, probably to obtain fresh supplies
+of military stores; some say that it was to teach the army that, there
+being no possibility of escape, it now must depend upon its own valor
+for existence.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was very unwilling to set out for a march into the interior
+for discovery and in search of gold, while leaving so powerful a tribe
+as that over which Ucita reigned, in hostility behind him. He
+therefore sent repeated messages to Ucita expressing his utter
+detestation of the conduct of Narvaez; his desire to do everything in
+his power to repair the wrong which had been inflicted upon him, and
+his earnest wish to establish friendly relations with the
+deeply-injured chief.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span></p><p>These reiterated friendly advances, ever accompanied by correspondent
+action, at length in some slight degree mitigated the deadly rancor of
+Ucita, so that instead of returning a message of defiance and hate, he
+sent back the truly noble response:</p>
+
+<p>"The memory of my injuries prevents me from returning a kind reply to
+your messages, and your courtesy is such that it will not allow me to
+return a harsh answer."</p>
+
+<p>The man who, under these circumstances, could frame such a reply, must
+have been one of nature's noblemen. De Soto could appreciate the
+grandeur of such a spirit. While these scenes were transpiring, a man
+was brought into the camp, in Indian costume, who announced himself as
+a Spaniard by the name of Juan Ortiz. He had been one of the
+adventurers under Narvaez. In the extermination of that infamous band
+he had been taken captive and bound to the stake, to be consumed. He
+was then but eighteen years of age, tall and very handsome. As the
+tongues of torturing flame began to eat into his quivering flesh,
+cries of agony were extorted from him.</p>
+
+<p>He was in the hands of a powerful chief, whose daughter is represented
+as a very beautiful princess, by the name of Uleleh. She was about
+sixteen years of age, and could not endure the scene. She threw her
+arms <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span>around her father's neck, and with tears of anguish pleaded that
+his life might be saved. He was rescued; and though for a time he
+suffered extreme cruelty, he eventually became adopted, as it were,
+into the tribe, and for ten years had resided among the Indians,
+sometimes regarded as a captive, upon whom heavy burdens could be
+imposed, and again treated with great kindness. Juan Ortiz being thus
+familiar with the habits of the natives and their language, became an
+invaluable acquisition to the adventurers.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto inquired very earnestly of him respecting the country and the
+prospect of finding any region abounding with silver and gold. Ortiz
+had but little information to give, save that, at the distance of
+about a hundred miles from where they then were, there was a great
+chief named Uribaracaxi, to whom all the adjacent chiefs were
+tributary. His realms were represented as far more extensive,
+populous, and rich than those of the surrounding chieftains. De Soto
+dispatched a band of sixty horsemen and sixty foot soldiers with
+presents and messages of friendship to Uribaracaxi. The object of the
+expedition was to explore the country and to make inquiries respecting
+gold.</p>
+
+<p>A weary march of about forty miles brought the party to the village of
+Mucozo, where Ortiz had resided for some years. The chief of this
+tribe, whose name was also Mucozo, was brother-in-law to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>Uribaracaxi.
+Mucozo received the Spaniards with great hospitality, and learning
+that they were on a friendly visit to Uribaracaxi, furnished them with
+a guide. Four days were occupied in a tedious march through a country
+where pathless morasses continually embarrassed their progress.</p>
+
+<p>This expedition was under the command of Balthazar de Gallegos. He
+reached his point of destination in safety. But the chief, deeming it
+not prudent to trust himself in the hands of the Spaniards, whose
+renown for fiendish deeds had filled the land, had retired from his
+capital, and nearly all the inhabitants had fled with him. He left for
+his uninvited guests no message either of welcome or defiance.
+Gallegos found all his attempts to open any communications with him
+unavailing. There was no plunder in the city worth seizing, and De
+Soto's commands to the expedition were very strict, to treat the
+Indians with the utmost kindness and humanity.</p>
+
+<p>Gallegos made earnest inquiries of the Indians whom he met, as to the
+provinces where gold and silver could be found. They told him that
+there was a country many leagues west of them, of marvellous
+luxuriance and beauty, where gold was found in such abundance that the
+warriors had massive shields and helmets made of that precious metal.
+The more shrewd of the Spaniards placed very little reliance <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span>upon
+this testimony. They thought they saw evidence that the Indians were
+ready to fabricate any story by which they could rid themselves of
+their visitors.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the departure of Gallegos, De Soto received the
+intelligence that the chief Ucita had taken refuge in a forest,
+surrounded with swamps, not far from the Spanish camp. The
+vainglorious Porcallo was exceedingly indignant that the Indian chief
+should presume to hold himself aloof from all friendly advances. He
+entreated De Soto to grant him the privilege of capturing the
+fugitive. De Soto complied with his request. The impetuous old man,
+fond of parade, and lavish of his wealth, selected a band of horsemen
+and footmen, all of whom were gorgeously apparelled for the occasion.
+He, himself, was mounted on a magnificent steed and cased in
+glittering armor.</p>
+
+<p>It seems that the noble Ucita kept himself well informed of every
+movement of the invaders. With a spirit of magnanimity which would
+have done honor to the best Christian in the Spanish ranks, he sent a
+courier to meet Porcallo, and to say to him,</p>
+
+<p>"You will only expose yourself to infinite peril from the rivers,
+morasses, and forests through which you will have to pass in your
+attempt to reach my retreat. My position is so secure that all your
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span>attempts to take me will result only in your own loss. I do not send
+you this message from any fears on my own account, but because your
+leader, De Soto, has manifested so much forbearance in not injuring my
+territory or my subjects."</p>
+
+<p>It is really refreshing to find here and there, among all these
+demoniac deeds of demoniac men, some remaining traces of that nobility
+of character which man had before the fall, when created in God's
+image he was but little lower than the angels. Man, as we see him
+developed in history, is indeed a ruin, but the ruin of a once noble
+fabric. When we think of what man might be, in all generous
+affections, and then think of what man is, it is enough to cause one
+to weep tears of blood.</p>
+
+<p>Porcallo could not appreciate the magnanimity of Ucita. He regarded
+the message as one of the stratagems of war, dictated either by fear
+or cowardice. He therefore ordered the trumpets to sound the advance,
+his only fear being, that the chief might escape. Porcallo, a Quixotic
+knight, had no element of timidity in his character. He led his
+troops. He never said "Go," but "Follow." Pressing rapidly forward,
+the little band soon arrived upon the border of a vast and dismal
+morass, utterly pathless, stretching out many leagues in extent.</p>
+
+<p>The hot-headed cavalier, thinking that the swamp <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span>might be waded, put
+spurs to his horse and dashed forward. He had advanced but a few rods
+when the horse, struggling knee-deep through the mire, stumbled and
+fell. One of the legs of the rider was so caught beneath the animal as
+to pin him inextricably in the morass, covering him with water and
+with mud. The weight of his armor sank him deeper in the mire, and in
+the desperate struggles of the steed for extrication, he was in great
+danger of being suffocated. None could come to his aid without danger
+of being swallowed up in the bog.</p>
+
+<p>The unfeeling and brutal soldiers stood upon the borders of the morass
+with shouts of merriment, as they witnessed the sudden discomfiture of
+their leader; a discomfiture the more ludicrous, in contrast with his
+gorgeous attire, and his invariably proud and lofty bearing. At length
+Porcallo extricated himself, and, drenched with water, and covered
+with mud, led his equally bemired steed to the land. He was humiliated
+and enraged. The derision of the soldiers stung him to the quick. He
+had embarked in the expedition to gain glory and slaves. He had
+encountered disgrace; and the prospect of kidnapping the natives,
+under such a leader as De Soto had proved himself to be, was very
+small.</p>
+
+<p>It is probable that before this disaster he had seriously contemplated
+abandoning the expedition and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span>returning to his princely mansion in
+Trinidad. Ordering his men to face about, he sullenly and silently
+returned to the Spanish camp. Throwing up his commission with disgust,
+he embarked for Cuba, and we hear of him no more.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"His train of servants," writes Mr. Theodore Irving, "Spanish, Indian
+and negro, were embarked with all speed. But when the gallant old
+cavalier came to take leave of his young companions in arms, and the
+soldiers he had lately aspired to lead so vain-gloriously, his
+magnificent spirit broke forth. He made gifts to the right and left,
+dividing among the officers and knights all the arms, accoutrements,
+horses and camp equipage, with which he had come so lavishly and so
+ostentatiously provided, and gave, for the use of the army, all the
+ample store of provisions and munitions brought for the use of himself
+and his retinue. This done, he bade farewell to campaigning and set
+sail for Cuba, much to the regret of the army, who lamented that so
+gallant a spirit should have burned out so soon."<a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a></p></div>
+
+<p>Indeed, it is stated in what is called "The Portuguese Narrative" of
+these events, that Porcallo and De Soto had already quarrelled so
+decisively that they were no longer on speaking terms. Porcallo,
+thoroughly destitute of moral principle, was a slave <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span>hunter; a
+character whom De Soto thoroughly despised, and whose operations he
+would not on any account allow to be carried on in his army. Porcallo
+therefore found no difficulty in obtaining permission to retire from
+the service. Probably both the governor and his lieutenant were
+equally happy to be rid of each other.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/i168.jpg" class="ispace bbox2" width="500" height="338" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>The March to Ochile.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The March Commenced.&mdash;The Swamps of Florida.&mdash;Passage of the
+Morass.&mdash;Heroism of Sylvestre.&mdash;Message to Acuera.&mdash;His
+Heroic Reply.&mdash;Fierce Hostility of the Indians.&mdash;Enter the
+Town of Ocali.&mdash;Strange Incident.&mdash;Death of the
+Bloodhound.&mdash;Historical Discrepancies.&mdash;Romantic Entrance to
+Ochile.</p></div>
+
+<p>The day after the departure of Porcallo, a courier from Captain
+Gallegos, accompanied by a small guard, came to the Spanish camp at
+Ucita. He informed De Soto that there was an ample supply of
+provisions at Uribaracaxi to sustain the army for several days; and
+that he had received information that at not a great distance from
+that place large quantities of gold could be obtained. De Soto and his
+companions were greatly elated by these tidings, trusting that they
+were about to enter upon another Peru. A garrison of forty horsemen
+and eighty foot soldiers, was left at Ucita, to protect the military
+and commissariat stores collected there, and to guard the three
+vessels still remaining in the bay. Captain Calderon, who was left in
+command, was strictly enjoined to treat the Indians with the utmost
+kindness, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>and not to make war upon them, even if provoked by taunts
+and insults.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, then, with the main body of his army, set out on the march
+for Uribaracaxi. It was soon very evident to him that he was not in
+Peru. There was no smoothly-paved highway for his soldiers to
+traverse. The country was pathless, rough, apparently uninhabited,
+encumbered with tangled forests, and vast dismal swamps. It was a very
+arduous enterprise for soldiers burdened with heavy armor to force
+their way through such a wilderness, with the baggage essential to
+such a body of men.</p>
+
+<p>One of the great objects of the governor, and a humane one, was to
+establish a colony in Florida. A herd of three hundred swine was kept
+in the line of march, as these animals were deemed the most
+advantageous stock for new settlers. After a toilsome march of two
+days they reached the native village of Mucozo, where the friendly
+chief of the same name resided. It is said that this place is now
+called Hichipuchsassa. The chief received them with great hospitality.</p>
+
+<p>Pressing on without delay, they soon reached Uribaracaxi, which town
+it is supposed was situated near the head of the Hillsborough river,
+which stream empties into Tampa Bay. The chief was still absent, in
+his place of refuge, amidst the fastnesses of the forest. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span>All of De
+Soto's friendly endeavors to draw him from his retreat proved
+unavailing. The Spaniards were yet to traverse many leagues of this
+unknown country before they could enter the region where it was
+supposed the gold could be found.</p>
+
+<p>Florida is emphatically a region of swamps. There is probably no
+section of our country which, in a state of nature, would be more
+difficult for the passage of an army. About nine miles from the
+village, directly on their line of march, extending far away to the
+east and the west, there was a vast bog three miles wide. It was a
+chaotic region of mud and water, with gigantic trees and entangling
+roots. After long search a passage was found through which, by the
+toilsome efforts of a whole day, the army forced its way. Beyond the
+swamp there opened before them a smooth, luxuriant flower-enamelled
+prairie. Rejoicingly the army pressed forward over this beautiful
+expanse, when suddenly they found their steps again arrested by a
+series of sluggish streams, stagnant bayous, and impenetrable bogs.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto now took a hundred horse and a hundred foot soldiers, and
+leaving the remainder of the army safely encamped, set out to explore
+the country in search of a practicable route of travel. For three days
+he skirted the region of bogs, lakes and thickets, sending out his
+runners in different directions to find some <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span>outlet. But there was no
+outlet for the journeyings of civilized men. They captured some
+Indians, who offered to guide them, but who treacherously led them to
+more difficult passes and into ambushes where many of their horses
+were slain. The dreadful punishment of these false guides was to be
+torn to pieces by bloodhounds. They bore their sufferings with amazing
+fortitude.</p>
+
+<p>At length they found a very rude, difficult and dangerous path by
+which the Indians crossed these swamps. At one point, where the water
+could not be forded for a distance of nearly three hundred feet, the
+Indians had constructed a bridge by cutting down two large trees and
+uniting the space that still remained between them in this Stygian
+lake, by tying logs together, with cross-poles for flooring. To add to
+the embarrassments of the Spaniards, apparently innumerable small
+bands of Indians were hovering on their track, assailing them with
+their sharp-pointed arrows, wherever they could get a shot, and then
+escaping into the impenetrable region around. They were very careful
+never to come to an open conflict. Canoes, propelled by the paddle,
+would often dart out from the thickets, a shower of arrows be
+discharged, and the canoes disappear where no foot could follow them.</p>
+
+<p>A very bold courier, on one of the fleetest horses, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span>was sent back to
+summon the main body of the army to march, under the command of
+Moscoso, and join the party of explorers which De Soto had led. This
+young man, by the name of Sylvestre, accomplished his feat through a
+thousand perils and hair-breadth escapes.</p>
+
+<p>Three days De Soto's band had passed struggling through bog and brake,
+bramble and forest. Sylvestre was to find his path back travelling
+with all possible speed by night as well as by day. One attendant only
+was with him, Juan Lopez. They never could have found their path but
+through the sagacity of their horses. These noble animals seemed to be
+endowed for the time with the instinct of setter dogs. For in the
+darkness of the night they would puff and snort, with their noses
+close to the ground, ever, under the most difficult circumstances,
+finding the track. The distance over which they urged their horses
+exceeded thirty miles. For three days the poor creatures had not been
+unsaddled, and the bits had but occasionally been removed from their
+mouths that they might enjoy the brief refreshment of grazing.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"At times," writes Mr. Irving, "they passed within sight of huge
+fires, around which the savages were stretched in wild fantastic
+groups, or capering and singing, and making the forests ring with
+yells and howlings. These were probably celebrating their <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span>feasts with
+war-dances. The deafening din they raised was the safeguard of the two
+Spaniards, as it prevented the savages noticing the clamorous barking
+of their dogs, and hearing the tramping of the horses as they
+passed."<a name="FNanchor_C_3" id="FNanchor_C_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_C_3" class="fnanchor">[C]</a></p></div>
+
+<p>Immediately on the arrival of these two bold troopers, Moscoso
+dispatched supplies for the governor with an escort of thirty
+horsemen. In the mean time the troops under De Soto were nearly
+perishing with hunger. They were compelled to leave their encampment
+in search of food. Fortunately, at no great distance, they found a
+beautiful valley, waving luxuriantly with fields of corn or maize.
+Here they encamped and here were soon joined by the escort and their
+welcome supplies. In a few days Moscoso came also with the residue of
+the army. They were about sixty miles north of Uribaracaxi. It is
+supposed the place is now known by the old Indian name of Palaklikaha.</p>
+
+<p>The chief, whose name was Acuera, and all his people had fled to the
+woods. De Soto sent Indian interpreters to him with friendly messages
+and the declaration that the Spaniards had no desire to do him any
+injury; but that it was their power, if the Indians resisted, to
+punish them with great severity. He also commissioned them to make the
+declaration, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>which to him undoubtedly seemed perfectly just and
+reasonable, but which, to our more enlightened minds, seems atrocious
+in the extreme, that it was their only object to bring him and his
+people into obedience to their lawful sovereign, the king of Spain.
+With this end in view, he invited the chief to a friendly interview.
+It can hardly be doubted that in that benighted age De Soto felt that
+he was acting the part of a just and humane man, and of a Christian,
+in extending the <i>Christian</i> reign of Spain over the heathen realms of
+Florida. Acuera returned the heroic reply:</p>
+
+<p>"Others of your accursed race have, in years past, poisoned our
+peaceful shores. They have taught me what you are. What is your
+employment? To wander about like vagabonds from land to land; to rob
+the poor; to betray the confiding; to murder in cold blood the
+defenceless. With such a people I want no peace&mdash;no friendship. War,
+never-ending, exterminating war, is all the boon I ask. You boast
+yourself valiant; and so you may be, but my faithful warriors are not
+less brave; and this, too, you shall one day prove, for I have sworn
+to maintain an unsparing conflict while one white man remains in my
+borders; not openly, in battle, though even thus we fear not to meet
+you, but by stratagem, and ambush, and midnight surprisals. I am king
+in my own land, and will never become the vassal of a mortal like
+myself. As <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span>for me and my people, we choose death, yes a hundred
+deaths, before the loss of our liberty and the subjugation of our
+country."</p>
+
+<p>This answer certainly indicates a degree of intelligence and mental
+culture far above what we should expect to find in the chief of a
+tribe of Florida Indians. The chivalric spirit of De Soto compelled
+him to admire the heroism it displayed. He consequently redoubled his
+efforts to gain the friendship of the chief, but all in vain. For
+twenty days De Soto remained in this encampment, recruiting his troops
+and making arrangements for a farther advance. The Indians made
+constant warfare upon him, lurking in the thickets which densely
+surrounded his camp. No Spaniard could wander one hundred steps
+without danger of being shot down by an invisible foe, whose deadly
+arrow was more noiseless in its flight than the sighing of the breeze
+through the tree tops. In this way, during these twenty days, fourteen
+Spaniards were killed and many more wounded. Fifty Indians also fell
+struck by the bullets of the invaders. De Soto allowed himself only in
+a war of self-defence. He strictly prohibited his followers from doing
+any injury to the villages or the property of the natives, or of
+engaging in the slightest act of violence towards any who were not in
+active hostility against them.</p>
+
+<p>After twenty days of such repose as could be <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span>found in this war
+harassed camp, De Soto resumed his march. He directed the steps of his
+army in a northeasterly direction towards a town called Ocali, about
+sixty miles from their encampment. It seems that in most, if not all
+of this region, the chief and his principal town bore the same name.</p>
+
+<p>The path of the army led just over a dreary expanse of desert sands,
+about thirty miles broad. There was no underbrush, and over the smooth
+surface both men and horses could travel with the greatest ease. They
+then entered upon a beautiful region of fertility and luxuriance.
+Fields of corn waved their graceful leaves and bannered heads in the
+breeze. Farm houses and pleasant villages were scattered around,
+indicating that peace, with its nameless blessings, reigned there.
+They reached the central town, Ocali, and found it to consist of six
+hundred substantially built houses. This would give the place a
+population of probably not less than three thousand.</p>
+
+<p>But the chief, Ocali, and his principal inhabitants, with their
+effects, had fled to the forests. The Spanish army immediately took up
+its quarters in the dwellings of Ocali. They found here an ample
+supply of provisions, which they seem without any questionings to have
+appropriated to their own use. The clime was balmy, the region
+beautiful, the houses commodious, the food abundant, and the few
+Indians <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span>who remained behind manifested no hostility. The common
+soldiers, following the example of their leader, treated all with
+great kindness.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto sent several Indian messengers daily to the retreat of the
+chief with proffers of peace and friendship. Though Ocali rejected all
+these overtures, it seems that they must have made an impression on
+the minds of some of his followers.</p>
+
+<p>One day, four young Floridian warriors, gorgeously dressed and with
+nodding plumes, came to the Spanish camp. De Soto received them with
+great cordiality and invited them to a handsome collation with his
+principal officers. Mr. Irving, in his well authenticated narrative,
+gives the following account of the scene which there ensued:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"They sat down and appeared to be eating quietly, when
+perceiving the Spaniards to be off their guard, they rose
+suddenly and rushed full speed to the woods. It was in vain
+for the Spaniards to pursue them on foot, and there was no
+horse at hand. A hound of uncommon sagacity, however,
+hearing the cry of the Indians, and seeing them run, pursued
+them. Overtaking and passing by the first and second and
+third, he sprang upon the shoulders of the foremost and
+pulled him to the ground; as the next Indian passed on, the
+dog, leaving the one already down, sprang upon his successor
+and secured him in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span>the same way. In like manner he served
+the third and fourth, and then kept running from one to the
+other, pulling them down as fast as they rose, and barking
+so furiously that the Indians were terrified and confounded
+and the Spaniards were enabled to overtake and capture them.
+They were taken back to the camp and examined separately.
+For as they were armed, the Spaniards apprehended some
+treachery; but it appeared that their sudden flight was only
+by way of exploit, to show their address and fleetness."<a name="FNanchor_D_4" id="FNanchor_D_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_D_4" class="fnanchor">[D]</a></p></div>
+
+<p>Ocali, after resisting for six days all friendly advances, was at
+length induced to visit the Spanish camp. He was received by De Soto
+with the greatest kindness, and every effort was made to win his
+confidence. There was a deep and wide river near the village which it
+was necessary for the Spaniards to cross in their advance. De Soto,
+accompanied by Ocali and several of his subjects, was walking on the
+banks of this stream to select a spot for crossing, by means of a
+bridge or raft, when a large number of Indians sprang up from the
+bushes on the opposite side, and assailing them with insulting and
+reproachful language, discharged a volley of arrows upon them, by
+which one of the Spaniards was wounded.</p>
+
+<p>Upon De Soto's demanding of the chief the meaning <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span>of this hostile
+movement, Ocali replied, that they were a collection of his mutinous
+subjects, who had renounced their allegiance to him, in consequence of
+his friendship for the Spaniards. The bloodhound, to which we have
+alluded, that had so sagaciously captured the four Floridians, was in
+the company held in a leash by one of the servants of the governor.
+The moment the ferocious animal heard the yells of the Indians, and
+witnessed their hostile actions, by a desperate struggle he broke from
+his keeper and plunged into the river. In vain the Spaniards
+endeavored to call him back. The Indians eagerly watched his approach,
+and as he drew near they showered upon him such a volley of arrows,
+that more than fifty pierced his head and shoulders. He barely reached
+the land, when he fell dead. The army mourned the loss of the
+sagacious, fearless and merciless brute as if he had been one of the
+most valiant of their warriors.</p>
+
+<p>It soon became evident that Ocali had but slight influence over his
+tribe. De Soto, apprehensive that it might be thought that he detained
+him against his will, advised him to return to his people, assuring
+him that he would always be a welcome guest in the Spanish camp. He
+left, and they saw him no more.</p>
+
+<p>Crossing the river by a rude bridge constructed by the Spanish
+engineers, De Soto took the lead with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span>a hundred horse and a hundred
+foot. After a monotonous march of three days over a flat country, they
+came to a very extensive province called Vitachuco, which was governed
+in common by three brothers. The principal village, Ochile, was rather
+a fortress than a village, consisting of fifty large buildings
+strongly constructed of timber. It was a frontier military post; for
+it seems that this powerful tribe was continually embroiled in war
+with the adjacent provinces. Mr. Williams, in his History of Florida,
+locates Ochile just south of what is called the Allachua prairie.</p>
+
+<p>There are two sources of information upon which we are dependent for
+most of the facts here recorded. One is, the "History of Hernando De
+Soto," written by the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. He was the son of a
+Spanish nobleman and of a Peruvian lady of illustrious rank. His
+narrative was written as related to him, by a friend who was one of
+the expedition. With some probable exaggerations it is generally
+deemed authentic. Mr. Southey describes the work as one of the most
+delightful in the Spanish language.</p>
+
+<p>The other is what is called "The Portuguese Narrative." It is from the
+pen of an anonymous writer, who declares himself to have been a
+Spanish cavalier, and that he describes the scenes of which he was an
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span>eye-witness. Though these two accounts generally harmonize, there is
+at times very considerable discrepancy between their statements. In
+the extraordinary events now to be chronicled, the writer has
+generally endeavored to give the narrative, as has seemed to him most
+probable, in comparing the two accounts, with the well-established
+character of De Soto.</p>
+
+<p>The advance guard of the Spanish army marched all night, and just
+before the dawn of the morning, entered the silent streets of Ochile.
+Wishing to produce as deep an impression as possible upon the minds of
+the Indians, their drums were beat, and their trumpets emitted their
+loudest blasts, as one hundred horsemen with clattering hoofs, and one
+hundred footmen with resounding arms, startled the citizens from their
+repose. To these simple natives, it must have been a scene almost as
+astounding as if a legion of adventurers, from the star Sirius, were
+at midnight to make their appearance in the streets of a European
+city.</p>
+
+<p>The house of the chief was centrally situated. It was a large mansion,
+nearly three hundred feet in length by one hundred and twenty in
+width. There were also connected with it quite a number of
+outbuildings of very considerable dimensions.</p>
+
+<p>As a matter of course, immediately the whole <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span>population was in the
+streets in a state of utter amazement. It was the object of De Soto to
+appear in such strength, and to take such commanding positions, as
+would prevent any assault on the part of the Indians, which would lead
+to bloodshed. He was well informed of the warlike reputation of the
+chief who resided there; and knew that in that fortress he was
+surrounded by a numerous band of warriors, ever armed and always ready
+for battle. The region around was densely populated. Should the chief
+escape, determined upon hostility, and rally his troops around him, it
+might lead to sanguinary scenes, greatly to be deplored.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto immediately held an interview with the chief; treated him with
+the utmost kindness and assured him that he had no intention of
+inflicting any injury upon him or any of his subjects; that he sought
+only for permission to pass peaceably and unmolested through his
+realms. The soldiers were strictly enjoined to treat the natives in
+the most friendly manner, and not to allow themselves, by any
+provocation whatever, to be drawn into a conflict.</p>
+
+<p>The chief was very narrowly watched, that he might not escape. Still
+he was unconscious of his captivity, for he was held by invisible
+chains.</p>
+
+<p>During the following day the main body of the army entered Ochile with
+all the pomp which prancing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span>horses richly accoutred, gorgeous
+uniforms, bugle-blasts, waving banners, and glittering armor could
+present. Ocile, its chief, and his warriors were at the mercy of the
+Spaniards. But they had come not as conquerors, but as peaceful
+travellers, with smiles and presents, and kindly words. Still the
+power of these uninvited guests was very manifest, and it was very
+evident that any hostility on the part of the natives would bring down
+upon them swift destruction.</p>
+
+<p>It so happened, that the youngest of the three brother chiefs resided
+at Ochile. At the suggestion of De Soto, he sent couriers to his two
+brothers, informing them of the arrival of the Spaniards, of their
+friendly disposition, and of their desire simply to pass through the
+country unmolested. At the same time he stated, by request of De Soto,
+that the strength of the Spaniards was such that they were abundantly
+able to defend themselves; and that should any attack be made upon
+them, it would lead to results which all would have occasion to
+deplore.</p>
+
+<p>The capital of the second brother was not far distant. In three days
+he came to Ochile, decorated in gorgeous robes of state and
+accompanied by a retinue of his warriors, in their most showy costume.
+It is recorded that he had the bearing of an accomplished gentleman,
+and seemed as much at ease amidst the wondrous surroundings of the
+Spanish <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span>camp, as if he had been accustomed to them all his days. He
+entered into the most friendly relations with De Soto and his
+distinguished officers, and seemed very cordially to reciprocate all
+their courteous attentions.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>The Conspiracy and its Consequences.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Three Brother Chieftains.&mdash;Reply of Vitachuco to his
+Brothers.&mdash;Feigned Friendship for the Spaniards.&mdash;The
+Conspiracy.&mdash;Its Consummation and Results.&mdash;Clemency of De
+Soto.&mdash;The Second Conspiracy.&mdash;Slaughter of the
+Indians.&mdash;March of the Spaniards for Osachile.&mdash;Battle in
+the Morass.</p></div>
+
+<p>Of the three brothers who reigned over this extended territory the
+elder bore the same name with the province which he governed, which
+was Vitachuco. He was far the most powerful of the three, in both the
+extent and populousness of his domain. His two brothers had united in
+sending an embassy to him, earnestly enjoining the expediency of
+cultivating friendly relations with the Spaniards. The following very
+extraordinary reply, which he returned, is given by Garcilaso de la
+Vega. And though he says he quotes from memory, still he pledges his
+word of honor, that it is a truthful record of the message Vitachuco
+sent back. We read it with wonder, as it indicates a degree of mental
+enlightenment, which we had not supposed could have been found among
+those semi-civilized people.</p>
+
+<p>"It is evident," said the chief to his brothers, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span>"that you are young
+and have neither judgment nor experience, or you would never speak as
+you have done of these hated white men. You extol them as virtuous
+men, who injure no one. You say that they are valiant; are children of
+the Sun, and merit all our reverence and service. The vile chains
+which they have hung upon you, and the mean and dastardly spirit which
+you have acquired during the short period you have been their slaves,
+have caused you to speak like women, lauding what you should censure
+and abhor.</p>
+
+<p>"You remember not that these strangers can be no better than those who
+formerly committed so many cruelties in our country. Are they not of
+the same nation and subject to the same laws? Do not their manner of
+life and actions prove them to be the children of the spirit of evil,
+and not of the Sun and Moon&mdash;our Gods? Go they not from land to land
+plundering and destroying; taking the wives and daughters of others
+instead of bringing their own with them; and like mere vagabonds
+maintaining themselves by the laborious toil and sweating brow of
+others!</p>
+
+<p>"Were they virtuous, as you represent, they never would have left
+their own country; since there they might have practised their
+virtues; planting and cultivating the earth, maintaining themselves,
+without <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span>prejudice to others or injury to themselves, instead of
+roving about the world, committing robberies and murders, having
+neither the shame of men nor the fear of God before them. Warn them
+not to enter into my dominions. Valiant as they may be, if they dare
+to put foot upon my soil, they shall never go out of my land alive."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto and his army remained eight days at Ochile. By unwearied
+kindness, he so won the confidence of the two brother chiefs, that
+they went in person to Vitachuco to endeavor by their united
+representations to win him to friendly relations with the Spaniards.
+Apparently they succeeded. Vitachuco either became really convinced
+that he had misjudged the strangers, or feigned reconciliation. He
+invited De Soto and his army to visit his territory, assigning to them
+an encampment in a rich and blooming valley. On an appointed day the
+chief advanced to meet them, accompanied by his two brothers and five
+hundred warriors, in the richest decorations and best armament of
+military art as then understood by the Floridians.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto and Vitachuco were about of the same age and alike magnificent
+specimens of physical manhood. The meeting between them was as cordial
+as if they had always been friends. The Indian warriors escorted their
+guests from their encampment to the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>capital. It consisted of two
+hundred spacious edifices, strongly built of hewn timber. Several days
+were passed in feasting and rejoicing, when Juan Ortiz informed the
+governor that some friendly Indians had revealed to him that a plot
+had been formed, by Vitachuco, for the entire destruction of the
+Spanish army.</p>
+
+<p>The chief was to assemble his warriors, to the number of about ten
+thousand, upon an extensive plain, just outside the city, ostensibly
+to gratify De Soto with the splendors of a peaceable parade. To disarm
+all suspicion, they were to appear without any weapons of war, which
+weapons were however previously to be concealed in the long grass of
+the prairie. De Soto was to be invited to walk out with the chief to
+witness the spectacle. Twelve very powerful Indians, with concealed
+arms, were to accompany the chief or to be near at hand. It was
+supposed that the pageant would call out nearly all the Spaniards, and
+that they would be carelessly sauntering over the plain. At a given
+signal, the twelve Indians were to rush upon De Soto, and take him
+captive if possible, or if it were inevitable, put him to death.</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment the whole band of native warriors, grasping their
+arms, was to rush upon the Spaniards in overpowering numbers of ten to
+one. In this way it was supposed that every man could speedily <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>be put
+to death or captured. Those who were taken prisoners were to be
+exposed to the utmost ingenuity of Indian torture.</p>
+
+<p>This seemed a very plausible story. De Soto, upon careful inquiry,
+became satisfied of its truth. He consulted his captains, and decided
+to be so prepared for the emergence, that should he be thus attacked,
+the Indian chief would fall into the trap which he had prepared for
+his victims.</p>
+
+<p>The designated day arrived. The sun rose in a cloudless sky and a
+gentle breeze swept the prairie. Early in the morning, Vitachuco
+called upon De Soto, and very obsequiously solicited him to confer
+upon him the honor of witnessing a grand muster of his subjects. He
+said they would appear entirely unarmed, but he wished De Soto to
+witness their evolutions, that he might compare them with the military
+drill of European armies. De Soto, assuming a very friendly and
+unsuspicious air, assured the chief, that he should be very happy to
+witness the pageant. And to add to its imposing display, and in his
+turn to do something to interest the natives, he said he would call
+out his whole force of infantry and cavalry, and arrange them in full
+battle array on the opposite side of the plain.</p>
+
+<p>The chief was evidently much embarrassed by this proposition, but he
+did not venture to present any obstacles. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span>Knowing the valor and
+ferocity of his troops, he still thought that with De Soto as his
+captive, he could crush the Spaniards by overwhelming numbers. Matters
+being thus arranged, the whole Spanish army, in its most glittering
+array, defiled upon the plain. De Soto was secretly well armed.
+Servants were ready with two of the finest horses to rush to his aid.
+A body-guard of twelve of his most stalwart men loitered carelessly
+around him.</p>
+
+<p>At nine o'clock in the morning, De Soto and Vitachuco walked out, side
+by side, accompanied by their few attendants and ascended a slight
+eminence which commanded a view of the field. Notwithstanding the
+careless air assumed by De Soto, he was watching every movement of
+Vitachuco with intensest interest. The instant the Indian chief gave
+his signal, his attendants rushed upon De Soto, and his ten thousand
+warriors grasped their arrows and javelins, and with the hideous
+war-whoop rushed upon the Spaniards. But at the same instant a bugle
+blast, echoing over the plain, put the whole Spanish army in motion in
+an impetuous charge. The two signals for the deadly conflict seemed to
+be simultaneous. The body-guard of De Soto, with their far superior
+weapons, not only repelled the Indian assailants, but seized and bound
+Vitachuco as their captive. De Soto lost not a moment in mounting a
+horse, led to him by his servant. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span>But the noble animal fell dead
+beneath him, pierced by many arrows. Another steed was instantly at
+his side, and De Soto was at the head of his cavalry, leading the
+charge. Never, perhaps, before, did so terrible a storm burst thus
+suddenly from so serene a sky.</p>
+
+<p>The natives fought with valor and ferocity which could not be
+surpassed even by the Spaniards. All the day long the sanguinary
+battle raged, until terminated by the darkness of the night. The field
+was bordered, on one side, by a dense forest, and on the other by a
+large body of water, consisting of two lakes. Some of the natives
+escaped into the almost impenetrable forest. Many were drowned.
+Several of the young men, but eighteen years of age, who were taken
+captive,&mdash;the sons of chiefs,&mdash;developed a heroism of character which
+attracted the highest admiration of De Soto. They fought to the last
+possible moment, and when finally captured, expressed great regret
+that they had not been able to die for their country. They said to
+their conqueror,</p>
+
+<p>"If you wish to add to your favors, take our lives. After surviving
+the defeat and capture of our chieftain, we are not worthy to appear
+before him, or to live in the world."</p>
+
+<p>It is said that De Soto was greatly moved with compassion in view of
+the calamity which had befallen these noble young men. He embraced
+them <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span>with parental tenderness, and commended their valor, which he
+regarded as proof of their noble blood.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"For two days," writes Mr. Irving, "he detained them in the camp,
+feasting them at his table and treating them with every distinction;
+at the end of which time he dismissed them with presents of linen,
+cloths, silks, mirrors and other articles of Spanish manufacture. He
+also sent by them presents to their fathers and relations, with
+proffers of friendship."</p></div>
+
+<p>De Soto had succeeded in capturing four of the most distinguished
+captains of Vitachuco. They had been ostensibly the friends of the
+Spaniard, had ate at his table and had apparently reciprocated all his
+kindly words and deeds. While thus deceiving him, they had co&ouml;perated
+with Vitachuco for his destruction. De Soto summoned them with their
+chief before him.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"He reproached them," says Mr. Irving "with the treacherous and
+murderous plot, devised against him and his soldiers, at a time when
+they were professing the kindest amity. Such treason, he observed,
+merited death; yet he wished to give the natives evidence of his
+clemency. He pardoned them, therefore, and restored them to his
+friendship; warning them, however, to beware how they again deceived
+him, or trespassed against the safety and welfare of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span>the Spaniards,
+lest they should bring down upon themselves dire and terrible
+revenge."</p></div>
+
+<p>Vitachuco was now a captive. Yet notwithstanding the conspiracy which
+had led to such deplorable results, De Soto treated him with great
+kindness, giving him a seat at his own table, and endeavoring in all
+ways to obliterate the remembrance of the conflict. De Soto was in
+search of gold. He had heard of mountains of that precious metal far
+away in the interior. The natives had no wealth which he desired to
+plunder. Their hostility he exceedingly deprecated, as it deprived him
+of food, of comforts, and exposed his little band to the danger of
+being cut off and annihilated, as were the troops of Narvaez, who had
+preceded him. The past career of De Soto proves, conclusively, that he
+was by nature a humane man, loving what he conceived to be justice.</p>
+
+<p>Under these circumstances, a wise policy demanded that he should do
+what he could to conciliate the natives before he advanced in his
+adventurous journey, leaving them, if hostile, disposed to cut off his
+return. It is said that nine hundred of the most distinguished
+warriors of Vitachuco were virtually enslaved, one of whom was
+assigned to each of the Spaniards, to serve him in the camp and at the
+table. Such at least is the story as it comes down to us. Vitachuco
+formed the plan again to assail the Spaniards <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>by a concerted action
+at the dinner-table. Every warrior was to be ready to surprise and
+seize his master, and put him to death. There is much in this
+narrative which seems improbable. We will, however, give it to our
+readers as recorded by Mr. Irving in his very carefully written
+history of the Conquest of Florida. We know not how it can be
+presented in a more impartial manner.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Scarcely had Vitachuco conceived this rash scheme than he
+hastened to put it into operation. He had four young Indians
+to attend him as pages. These he sent to the principal
+prisoners, revealing his plan, with orders that they should
+pass it secretly and adroitly from one to another, and hold
+themselves in readiness, at the appointed time, to carry it
+into effect. The dinner hour of the third day was the time
+fixed upon for striking the blow. Vitachuco would be dining
+with the governor, and the Indians in general attending upon
+their respective masters.</p>
+
+<p>"The cacique was to watch his opportunity, spring upon the
+governor and kill him, giving at the moment of assault a
+war-whoop which should resound throughout the village. The
+war-whoop was to be the signal for every Indian to grapple
+with his master or with any other Spaniard at hand and
+dispatch him on the spot.</p>
+
+<p>"On the day appointed Vitachuco dined as usual <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span>with the
+governor. When the repast was concluded, he sprang upon his
+feet, closed instantly with the governor, seized him with
+the left hand by the collar, and with the other fist dealt
+him such a blow in the face as to level him with the ground,
+the blood gushing out of eyes, nose and mouth. The cacique
+threw himself upon his victim to finish his work, giving at
+the same time his signal war-whoop.</p>
+
+<p>"All this was the work of an instant; and before the
+officers present had time to recover from their
+astonishment, the governor lay senseless beneath the tiger
+grasp of Vitachuco. One more blow from the savage would have
+been fatal; but before he could give it a dozen swords and
+lances were thrust through his body, and he fell dead.</p>
+
+<p>"The war-whoop had resounded through the village. Hearing
+the fatal signal, the Indians, attending upon their masters,
+assailed them with whatever missile they could command. Some
+seized upon pikes and swords; others snatched up the pots in
+which meal was stewing at the fire, and beating the
+Spaniards about the head, bruised and scalded them at the
+same time. Some caught up plates, pitchers, jars, and the
+pestles wherewith they pounded the maize. Others seized upon
+stools, benches and tables, striking with impotent fury,
+when their weapons had not the power to harm. Others
+snatched up <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span>burning fire-brands, and rushed like very
+devils into the affray. Many of the Spaniards were terribly
+burned, bruised and scalded. Some had their arms broken."</p></div>
+
+<p>This terrible conflict was of short duration. Though the Spaniards
+were taken by surprise, they were not unarmed. Their long keen sabres
+gave them a great advantage over their assailants. Though several were
+slain, and many more severely wounded, the natives were soon
+overpowered. The exasperated Spaniards were not disposed to show much
+mercy. In these two conflicts with the Indians, Vitachuco fell, and
+thirteen hundred of his ablest warriors.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto had received so terrific a blow, that for half an hour he
+remained insensible. The gigantic fist of the savage had awfully
+bruised his face, knocking out several of his teeth. It was four days
+before he recovered sufficient strength to continue his march and
+twenty days elapsed before he could take any solid food. On the fifth
+day after this great disaster the Spaniards resumed their journeyings
+in a northwest direction, in search of a province of which they had
+heard favorable accounts, called Osachile. The first day they advanced
+but about twelve miles, encamping upon the banks of a broad and deep
+river, which is supposed to have been the Suwanee.</p>
+
+<p>A band of Indians was upon the opposite side of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span>the stream evidently
+in hostile array. The Spaniards spent a day and a half in constructing
+rafts to float them across. They approached the shore in such
+strength, that the Indians took to flight, without assailing them.
+Having crossed the river they entered upon a prairie country of
+fertile soil, where the industrious Indians had many fields well
+filled with corn, beans and pumpkins. But as they journeyed on, the
+Indians, in small bands, assailed them at every point from which an
+unseen arrow or javelin could be thrown. The Spaniards, on their
+march, kept in quite a compact body, numbering seven or eight hundred
+men, several hundred of whom were mounted on horses gayly caparisoned,
+which animals, be it remembered, the Indians had never before seen.</p>
+
+<p>After proceeding about thirty miles through a pretty well cultivated
+country, with scattered farm-houses, they came to quite an important
+Indian town called Osachile. It contained about two hundred houses;
+but the terrified inhabitants had fled, taking with them their most
+valuable effects, and utter solitude reigned in its streets.</p>
+
+<p>The country was generally flat, though occasionally it assumed a
+little of the character of what is called the rolling prairie. The
+Indian towns were always built upon some gentle swell of land. Where
+this could not be found, they often constructed artificial <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span>mounds of
+earth, sufficient in extent to contain from ten to twenty houses. Upon
+one of these the chief and his immediate attendants would rear their
+dwellings, while the more humble abodes of the common people, were
+clustered around. At Osachile De Soto found an ample supply of
+provisions, and he remained there two days.</p>
+
+<p>It is supposed that Osachile was at the point now called Old Town.
+Here De Soto was informed by captive Indians that about thirty leagues
+to the west there was a very rich and populous country called
+Appalachee. The natives were warlike in the highest degree, spreading
+the terror of their name through all the region around. Gold was said
+to abound there. The country to be passed through, before reaching
+that territory, was filled with gloomy swamps and impenetrable
+thickets, where there was opportunity for ambuscades. De Soto was told
+that the Appalachians would certainly destroy his whole army should he
+attempt to pass through those barriers and enter their borders.</p>
+
+<p>This peril was only an incentive to the adventurous spirit of the
+Spanish commander. To abandon the enterprise and return without the
+gold, would be not only humiliating, but would be his utter ruin. He
+had already expended in the undertaking all that he possessed. He had
+no scruples of conscience to retard <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span>his march, however sanguinary the
+hostility of the natives might render it. It was the doctrine of the
+so-called church at Rome, that Christians were entitled to the
+possessions of the heathen; and though De Soto himself by no means
+professed to be actuated by that motive, the principle unquestionably
+influenced nearly his whole army.</p>
+
+<p>But he did assume that he was a peaceful traveller, desiring to
+cultivate only friendly relations with the natives, and that he had a
+right to explore this wilderness of the new world in search of those
+precious medals of which the natives knew not the value, but which
+were of so much importance to the interest of all civilized nations.</p>
+
+<p>For three days the Spaniards toiled painfully along over an arid,
+desert plain, beneath a burning sun. About noon on the fourth day they
+reached a vast swamp, probably near the Estauhatchee river. This swamp
+was bordered by a gloomy forest, with gigantic trees, and a dense,
+impervious underbrush, ever stimulated to wonderful luxuriance by an
+almost tropical sun and a moist and spongy soil. Through this morass
+the Indians, during generations long since passed away, had
+constructed a narrow trail or path about three feet wide. This
+passage, on both sides, was walled up by thorny and entangled
+vegetation almost as impenetrable as if it were brick or stone.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span></p><p>In the centre of this gloomy forest, there was a sheet of shallow
+water about a mile and a half in width and extending north and south
+as far as the eye could reach. The Indians had discovered a ford
+across this lake till they came to the main channel in the centre,
+which was about one hundred and twenty feet wide. This channel, in the
+motionless waters, was passed by a rude bridge consisting of trees
+tied together.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto encamped on the borders of this gloomy region for a short time
+to become acquainted with the route and to force the passage. There
+were various spots where the Indians, familiar with the whole region,
+lay in ambush. From their unseen coverts, they could assail the
+Spaniards with a shower of arrows as they defiled through the narrow
+pass, and escape beyond any possibility of pursuit. Compelling some
+Indians to operate as guides, under penalty of being torn to pieces by
+bloodhounds, De Soto commenced his march just after midnight. Two
+hundred picked men on foot, but carefully encased in armor, led the
+advance in a long line two abreast. Every man was furnished with his
+day's allowance of food in the form of roasted kernels of corn. They
+pressed along through a path which they could not lose, and from which
+they could not wander, till they reached the lake. Here the guides led
+them along by a narrow <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>ford, up to their waists in water, till they
+reached the bridge of logs. The advance-guard had just passed over
+this bridge when the day dawned, and they were discovered by the
+Indians, who had not supposed they would attempt to cross the morass
+by night.</p>
+
+<p>The Appalachian warriors, with hideous yells and great bravery, rushed
+into the lake to meet their foes. Here Spaniard and Floridian grappled
+in the death struggle up to their waists in water. The steel-clad
+Spaniards, with their superior arms, prevailed, and the natives
+repulsed, rushed into the narrow defile upon the other side of the
+lake. The main body of the army pressed on, though continually and
+fiercely assailed by the arrows of the Indians. Arriving at a point
+where there was an expanse of tolerably dry ground, De Soto sent into
+the forests around forty skirmishers to keep off the Indians, while a
+hundred and fifty men were employed in felling trees and burning
+brush, in preparation for an encampment for the night.</p>
+
+<p>Exhausted by the toil of the march and of the battle; drenched with
+the waters of the lake; many of them suffering from wounds, they threw
+themselves down upon the hot and smouldering soil for sleep. But there
+was no repose for them that night. During all the hours of darkness,
+the prowling natives kept up a continuous clamor, with ever recurring
+assaults. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span>With the first dawn of the morning the Spaniards resumed
+their march, anxious to get out of the defile and into the open
+prairie beyond, where they could avail themselves of their horses, of
+which the Indians stood in great dread. As they gradually emerged from
+the impenetrable thicket into the more open forest, the army could be
+spread out more effectually, and the horsesmen could be brought a
+little more into action. But here the valor of the natives did not
+forsake them.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"As soon as the Spaniards," writes Mr. Irving, "entered this more open
+woodland, they were assailed by showers of arrows on every side. The
+Indians, scattered about among the thickets, sallied forth, plied
+their bows with intense rapidity, and plunged again into the forest.
+The horses were of no avail. The arquebusiers and archers seemed no
+longer a terror; for in the time a Spaniard could make one discharge,
+and reload his musket or place another bolt in his cross-bow, an
+Indian would launch six or seven arrows. Scarce had one arrow taken
+flight before another was in the bow. For two long leagues did the
+Spaniards toil and fight their way forward through this forest.</p>
+
+<p>"Irritated and mortified by these galling attacks and the
+impossibility of retaliating, at length they emerged into an open and
+level country. Here, overjoyed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span>at being freed from this forest
+prison, they gave reins to their horses, and free vent to their
+smothered rage, and scoured the plain, lancing and cutting down every
+Indian they encountered. But few of the enemy were taken prisoners,
+many were put to the sword."</p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>Winter Quarters.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Incidents of the March.&mdash;Passage of the River.&mdash;Entering
+Anhayea.&mdash;Exploring Expeditions.&mdash;De Soto's desire for
+Peace.&mdash;Capture of Capafi.&mdash;His Escape.&mdash;Embarrassments of
+De Soto.&mdash;Letter of Isabella.&mdash;Exploration of the
+Coast.&mdash;Discovery of the Bay of Pensacola.&mdash;Testimony
+Respecting Cafachiqu&eacute;.&mdash;The March Resumed.</p></div>
+
+<p>The Spaniards now entered upon a beautiful and highly cultivated
+region, waving with fields of corn and adorned with many pleasant
+villages and scattered farm-houses. It seemed to be the abode of
+peace, plenty and happiness. It certainly might have been such, but
+for the wickedness of man. Wearied with their long march and almost
+incessant battle, the Spaniards encamped in the open plain, where
+their horsemen would be able to beat off assaults.</p>
+
+<p>But the night brought them no repose. It was necessary to keep a large
+force mounted and ready for conflict. The natives, in large numbers,
+surrounded them, menacing an attack from every quarter, repeatedly
+drawing near enough in the darkness to throw their arrows into the
+camp, and keeping up an incessant and hideous howling. After a
+sleepless <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span>night, with the earliest light of the morning they resumed
+their march along a very comfortable road, which led through extensive
+fields of corn, beans, pumpkins and other vegetables. The prairie
+spread out before them in its beautiful, level expanse, till lost in
+the distant horizon. All the day long their march was harassed by
+bands of natives springing up from ambush in the dense corn-fields
+which effectually concealed them from view. Many were the bloody
+conflicts in which the natives were cut down mercilessly, and still
+their ferocity and boldness continued unabated.</p>
+
+<p>After thus toiling on for six miles the Spaniards approached a deep
+stream, supposed to be the river Uche. It was crossed by a narrow ford
+with deep water above and below. Here the natives had constructed
+palisades, and interposed other obstacles, behind which, with their
+arrows and javelins, they seemed prepared to make a desperate
+resistance. De Soto, after carefully reconnoitering the position,
+selected a number of horsemen, who were most effectually protected
+with their steel armor, and sent them forward, with shields on one
+arm, and with swords and hatchets to hew away these obstructions,
+which were all composed of wood. Though several of the Spaniards were
+slain and many wounded, they effected a passage, when the mounted
+horsemen plunged <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span>through the opening, put the Indians to flight and
+cut them down with great slaughter.</p>
+
+<p>Continuing their march, on the other side of the river, for a distance
+of about six miles through the same fertile and well populated region,
+they were admonished by the approach of night, again to seek an
+encampment. The night was dark and gloomy. All were deeply depressed
+in spirits. An incessant battle seemed their destiny. The golden
+mountains of which they were in pursuit were ever vanishing away. They
+were on the same path which had previously been traversed by the cruel
+but energetic Narvaez, and where his whole company had been
+annihilated, leaving but four or five to tell the tale of the awful
+tragedy.</p>
+
+<p>Dreadful as were the woes which these adventurers had brought upon the
+Indians, still more terrible were the calamities in which they had
+involved themselves. They were now three hundred miles from Tampa Bay.
+Loud murmurs began to rise in the camp. Nearly all demanded to return.
+But, for De Soto, the abandonment of the enterprise was disgrace, and
+apparently irretrievable ruin. There was scarcely any condition of
+life more to be deplored than that of an impoverished nobleman. De
+Soto was therefore urged onward by the energies of despair.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span>Again through all the hours of the night, they were exposed to an
+incessant assault from their unwearied foes. From their captives they
+learned that they were but six miles from the village of Anhayea,
+where their chief, Capafi, resided. This was the first instance in
+which they heard of a chief who did not bear the same name as the town
+in which he dwelt. Early in the morning, De Soto, with two hundred
+mounted cavaliers and one hundred footmen, led the advance, and soon
+entered the village, which consisted of two hundred and fifty houses,
+well built and of large size.</p>
+
+<p>At one end of the village stood the dwelling of the chief, which was
+quite imposing in extent, though not in the grandeur of its
+architecture. The chief and all his men had fled, and the Spaniards
+entered deserted streets. The army remained here for several days,
+finding abundance of food. Still they were harassed, day and night, by
+the indomitable energy of the natives. Two well armed expeditions were
+sent out to explore the country on the north and the west, for a
+distance of forty or fifty miles, while a third was dispatched to the
+south in search of the ocean.</p>
+
+<p>Anhayea, where the main body of the army took up its quarters, is
+supposed to have been near the present site of the city of
+Tallahassee. The two <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span>first expeditions sent out, returned, one in
+eight and the other in nine days, bringing back no favorable report.
+The other, sent in search of the ocean, was absent much longer, and De
+Soto became very apprehensive that it had been destroyed by the
+natives.</p>
+
+<p>Through many perilous and wild adventures, being often betrayed and
+led astray by their guides, they reached, after a fortnight's travel,
+the head of the bay now called St. Mark's. Here they found vestiges of
+the adventurers who had perished in the ill-fated Narvaez expedition.
+There was a fine harbor to which reinforcements and fresh supplies of
+ammunition might be sent to them by ships from Cuba, or from Tampa
+Bay. With these tidings they hurried back to Anhayea.</p>
+
+<p>They had now reached the month of November, 1539. The winter in these
+regions, though short, had often days of such excessive cold that men
+upon the open prairie, exposed to bleak winds called northers, often
+perished from the severity of the weather. De Soto resolved to
+establish himself in winter-quarters at Anhayea. With his suite he
+occupied the palace of the chief. The other houses were appropriated
+to the soldiers for their barracks. He threw up strong fortifications
+and sent out foraging parties into the region around, for a supply of
+provisions. As we have no intimation that any payment was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span>made, this
+was certainly robbery. Whatever may be said of the necessities of his
+case, it was surely unjust to rob the Indians of their harvests.
+Still, De Soto should not be condemned unheard; and while we have no
+evidence that he paid the natives for the food he took from them,
+still we have no proof that he did not do so.</p>
+
+<p>In accordance with his invariable custom, he made strenuous efforts to
+win the confidence of the natives. Through captive Indians he sent
+valuable presents to the chief Capafi in his retreat, and also
+assurances that he sought only friendly relations between them. The
+chief, however, was in no mood to give any cordial response to these
+advances. He had taken refuge in a dense forest, surrounded by dismal
+morasses, which could only be traversed by a narrow pass known only to
+the Indians, where his warriors in ambush might easily arrest the
+march of the whole army of Spaniards. The brutal soldiery of Narvaez
+had taught them to hate the Spaniards.</p>
+
+<p>He kept up an incessant warfare, sending out from his retreat fierce
+bands to assail the invaders by day and by night, never allowing them
+one moment of repose. Many of the Spaniards were slain. But they
+always sold their lives very dearly, so that probably ten natives
+perished to one of the Spaniards. There was nothing gained by this
+carnage. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>De Soto was anxious to arrest it. Every consideration
+rendered it desirable for him to have the good will of the natives.
+Peace and friendship would enable him to press forward with infinitely
+less difficulty in search of his imaginary mountains of gold and
+silver, and would greatly facilitate his establishment of a colony
+around the waters of some beautiful bay in the Gulf, whence he could
+ship his treasures to Spain and receive supplies in return.</p>
+
+<p>Finding it impossible to disarm the hostility of Capafi by any kindly
+messages or presents, he resolved if possible to take him captive. In
+this way only could he arrest the cruel war. The veneration of the
+Indians for their chief was such that, with Capafi in the hands of the
+Spaniards as a hostage, they would cease their attacks out of regard
+to his safety.</p>
+
+<p>It was some time before De Soto could get any clew to the retreat in
+which Capafi was concealed. And he hardly knew how to account for the
+fact, that the sovereign of a nation of such redoubtable ferocity,
+should never himself lead any of his military bands, in the fierce
+onsets which they were incessantly making. At length De Soto learned
+that Capafi, though a man of great mental energy, was incapacitated
+from taking the field by his enormous obesity. He was so fat that he
+could scarcely walk, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>and was borne from place to place on a litter.
+He could give very energetic commands, but the execution of them must
+be left to others. He also ascertained that this formidable chief had
+taken up his almost unapproachable quarters about twenty-five miles
+from Anhayea; and that in addition to the tangled thickets and
+treacherous morasses with which nature had surrounded him, he had also
+fortified himself in the highest style of semi-barbarian art, and had
+garrisoned his little fortress with a band of his most indomitable
+warriors.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the difficulty of the enterprise, De Soto resolved to
+attempt to capture him. This was too arduous a feat to be entrusted to
+the leadership of any one but himself. He took a select body of
+horsemen and footmen, and after a very difficult journey of three
+days, came to the borders of the citadel where the chief and his
+garrison were intrenched. Mr. Irving, in his admirable history of the
+Conquest of Florida, gives the following interesting account of the
+fortress, and of the battle in which it was captured:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"In the heart of this close and impervious forest, a piece of ground
+was cleared and fortified for the residence of the Cacique and his
+warriors. The only entrance or outlet, was by a narrow path cut
+through the forest. At every hundred paces, this path was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span>barricaded
+by palisades and trunks of trees, at each of which was posted a guard
+of the bravest warriors. Thus the fat Cacique was ensconced in the
+midst of the forest like a spider in the midst of his web, and his
+devoted subjects were ready to defend him to the last gasp.</p>
+
+<p>"When the Governor arrived at the entrance to the perilous defile, he
+found the enemy well prepared for its defence. The Spaniards pressed
+forward, but the path was so narrow that the two foremost only could
+engage in the combat. They gained the first and second palisades at
+the point of the sword. There it was necessary to cut the osiers and
+other bands, with which the Indians had fastened the beams. While thus
+occupied they were exposed to a galling fire and received many wounds.
+Notwithstanding all these obstacles, they gained one palisade after
+the other until, by hard fighting, they arrived at the place of refuge
+of the Cacique.</p>
+
+<p>"The conflict lasted a long time, with many feats of prowess on both
+sides. The Indians however, for want of defensive armor, fought on
+unequal terms, and were most of them cut down. The Cacique called out
+to the survivors to surrender. The latter, having done all that good
+soldiers could do, and seeing all their warlike efforts in vain, threw
+themselves on their knees before the Governor and offered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span>up their
+own lives, but entreated him to spare the life of their Cacique.</p>
+
+<p>"De Soto was moved by their valor and their loyalty; receiving them
+with kindness, he assured them of his pardon for the past, and that
+henceforth he would consider them as friends. Capafi, not being able
+to walk, was borne in the arms of his attendants to kiss the hands of
+the Governor, who, well pleased to have him in his power, treated him
+with urbanity and kindness."</p></div>
+
+<p>Severe as had been the conflict, De Soto returned to Anhayea with his
+captive, highly gratified by the result of his enterprise. He had
+strictly enjoined it upon his troops not to be guilty of any act of
+wanton violence. On the march he had very carefully refrained from any
+ravaging of the country. He now hoped that, the chief being in his
+power and being treated with the utmost kindness, all hostilities
+would cease. But, much to his disappointment, the warriors of Capafi,
+released from the care of their chief, devoted themselves anew to the
+harassment of the Spaniards in every possible way.</p>
+
+<p>Capafi seemed much grieved by this their conduct, assuming to be
+entirely reconciled to his conqueror. He informed De Soto that his
+prominent warriors, who directed the campaign, had established their
+headquarters in a dense forest about thirty <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span>miles from Anhayea. He
+said that it would be of no avail for him to send messengers to them,
+for they would believe that the messages were only such as De Soto
+compelled their chief to utter. He however offered to go himself to
+the camp of his warriors, accompanied by such a guard of Spanish
+troops as De Soto might deem it best to send with him. He expressed
+the assurance, that he should be enabled to induce his warriors to
+throw down their arms.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto accepted the proposition. In the early morning a strong escort
+of infantry and cavalry left the village to conduct the chief to the
+encampment of the natives. Skillful guides accompanied them, so that
+they reached the vicinity of the encampment just as the sun was going
+down. The chief sent forward scouts immediately, to inform his friends
+of his approach. The Spaniards, weary of their long day's march, and
+convinced of the impossibility of the escape of the chief, who could
+scarcely walk a step, were very remiss in watchfulness. Though they
+established sentinels and a guard, in accordance with military usage,
+it would seem that they all alike fell asleep. It is probable that the
+wily chief had sent confidential communications to his warriors
+through his scouts.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards were encamped in the glooms of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span>the forest. At midnight,
+when darkness, silence and solitude reigned, Capafi stealthily crept
+on his hands and knees, a few rods from his sleeping guard, into the
+thicket, where a band of Indian runners met him with a litter and bore
+him rapidly away beyond all chance of successful pursuit. The
+Spaniards never caught glimpse of their lost captive again. When they
+awoke their chagrin and dread of punishment were extreme. The
+sentinels, who had been appointed to watch the captive, solemnly
+averred, in excuse for their neglect, that during the night demoniac
+spirits had appeared, and had borne away the unwieldy chief through
+the air.</p>
+
+<p>As all the band were implicated in the escape, all were alike ready to
+aver that, during the night, they had witnessed very strange sights
+and heard very strange sounds. When they carried back this report, the
+good-natured De Soto, convinced that fretting and fault-finding would
+do no good, appeased their alarm by saying, with a peculiar smile:</p>
+
+<p>"It is not strange. These Indian wizards perform feats far more
+difficult than conjuring away a fat chief."</p>
+
+<p>The winter passed slowly away. The natives were a very ferocious race;
+tall, strong, athletic, and delighting in war. Every day and every
+hour brought alarm and battle. The Indians conducted a harassing <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span>and
+destructive warfare. In small bands they roamed through the forest,
+cutting off any who ventured to wander from the town. It required a
+large amount of food to supply the wants of the army in Anhayea. Not a
+native carried any provisions to the town, and it was necessary for De
+Soto to send out foraging expeditions, at whatever risk. The winter
+was cold. Fires were needed for warmth and cooking. But the sound of
+an axe could not be heard in the forest, without drawing upon the
+wood-cutters, a swarm of foes. De Soto found himself in what is called
+a false position; so that he deemed it necessary to resort to cruel
+and apparently unjustifiable expedients.</p>
+
+<p>He took a large number of Indian captives. These he compelled to be
+his hewers of wood and drawers of water. He would send a party of
+Spaniards into the forests for fuel. Each man led an Indian as a
+servant to operate in the double capacity of a shield against the
+arrows of the natives, and a slave to collect and bring back the
+burden. To prevent the escape of these Indians, each one was led by a
+chain, fastened around his neck or waist. Sometimes these natives
+would make the most desperate efforts to escape; by a sudden twitch
+upon the chain they would endeavor to pull it from the hands of their
+guard, or to throw him down and, seizing any club <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>within their reach,
+would spring upon him with the ferocity of a tiger.</p>
+
+<p>In various ways more than twenty Spaniards lost their lives, and many
+more were seriously wounded. It was indeed a melancholy winter for the
+army of De Soto. Their supplies were so far expended that it was
+needful for them to await the arrival of their vessels in the Bay of
+St. Marks. It will also be remembered, that De Soto had sent back an
+expedition to cut its way for a distance of three hundred miles
+through hostile nations to Ucita, and to summon the garrison there, to
+set out on a march to join him at Anhayea. Five months were thus spent
+in weary waiting.</p>
+
+<p>It is estimated that De Soto's force in Anhayea, including the
+captives who were servants or slaves, amounted to about fifteen
+hundred persons. He had also over three hundred horses. The fertility
+of the region was however such, with its extended fields of corn,
+beans, pumpkins and other vegetables, that it was not necessary to
+send foraging parties to a distance of more than four or five miles
+from the village. On the 29th of December, 1539, the two brigantines,
+which had sailed from Tampa Bay, came into St. Marks, then called the
+Bay of Aute. For twelve days before the arrival of the ships, De Soto
+had kept companies of horse and foot marching and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span>countermarching
+between Anhayea and the Bay, to keep the communication open. They also
+placed banners on the highest trees, as signals to point out the place
+of anchorage.</p>
+
+<p>Juan De A&ntilde;asco, who had command of the vessels, left them well manned
+in the bay, and with the remainder of the ship's company marched to
+Anhayea, under escort of the troops sent him by De Soto.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this, Pedro Calderon arrived with his gallant little band
+of a hundred and twenty men. By a series of the wildest adventures and
+most heroic achievements they had cut their way through a wilderness
+thronging with foes, where an army of eight hundred men had with
+difficulty effected a passage. Fighting every step of the way and
+bearing along with them their wounded, their progress was necessarily
+slow. Several of their number were killed and many wounded. Of the
+wounded, twelve died soon after they reached Anhayea.</p>
+
+<p>Their arrival in the village was a cause of great gratification to all
+there. De Soto received them as an affectionate father welcomes his
+son whom he had supposed to have been lost. The rumor had reached the
+Governor that all had been slain on the road.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Calderon brought a letter to De Soto, from his wife Isabella.
+We find the following <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span>interesting extract from this letter in the
+life of De Soto by Mr. Lambert A. Wilmer. It seems to bear internal
+evidence of authenticity, though we know not the source from which Mr.
+Wilmer obtained it. The spirit of the letter is in entire accord with
+the noble character which Mr. Washington Irving gives Isabella, in his
+life of Columbus and his companions.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"I have lately had some conversation with Las Casas, the
+Bishop of Chiapa. He has convinced me that the behavior of
+our people to the Indians is inexcusable in the sight of
+God, however it may be overlooked by men in high authority.
+The Bishop has proved to me that all who have taken part in
+the abuse of these harmless people, have been visited in
+this life with the manifest displeasure of heaven; and God
+grant that they may not be punished in the life to come
+according to the measure of their offense.</p>
+
+<p>"I hope, my dearest husband that no considerations of
+worldly advantage will make you neglectful of the precepts
+of humanity and of the duties of religion. Be persuaded to
+return to me at once; for you can gain nothing in Florida
+which can repay me for the sorrow and anxiety I feel in your
+absence. Nor for all the riches of the country would I have
+you commit one act the remembrance of which would be painful
+to you hereafter. If you have <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span>gained nothing I shall be
+better satisfied, because there may be the less cause for
+repentance. Whatever may have been your want of success or
+your losses, I implore you to come to me without delay; for
+any reverse of fortune is far better than the suspense and
+misery I now endure."</p></div>
+
+<p>This letter must have caused De Soto great perplexity. But for reasons
+which we have above given he could not make up his mind to abandon the
+enterprise, and return to Cuba an unsuccessful and impoverished man.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto now ordered the two vessels under Diego Maldonado to explore
+the coast to the westward, carefully examining every river and bay. It
+would seem also probable that at the same time he fitted out an
+expedition of fifty foot soldiers, to march along the coast on a tour
+of discovery. Maldonado, after a sail of about two hundred miles,
+entered the beautiful bay of Pensacola, then called Archusi. It was an
+admirable harbor, and with shores so steep and bold that ships could
+ride in safety almost within cable length of the land. No Spaniards
+had previously visited that region, consequently the natives were
+friendly. They came freely on board, bringing fruits and vegetables,
+and inviting the strangers to the hospitality of their homes.</p>
+
+<p>Maldonado was allowed without molestation to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span>explore the bay in all
+directions, taking careful soundings. The vessels returned to the bay
+of Aute, after an absence of but eight weeks. De Soto was highly
+gratified with the results of the expedition. It seemed to him that
+the shores of the bay of Pensacola presented just the position he
+desired for the location of his colony. He had thus far failed, in his
+search for gold, but it seemed to him still possible that he might lay
+the foundation of a populous and powerful empire.</p>
+
+<p>It was now the latter part of February, and an almost vertical sun was
+throwing down its rays upon them. Maldonado was dispatched with the
+brigantines to Havana, to return with a supply of clothing, ammunition
+and such other freight as was needful for the army in its isolated
+condition. He received orders to be back in the bay of Pensacola, by
+the first of October. In the mean time De Soto with his army was to
+make a long circuit through the country, in search of gold. De Soto
+had received information of a distant province called Cofachiqui,
+which was governed by a queen, young and beautiful. It was said that
+this nation was quite supreme over the adjacent provinces, from which
+it received tribute and feudal homage.</p>
+
+<p>Two lads but sixteen years of age had come to Anhayea, from this
+province in company with some <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span>Indian traders. So far as they could
+make themselves understood, though very unskilful interpreters, they
+represented the country as abounding in silver, gold and precious
+stones. In pantomime they described the process of mining and smelting
+the precious metals so accurately that experienced miners were
+convinced that they must have witnessed those operations.</p>
+
+<p>In the month of March, 1540, De Soto left his comfortable quarters,
+and commenced his march for that province, in a northeasterly
+direction. Their path led first through an almost unpeopled wilderness
+many leagues in extent. Each soldier bore his frugal supper or food
+upon his back. It consisted mainly of roasted corn pounded or ground
+into meal.</p>
+
+<p>An unobstructed but weary tramp of three days brought them through
+this desert region to a very singular village, called Capachiqui. In
+the midst of a vast morass, there was an island of elevated and dry
+ground. Here quite a populous village was erected, which commanded a
+wide spread view of the flat surrounding region. The village could
+only be approached by several causeways crossing the marsh, about
+three hundred feet in length. The country beyond was fertile and
+sprinkled with small hamlets. Eight hundred armed warriors, on the
+open plain, presented a force which the most valiant Indians would
+not venture to assail. The Spaniards entered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span>the village by these
+causeways unopposed, and found there a not inhospitable reception.</p>
+
+<p>The day after their arrival, seven of De Soto's body-guard,
+thoughtless and rollicking young men, set out, without authority from
+their superior officers, to seek amusement in the neighboring hamlets.
+They had scarcely reached the main land, beyond the marsh, when the
+Indians, from an ambush, rushed upon them, and after a very fierce
+struggle all but one were slain, and that one, Aguilar, was mortally
+wounded. The soldiers in the village hastened to the relief of their
+comrades, but they were too late. Aguilar, in a dying condition, was
+carried back to the encampment. He had, however, sufficient strength
+left to make the following extraordinary statement:</p>
+
+<p>"You must know that a band of more than fifty savages sprang out of
+the thickets to attack us. The moment, however, they saw that we were
+but seven, and without our horses, seven warriors stepped forth, and
+the rest retired to some distance. They began the attack, and as we
+had neither arquebus nor cross-bow, we were entirely at their mercy.
+Being more agile, and fleet of foot than our men, they leaped around
+us like so many devils, with horrid laughter, shooting us down like
+wild beasts without our being able to close with them. My poor
+comrades <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span>fell one after the other, and the savages seeing me alone,
+all seven rushed upon me, and with their bows battered me as you have
+witnessed."</p>
+
+<p>This singular event took place within the territory of Appalachee. It
+is said that the Spaniards not unfrequently met with similar
+instances, in which the natives disdained to avail themselves of
+superior numbers.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>Lost in the Wilderness.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Incidents at Achise&mdash;Arrival at Cofa.&mdash;Friendly Reception by
+Cofaqui.&mdash;The Armed Retinue.&mdash;Commission of
+Patofa.&mdash;Splendors of the March.&mdash;Lost in the
+Wilderness.&mdash;Peril of the Army.&mdash;Friendly Relations.&mdash;The
+Escape from the Wilderness.&mdash;They Reach the Frontiers of
+Cofachiqui.&mdash;Dismissal of Patofa.&mdash;Wonderful Reception by
+the Princess of Cofachiqui.</p></div>
+
+<p>After a couple of days of rest and feasting, the Spanish army resumed
+its march. De Soto led the advance with forty horsemen and seventy
+foot soldiers. Ere long they entered the province of Attapaha, from
+which the river Attapaha probably takes its name. On the morning of
+the third day they approached a village called Achise. The affrighted
+natives had fled. Two warriors who had tarried behind, were captured
+as the dragoons came dashing into the streets. They were led into the
+presence of De Soto. Without waiting to be addressed by him, they
+haughtily assailed him with the question,</p>
+
+<p>"What is it you seek in our land? Is it peace, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>or is it war?" De Soto
+replied, through his interpreter,</p>
+
+<p>"We seek not war with any one. We are in search of a distant province;
+and all that we ask for is an unobstructed passage through your
+country, and food by the way."</p>
+
+<p>The answer seemed to them perfectly satisfactory, and they at once
+entered apparently into the most friendly relations. The captives were
+set at liberty and treated by the Spaniards, in all respects, as
+friends. Promptly the two warriors sent a message to their chief,
+informing him of the peaceful disposition of the Spaniards, and he
+accordingly issued orders to his people not to molest them.</p>
+
+<p>In this pleasant village, and surrounded by this friendly people, De
+Soto spent three days. He then resumed his journey, in a northeasterly
+direction, along the banks of some unknown river, fringed with
+mulberry trees, and winding through many luxuriant and beautiful
+valleys. The natives were all friendly, and not the slightest
+collision occurred. For eleven days the army continued its movements,
+encountering nothing worthy of note.</p>
+
+<p>They then entered a province called Cofa. De Soto sent couriers in
+advance to the chief with proffers of friendship. The chief, in
+return, sent a large number of Indians laden with food for the
+strangers. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span>With the provisions were sent rabbits, partridges, and a
+species of dog whose flesh was held in high esteem. The Spaniards
+suffered for want of meat; for though game in the forest was abundant,
+being constantly on the march, they had no time for hunting.</p>
+
+<p>The chief of Cofa received the Spaniards in his metropolitan town with
+great hospitality. He assigned his own mansion to De Soto, and
+provided comfortable quarters for all his troops. The natives and the
+Spaniards mingled together without the slightest apparent antagonism.
+The province of Cofa was of large extent, populous and fertile. Here
+the Spaniards remained five days, entertained by the abounding
+hospitality of the chief.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto had thus far brought with him a piece of ordnance, which had
+proved of very little service. It was heavy and exceedingly difficult
+of transportation. He decided to leave it behind him with this
+friendly people. To impress them, however, with an idea of its power
+as an engine of destruction, he caused it to be loaded and aimed at a
+large oak tree just outside of the village. Two shots laid the oak
+prostrate. The achievement filled both the chief and his people with
+amazement and awe.</p>
+
+<p>Again the army resumed its march towards the next province, which was
+called Cofaqui whose <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span>chief was brother of Cofa. The Spaniards were
+escorted by Cofa and a division of his army, during one day's journey.
+The friendly chief then took an affectionate leave of De Soto, and
+sent forward couriers to inform his brother of the approach of the
+Spaniards and to intercede for his kindly offices in their behalf. It
+required a march of six days to reach the territory of the new
+chieftain.</p>
+
+<p>In response to Cofa's message, Cofaqui dispatched four of his
+subordinate chiefs, with a message of welcome to the Spaniards. He
+sent out his runners to bring him speedy intelligence of their
+approach. As soon as he received news that they were drawing near, he
+started himself, with a retinue of warriors in their richest
+decorations, to welcome the strangers. The meeting, on both sides, was
+equally cordial. Side by side, almost hand in hand, the Floridians and
+the Spaniards entered the pleasant streets of Cofaqui. The chief led
+De Soto to his own mansion, and left him in possession there while he
+retired to another dwelling.</p>
+
+<p>The intercourse between these two illustrious men seemed to be as
+cordial as that between two loving brothers. The Floridian chief, with
+great frankness, gave De Soto information respecting the extent,
+population and resources of his domain. He informed him that the
+province of Cofachiqui, of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span>which he was in search, could only be
+reached by a journey of seven days, through a dreary wilderness. But
+he offered, should De Soto decide to continue his journey, to send a
+strong band of his army, to accompany him with ample supplies. De Soto
+afterwards ascertained that there was some duplicity in this proposal;
+or rather, that the chief had a double object in view. It appeared,
+that there had been long and hereditary antagonism between the
+province of Cofaqui, and that of Cofachiqui; and the chief availed
+himself of that opportunity to invade the territory of his rival.</p>
+
+<p>Scouts were sent out in all directions to assemble the warriors, and
+De Soto was surprised to find an army of four thousand soldiers, and
+as many burden-bearers, ready to accompany him. The provisions, with
+which they were fully supplied, consisted mainly of corn, dried plums
+and nuts of various kinds. Indian hunters accompanied the expedition
+to search the forests for game.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards at first were not a little alarmed in finding themselves
+in company with such an army of natives; outnumbering them eight to
+one, and they were apprehensive of treachery. Soon, however, their
+fears in that direction were allayed, for the chief frankly avowed the
+object of the expedition. Summoning before him Patofa, the captain of
+the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span>native army, he said to him, in presence of the leading Spanish
+officers in the public square:</p>
+
+<p>"You well know that a perpetual enmity has existed between our fathers
+and the Indians of Cofachiqui. That hatred you know has not abated in
+the least. The wrongs we have received from that vile tribe still
+rankle in our hearts, unavenged. The present opportunity must not be
+lost. You, at the head of my braves, must accompany this chief and his
+warriors, and, under their protection, wreak vengeance on our
+enemies."</p>
+
+<p>Patofa, who was a man of very imposing appearance, stepped forward,
+and after going through several evolutions with a heavy broadsword
+carved from wood, exceedingly hard, said:</p>
+
+<p>"I pledge my word to fulfill your commands, so far as may be in my
+power. I promise, by aid of the strangers, to revenge the insults and
+deaths, our fathers have sustained from the natives of Cofachiqui. My
+vengeance shall be such, that the memory of past evils shall be wiped
+away forever. My daring to reappear in your presence will be a token
+that your commands have been executed. Should the fates deny my hopes,
+never again shall you see me, never again shall the sun shine upon me.
+If the enemy deny me death, I will inflict upon myself the punishment
+my cowardice or evil fortune will merit."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p><p>It was indeed a large army which then commenced its march, for it
+consisted of four thousand native warriors, and four thousand
+retainers to carry supplies and clothing, and between eight and nine
+hundred Spaniards. The Indians were plumed and decorated in the
+highest style of military display. The horses of the Spaniards were
+gayly caparisoned, and their burnished armor glittered in the sun.
+Silken banners waving in the breeze and bugle peals echoing over the
+plains, added both to the beauty and the sublimity of the scene.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards conducted their march as in an enemy's country, and
+according to the established usages of war. They formed in squadrons
+with a van and rear guard. The natives followed, also in martial
+array; for they were anxious to show the Spaniards that they were
+acquainted with military discipline and tactics. Thus in long
+procession, but without artillery trains or baggage wagons, they moved
+over the extended plains and threaded the defiles of the forest. At
+night they invariably encamped at a little distance from each other.
+Both parties posted their sentinels, and adopted every caution to
+guard against surprise.</p>
+
+<p>Indeed, it appears that De Soto still had some distrust of his allies,
+whose presence was uninvited, and with whose company he would gladly
+have dispensed. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>The more he reflected upon his situation, the more
+embarrassing it seemed to him. He was entering a distant and unknown
+province, ostensibly on a friendly mission, and it was his most
+earnest desire to secure the good-will and co&ouml;peration of the natives.
+And yet he was accompanied by an army whose openly avowed object was
+to ravage the country and to butcher the people.</p>
+
+<p>The region upon which they first entered, being a border land between
+the two hostile nations, was almost uninhabited, and was much of the
+way quite pathless. It consisted, however, of a pleasant diversity of
+hills, forests and rivers. The considerable band of hunters which
+accompanied the native army, succeeded in capturing quite an amount of
+game for the use of the troops. For seven days the two armies moved
+slowly over these widely extended plains, when they found themselves
+utterly bewildered and lost in the intricacies of a vast, dense,
+tangled forest, through which they could not find even an Indian's
+trail. The guides professed to be entirely at fault, and all seemed to
+be alike bewildered.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was quite indignant, feeling that he had been betrayed and led
+into an ambush for his destruction. He summoned Patofa to his presence
+and said to him:</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span></p><p>"Why have you, under the guise of friendship, led us into this
+wilderness, whence we can discover no way of extricating ourselves? I
+will never believe that among eight thousand Indians there is not one
+to be found capable of showing us the way to Cofachiqui. It is not at
+all likely that you who have maintained perpetual war with that tribe,
+should know nothing of the public road and secret paths leading from
+one village to another."</p>
+
+<p>Patofa made the following frank and convincing reply.</p>
+
+<p>"The wars that have been waged between these two provinces, have not
+been carried on by pitched battles nor invasions of either party, but
+by skirmishes by small bands who resort to the streams and rivers we
+have crossed, to fish; and also by combats between hunting parties, as
+the wilderness we have traversed is the common hunting ground of both
+nations. The natives of Cofachiqui are more powerful and have always
+worsted us in fight. Our people were therefore dispirited and dared
+not pass over their own frontiers.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suspect that I have led your army into these deserts to
+perish? If so, take what you please. If my head will suffice, take it;
+if not you may behead every Indian, as they will obey my mandate to
+the death."</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span></p><p>The manner of Patofa was in accordance with these feeling and manly
+words. De Soto no longer cherished a doubt of his sincerity, and
+became also convinced that their guides were utterly unable to
+extricate him. Under these circumstances nothing remained but blindly
+to press forward or to retrace his steps. They at length found some
+narrow openings in the forest through which they forced their way
+until they arrived, just before sunset, upon the banks of a deep and
+rapid stream which seemed to present an impassable barrier before
+them.</p>
+
+<p>They had no canoes or rafts with which to cross the river; their food
+was nearly consumed, as it had been supposed that a supply for seven
+days would be amply sufficient to enable them to traverse the desert.
+To turn back was certain death by starvation; to remain where they
+were was equal destruction; to go forward seemed impossible, for they
+had not sufficient food to support them even while constructing rafts.
+It was the darkest hour in all their wanderings. Despair seemed to
+take possession of all hearts excepting that of De Soto. He still kept
+up his courage, assuming before his people an untroubled and even
+cheerful spirit.</p>
+
+<p>The river afforded water to drink. A large grove of pine trees
+bordering the river, beneath whose fragrant shade they were encamped,
+sheltered them <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span>from the sun. The level and extended plain, dry and
+destitute of underbrush, presented excellent camping-ground. Food only
+was wanting. But without this food in a few short days the whole army
+must perish.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, that very evening leaving the armies there, took a detachment
+of horse and foot and set off himself in search of some relief or path
+of extrication. Late in the night he returned, perplexed and
+distressed, having accomplished nothing. A council of war was held. It
+was promptly decided that the armies should remain where they were
+while detachments were sent in all directions in search of food or of
+some path of escape.</p>
+
+<p>These detachments left early in the morning and returned late at night
+having discovered neither road nor corn-field, nor habitation. De Soto
+then organized four bands of horse and two of foot to go up and down
+the river, and to penetrate the interior, and to make as wide an
+exploration as possible within the limit of five days. Each band was
+accompanied by a large number of natives. Patofa himself went with one
+of these detachments. A thousand Indian warriors were scattered
+through the forest in search of a road and such game as could be
+found. The Governor remained on the banks of the river anxiously
+awaiting their return.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 325px;">
+<img src="images/i239.jpg" class="ispace" width="325" height="500" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span></p><div class="blockquot"><p>"The four thousand Indians," writes Mr. Irving, "who remained with
+him, sallied out every morning and returned at night, some with herbs
+and roots that were eatable, others with fish, and others again with
+birds and small animals killed with their bows and arrows. These
+supplies were, however, by no means sufficient for the subsistence of
+such a multitude.</p>
+
+<p>"De Soto fared equally with his men in every respect; and, though
+troubled and anxious for the fate of his great expedition, he wore a
+sunny countenance to cheer up his followers. These chivalrous spirits
+appreciated his care and kindness, and to solace him they concealed
+their sufferings, assumed an air of contentedness, and appeared as
+happy as though revelling in abundance."</p></div>
+
+<p>Most of the exploring parties suffered no less from hunger than did
+their companions who remained behind. Juan De A&ntilde;asco, after traversing
+the banks of the river for three days, had his heart gladdened by the
+sight of a small village. From an eminence he saw that the country
+beyond was fertile, well cultivated and dotted here and there with
+hamlets. In the village, for some unexplained reason, he found a large
+amount of provisions accumulated, consisting mainly of corn. He
+immediately dispatched four horsemen back to De Soto with the joyful
+tidings. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span>They took with them such food as they could carry. This
+proved to be the first village in the long-sought-for province of
+Cofachiqui.</p>
+
+<p>It will be remembered that Patofa, the commander-in-chief of the
+native army, had, with a large number of his warriors, accompanied
+A&ntilde;asco. He had pledged his word to his chief that he would do
+everything in his power to harass, pillage and destroy their ancestral
+foes. A&ntilde;asco encamped his band a little outside the village. At
+midnight Patofa and his warriors crept stealthily from the encampment,
+pillaged the temple which contained many treasures prized by the
+Indians, and killed and scalped every native whom they met, man, woman
+or child. When A&ntilde;asco awoke in the morning and found what they had
+done, he was terrified. The outrage had been committed by troops under
+his own command. He was apprehensive that every man in the village,
+aided by such warriors as could be gathered from around, would rush
+upon him in revenge, and that he and his enfeebled followers would be
+destroyed. Immediately he commenced a retreat to meet De Soto, who he
+doubted not would be promptly on the move to join him.</p>
+
+<p>The four couriers reached the camp in one day, though in their slow
+exploring tour it had required three days to accomplish the forty
+miles which they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span>had traversed. The troops were overjoyed at the glad
+tidings, and immediately prepared to resume their march. Several of
+their detachments had not yet returned. In order to give them
+information of the direction which the army had taken, De Soto wrote a
+letter, placed it in a box, and buried it at the foot of a tree. Upon
+the bark of the tree, he had these words conspicuously cut: "Dig at
+the root of this pine, and you will find a letter."</p>
+
+<p>The half famished troops, inspired with new energies, reached the
+village in a day and a half, where their hunger was appeased. The
+scattered detachments arrived a few days after. The force of De Soto
+was too strong for the natives to attack him, notwithstanding the
+provocation they had received. He found, however, much to his chagrin,
+that he was utterly unable to restrain the savage propensities of his
+allies. For seven days the Spaniards sojourned in this frontier
+village of Cofachiqui. Warlike bands were continually stealing out,
+penetrating the region around, killing and scalping men, women and
+children, and committing every conceivable outrage of barbaric
+warfare.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto could endure this no longer. He called Patofa before him, and
+told him in very emphatic terms that he must return to his own
+province. He thanked the chieftain very cordially for his friendly
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span>escort, made him a present of knives, clothing, and other valuables,
+and dismissed him and his followers. Patofa was not unwilling to
+return. He was highly gratified with the presents he had received, and
+still more gratified that he had been permitted to wreak vengeance on
+his hereditary foes.</p>
+
+<p>Two days after his departure, the Spanish army was again in motion,
+along the banks of the river. Every step they took revealed to them
+the awful ravages committed by the bands of Patofa. They passed many
+dwellings and many small hamlets, where the ground was covered with
+the scalpless bodies of the dead. The natives had fled in terror to
+the woods, so that not a living being was encountered. There was,
+however, a plentiful supply of food in the villages, and the army
+again enjoyed abundance.</p>
+
+<p>The heroic A&ntilde;asco was sent in advance to search out the way and, if
+possible, to capture some Indians as guides. He took with him a small
+band of thirty foot-soldiers, who were ordered to move as noiselessly
+as possible, that they might, perchance, come upon the natives by
+surprise. There was quite a broad, good road leading along the banks
+over which the band advanced. Night came upon them when they were
+about six miles ahead of the army. They were moving in profound
+silence and with noiseless <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span>step through a grove, when they heard,
+just before them, the sounds of a village. The barking of dogs, the
+shouts of children, and the voices of men and women, reached their
+ears. Pressing eagerly forward, hoping to capture some Indians in the
+suburbs, they found that there was a sudden turn in the river and that
+they stood upon the banks of its deep and swiftly flowing flood, with
+the village on the other side. There was no means of crossing, neither
+would it have been prudent to have crossed with such small numbers,
+not knowing the force they might encounter there.</p>
+
+<p>They dispatched couriers back in the night, to inform De Soto of their
+discovery. By the break of day, the army was again in motion, De Soto
+himself taking the lead, with one hundred horse and one hundred foot.
+When he reached the banks, and the natives upon the opposite shore
+caught sight of his glittering dragoons, on their magnificent steeds,
+they were struck with amazement and consternation.</p>
+
+<p>It would seem that the language of these different tribes must have
+been essentially the same, for Juan Ortiz was still their interpreter.
+He shouted across the river, assuring the natives of the friendly
+intentions of the Spaniards, and urging them to send some one over to
+convey a message to their chief. After some little hesitation and
+deliberation, the Indians <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span>launched a large canoe, in which six
+Indians of venerable appearance took their seats, while quite a number
+of lusty men grasped the oars. Very rapidly the canoe was driven
+through the water.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, who had watched these movements with deep interest, perceived
+that he was about to be visited by men of much importance. He had
+therefore brought forward and placed upon the banks a very showy
+throne, or chair of state, which he always carried with him for such
+purposes. Here he took his seat, with his retinue of officers around
+him.</p>
+
+<p>The native chieftains landed without any apparent fear, approached him
+with three profound reverences, and then with much dignity inquired,
+"Do you come for peace or for war?"</p>
+
+<p>"I come for peace," De Soto replied, "and seek only an unmolested
+passage through your land. I need food for my people, and implore your
+assistance, by means of canoes and rafts, to cross the river."</p>
+
+<p>The Indians replied, that they were themselves somewhat destitute of
+provisions; that a terrible pestilence the preceding year had swept
+off many of their inhabitants; and that others in their consternation
+had fled from their homes, thus neglecting to cultivate the fields.</p>
+
+<p>They said that their chieftain was a young princess who had recently
+inherited the government, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span>that they had no doubt that she would
+receive them with hospitality, and do everything in her power, to
+promote their welfare. Having thus concluded this friendly interview,
+the chiefs returned to the other side of the river.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon the Spaniards, who eagerly watched every movement, perceived
+a decided commotion in the village. A large and highly decorated canoe
+appeared upon the banks; then quite a gorgeous palanquin was seen
+borne by four men, descending towards the stream; then several other
+canoes of imposing structure seemed to be preparing for an aquatic
+procession. From the palanquin a graceful girl, showily dressed,
+entered the state canoe and reclined upon cushions in the stern under
+a canopy. Eight female attendants accompanied her.</p>
+
+<p>The six ambassadors, who had already visited De Soto, took seats in
+the canoe which led the van, driven as before by a large number of
+sinewy arms. The royal barge was attached to this canoe and was towed
+by it. Several other boats, filled with distinguished men, followed in
+the rear, completing the imposing show.</p>
+
+<p>As the young princess stepped on shore, all the Spaniards were deeply
+impressed with her dignity, grace and beauty. To their eyes, she was
+in form and feature as perfect as any image which Grecian <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span>artist ever
+sculptured. Her attendants brought with them a chair of state upon
+which she took her seat after courteously bowing to the Governor.
+Through an interpreter they immediately entered into conversation. The
+princess confirmed the statement of her ambassadors in reference to
+the pestilence, but offered to do everything in her power to provide
+them with food. She offered one-half of her own residence to De Soto
+for his accommodation, and one-half of the houses in her village as
+barracks for the soldiers. She also promised that by the next day
+rafts and canoes should be in readiness to transport the Spaniards
+across the river.</p>
+
+<p>The generous soul of De Soto was deeply touched, and he assured her of
+his lasting friendship and that of his sovereign. At the close of the
+interview the princess rose, and as a present, suspended a string of
+costly pearls around the neck of De Soto. The Governor then rose and
+presented her with a ring of gold set with a ruby, which she placed
+upon one of her fingers. Thus terminated this extraordinary interview.
+What a difference between peace and war!</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i4">"Were half the power that fills the world with terror,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Were half the wealth bestowed on camps and courts,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Given to redeem the human mind from error,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">There were no need for arsenals or forts.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span><span class="i4">"The warrior's name would be a name abhorred;<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">And every nation that should lift again<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Its hand against a brother, on its forehead<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Would wear forevermore the curse of Cain."<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>The Indian Princess.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Crossing the River.&mdash;Hospitable Reception.&mdash;Attempts to
+visit the Queen Mother.&mdash;Suicide of the Prince.&mdash;Futile
+search for Gold.&mdash;The Discovery of Pearls.&mdash;The Pearl
+Fishery.&mdash;The Princess a Captive.&mdash;Held in Silken
+Chains.&mdash;Her Escape.&mdash;Location of Cutifachiqui.&mdash;The March
+Resumed.</p></div>
+
+<p>The next day after the extraordinary interview which we have described
+in the last chapter, the princess ordered several large rafts to be
+constructed, and with these, aided by a number of canoes, the army
+crossed the rapid stream. Four horses, in attempting to swim the swift
+river, were carried away and drowned. These animals were so precious
+that the loss was deplored by the whole army.</p>
+
+<p>When the troops had all crossed, they found very pleasant
+accommodations provided for them. Some were lodged in the village. For
+the rest commodious wigwams were erected just outside of the village
+in a beautiful mulberry grove on the river banks. The province of
+Cofachiqui was found to be very fertile and quite densely populated.
+The natives were in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span>complexion nearly as white as the Spaniards. They
+had agreeable features, graceful forms, and were very frank and
+amiable in disposition. They did not seem to be fond of war, though
+often involved in conflicts with their neighbors. According to the
+custom of the times, all prisoners of war were enslaved and were
+employed in servile labor. To prevent their escape the cruel expedient
+was adopted of cutting the main tendon of one leg just above the heel.</p>
+
+<p>The mother of the princess of this tribe was a widow, residing in a
+retired home about thirty-six miles down the river. De Soto, who was
+anxious to secure the firm friendship of this interesting people,
+expressed an earnest desire to see the queen mother. The princess
+immediately dispatched twelve of her chieftains to urge her mother to
+visit her, that she might be introduced to the strange visitors, and
+see the wonderful animals on which they rode.</p>
+
+<p>She however declined the invitation, expressing her very decided
+disapproval of the conduct of her daughter, as both inexpedient and
+indelicate, in entering into such friendly relations with utter
+strangers, of whose ulterior designs she could know nothing. This
+message, greatly increased the desire of De Soto to have an interview
+with the queen mother, that he might conciliate her friendship. He
+therefore dispatched Juan De A&ntilde;asco, who was alike distinguished <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span>for
+bravery and prudence, with thirty companions on foot, to convey to her
+presents and friendly messages, and very earnest requests that she
+would visit them at the court of her daughter.</p>
+
+<p>The princess sent a near relative of the family as guide to this
+party&mdash;a young man about twenty-one years of age, and exceedingly
+attractive both in person and character. He was richly habited in
+garments of soft deerskin, beautifully fringed and embroidered, with a
+head-dress of various colored plumes.</p>
+
+<p>"In his hand he bore a beautiful bow, so highly polished as to appear
+as if finely enamelled. At his shoulder hung a quiver full of arrows.
+With a light and elastic step and an animated and gallant air his
+whole appearance was that of an ambassador, worthy of the young and
+beautiful princess whom he served."</p>
+
+<p>The morning was somewhat advanced, ere they left the village. It was a
+beautiful day in a lovely clime. Their route led down the banks of the
+river through luxuriant and enchanting scenery. After a pleasant walk
+of ten or twelve miles, they rested in the shade of a grove, for their
+noonday meal. Their young guide had been very social all the way,
+entertaining them with information of the region through which they
+were passing, and of the people. As they were partaking of their
+refreshments, suddenly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span>the aspect of their young companion became
+greatly altered. He was silent, thoughtful and apparently deeply
+depressed. At length he quietly took the quiver from his shoulder, and
+slowly and seemingly lost in deep reflection, drew out the arrows one
+by one. They were very beautiful, of the highest possible finish,
+keenly pointed, and triangularly feathered.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards took them up, admired them greatly, and passed them from
+hand to hand. At length he drew out an arrow barbed with flint, long,
+and sharp, and shaped like a dagger. Casting an anxious glance around,
+and seeing the attention of the Spaniards engrossed in examining his
+weapons, he plunged the keen pointed arrow down his throat, severing
+an artery, and almost immediately fell dead. The soldiers were shocked
+and bewildered, not being able to conceive of any reason for the
+dreadful occurrence. There were several Indian attendants in the
+company, who seemed to be overwhelmed with distress, uttering loud
+cries of grief over the corpse.</p>
+
+<p>It subsequently appeared, that the young guide was a great favorite
+with the queen mother; that he knew that she was very unwilling to
+have any acquaintance with the Spaniards, and he apprehended that it
+was their object to seize her and carry her off by violence. The
+thought that he was guiding them to her retreat overwhelmed him. He
+could <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span>not endure the idea of meeting her, and perhaps of being
+reproached as her betrayer.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, the queen, whom he revered and loved, had
+commissioned him to conduct the Spaniards to her mother's abode. He
+did not dare to disobey her commands. Either alternative was more to
+be dreaded by him than death. The ingenuous young man had, therefore,
+endeavored to escape from the dilemma by self-destruction.</p>
+
+<p>Juan De A&ntilde;asco was not only deeply grieved by the fate of his young
+friend, but also greatly perplexed as to the course he was then to
+pursue. None of the Indian attendants knew where the widow was
+concealed. He took several natives prisoners, and anxiously inquired
+of them respecting the residence of the queen mother. But either they
+could not, or would not, give him any information. After wandering
+about fruitlessly until noon of the next day, he returned to the camp,
+much mortified in reporting to De Soto the utter failure of his
+expedition.</p>
+
+<p>Two days after his return, an Indian came to him and offered to
+conduct him down the river in a canoe, to the dwelling of the queen
+mother. Eagerly he accepted the proposition. Two large canoes, with
+strong rowers, were prepared. A&ntilde;asco, with twenty companions, set out
+on this second expedition. The <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span>queen heard of his approach, and, with
+a few attendants, secretly fled to another retreat far away. After a
+search of six days, the canoes returned, having accomplished nothing.
+De Soto relinquished all further endeavors to obtain an interview with
+the widow.</p>
+
+<p>In the meantime, while A&ntilde;asco was engaged in these unsuccessful
+enterprises, De Soto was making very anxious inquiries respecting the
+silver and the gold which he had been informed was to be found in the
+province. The princess listened to his description of the yellow metal
+and the white metal of which he was in search, and said that they were
+both to be found in great abundance in her territories. She
+immediately sent out some Indians, to bring him specimens. They soon
+returned laden with a yellow metal somewhat resembling gold in color,
+but which proved to be nothing but an alloy of copper. The shining
+substance which he had supposed was silver, was nothing but a
+worthless species of mica, or quartz. Thus again, to his bitter
+disappointment, De Soto awoke from his dreams of golden treasure, to
+the toils and sorrows of his weary life.</p>
+
+<p>The princess seemed to sympathize with her guest in the bitterness of
+his disappointment. In her attempts at consolation, she informed him
+that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span>at the distance of about three miles from where they were, there
+was a village called Talomeco, which was the ancient capital of the
+realm; that here there was a vast sepulchre, in which all the
+chieftains and great warriors had been buried; that their bodies were
+decorated with great quantities of pearls.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, with a large retinue of his own officers and of the household
+of the princess, visited this mausoleum. Much to his surprise, he
+found there an edifice three hundred feet in length, and one hundred
+and twenty in breadth, with a lofty roof. The entrance was decorated
+with gigantic statuary of wood. One of these statues was twelve feet
+in height. In the interior many statues and carved ornaments were
+found.</p>
+
+<p>A large number of wooden chests or coffins contained the decaying
+bodies of the illustrious dead. By the side of each of these there was
+another smaller chest, containing such valuables as it was probably
+supposed the chief would need in the spirit-land. Both the Inca and
+the Portuguese narrative agree in the account of the almost incredible
+number of pearls there found. It is said that the Spaniards obtained
+fourteen bushels, and that the princess assured them, that by visiting
+the mausoleums of the various villages, they could find enough pearls
+to load down all the horses of the army.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span></p><p>The Spaniards generally were greatly elated at the discovery of these
+riches. Pearls were estimated at a value almost equal to diamonds. It
+is said that Queen Cleopatra possessed a single pearl which was valued
+at three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. Philip II. of
+Spain received as a present a pearl, about the size of a pigeon's egg,
+valued at one hundred and sixty thousand dollars.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was urged to establish his colony upon this river, which has
+variously been conjectured to have been the St. Helena, the Oconee,
+the Ogeechee, and the Savannah. The country was beautiful and fertile;
+the climate delightful; and apparently an inexhaustible pearl fishery
+near. It was urged that an agricultural colony could be established on
+the fertile banks of the river, while from the seaport at its mouth a
+lucrative trade could be carried on with the mother country for all
+the rich productions of Spain.</p>
+
+<p>But the persistent spirit of De Soto was not to be turned from its one
+great all-absorbing object, the search for gold. He urged, and with
+great show of reason, that, in consequence of the recent pestilence,
+there was not sufficient provision in the country, to support the army
+for a month; that by continuing their march they might enter far
+richer provinces, and might find mines of gold. Should <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>they be
+disappointed, they could easily return; and in the meantime, the
+Indians having replanted their land, the fields would wave with
+abundant golden harvests.</p>
+
+<p>In an army of eight or nine hundred Spanish adventurers, there would
+of course be many worthless characters, difficult of restraint. De
+Soto had been in this village several weeks. Notwithstanding all his
+endeavors to promote peace and friendship, several broils had arisen
+between the natives and some of the low and degraded of his soldiery.
+The conduct of these vile men had produced a general feeling of
+ill-will among the natives. Even the princess herself manifested
+estrangement. She had become distant and reserved, and was evidently
+desirous that her no longer welcome guests should take their speedy
+departure. There were some indications that the princess so far
+distrusted the Spaniards that, like her more prudent mother, she was
+about secretly to escape from them by flight.</p>
+
+<p>This would leave the Spaniards in a very embarrassed condition. They
+needed guides to conduct them through the extended territory of the
+princess. Heavily armed as they were, they needed porters to carry
+their burdens of extra clothing and provisions. The flight of the
+princess would be the signal for the natives, all over the territory,
+to rise in a war of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span>attempted extermination. The queen mother would
+doubtless do everything in her power to rouse and stimulate this
+hostility. The Spaniards thus assailed on every side, destitute of
+guides, without porters to carry their baggage, and with but little
+food, would find themselves compelled in self-defence, to cut their
+way, with blood-dripping sabres, through their foes, to rob their
+granaries, and to leave behind them a path strown with the dead, and
+filled with misery.</p>
+
+<p>Again De Soto found himself in a false position. Again he felt
+constrained to do that which his own conscience told him was unjust.
+The only possible way, as it seemed to him, by which he could obtain
+extrication from these awful difficulties, was to seize the person of
+the princess, his friend and benefactor, and hold her as a captive to
+secure the good behavior of her subjects. He knew that their love for
+her was such that so long as she was in his power, they would not
+enter upon any hostile movement which might bring down vengeance upon
+her head.</p>
+
+<p>If De Soto had accepted the spirit of the noble letter from Isabella,
+and had said, "I will no longer persevere in this invasion of the
+lands of others, which is always plunging me more and more deeply into
+difficulties,"&mdash;had he said frankly to the friendly <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span>princess, "I have
+decided to return to my home, and I solicit your friendly co&ouml;peration
+to assist me on my way;" and had he made her a present, in token of
+his gratitude, of some of those articles with which he could easily
+have parted, and which were of priceless value to her, he might
+doubtless have retired unmolested. Instead of this he followed the
+infamous example which Pizarro had set him in Peru.</p>
+
+<p>He appointed a guard, who were directed to keep a constant watch upon
+the princess, so that she could by no possibility escape; at the same
+time he informing her, in the most courteous tones, that the
+protection of his army and of her own people rendered it necessary
+that she should accompany him on his march. He held her in silken
+chains, treating her with the utmost delicacy and deference. The
+princess had sufficient shrewdness to affect compliance with this
+arrangement. It certainly accomplished the desired effect. All strife
+between the natives and the Spaniards ceased, a sufficient body of
+porters accompanied the army, and its march was unimpeded. A beautiful
+palanquin was provided for the princess, and the highest honors were
+lavished upon her.</p>
+
+<p>Colonel A. J. Pickett, in his interesting and very carefully prepared
+History of Alabama, speaking of the locality of this village where De
+Soto tarried <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>so long, and encountered so many adventures, says:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"He entered the territory of the present Georgia at its southwestern
+border, and successively crossing the Ockmulgee, Oconee, and Ogeechee,
+finally rested on the banks of the Savannah, immediately opposite the
+modern Silver Bluff. On the eastern side was the town of Cutifachiqui,
+where lived an Indian queen, young, beautiful, and unmarried, and who
+ruled the country around to a vast extent. In 1736 George Golphin,
+then a young Irishman, established himself as an Indian trader at this
+point, and gave the old site of Cutifachiqui the name of Silver Bluff.
+The most ancient Indians informed him that this was the place where De
+Soto found the Indian princess; and this tradition agrees with that
+preserved by other old traders, and handed down to me."</p></div>
+
+<p>According to this statement the village of Cutifachiqui was on the
+eastern bank of the Savannah river, in Barnwell county, in the State
+of South Carolina. On the morning of the 4th of May, 1540, De Soto
+again put his army in motion, taking with him the beautiful queen and
+her retinue of plumed warriors. All this country was then called
+Florida. The army advanced rapidly up the eastern bank of the Savannah
+river, where <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span>they forded the stream, and, again entering the present
+State of Georgia, traversed nearly its whole breadth until they
+reached the head waters of the Coosa river. Here, at the confluence of
+the Oostanaula and Etowa rivers, they found a large Indian town called
+Chiaha, near the present site of Rome.</p>
+
+<p>While on the march across the State of Georgia, the queen, probably
+dreading to be carried captive beyond her own domain, and aided by an
+understanding with her retinue, leaped from the palanquin and
+disappeared in a dense forest through which they were passing. De Soto
+never saw her or heard from her again. Undoubtedly a band of her
+warriors were in rendezvous there to receive her.</p>
+
+<p>For five days the adventurers pressed along as rapidly as possible,
+over a hilly country about sixty miles in breadth. Though well
+watered, and abounding in beautiful valleys, luxuriant with mulberry
+groves and rich prairies, it seemed to be quite uninhabited. Having
+crossed this mountainous region, they reached a populous district
+called Guachule. The chief had received an intimation of the approach
+of the Spaniards, and that they came as messengers of peace and not of
+war. When De Soto and his band, led by native guides whom they had
+picked up by the way, had arrived <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>within two miles of the village of
+the chief, they discovered him approaching them with a retinue of five
+hundred plumed warriors, adorned with glittering robes and weapons in
+the highest style of semi-barbaric display. The chief was
+unembarrassed, dignified, and courtly in his address. He received De
+Soto with truly fraternal kindness, escorted him to his village, which
+consisted of three hundred spacious houses, in a beautiful valley of
+running streams at the base of adjacent hills.</p>
+
+<p>The dwelling of the chief was upon a spacious artificial mound, the
+summit of which was sufficiently broad for the large edifice, leaving
+a terrace all around it about twelve feet in breadth. Here De Soto
+remained four days, enjoying the hospitality of the friendly Cacique.</p>
+
+<p>Resuming their journey, the army marched down the banks of a large
+stream, supposed to be the Etowa, which empties into the Coosa. For
+five days they continued their march through an uninteresting country,
+almost destitute of inhabitants, until, having traversed, as they
+supposed, about ninety miles, they came in sight of a large village,
+called Chiaha.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, having arrived opposite the great town of Chiaha, which
+probably occupied the present <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span>site of Rome, crossed the Oostanaula in
+canoes, and upon rafts made of logs, prepared by the Indians, and took
+up his quarters in the town. The noble young chief received De Soto
+with unaffected joy, and made him the following address:</p>
+
+<p>"Mighty Chief:&mdash;Nothing could have made me so happy as to be the means
+of serving you and your warriors. You sent me word from Guaxule to
+have corn collected to last your army two months. Here I have twenty
+barns full of the best which the country can afford. If I have not met
+your wishes respect my tender age, and receive my good-will to do for
+you whatever I am able."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor responded in a kind manner, and was then conducted to the
+chief's own house, prepared for his accommodation. The confluence of
+the Oostanaula and Etowa at this point forms the Coosa. Here De Soto
+remained for a fortnight, recruiting his wearied men and his still
+more exhausted horses. It was bright and balmy summer, and the
+soldiers encamping in a luxuriant mulberry grove a little outside of
+the town, enjoyed, for a season, rest and abundance. De Soto, as
+usual, made earnest inquiries for gold. He was informed that about
+thirty miles north of him there were mines of copper, and also of some
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span>metal of the color of copper, but finer, brighter, and softer; and
+that the natives sometimes melted them together in their manufacture
+of barbs, spearheads, and hatchets.</p>
+
+<p>This intelligence excited De Soto with new hopes. He had occasionally
+met on his way natives with hatchets composed of copper and gold
+melted together. As the province, which was called Chisca, was
+separated from Chiaha by a pathless wilderness which horses could not
+traverse, De Soto sent two of his most trusty followers on an
+exploring tour through the region, conducted by Indian guides. After
+an absence of ten days they returned with the disappointing report
+that they found nothing there but copper of different degrees of
+purity.</p>
+
+<p>The rivers in the vicinity of Chiaha seem to have abounded with pearl
+oysters, and large numbers of beautiful pearls were obtained. The
+natives nearly spoiled them all by boring them through with a red-hot
+rod, that they might string them as bracelets. One day the Cacique
+presented De Soto with a string of pearls six feet in length, each
+pearl as large as a filbert. These gems would have been of almost
+priceless value but for the action of fire upon them.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto expressed some curiosity to see how <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>the pearls were obtained.
+The Cacique immediately dispatched forty canoes down the river to fish
+during the night for pearl oysters. In the morning De Soto accompanied
+the Cacique to the banks of the river where the oysters were
+collected. Large fires were built, and the oysters placed upon the
+glowing coals. The heat opened them, and the pearls were sought for.
+From some of the first thus opened ten or twelve pearls were obtained,
+about the size of peas. They were all, however, more or less injured
+by the heat. Col. Pickett says that the oyster mentioned was the
+muscle, to be found in all the rivers of Alabama.</p>
+
+<p>Again De Soto commenced his journey, leaving the friendly chief and
+his people well contented with the presents he made them of gayly
+colored cloths, knives, and other trinkets. Following the banks of the
+Coosa to the west they soon entered what is now the State of Alabama,
+and on the second of July came to a large native town named Acoste.
+The tribe, or nation, inhabiting this region, was famed for its
+martial prowess. The Cacique, a fierce warrior, did not condescend to
+advance to meet De Soto, but at the head of fifteen hundred of his
+soldiers, well armed and gorgeously uniformed, awaited in the public
+square the approach of the Spanish chief. De Soto encamped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span>his army
+just outside of the town, and, with a small retinue, rode in to pay
+his respects to the Cacique.</p>
+
+<p>Some of the vagabond soldiers straggled into the city, and were guilty
+of some outrages, which led the natives to fall upon them. De Soto,
+with his accustomed presence of mind, seized a cudgel and assisted the
+natives in fighting the Spaniards, while at the same moment he
+dispatched a courier to summon the whole army to his rescue. Peace was
+soon established, but there was some irritation on both sides. The
+next morning De Soto was very willing to leave the neighborhood, and
+the chief was not unwilling to have him.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto crossed the river Coosa to the eastern banks, and journeying
+along in a southerly direction, at the rate of about twelve miles a
+day, passed over a fertile and populous region, nearly three hundred
+miles in extent. It is supposed his path led through the present
+counties of Benton, Talladega, Coosa, and Tallapoosa, in Alabama.
+Throughout the whole route they were treated by the natives with the
+most profuse hospitality, being fed by them liberally, and supplied
+with guides to lead them from one village to another. The province
+which De Soto was thus traversing, and which was far-famed for its
+beauty and fertility, was called Coosa.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span></p><div class="blockquot"><p>"With a delightful climate, and abounding in fine meadows and
+beautiful little rivers, this region was charming to De Soto and
+his followers. The numerous barns were full of corn, while acres
+of that which was growing bent to the warm rays of the sun and
+rustled in the breeze. In the plains were plum trees, peculiar to
+the country, and others resembling those of Spain. Wild fruit
+clambered to the tops of the loftiest trees, and lower branches
+were laden with delicious Isabella grapes."<a name="FNanchor_E_5" id="FNanchor_E_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_E_5" class="fnanchor">[E]</a></p></div>
+
+<p>This is supposed to have been the same native grape, called the
+Isabella, which has since been so extensively cultivated.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>The Dreadful Battle of Mobila.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Army in Alabama.&mdash;Barbaric Pageant.&mdash;The Chief of
+Tuscaloosa.&mdash;Native Dignity.&mdash;Suspected Treachery of the
+Chief.&mdash;Mobila, its Location and Importance.&mdash;Cunning of the
+Chief.&mdash;The Spaniards Attacked.&mdash;Incidents of the
+Battle.&mdash;Disastrous Results.</p></div>
+
+<p>On the 15th of July, 1540, the army came in sight of the metropolitan
+town of the rich and populous province through which it was passing.
+The town, like the province, bore the name of Coosa. The army had
+travelled slowly, so that the native chief, by his swift footmen, had
+easily kept himself informed of all its movements. When within a mile
+or two of Coosa, De Soto saw in the distance a very splendid display
+of martial bands advancing to meet him. The friendly greeting he had
+continually received disarmed all suspicion of a hostile encounter.</p>
+
+<p>The procession rapidly approached. At its head was the chief, a young
+man twenty-six years of age, of admirable figure and countenance,
+borne in a chair palanquin upon the shoulders of four of his warriors.
+A thousand soldiers, in their most gaudy <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span>attire, composed his train.
+As they drew near, with the music of well-played flutes, with regular
+tread, their mantles and plumes waving in the breeze, all the
+Spaniards were alike impressed with the beauty of the spectacle. The
+chief himself was decorated with a mantle of rich furs gracefully
+thrown over his shoulders. His diadem was of plumes very brilliantly
+colored. He addressed De Soto in the following speech:</p>
+
+<p>"Mighty chief, above all others of the earth. Although I come now to
+receive you, yet I received you many days ago deep in my heart. If I
+had the whole world it would not give me as much pleasure as I now
+enjoy at the presence of yourself and your incomparable warriors. My
+person, lands, and subjects are at your service. I will now march you
+to your quarters with playing and singing."<a name="FNanchor_F_6" id="FNanchor_F_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_F_6" class="fnanchor">[F]</a></p>
+
+<p>De Soto made a suitable response. Then the two armies, numbering, with
+their attendants, more than two thousand men, commenced their march
+toward the town. The native chief was borne in his palanquin, and De
+Soto rode on his magnificent charger by his side. The royal palace was
+assigned to De Soto, and one-half of the houses in the town were
+appropriated to the soldiers for their lodgings.</p>
+
+<p>The town of Coosa, which consisted of five hundred <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span>houses, was
+situated on the east bank of the river of the same name, between two
+creeks now known as Talladega and Tallasehatchee. During a residence
+of twelve days in this delightful retreat, some slight disturbance
+arose between some of the natives and some of the Spanish soldiers. It
+was, however, easily quelled by the prudence and friendly disposition
+of the chief and the Governor. Indeed, the native chief became so
+attached to De Soto as to urge him to establish his colony there. Or
+if he could not consent to that arrangement, at least to spend the
+winter with him.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"But De Soto," writes Mr. Irving, "was anxious to arrive at the bay of
+Achusi, where he had appointed Captain Diego Maldonado to meet him in
+the autumn. Since leaving the province of Xuala he had merely made a
+bend through the country, and was now striking southerly for the
+sea-coast."</p></div>
+
+<p>On the 20th of August the Spanish army, after having spent twenty-five
+days at Coosa, was again in movement. The chief of Coosa, and a large
+body of his warriors, accompanied De Soto to their frontiers,
+evidently as a friendly retinue. The Portuguese Narrative makes the
+incredible assertion that they were all prisoners, compelled to follow
+the army for its protection and as guides. With much more probability
+it is represented that one of the chief's <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span>subordinate officers on the
+frontier was in a state of insurrection, and that upon that account
+the chief gladly accompanied the Spaniards, hoping to overawe his
+refractory subjects by appearing among them with such formidable
+allies.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards now entered the territory of Tuscaloosa, who was the
+most warlike and powerful chieftain of all the southern tribes. His
+domain comprised nearly the whole of the present States of Alabama and
+Mississippi. The Tuscaloosa, or Black Warrior river, flowed through
+one of the richest of his valleys. Though there were no mails or
+telegraphs in those days, Indian runners conveyed all important
+intelligence with very considerable rapidity. The chief had heard of
+the approach of the Spaniards, and the annalists of those days say, we
+know not with what authority, that he hesitated whether to receive
+them as friends or foes. Whatever may have been his secret thoughts,
+he certainly sent his son, a young man of eighteen, with a retinue of
+warriors, to meet De Soto with proffers of friendship.</p>
+
+<p>The young ambassador was a splendid specimen of manhood, being taller
+than any Spaniard or Indian in the army, and admirably formed for both
+strength and agility. In his bearing he was self-possessed and
+courteous, appearing like a gentleman <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span>accustomed to polished society.
+De Soto was much impressed by his appearance and princely manners. He
+received him with the utmost kindness, made him several valuable
+presents, and dismissed him with friendly messages to his father,
+stating that he cordially accepted of his friendship, and would
+shortly visit him.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto then crossed the river Tuscaloosa, or Black Warrior, having
+first taken an affectionate leave of the Cacique of Coosa, who had
+accompanied him to this frontier river. A journey of two days brought
+the Spaniards to within six miles of the large village where the chief
+of Tuscaloosa was awaiting their arrival. As they reached this spot in
+the evening, they encamped for the night in a pleasant grove. Early
+the next morning De Soto sent forward a courier to apprise the chief
+of his arrival, and set out soon after himself, accompanied by a
+suitable retinue of horsemen.</p>
+
+<p>The chief had, however, by his own scouts, kept himself informed of
+every movement of the Spaniards. He had repaired with a hundred of his
+nobles, and a large band of warriors, to the summit of a hill, over
+which the route of the Spaniards led, and which commanded a
+magnificent prospect of the country for many leagues around. He was
+seated on a chair of state, and a canopy of parti-colored <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span>deerskin,
+very softly tanned, and somewhat resembling a large umbrella, was held
+over his head. His chief men were arranged respectfully and in order
+near him, while at a little distance his warriors were posted in
+martial bands. The whole spectacle, crowning the smooth and verdant
+hill, presented a beautiful pageant.</p>
+
+<p>The Cacique was about forty years of age, and of gigantic proportions,
+being, like his son, nearly a head taller than any of his attendants.
+He was well-formed, and his countenance indicated perfect
+self-possession, intelligence, and great firmness. The sight of the
+cavaliers approaching with their silken banners, their glittering
+armor, and bestride their magnificent steeds, must have been
+astounding in the highest degree to one who had never seen a quadruped
+larger than a dog. But the proud chief assumed an air of imperturbable
+gravity and indifference.</p>
+
+<p>One would have supposed that he had been accustomed to such scenes
+from his childhood. He did not deign even to look upon the horsemen,
+though some of them endeavored to arrest his attention by causing the
+animals to prance and rear. Without taking the slightest notice of the
+cavaliers who preceded De Soto, his eye seemed instantly to discern
+the Governor. As he approached, the chief <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span>courteously arose, and
+advanced a few steps to meet him. De Soto alighted from his horse, and
+with Spanish courtesy embraced the chieftain, who, with great dignity,
+addressed him in the following words:</p>
+
+<p>"Mighty chief, I bid you welcome. I greet you as I would my brother.
+It is needless to talk long. What I have to say can be said in a few
+words. You shall know how willing I am to serve you. I am thankful for
+the things you have sent me, chiefly because they were yours. I am now
+ready to comply with your desires."</p>
+
+<p>This interview, it is supposed, took place in the present county of
+Montgomery, Alabama. The whole party then returned to the village, De
+Soto and the chief walking arm in arm. A spacious house was assigned
+to De Soto and his suite by the side of that occupied by the Cacique.</p>
+
+<p>After a rest of two days in the village, enjoying the rather cold and
+reserved, but abundant hospitality of the chief, the Spaniards
+continued their march. The chief, either for his own pleasure or by
+persuasion, was induced to accompany him. The most powerful horse in
+the army was selected to bear his herculean frame; and yet it is said
+that when the Cacique bestrode him his feet almost touched the ground.
+De Soto had made him a present of a dress and mantle of rich scarlet
+cloth <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span>Thus habited and mounted, with his towering plumes, he
+attracted all eyes. The two chieftains rode side by side. Their route
+led through the counties of Montgomery, Lowndes, and the southeastern
+part of Dallas, until they came to a large town called Piache, upon
+the Alabama river. This stream they passed on rafts of log and cane,
+probably in the upper part of the county of Wilcox. The expedition
+then turned in a southerly direction, following down the western bank
+of the Alabama through Wilcox county.</p>
+
+<p>The Indian chief continued proud and distant; was observed to be
+frequently consulting with his principal men, and often dispatching
+runners in different directions. De Soto was led to suspect that some
+treachery was meditated. Two of the Spaniards, who had wandered a
+little distance in the woods, disappeared, and were never heard of
+again. It was suspected that they had been killed by the natives. The
+Cacique being questioned upon the subject, angrily and contemptuously
+replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you ask me about your people? Am I their keeper?"</p>
+
+<p>These suspicions led De Soto to keep a close watch upon the chief.
+This was done secretly, while still friendly relations were maintained
+between them. It was more than probable that the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span>chief was himself a
+spy in the Spanish camp, and that he was treacherously gathering his
+powerful armies at some favorable point where he could effectually
+annihilate the Spaniards, and enrich himself with all their
+possessions of armor and horses. It was therefore a matter of
+prudence, almost a vital necessity, for De Soto to throw an invisible
+guard around the chieftain, that all his movements might be narrowly
+observed, and that he might not take to sudden flight. With him in
+their hands as a hostage, the hostility of his warriors might,
+perhaps, be effectually arrested.</p>
+
+<p>They were now approaching the town of Mobila, which was the capital of
+the Tuscaloosa kingdom. This town was probably situated at a place now
+called Choctaw Bluff, on the north or western side of the Alabama
+river, in the county of Clarke. At that point the Spaniards were at a
+distance of about twenty-five miles above the confluence of the
+Alabama and the Tombigbee, and about eighty-five miles from the bay of
+Pensacola. The town was beautifully situated upon a spacious plain,
+and consisted of eighty very large houses; each one of which, it was
+stated, would accommodate a thousand men.</p>
+
+<p>As they approached this important place, De Soto sent forward some
+very reliable couriers, to observe <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span>if there were any indications of
+conspiracy. Early in the morning of the eighteenth of October, 1540,
+De Soto with the advance guard of his army, consisting of one hundred
+footmen, all picked men, accompanied by the Cacique, entered the
+streets of Mobila. Mr. Irving gives the following interesting account
+of this important capital:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"This was the stronghold of the Cacique, where he and his
+principal men resided. It stood in a fine plain, and was
+surrounded by a high wall, formed of huge trunks of trees
+driven into the ground, side by side, and wedged together.
+These were crossed, within and without, by others, small and
+longer, bound to them by bands made of split reeds and wild
+vines. The whole was thickly plastered over with a kind of
+mortar, made of clay and straw trampled together, which
+filled up every chink and crevice of the wood-work, so that
+it appeared as if smoothed with a trowel. Throughout its
+whole circuit, the wall was pierced at the height of a man
+with loopholes, whence arrows might be discharged at an
+enemy, and at every fifty paces, it was surmounted by a
+tower capable of holding seven or eight fighting men."</p></div>
+
+<p>As De Soto and the chief, accompanied by the advance guard of the
+Spanish army, and a numerous train of Indian warriors, approached the
+walls, a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span>large band of native soldiers, in compact martial array, and
+as usual gorgeously decorated, emerged from one of the gates. They
+were preceded by a musical band, playing upon Indian flutes, and were
+followed by a group of dancing girls, remarkably graceful and
+beautiful. As we have mentioned, De Soto, and the Cacique in his
+scarlet uniform, rode side by side. Traversing the streets, the whole
+band arrived in the central square. Here they alighted, and all the
+horses were led outside the walls to be tethered and fed.</p>
+
+<p>The chief then, through Juan Ortiz, the interpreter, pointed out to De
+Soto one of the largest houses for the accommodation of himself and
+suite. Another adjoining house was appropriated to the servants and
+attendants. Cabins were also immediately reared just outside the walls
+for the accommodation of the main body of the army.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was somewhat anxious in view of this arrangement. It was
+effectually separating him from his soldiers, and was leaving the
+Cacique entirely at liberty. Some words passed between the chief and
+the Governor, which led to an angry reply on the part of the Cacique,
+who turned upon his heel and retired to his own palace. The main body
+of the army had not yet come up, and if the chief <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span>meditated
+treachery, the moment was very favorable for an attack upon the
+advance guard only.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after the Cacique had left in an angry mood, one of the cavaliers
+whom De Soto had sent forward to examine into the state of affairs,
+entered with the announcement that many circumstances indicated a dark
+and treacherous plot. He said that more than ten thousand warriors,
+all evidently picked men, and thoroughly armed, were assembled in the
+various houses. Not a child was to be found in the town, and scarcely
+a woman, excepting the few dancing girls who had formed a part of the
+escort.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor was much alarmed by these tidings. He dispatched orders
+to all the troops who were with him to be on the alert, and to hold
+themselves in readiness to repel an assault. At the same time he sent
+back a courier to inform Luis De Moscoso, who was master of the
+Spanish camp, of the dangerous posture of affairs. Unfortunately,
+relying upon the friendly spirit of the natives, he had allowed his
+men to scatter widely from the camp, hunting and amusing themselves.
+It was some time before they could be collected.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, anxious to avert a rupture, wished to get the person of the
+Cacique in his power. They had been accustomed since they met to eat
+together. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span>As soon as the attendants of the Governor had prepared some
+refreshments for him, he sent Juan Ortiz to invite the Cacique to join
+him in the repast. The interpreter was not permitted to enter the
+palace, but after a little delay, a messenger announced that the
+Cacique would come pretty soon.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor waited some time, and again sent Ortiz to repeat the
+invitation. Again the interpreter returned with the same response.
+After another interval of waiting, and the Cacique not appearing,
+Ortiz was sent for the third time. Approaching the door of the palace,
+he shouted out, in a voice sufficiently loud to be heard by all
+within, "Tell the chief of Tuscaloosa to come forth. The food is upon
+the table, and the Governor is waiting for him."</p>
+
+<p>Immediately one of the principal attendants of the Cacique rushed out
+in a towering passion, and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Who are these robbers, these vagabonds, who keep calling to my chief
+of Tuscaloosa, 'come out! come out!' with as little reverence as if he
+were one of them? By the sun and moon, this insolence is no longer to
+be borne! Let us cut them to pieces on the spot, and put an end to
+their wickedness and tyranny!"</p>
+
+<p>Uttering these words, he threw off his superb <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span>mantle of marten skins,
+and seizing a bow from the hands of an attendant, drew an arrow to the
+head, aiming at a group of Spaniards in the public square. But before
+the arrow left the bow, a steel-clad cavalier, who had accompanied the
+interpreter, with one thrust of his sword laid the Indian dead at his
+feet. The son of the dead warrior, a vigorous young savage, sprang
+forward and let fly upon the cavalier six or seven arrows, as fast as
+he could draw them. But they all fell harmless from his armor. He then
+seized a club and struck him three or four blows over the head with
+such force that the blood gushed from beneath his casque.</p>
+
+<p>All this was done in an instant, when the cavalier, recovering from
+his surprise, with two sword-thrusts, laid the young warrior dead in
+his blood by the side of his father. It seemed as though
+instantaneously the war-whoop resounded from a thousand throats.</p>
+
+<p>The concealed warriors, ten thousand in number, with hideous yells,
+like swarming bees, rushed into the streets. De Soto had but two
+hundred men to meet them. But these were all admirably armed, and most
+of them protected by coats of mail. He immediately placed himself at
+the head of his troops, and slowly retreating, fighting fiercely every
+inch of the way, with his armored men facing the foe, succeeded <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span>in
+withdrawing through the gate out upon the open plain, where his
+horsemen could operate to better advantage. In the retreat five of the
+Spaniards were killed and many severely wounded, De Soto being one of
+the number.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians came rushing out upon the plain in a tumultuous mass, with
+yells of defiance and victory. But the dragoons soon regained their
+horses, which had been tethered outside the walls, and whose bodies
+were much protected from the arrows of the natives; and then, in a
+terrific charge, one hundred steel-clad men, cutting to the right hand
+and to the left, maddened by the treachery of which they had been the
+victims, plunged into the densest masses of their foes, and every
+sabre-blow was death to a half-naked Indian. The slaughter was awful.
+Brave as the Indians were, they were thrown into a panic, and fled
+precipitately into the town.</p>
+
+<p>In the retreat from the town, about twenty of the Spaniards had been
+cut off from their comrades, and had taken refuge in the house
+assigned to the Governor. Here they valiantly defended themselves
+against fearful odds. The bold storming of the place by the Spanish
+troops rescued them from their perilous position. But now all the
+warriors of both parties crowded together in the public square, fought
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span>hand to hand with a ferocity which could not be surpassed. Though the
+natives were far more numerous than their foes, and were equally brave
+and strong, still the Spaniards had a vast superiority over them in
+their bucklers, their impenetrable armor, and their long, keen sabres
+of steel.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, conscious that the very existence of his army depended upon
+the issue of the conflict, was ever in the thickest of the battle,
+notwithstanding the severity of the wound from which he was suffering.
+At length, to drive his foes from the protection of their houses, the
+torch was applied in many places. The timber of which they were built
+was dry almost as tinder. Soon the whole place was in flames, the
+fiery billows surging to and fro like a furnace. All alike fled from
+the conflagration. The horsemen were already upon the plain, and they
+cut down the fugitive Indians mercilessly.</p>
+
+<p>The sun was then sinking; Mobila was in ruins, and its flaming
+dwellings formed the funeral pyre of thousands of the dead. The battle
+had lasted nine hours. To the Spaniards it was one of the most
+terrible calamities. Eighty-two of their number were slain. Nearly all
+the rest were more or less severely wounded. Forty-five horses had
+been shot&mdash;an irreparable loss which all the army deeply mourned.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span></p><p>In entering the city, they had piled their camp equipage against the
+walls. This was all consumed, consisting of clothing, armor,
+medicines, and all the pearls which they had collected. The disaster
+to the natives was still more dreadful. It is estimated that six
+thousand of their number perished by the sword or the flames. The fate
+of the chieftain is not with certainty known. It is generally supposed
+that he was slain and was consumed in the flames of his capital.</p>
+
+<p>The situation of the Spanish army that night was distressing in the
+highest degree. They were hungry, exhausted, dejected, and seventeen
+hundred dangerous wounds demanded immediate attention. There was but
+one surgeon of the expedition who survived, and he was a man of but
+little skill.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto forgot himself and his wound in devotion to the interests of
+his men. Foraging parties were sent in all directions to obtain food
+for the sufferers, and straw for bedding. Here the army was compelled
+many days to remain to recruit from the awful disaster with which it
+had been so suddenly overwhelmed.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>Days of Darkness.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Melancholy Encampment.&mdash;The Fleet at
+Pensacola.&mdash;Singular Resolve of De Soto.&mdash;Hostility of the
+Natives.&mdash;Beautiful Scenery.&mdash;Winter Quarters on the
+Yazoo.&mdash;Feigned Friendship of the Cacique.&mdash;Trickery of Juan
+Ortiz.&mdash;The Terrible Battle of Chickasaw.&mdash;Dreadful Loss of
+the Spaniards.</p></div>
+
+<p>For twenty-three days the Spaniards remained in their miserable
+quarters, nursing the sick and the wounded. As nearly all their
+baggage had been consumed in the flames, they were in a condition of
+extreme destitution and suffering. Parties, of those who were least
+disabled, were sent on foraging expeditions, penetrating the country
+around to a distance of about twelve miles. They found the villages
+deserted by the terror-stricken inhabitants. But they obtained a
+sufficient supply of food to meet their immediate wants. In the
+thickets and ravines they found the bodies of many Indians, who had
+died of their wounds, and had been left unburied by their companions.
+They also found in many of the deserted hamlets, wounded Indians, who
+could go no farther, and who were in a starving and dying condition.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span>De Soto kindly ordered that their wounds should be dressed, and that
+they should be fed and nursed just as tenderly as his own men. Several
+captives were taken. De Soto inquired of them if another attack were
+meditated. They replied that all their warriors were slain; that none
+were left to renew the battle; that their chief had sent his son to
+watch the movements of the Spaniards, and had summoned his warriors
+from a great distance for their extermination. Nearly all were to be
+slain. The survivors were to be held as slaves. All their possessions
+and especially the magnificent animals they rode, were to be divided
+as the spoils of the conqueror. They said that their chief, upon the
+arrival of De Soto with his advance guard, was holding a council with
+his officers, to decide whether they should immediately attack those
+who had already arrived, or wait until the whole army was within their
+power. The passion and imprudence of one of their generals had
+precipitated the conflict.</p>
+
+<p>The loss of the natives was even greater than De Soto had at first
+imagined. The thousands of Indian warriors who were within the
+spacious houses, shooting their arrows through windows, doors and
+loopholes, were many of them cut off from all escape, by the devouring
+flames. Bewildered, blinded, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span>stifled by the smoke, and encircled by
+the billowy fire, they miserably perished.</p>
+
+<p>While De Soto was thus encamped around the smouldering ruins of
+Mobila, he heard of the arrival of his fleet at Pensacola, then called
+the bay of Achusi. As he was but about one hundred miles from that
+point, an easy march of a few days would bring him to reinforcements
+and abundant supplies. The tidings of their arrival at first gave him
+great satisfaction. His determined spirit was still unvanquished. He
+immediately resolved to establish his colony on the shores of
+Pensacola Bay, whence he could have constant water communication with
+Cuba and with Spain. Having obtained a fresh supply of military stores
+and recruits from the ships, he would recommence his pursuit after
+gold.</p>
+
+<p>While one cannot but condemn his persistence in a ruinous course, the
+invincible spirit it develops wins admiration. Indeed if we accept the
+facts of the affair at Mobila, as above described, and those facts
+seem to be fully corroborated by a careful examination of all the
+reliable annalists of those days, impartial history cannot severely
+condemn De Soto in that dreadful occurrence. But it cannot be denied
+that he would have acted much more wisely, had he followed the counsel
+of Isabella, previously given, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span>and withdrawn from scenes thus fraught
+with violence, cruelty and blood.</p>
+
+<p>As De Soto was conversing with some of his officers, of his plan of
+still prosecuting his journey in search of gold, he was told, not a
+little to his dismay, that his soldiers would not follow him. It was
+said that they were all thoroughly disheartened, and anxious to return
+to their homes, and that immediately upon reaching their ships, they
+would insist upon reembarking, and abandoning a land where they had
+thus far encountered only disasters.</p>
+
+<p>The thought of returning to Cuba an impoverished man, having utterly
+failed in his expedition, surrounded by ragged and clamorous
+followers, and thus in disgrace, was to De Soto dreadful. Not making
+sufficient allowance for the difference in those respects between
+himself and his followers, he found it difficult to credit the
+representations which had been made to him. He therefore dressed
+himself in a disguise, and secretly wandered about by night among the
+frail huts of the soldiers, and soon found, by listening to their
+conversation, his worst fears confirmed. It became clear to his mind
+that immediately on his return to the ships, his present followers
+would disband and shift for themselves, while it would be in vain for
+him to attempt to raise another army.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span></p><p>Speaking of the distress with which these considerations oppressed the
+mind of De Soto, Mr. Irving well says, referring in confirmation of
+his statement, both to the account given by the Portuguese Narrative,
+and that by the Inca:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Should his present forces desert him, therefore, he would
+remain stripped of dignity and command, blasted in
+reputation, his fortune expended in vain, and his
+enterprise, which had caused so much toil and trouble, a
+subject of scoffing rather than renown. The Governor was a
+man extremely jealous of his honor; and as he reflected upon
+these gloomy prospects, they produced sudden and desperate
+resolves. He disguised his anger and his knowledge of the
+schemes he had overheard, but he determined to frustrate
+them by turning back upon the coast, striking again into the
+interior, and never seeking the ships nor furnishing any
+tidings of himself, until he had crowned his enterprise
+gloriously by discovering new regions of wealth like those
+of Peru and Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>"A change came over De Soto from this day. He was
+disconcerted in his favorite scheme of colonization, and had
+lost confidence in his followers. Instead of manifesting his
+usual frankness, energy and alacrity, he became a moody,
+irritable, discontented man. He no longer pretended to
+strike out any grand undertaking, went recklessly wandering
+from place to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span>place, apparently without order or object, as
+if careless of time and life, and only anxious to finish his
+existence."</p></div>
+
+<p>On the morning of the 15th of November, 1540, the troops, much to
+their consternation, received orders to commence their march to the
+north, instead of to the south. The established habits of military
+discipline, and the stern manner of De Soto, repelled all audible
+murmurs. Each soldier took with him two days' provision, which
+consisted mainly of roasted corn pounded into meal. It was not doubted
+that in the fertile region of that sunny clime they would find food by
+the way. But winter was approaching which, though short, would
+certainly bring with it some days and nights of such severe cold that
+an unsheltered army would almost perish.</p>
+
+<p>After traversing a very pleasant country for five days, without
+meeting any adventure of any especial interest, they came to a river
+wide and deep, with precipitous banks, which is supposed to have been
+the Tuscaloosa, or Black Warrior. The point at which they touched this
+stream, upon whose banks they had already encamped, was probably near
+the present site of Erie, in Greene County. Here they found upon the
+farther banks of the river, a populous village called Cabusto. De Soto
+as usual sent a courier with a friendly message to the chief, saying
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span>"that he came in friendship and sought only an unobstructed path
+through his realms."</p>
+
+<p>The chief returned the defiant reply&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"We want no peace with you. War only we want; a war of fire and
+blood."</p>
+
+<p>As De Soto, troubled by this message, moved cautiously forward, he
+found an army of fifteen hundred natives drawn up on the banks of the
+stream to prevent the passage; while the opposite banks were occupied
+by between six and seven thousand warriors, extending up and down the
+river for a distance of six miles. There was nothing for the Spaniards
+to do but to press forward. To turn back, in sight of their foes, was
+not to be thought of. After a pretty sharp skirmish, in which the
+Spaniards attacked their opponents, the natives sprang into their
+canoes, and some by swimming crossed the river and joined the main
+body of the Indians upon the opposite bank.</p>
+
+<p>Here they were obviously prepared, to make a desperate resistance.
+Night came on, dark and chill. The Spaniards bivouacked on the open
+plain, awaiting the morning, when, with but about seven hundred men,
+they were to assail eight thousand warriors, very strongly posted on
+bluffs, with a deep and rapid river flowing at their feet. The Indians
+gave the Spaniards no repose. During the darkness they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span>were
+continually passing the river at different points in their canoes, and
+then uniting in one band, with hideous outcries assailing the weary
+travellers. The military genius of De Soto successfully beat them off
+through the night. He then intrenched himself so as to bid defiance to
+their attacks, and employed one hundred of his most skilful workmen in
+building, under the concealment of a neighboring grove, two very large
+flat boats.</p>
+
+<p>Twelve days passed before these barges were finished. By the aid of
+men and horses, they were brought to the river and launched. In the
+morning, before the dawn, ten mounted horsemen and forty footmen
+embarked in each boat, the footmen to ply the oars as vigorously as
+possible in the rapid passage of the river to a designated spot, where
+the horsemen were immediately to spur their steeds upon the shore, and
+with their sabres open a passage for the rest of the troops. De Soto
+was anxious to pass in the first boat, but his followers entreated him
+not to expose his life, upon which everything depended, to so great a
+peril.</p>
+
+<p>The moment the boats were dimly seen by the watchful natives, a signal
+war-whoop rang along the bank for miles. Five hundred warriors rushed
+to the menaced spot, to prevent the landing. Such a shower of arrows
+was thrown upon the boat that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span>every man was more or less wounded. The
+moment the bows touched the beach, the steel-clad horsemen plunged
+upon the foe, and cut their way through them with blood-dripping
+sabres. Other native warriors were however hurrying to the assistance
+of their comrades. In the meantime the boats had with great rapidity
+recrossed the river, and brought over another detachment of eighty men
+with De Soto himself at their head. After a sanguinary conflict the
+Spaniards obtained complete possession of the landing place. Though
+unimportant skirmishes were kept up through the day, the remaining
+troops were without difficulty brought across the river. At nightfall
+not an Indian was to be seen. They had all withdrawn and fortified
+themselves with palisades in a neighboring swamp.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards found opening before them a beautiful and fertile
+country, well cultivated, with fields of corn and beans, and with many
+small villages and comfortable farm-houses scattered around. They
+broke up their boats for the sake of the nails, which might prove of
+priceless value to them in their future operations. Leaving the
+Indians unmolested in their fortress, they journeyed on five days in a
+westerly direction, when they reached the banks of another large
+river, which is supposed to have been the Tombigbee.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span></p><p>Here De Soto found hostile Indians arrayed on the opposite bank, ready
+to oppose his passage. Anxious to avoid, if possible, any sanguinary
+collision with the natives, he tarried for two days, until a canoe had
+been constructed by which he could send a friendly message across to
+the chief. A single unarmed Indian was dispatched in the canoe with
+these words of peace. He paddled across the river, and as soon as the
+canoe touched the shore the savages rushed upon him, beat out his
+brains with their war-clubs, and raising yells of defiance,
+mysteriously disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>There being no longer any foe to oppose the passage, the troops were
+easily conveyed across on rafts. Unassailed, they marched tranquilly
+on for several days, until, on the 18th of December, they reached a
+small village called Chickasaw. It was pleasantly situated on a gentle
+eminence, embellished with groves of walnut and oak trees, and with
+streams of pure water running on either side. It is supposed that this
+village was on the Yazoo river, in the upper part of the State of
+Mississippi, about two hundred and fifty miles northwest of Mobile.</p>
+
+<p>It was midwinter, and upon those high lands the weather was intensely
+cold. The ground was frequently encumbered with snow and ice, and the
+troops, unprovided with winter clothing, suffered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span>severely. De Soto
+decided to take up his winter quarters at Chickasaw, there to await
+the returning sun of spring. There appears to have been something
+senseless in the wild wanderings in which De Soto was now persisting,
+which have led some to suppose that care, exhaustion, and sorrow had
+brought on some degree of mental derangement. However that may be, he
+devoted himself with great energy to the promotion of the comfort of
+his men. Foraging parties were dispatched in all directions in search
+of food and of straw for bedding, while an ample supply of fuel was
+collected for their winter fires.</p>
+
+<p>There were two hundred comfortable houses in this village, and De Soto
+added a few more, so that all of his men were well sheltered. So far
+as we can judge from the narratives given, the native inhabitants,
+through fear of the Spaniards, had abandoned their homes and fled to
+distant parts. De Soto did everything in his power to open friendly
+relations with the Indians. He succeeded, through his scouts, in
+capturing a few, whom he sent to their chief laden with presents, and
+with assurances of peace and friendship.</p>
+
+<p>The Cacique returned favorable replies, and sent to De Soto in return
+fruit, fish, and venison. He, however, was very careful not to expose
+his person to <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span>the power of the Spaniards. His warriors, in gradually
+increasing numbers, ventured to enter the village, where they were
+treated by De Soto with the greatest consideration. He had still quite
+a large number of swine with him, for they had multiplied wonderfully
+on the way. The Indians, having had a taste of pork, found it so
+delicious that they began to prowl around the encampment by night to
+steal these animals. It is said that two Indians who were caught in
+the act were shot, and as this did not check the thievery, a third had
+both his hands chopped off with a hatchet, and thus mutilated was sent
+to the chief as a warning to others.</p>
+
+<p>It is with great reluctance that we give any credence to this
+statement. It certainly is not sustained by any evidence which would
+secure conviction in a court of justice. It is quite contrary to the
+well-established humanity of De Soto. There can be no possible excuse
+for such an act of barbarity on the part of any civilized man. If De
+Soto were guilty of the atrocity, it would, indeed, indicate that his
+reason was being dethroned.</p>
+
+<p>The chief had taken up his residence about three or four miles from
+the village. Four of the Spanish soldiers one night, well armed, stole
+from their barracks, in direct violation of orders, and repairing to
+the dwelling of the Cacique, robbed him of some rich <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span>fur mantles, and
+other valuable articles of clothing. With that even-handed justice
+which has thus far characterized De Soto, he who had ordered two
+Indians to be shot for stealing his swine, now ordered the two
+ringleaders in this robbery of the Indian chief to be put to death.</p>
+
+<p>The priests in the army, and most of the officers, earnestly implored
+De Soto to pardon the culprits. But he was inflexible. He would
+administer equal justice to the Indian and the Spaniard. The culprits
+were led into the public square to be beheaded. It so happened that,
+just at that time, an embassage arrived from the Cacique with
+complaints of the robbery, and demanding the punishment of the
+offenders. Juan Ortiz, the interpreter, whose sympathies were deeply
+moved in behalf of his comrades about to be executed, adopted the
+following singular and sagacious expedient to save them:</p>
+
+<p>He falsely reported to the Governor that the chief had sent his
+messengers to implore the forgiveness of the culprits&mdash;to say that
+their offence was a very slight one, and that he should regard it as a
+personal favor if they were pardoned and set at liberty. The
+kind-hearted De Soto, thus delivered from his embarrassment, gladly
+released them.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, the tricky interpreter sent word to the Cacique
+that the men who had robbed <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span>him were in close imprisonment, and that
+they would be punished with the utmost severity, so as to serve as a
+warning to all others.</p>
+
+<p>Many circumstances led De Soto to the suspicion that the chief was
+acting a treacherous part; that he was marshalling an immense army in
+the vicinity to attack the Spaniards; that his pretended friendliness
+was intended merely to disarm suspicion, and that the warriors who
+visited the village were spies, making preparation for a general
+assault. In this judgment subsequent events proved him to be correct.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the month of March there was a dark and stormy night, and a
+chill north wind swept the bleak plains. The sentinels were driven to
+seek shelter; no one dreamed of peril. It was the hour for the grand
+assault. Just at midnight the Cacique put his martial bands in motion.
+They were in three powerful divisions, the central party being led by
+the chief in person. These moccasoned warriors, with noiseless tread,
+stealthily approached their victims. Suddenly the air resounded with
+war-whoops, blasts of conch shells, and the clangor of wooden drums,
+rising above the roar of the storm, when the savages, like spirits of
+darkness, rushed upon the defenceless village. They bore with them
+lighted matches, made of some combustible substance twisted <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span>in the
+form of a cord, which, being waved in the air, would blaze into flame.
+The village was built of reeds, with thatch of dried grass. The torch
+was everywhere applied; the gale fanned the fire. In a few minutes the
+whole village was a roaring furnace of flame.</p>
+
+<p>What pen can describe the scene which ensued of tumult, terror, blood,
+and woe! What imagination can conceive of the horrors of that night,
+when uncounted thousands of savages, fierce as demons, rushed upon the
+steel-clad veterans of Spain, not one of whom would ask for quarter!
+every one of whom would fight with sinewy arm and glittering sabre to
+the last possible gasp.</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could throw the veteran Spaniards into a panic. They always
+slept prepared for surprise. In an instant every man was at his post.
+De Soto, who always slept in hose and doublet, drew his armor around
+him, mounted his steed ever ready, and was one of the first to dash
+into the densest of the foe. Twelve armored horsemen were immediately
+at his side. The arrows and javelins of the natives glanced harmless
+from helmet and cuirass, while every flash of the long, keen sabres
+was death to an Indian, and the proud war-horses trampled the corpses
+beneath their feet.</p>
+
+<p>The fierce conflagration soon drove all alike out <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span>into the plain.
+Many of the Spaniards could not escape, but perished miserably in the
+fire. Several of the splendid horses were also burned. Soon all were
+engaged hand to hand, fighting in a tumultuous mass by the light of
+the conflagration. There was, perhaps, alike bravery on either side.
+But the natives knew that if defeated they could flee to the forests;
+while to the Spaniards defeat was certain death, or captivity worse
+than death to every one.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto observed not far from him an Indian chief of herculean
+strength, who was fighting with great success. He closed in upon him,
+and as he rose in his saddle, leaning mainly upon the right stirrup,
+to pierce him with his lance, the saddle, which in the haste had not
+been sufficiently girded, turned beneath him, and he was thrown upon
+the ground in the midst of the enemy. His companions sprang to the
+rescue. Instantly he remounted, and was again in the thickest of the
+foe. The battle was fierce, bloody, and short. So many of the horsemen
+had perished during their long journey that many of the foot soldiers
+were protected by armor. At length the savages were put to flight.
+Pursued by the swift-footed horses, they, in their terror, to add
+speed to their footsteps, threw away their weapons, and thus fell an
+easy prey to the conqueror.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards, justly exasperated in being thus <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span>treacherously
+assailed by those who had assumed the guise of friendship, pursued the
+fugitives so long as they could be distinguished by the light of the
+conflagration, and cut them down without any mercy. A bugle-blast then
+sounded the recall. The victors returned to an awful scene of
+desolation and misery. Their homes were all in ashes, and many of the
+few comforts they had retained were consumed. Forty Spaniards had been
+slain, besides many more wounded. Fifty horses had perished in the
+flames, or had been shot by the natives. Their herd of swine, which
+they prized so highly, and which they regarded as an essential element
+in the establishment of their colony, had been shut up in an enclosure
+roofed with straw, and nearly every one had perished in the flames.</p>
+
+<p>This disaster was the most severe calamity which had befallen them.
+Since landing at Tampa Bay, over three hundred men had fallen from the
+attacks of the natives. De Soto was thrown into a state of the deepest
+despondency. All hope seemed to be extinguished. World-weary, and in
+despair, he apparently wished only to die. Distress was all around
+him, with no possibility of his affording any relief. Sadly he buried
+the dead of his own army, while he left the bodies of the natives
+thick upon the plain, a prey for wolves and vultures. The smouldering
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span>ruins of Chickasaw were abandoned, and an encampment was reared of
+logs and bark at a distance of about three miles; where they passed a
+few weeks of great wretchedness. Bodily discomfort and mental
+despondency united in creating almost intolerable gloom.</p>
+
+<p>Terribly as the natives had been punished they soon learned the extent
+of the calamity they had inflicted upon the Spaniards. Through their
+spies they ascertained their diminished numbers, witnessed their
+miserable plight, and had the sagacity to perceive that they were very
+poorly prepared to withstand another attack. Thus they gradually
+regained confidence, marshalled their armies anew, and commenced an
+incessant series of assaults, avoiding any general action, and yet
+wearing out the Spaniards with the expectation of such action every
+hour of every night.</p>
+
+<p>In the daytime, De Soto sent out his horsemen to scour the country
+around in all directions for a distance of ten or twelve miles. They
+would return with the declaration that not a warrior was to be found.
+But before midnight the fleet footed savages would be swarming around
+the encampment, with hideous yells, often approaching near enough to
+throw in upon it a shower of arrows. Occasionally these skirmishes
+became hotly contested. In one <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span>of them forty Indians were slain,
+while two of the horses of the Spaniards were killed and two severely
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p>In their thin clothing the Spaniards would have suffered terribly from
+the severe cold of the nights, but for the ingenuity of one of their
+number, who invented a soft, thick, warm matting or coverlet which he
+wove from some long grass that abounded in the vicinity. Every soldier
+was speedily engaged in the manufacture of these beds or blankets.
+They were made several inches in thickness and about six feet square.
+One half served as a mattress, and the other folded over, became a
+blanket. Thus they were relieved from the cold, which otherwise would
+have been almost unendurable.</p>
+
+<p>The foraging parties succeeded in obtaining a supply of corn, beans,
+and dried fruit. Here De Soto was compelled to remain, to heal his
+wounded, for the remainder of the month of March. He was very anxious
+to escape from the hostile region as soon as possible. As an
+illustration of the scenes which were occurring almost every night
+during this sad encampment, we may mention the following.</p>
+
+<p>The night was cold and dark. The defiant war-cries of the savages were
+heard in all directions and no one could tell how great their numbers,
+or upon what point their attack would fall. Several camp-fires <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span>were
+built, around which horsemen were assembled ready to meet the foe from
+whatever point, in the darkness, he might approach. Juan De Gusman was
+the leader of one of these bands. He was a cavalier of high renown. In
+figure, he was delicate, almost feminine, but he had the soul of a
+lion.</p>
+
+<p>By the light of the blazing fagots, he discerned a numerous band of
+Indians stealthily approaching. Leaping upon his horse, and followed
+by five companions, and a few armored footmen, he plunged into the
+midst of them. He aimed his javelin, at apparently the leader of the
+savages, a man of gigantic stature. The Indian wrenched the lance from
+his hand, seized him by the collar, and hurled him from his saddle to
+the ground. Instantly the soldiers rushed in, with their sabers, cut
+the savage to pieces and after a short conflict in which a large
+number of the natives were slain, put the rest to flight.</p>
+
+<p>It may seem strange that so few of the Spaniards were killed in these
+terrible conflicts, in which they often cut down hundreds and even
+thousands of their foes. But it should be remembered that their coats
+of mail quite effectually protected them from the flint pointed arrows
+of the Indians. The only vulnerable point was the face, and even this
+was sometimes shielded by the visor. But the bodies of the natives,
+thinly clad, were easily cut down by the steel blades of the
+cavaliers.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>The Discovery of the Mississippi.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>The Fortress of Hostile Indians.&mdash;Its Capture.&mdash;The
+Disastrous Conflict.&mdash;The Advance of the Army.&mdash;Discovery of
+the Mississippi River.&mdash;Preparations for
+Crossing.&mdash;Extraordinary Pageants.&mdash;Unjustifiable
+Attack.&mdash;The passage of the River.&mdash;Friendly Reception by
+Casquin.&mdash;Extraordinary Religious Festival.</p></div>
+
+<p>On the first day of April, 1541, the army broke up its encampment, and
+again set out languidly on its journey to the westward. No sounds of
+joy were heard, for there was no longer hope to cheer. The indomitable
+energy of De Soto dragged along the reluctant footsteps of his troops.
+The first day they travelled about twelve miles, through a level and
+fertile country with many villages and farm houses to charm the eye.
+At night they encamped beyond the territory of Chickasaw, and
+consequently supposed that they would no longer be molested, by those
+hostile Indians.</p>
+
+<p>A well armed party of cavalry and infantry was sent out on a foraging
+expedition. They accidently approached a strong fortress where a large
+number of Indian warriors was assembled, prepared to resist <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span>their
+march. They were very fantastically clothed, and painted in the
+highest style of barbaric art, so as to render them as hideous as
+possible. Immediately upon catching sight of the Spaniards they rushed
+out upon them with ferocious cries. A&ntilde;asco, who was in command of the
+Spanish party, seeing such overwhelming numbers coming upon him,
+retreated to an open field, where he drew up his horses and placed his
+cross-bow men in front with their bucklers, to protect the precious
+animals. At the same time he sent hastily back to De Soto for
+reinforcements.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians came rushing on, clashing their weapons, beating wooden
+drums and raising the war-whoop, till they arrived within reach of the
+arrows of the cross-bow men. Then, somewhat appalled by the formidable
+military array of the Spaniards glittering in steel armor, they
+stopped and taunted their foes from the distance, with cries of
+defiance and gestures of insolence and insult.</p>
+
+<p>The hot-headed A&ntilde;asco found it hard to restrain his impatience. Soon
+De Soto himself came, with all his force, except a few left to guard
+the camp. Carefully he scrutinized the fortress where these savages
+had gathered their strength to crush him. It was indeed a formidable
+structure: consisting of a quadrangle twelve hundred feet square.
+There were three entrance gates, purposely so low that mounted men
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span>could not enter. In the rear of the fortress there was a deep and
+rapid river with steep banks, probably the Yazoo; in the county of
+Tallahatchee. The fort was called the Alabama. Across this stream,
+frail bridges were constructed, over which the Indians, in case of
+necessity, could retreat, and easily destroy the bridges behind them.
+Directly in the rear of the front entrance, there was a second wall,
+and in the rear of that a third; so that if the outer wall were
+gained, the garrison could retreat behind one and the other.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto very carefully reconnoitred the fort. He judged that the
+slightest appearance of timidity, on his part, would so embolden the
+savages as to expose him to great peril. Should he avoid the conflict,
+to which he was challenged, and endeavor to escape, by fleeing before
+his enemies, he would draw them down upon him with resistless fury.
+Thus again he found himself impelled to rouse all the energies of his
+army for the slaughter of the poor savages.</p>
+
+<p>He formed his attacking force in three columns, to seize the three
+entrances. The Indians, carefully noting these preparations, made a
+simultaneous rush upon the Spaniards, pouring in upon them an
+incessant volley of flint-pointed arrows. Notwithstanding the armor,
+many of the Spaniards were wounded, the savages taking careful aim at
+those parts which were least protected. The three storming columns
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span>pressed vigorously on, while two bands of horsemen, twenty in each,
+De Soto leading one of them, attacked the tumultuous foe on each
+flank. The assault was resistless. The panic-stricken savages fled to
+the fortress. The entrances were clogged by the crowd, and horsemen
+and footmen, with their long sharp sabres cut down their foes with
+enormous slaughter.</p>
+
+<p>In the heat of the conflict an arrow, thrown by the sinewy arm of an
+Indian, struck the steel casque of De Soto with such force that it
+rebounded some sixteen feet in the air. The blow was so severe that it
+almost unhorsed the Governor, and seemingly caused, as he afterwards
+said, the fire to flash from his eyes. As the savages rushed pell-mell
+into the fortress, their pursuers were at their heels, cutting them
+down. The Spaniards were exasperated. They had sought peace, and had
+found only war. De Soto had wished, in a friendly spirit, to traverse
+their country, and they were hedging up his way and pursuing him with
+relentless ferocity. He assumed that it was necessary, for the
+salvation of his army, to teach them a lesson which they would not
+soon forget.</p>
+
+<p>The carnage within the fortress was dreadful. All was inextricable
+confusion. It was a hand-to-hand fight. Wooden swords fell harmless
+upon helmet, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span>cuirass and buckler. But the keen and polished steel of
+the Spaniards did fearful execution upon the almost naked bodies of
+the Indians. Some climbed the palisades and leaped down into the
+plain, where they were instantly slain by the mounted troops. Others
+crowded through the fort and endeavored to escape by the narrow
+bridges. Many were jostled off, and in the swift current were drowned.
+But a few moments elapsed ere the fort was in the hands of the
+Spaniards. Its floor was covered by the gory bodies of the slain.
+Still, not a few had escaped, some by swimming, some by the bridges.
+They immediately formed in battle array upon the opposite bank of the
+river, where they supposed they were beyond the reach of the
+Spaniards.</p>
+
+<p>Again they raised shouts of defiance and insult. De Soto was not in a
+mood to endure these taunts. Just above the fort he found a ford.
+Crossing with a squadron of horsemen, they rushed with gleaming sabres
+upon the savages, and put them instantly to flight. For more than
+three miles they pursued them over the plain, till wearied with
+slaughter. They then returned, victors, slowly and sadly to their
+encampment. Peace and friendship would have been far preferable to
+this war and misery. Even their victory was to the Spaniards a great
+disaster, for several of the men were slain, and many severely
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span>wounded. Of the latter, fifteen subsequently died. De Soto remained
+four days in the encampment, nursing the wounded, and then resumed his
+weary march.</p>
+
+<p>He still directed his footsteps in a westerly direction, carefully
+avoiding an approach to the sea, lest his troops should rise in
+mutiny, send for the ships, and escape from the ill-starred
+enterprise. This certainly indicates, under the circumstances, an
+unsound, if not a deranged mind. For four days the troops toiled along
+through a dismal region, uninhabited, and encumbered with tangled
+forests and almost impassable swamps.</p>
+
+<p>At length they came to a small village called Chisca, upon the banks
+of the most majestic stream they had yet discovered. Sublimely the
+mighty flood, a mile and a half in width, rolled by them. The current
+was rapid and bore upon its bosom a vast amount of trees, logs, and
+drift-wood, showing that its sources must be hundreds of leagues far
+away, in the unknown interior. This was the mighty Mississippi, the
+'father of waters.' The Indians, at that point, called it Chucagua.
+Its source and its embouchure were alike unknown to De Soto. Little
+was he then aware of the magnitude of the discovery he had made.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"De Soto," says Mr. Irving, "was the first European <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span>who looked out
+upon the turbid waters of this magnificent river; and that event has
+more surely enrolled his name among those who will ever live in
+American history, than if he had discovered mines of silver and gold."</p></div>
+
+<p>The Spaniards had reached the river after a four days' march through
+an unpeopled wilderness. The Indians of Chisca knew nothing of their
+approach, and probably had never heard of their being in the country.
+The tribe inhabiting the region of which Chisca was the metropolis,
+was by no means as formidable, as many whom they had already
+encountered. The dwelling of the Cacique stood on a large artificial
+mound, from eighteen to twenty feet in height. It was ascended by two
+ladders, which could of course be easily drawn up, leaving the royal
+family thus quite isolated from the people below.</p>
+
+<p>Chisca, the chieftain, was far advanced in years, a feeble, emaciate
+old man of very diminutive stature. In the days of his prime, he had
+been a renowned warrior. Hearing of the arrival of the Spaniards, he
+was disposed to regard them as enemies, and seizing his tomahawk, he
+was eager to descend from his castle and lead his warriors to battle.</p>
+
+<p>The contradictory statements are made that De Soto, weary of the
+harassing warfare of the winter, was very anxious to secure the
+friendship of these <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span>Indians. Unless he were crazed, it must have been
+so, for there was absolutely nothing to be gained, but everything to
+be imperilled, by war. On the other hand, it is said that the moment
+the Spaniards descried the village, they rushed into it, plundering
+the houses, seizing men and women as captives. Both statements may
+have been partially true. It is not improbable that the disorderly
+troops of De Soto, to his great regret, were guilty of some outrages,
+while he personally might have been intensely anxious to repress this
+violence and cultivate only friendly relations with the natives.</p>
+
+<p>But whatever may have been the hostile or friendly attitude assumed by
+the Spaniards, it is admitted that the Cacique was disposed to wage
+war against the new comers. The more prudent of his warriors urged
+that he should delay his attack upon them until he had made such
+preparations as would secure successful results.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be best first," said they, "to assemble all the warriors of
+our nation, for these men are well armed. In the meantime, let us
+pretend friendship and not provoke an attack until we are strong
+enough to be sure of victory."</p>
+
+<p>The irascible old chief was willing only partially to listen to this
+advice. He delayed the conflict, but did not disguise his hostility.
+De Soto sent to him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span>a very friendly message, declaring that he came
+in peace and wished only for an unmolested march through his country.
+The Cacique returned an angry reply, refusing all courteous
+intercourse.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards had been but three hours in the village when, to their
+surprise, they perceived an army of four thousand warriors, thoroughly
+prepared for battle, gathered around the mound upon which was reared
+the dwelling of the chief. If so many warriors could be assembled in
+so short a time, they feared there must be a large number in reserve
+who could be soon drawn in. The Spaniards, in their long marches and
+many battles, had dwindled away to less than five hundred men. Four
+thousand against five hundred were fearful odds; and yet the number of
+their foes might speedily be doubled or even quadrupled. In addition
+to this, the plains around the city were exceedingly unfavorable for
+the movements of the Spanish army, while they presented great
+advantages to the nimble-footed natives, for the region was covered
+with forests, sluggish streams and bogs.</p>
+
+<p>By great exertions, De Soto succeeded in effecting a sort of
+compromise. The Cacique consented to allow the Spaniards to remain for
+six days in the village to nurse the sick and the wounded. Food was to
+be furnished them by the Cacique. At the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span>end of six days the
+Spaniards were to leave, abstaining entirely from pillage, from
+injuring the crops, and from all other acts of violence.</p>
+
+<p>The Cacique and all the inhabitants of the village abandoned the
+place, leaving it to the sole occupancy of the Spaniards. April, in
+that sunny clime, was mild as genial summer. The natives, with their
+simple habits, probably found little inconvenience in encamping in the
+groves around. On the last day of his stay, De Soto obtained
+permission to visit the Cacique. He thanked the chief cordially for
+his kindness and hospitality, and taking an affectionate leave,
+continued his journey into the unknown regions beyond.</p>
+
+<p>Ascending the tortuous windings of the river on the eastern bank, the
+Spaniards found themselves, for four days, in almost impenetrable
+thickets, where there were no signs of inhabitants. At length they
+came to quite an opening in the forest. A treeless plain, waving with
+grass, spread far and wide around them. The Mississippi river here was
+about half a league in width. On the opposite bank large numbers of
+Indians were seen, many of them warriors in battle array, while a
+fleet of canoes lined the shore.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto decided, for some unexplained reason, to cross the river at
+that point, though it was evident that the Indians had in some way
+received tidings <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span>of his approach, and were assembled there to dispute
+his passage. The natives could easily cross the river in their canoes,
+but they would hardly venture to attack the Spaniards upon the open
+plain, where there was such a fine opportunity for the charges of
+their cavalry.</p>
+
+<p>Here De Soto encamped for twenty days, while all who could handle
+tools were employed in building four large flat boats for the
+transportation of the troops across the stream. On the second day of
+the encampment, several natives from some tribe disposed to be
+friendly, on the eastern side of the river, visited the Spaniards.
+With very much ceremony of bowing and semi-barbaric parade, they
+approached De Soto, and informed him that they were commissioned by
+their chief to bid him welcome to his territory, and to assure him of
+his friendly services. De Soto, much gratified by this message,
+received the envoys with the greatest kindness, and dismissed them
+highly pleased with their reception.</p>
+
+<p>Though this chief sent De Soto repeated messages of kindness, he did
+not himself visit the Spanish camp, the alleged reason being, and
+perhaps the true one, that he was on a sick bed. He, however, sent
+large numbers of his subjects with supplies of food, and to assist the
+Spaniards in drawing the timber to construct their barges. The hostile
+Indians <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span>on the opposite bank frequently crossed in their canoes, and
+attacking small bands of workmen, showered upon them volleys of
+arrows, and fled again to their boats.</p>
+
+<p>One day the Spaniards, while at work, saw two hundred canoes filled
+with natives, in one united squadron, descending the river. It was a
+beautiful sight to witness this fleet, crowded with decorated and
+plumed warriors, their paddles, ornaments, and burnished weapons
+flashing in the sunlight. They came in true military style: several
+warriors standing at the bows and stern of each boat, with large
+shields of buffalo hides on their left arms, and with bows and arrows
+in their hands. De Soto advanced to the shore to meet them, where he
+stood surrounded by his staff. The royal barge containing the chief
+was paddled within a few rods of the bank. The Cacique then rose, and
+addressed De Soto in words which were translated by the interpreter as
+follows:</p>
+
+<p>"I am informed that you are the envoy of the most powerful monarch on
+the globe. I have come to proffer to you friendship and homage, and to
+assure you of my assistance in any way in which I can be of service."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto thanked him heartily for his offers, and entreated him to
+land, assuring him he should meet <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span>only the kindest reception. The
+following extraordinary account of the termination of this interview,
+a termination which seems incredible, is given in the "Conquest of
+Florida:"</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The Cacique returned no answer, but sent three canoes on
+shore with presents of fruit, and bread made of the pulp of
+a certain kind of plum. The Governor again importuned the
+savage to land, but perceiving him to hesitate, and
+suspecting a treacherous and hostile intent, marshalled his
+men in order of battle. Upon this the Indians turned their
+prows and fled.</p>
+
+<p>"The cross-bowmen sent a flight of arrows after them, and
+killed five or six of their number. They retreated in good
+order, covering the rowers with their shields. Several times
+after this they landed to attack the soldiers, as was
+supposed, but the moment the Spaniards charged upon them
+they fled to their canoes."</p></div>
+
+<p>If this account be true, the attack by the Spaniards was as
+inexcusable as it was senseless. At the end of twenty days the four
+barges were built and launched. In the darkness of the night De Soto
+ordered them to be well manned with rowers and picked troops of tried
+prudence and courage. The moment the bows touched the beach the
+soldiers sprang ashore, to their surprise encountering no resistance.
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span>The boats immediately returned for another load. Rapidly they passed
+to and fro, and before the sun went down at the close of that day, the
+whole army was transported to the western bank of the Mississippi. The
+point where De Soto and his army crossed, it is supposed, was at what
+is called the lowest Chickasaw Bluff.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The river in this place," says the Portuguese Narrative, "was a mile
+and a half in breadth, so that a man standing still could scarcely be
+discerned from the opposite shore. It was of great depth, of wonderful
+rapidity, and very turbid, and was always filled with floating trees
+and timber, carried down by the force of the current."</p></div>
+
+<p>The army having all crossed, the boats were broken up, as usual, to
+preserve the nails. It would seem that the hostile Indians had all
+vanished, for the Spaniards advanced four days in a westerly
+direction, through an uninhabited wilderness, encountering no
+opposition. On the fifth day they toiled up a heavy swell of land,
+from whose summit they discerned, in a valley on the other side, a
+large village of about four hundred dwellings. It was situated on the
+fertile banks of a stream, which is supposed to have been the St.
+Francis.</p>
+
+<p>The extended valley, watered by this river, presented a lovely view as
+far as the eye could reach, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span>with luxuriant fields of Indian corn and
+with groves of fruit trees. The natives had received some intimation
+of the approach of the Spaniards, and in friendly crowds gathered
+around them, offering food and the occupancy of their houses. Two of
+the highest chieftains, subordinate to the Cacique, soon came with an
+imposing train of warriors, bearing a welcome from their chief and the
+offer of his services.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto received them with the utmost courtesy, and in the interchange
+of these friendly offices, both Spaniards and natives became alike
+pleased with each other. The adventurers remained in this village for
+six days, finding abundant food for themselves and their horses, and
+experiencing in the friendship and hospitality of the natives, joys
+which certainly never were found in the horrors of war. The province
+was called by the name of Kaska, and was probably the same as that
+occupied by the Kaskaskias Indians.</p>
+
+<p>Upon commencing anew their march they passed through a populous and
+well cultivated country, where peace, prosperity and abundance seemed
+to reign. In two days, having journeyed about twenty miles up the
+western bank of the Mississippi, they approached the chief town of the
+province where the Cacique lived. It was situated, as is supposed, in
+the region now called Little Prairie, in the extreme <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span>southern part of
+the State of Missouri, not far from New Madrid. Here they found the
+hospitable hands of the Cacique and his people extended to greet them.</p>
+
+<p>The residence of the chief stood upon a broad artificial mound,
+sufficiently capacious for twelve or thirteen houses, which were
+occupied by his numerous family and attendants. He made De Soto a
+present of a rich fur mantle, and invited him, with his suite, to
+occupy the royal dwellings for their residence. De Soto politely
+declined this offer, as he was unwilling thus to incommode his kind
+entertainer. He, however, accepted the accommodation of several houses
+in the village. The remainder of the army were lodged in exceedingly
+pleasant bowers, skilfully, and very expeditiously constructed by the
+natives, of bark and the green boughs of trees, outside the village.</p>
+
+<p>It was now the month of May. The weather was intensely hot, and these
+rustic bowers were found to be refreshingly cool and grateful. The
+name of this friendly chief was Casquin. Here the army remained for
+three days, without a ripple of unfriendly feeling arising between the
+Spaniards and the natives.</p>
+
+<p>It was a season of unusual drouth in the country, and on the fourth
+day the following extraordinary incident occurred: Casquin,
+accompanied by quite <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span>an imposing retinue of his most distinguished
+men, came into the presence of De Soto, and stepping forward, with
+great solemnity of manner, said to him,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Se&ntilde;or, as you are superior to us in prowess and surpass us in arms,
+we likewise believe that your God is better than our God. These you
+behold before you are the chief warriors of my dominions. We
+supplicate you to pray to your God to send us rain, for our fields are
+parched for the want of water."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, who was a reflective man, of pensive temperament and devoutly
+inclined, responded,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"We are all alike sinners, but we will pray to God, the Father of
+mercies, to show his kindness to you."</p>
+
+<p>He then ordered the carpenter to cut down one of the tallest pine
+trees in the vicinity. It was carefully trimmed and formed into a
+perfect, but gigantic cross. Its dimensions were such, that it
+required the strength of one hundred men to raise and plant it in the
+ground. Two days were employed in this operation. The cross stood upon
+a bluff, on the western bank of the Mississippi. The next morning
+after it was reared, the whole Spanish army was called out to
+celebrate the erection of the cross, by a solemn religious procession.
+A large number of the natives, with apparent devoutness, joined in the
+festival.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span></p><p>Casquin and De Soto took the lead, walking side by side. The Spanish
+soldiers and the native warriors, composing a procession of more than
+a thousand persons, walked harmoniously along as brothers, to
+commemorate the erection of the cross&mdash;the symbol of the Christian's
+faith. The Cross! It should be the emblem of peace on earth and good
+will among men. Alas! how often has it been the badge of cruelty and
+crime.</p>
+
+<p>The priests, for there were several in the army, chanted their
+Christian hymns, and offered fervent prayers. The Mississippi at this
+point is not very broad, and it is said that upon the opposite bank
+twenty thousand natives were assembled, watching with intensest
+interest the imposing ceremony, and apparently, at times, taking part
+in the exercises. When the priests raised their hands in prayer, they,
+too, extended their arms and raised their eyes, as if imploring the
+aid of the God of heaven and of earth.</p>
+
+<p>Occasionally a low moan was heard wafted across the river&mdash;a wailing
+cry, as if woe-stricken children were imploring the aid of an Almighty
+Father. The spirit of De Soto was deeply moved to tenderness and
+sympathy as he witnessed this benighted people paying such homage to
+the emblem of man's redemption. After several prayers were offered,
+the whole procession, slowly advancing two by two, knelt <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span>before the
+cross, as in brief ejaculatory prayer, and kissed it. All then
+returned with the same solemnity to the village, the priests chanting
+the grand anthem, "Te Deum Laudamus."</p>
+
+<p>Thus more than three hundred years ago the cross, significant of the
+religion of Jesus, was planted upon the banks of the Mississippi, and
+the melody of Christian hymns was wafted across the silent waters, and
+was blended with the sighing of the breeze through the tree-tops. It
+is sad to reflect how little of the spirit of that religion has since
+been manifested in those realms in man's treatment of his brother man.</p>
+
+<p>It is worthy of especial notice that upon the night succeeding this
+eventful day clouds gathered, and the long-looked-for rain fell
+abundantly. The devout Las Casas writes:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"God, in his mercy, willing to show these heathen that he listeneth to
+those who call upon him in truth, sent down, in the middle of the
+ensuing night, a plenteous rain, to the great joy of the Indians."</p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>Vagrant Wanderings.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Trickery of Casquin.&mdash;The March to Capaha.&mdash;The Battle and
+its Results.&mdash;Friendly Relations with Capaha.&mdash;The Return
+Journey.&mdash;The Marsh Southward.&mdash;Salt Springs.&mdash;The Savages
+of Tula.&mdash;Their Ferocity.&mdash;Anecdote.&mdash;Despondency of De
+Soto.</p></div>
+
+<p>It is painful to recall the mind from these peaceful, joy-giving,
+humanizing scenes of religion, to barbaric war&mdash;its crime, carnage,
+and misery. It is an affecting comment upon the fall of man, that far
+away in this wilderness, among these tribes that might so have blessed
+and cheered each other by fraternal love, war seems to have been the
+normal condition. After a residence of nine days in this village,
+beneath truly sunny skies, in the enjoyment of abundance, and cheered
+by fruits, flowers, and bird-songs, the Spanish army again commenced
+its march in the wild and apparently senseless search for gold.</p>
+
+<p>The Cacique, Casquin, was about fifty years of age. He begged
+permission to accompany De Soto to the next province, with his whole
+army in its best military array, and with a numerous band of
+attendants <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span>to carry provisions and to gather wood and fodder for the
+encampments. De Soto cheerfully accepted this friendly offer. But he
+soon found that it was hatred, not love, which was the impelling
+motive; that the chief was incited by a desire to make war, not to
+cultivate peace. The chief of the next province was a redoubtable
+warrior named Capaha. His territories were extensive; his subjects
+numerous and martial. Time out of mind there had been warfare between
+these two provinces, the subjects of each hating each other
+implacably.</p>
+
+<p>Capaha had in recent conflicts been quite the victor, and Casquin
+thought this a good opportunity, with the Spaniards for his powerful
+allies, to take signal vengeance upon his foe. Of this De Soto, at the
+time, knew nothing.</p>
+
+<p>The army commenced its march. There were five thousand native warriors
+who accompanied him, plumed, painted, and armed in the highest style
+of savage art. There were three thousand attendants, who bore the
+supplies, and who were also armed with bows and arrows. Casquin, with
+his troops, took the lead; wishing, as he said, to clear the road of
+any obstructions, to drive off any lurking foes, and to prepare at
+night the ground for the comfortable encampment of the Spaniards. His
+troops were in a good state of military discipline, and marched in
+well <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span>organized array about a mile and a half in advance of the
+Spaniards.</p>
+
+<p>Thus they travelled for three uneventful days, until they reached an
+immense swamp, extending back unknown miles from the Mississippi. This
+was the frontier line which bordered the hostile provinces of Casquin
+and Capaha. Crossing it with much difficulty, they encamped upon a
+beautiful prairie upon the northern side. A journey of two days
+through a sparsely inhabited country brought them to the more fertile
+and populous region of the new province. Here they found the capital
+of the Cacique. It was a well fortified town of about five hundred
+large houses, situated upon elevated land, which commanded an
+extensive view of the country around. One portion of the town was
+protected by a deep ditch, one hundred and fifty feet broad. The
+higher portion was defended by a strong palisade. The ditch, or canal,
+connected with the Mississippi river, which was nine miles distant.</p>
+
+<p>Capaha, hearing suddenly of the arrival of so formidable a force, fled
+down the canal in a curve, to an island in the river, where he
+summoned his warriors to meet him as speedily as possible. Casquin,
+marching as usual a mile and a half in advance, finding the town
+unprotected, and almost abandoned, entered and immediately commenced
+all the ravages <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span>of savage warfare. One hundred men, women and
+children, caught in the place, were immediately seized, the men killed
+and scalped, the women and boys made captives. To gratify their
+vengeance, they broke into the mausoleum, held so sacred by the
+Indians, where the remains of all the great men of the tribe had been
+deposited. They broke open the coffins, scattered the remains over the
+floor and trampled them beneath their feet.</p>
+
+<p>It is said that Casquin, would have set fire to the mausoleum, and
+laid it and the whole village in ashes, but that he feared that he
+might thus incur the anger of De Soto. When the Governor arrived and
+saw what ravages had been committed by those who had come as his
+companions, friends and allies, he was greatly distressed. Immediately
+he sent envoys to Capaha on the island, assuring him of his regret in
+view of the outrages; that neither he, nor his soldiers, had in the
+slightest degree participated in them, and that he sought only
+friendly relations with the Cacique.</p>
+
+<p>Capaha, who was a proud warrior, and who had retired but for a little
+time that he might marshal his armies to take vengeance on the
+invaders, returned an indignant and defiant answer; declaring that he
+sought no peace; but that he would wage war to the last extremity.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span></p><p>Again De Soto found himself in what may be called a false position.
+The chief Capaha and his people were exasperated against him in the
+highest degree. The nation was one of the most numerous and powerful
+on the Mississippi. Should the eight thousand allies, who had
+accompanied him from Kaska, and who had plunged him into these
+difficulties, withdraw, he would be left entirely at the mercy of
+these fierce warriors. From ten to twenty thousand might rush upon his
+little band, now numbering but about four hundred, and their utter
+extermination could hardly be doubtful. Under these circumstances he
+decided to attempt to conquer a peace. Still he made other efforts,
+but in vain, to conciliate the justly enraged chieftain. He then
+prepared for war. However severely he may be censured for this
+decision, it is the duty of the impartial historian to state those
+facts which may in some degree modify the severity of judgment.</p>
+
+<p>A large number of canoes were prepared, in which two hundred Spaniards
+and three thousand Indians embarked to attack Capaha upon his island,
+before he had time to collect a resistless force of warriors. They
+found the island covered with a dense forest, and the chief and his
+troops strongly intrenched. The battle was fought with great fury, the
+Spanish soldiers performing marvellous feats of bravery, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span>strength and
+endurance. The warriors of Capaha, who fought with courage equal to
+that of the Spaniards, and struck such dismay into the more timid
+troops of Casquin, that they abandoned their allies and fled
+tumultuously to their canoes, and swiftly paddled away.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto, thus left to bear the whole brunt of the hostile army, was
+also compelled to retreat. He did this in good order, and might have
+suffered terribly in the retreat but for the singular and, at the
+time, unaccountable fact that Capaha withdrew his warriors and allowed
+the Spaniards to embark unmolested. It would seem that the sagacious
+chieftain, impressed by the wonderful martial prowess displayed by the
+Spaniards, and by the reiterated proffers of peace and friendship
+which had been made to him, and despising the pusillanimity of the
+troops of Casquin, whom he had always been in the habit of conquering,
+thought that by detaching the Spaniards from them he could convert De
+Soto and his band into friends and allies. Then he could fall upon the
+Indian army, and glut his vengeance, by repaying them tenfold for all
+the outrages they had committed.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, the next morning, four ambassadors of highest rank
+visited the Spanish encampment. De Soto and Casquin were together. The
+ambassadors <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[Pg 321]</a></span>bowed to De Soto with profound reverence, but
+disdainfully took no notice whatever of Casquin. The speaker then
+said,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"We have come, in the name of our chief, to implore the oblivion of
+the past and to offer to you his friendship and homage."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto was greatly relieved by the prospect of this termination of
+the difficulties in which he had found himself involved. He treated
+the envoys with great affability, reciprocated all their friendly
+utterances, and they returned to Capaha highly pleased with their
+reception.</p>
+
+<p>Casquin was very indignant. He did everything in his power to excite
+the hostility of De Soto against Capaha, but all was in vain. The
+Governor was highly displeased with the trick Casquin had played upon
+him, in setting out on a military expedition under the guise of an
+honorary escort. He despised the cowardice which Casquin's troops had
+evinced in the battle, and he respected the courage which Capaha had
+exhibited, and the frankness and magnanimity of his conduct. He
+therefore issued orders to his own and the native army that no one
+should inflict any injury whatever, either upon the persons or the
+property of the natives of the province. He allowed Casquin to remain
+in his camp and under his protection for a few days, but compelled
+<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[Pg 322]</a></span>him to send immediately home the whole body of his followers,
+retaining merely enough vassals for his personal service.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning Capaha himself, accompanied by a train of one hundred
+of his warriors, fearlessly returned to his village. He must have had
+great confidence in the integrity of De Soto, for by this act he
+placed himself quite in the power of the Spaniards. Immediately upon
+entering the village, he visited the desecrated mausoleum of his
+ancestors, and in silent indignation repaired, as far as possible, the
+injury which had been done. He then proceeded to the headquarters of
+De Soto. The Spanish Governor and Casquin were seated together.</p>
+
+<p>Capaha was about twenty-six years of age, of very fine person and of
+frank and winning manners. With great cordiality he approached De
+Soto, reiterating his proffers of friendship, and his earnest desire
+that kindly feelings should be cherished between them. Casquin he
+treated with utter disdain, paying no more attention to him than if he
+had not been present. For some time the Indian Cacique and the Spanish
+Governor conversed together with perfect frankness and cordiality. A
+slight pause occurring in their discourse, Capaha fixed his eyes
+sternly for a moment upon Casquin and said, in tones of strong
+indignation,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[Pg 323]</a></span></p><p>"You, Casquin, undoubtedly exult in the thought that you have revenged
+your past defeats. This you never could have done through your own
+strength. You are indebted to these strangers for what you have
+accomplished. Soon they will go on their way. But we shall be left in
+this country as we were before. We shall then meet again. Pray to the
+gods that they may send us good weather."</p>
+
+<p>De Soto humanely did everything in his power to promote reconciliation
+between the hostile chieftains. But all was in vain. Though they
+treated each other with civility, he observed frequent interchanges of
+angry glances.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards found, in this town, a great variety of valuable skins
+of deer, panthers, buffalo and bears. Taught by the Indians, the
+Spaniards made themselves very comfortable moccasons of deerskin, and
+also strong bucklers, impervious to arrows, of buffalo hide.</p>
+
+<p>After making minute and anxious inquiries for gold, and ascertaining
+that there was none to be found in that direction, De Soto turned his
+desponding steps backwards to Kaska. Here he remained for four days,
+preparing for a march to the southward. He then continued his progress
+nine days down the western bank of the river, until, on the fourth of
+August, he reached a province called Quigate. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[Pg 324]</a></span>His path had led him
+through a populous country, but the Indians made no attempt to molest
+his movements. It is supposed that Quigate must have been on the White
+river, about forty or fifty miles from its mouth. Here De Soto learned
+that, faraway in the northwest there was a range of mountains, and
+there he thought might perhaps be the gold region of which he had so
+long been in search.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately he put his soldiers in motion, led by a hope which was
+probably rejected by every mind in the army, except his own. A single
+Indian guide led them on a weary tramp for many days, through dreary
+morasses and tangled forests. They at length came to a village called
+Coligoa, which is supposed to have been upon the banks of White river.
+The natives at first fled in terror at their approach, but as no
+hostility was manifested by the Spaniards, they soon gained
+confidence, and returned with kind words and presents. But there was
+no gold there, and no visions of gold in the distance.</p>
+
+<p>The chief informed De Soto that there was a very rich and populous
+province about thirty miles to the south, where the inhabitants were
+in the enjoyment of a great abundance of the good things of life.
+Again the Spaniards took up their line of march in that direction.
+They found a fertile and quite thickly inhabited country on their
+route. The Indians <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[Pg 325]</a></span>were friendly, and seemed to have attained a
+degree of civilization superior to that of most of the tribes they had
+as yet visited. The walls of the better class of houses were hung with
+deerskins, so softly tanned and colored that they resembled beautiful
+tapestry. The floors were also neatly carpeted with richly decorated
+skins.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards seem to have travelled very slowly, for nine days were
+occupied in reaching Tanico, in the Cayas country, which was situated
+probably upon Saline river, a branch of the Washita. Here they found
+some salt springs, and remained several days to obtain a supply of
+salt, of which they were greatly in need. Turning their steps towards
+the west, still groping blindly, hunting for gold, they journeyed four
+days through a barren and uninhabited region, when suddenly they
+emerged upon a wide and blooming prairie.</p>
+
+<p>In the centre, at the distance of about a couple of miles, between two
+pleasant streams, they saw quite a large village. It was mid-day, and
+the Governor encamped his army in the edge of the grove, on the
+borders of the plain. In the afternoon, with a strong party of horse
+and foot, he set out upon a reconnoitering excursion. As he approached
+the village the inhabitants, men and women, sallied forth and attacked
+him with great ferocity. De Soto was <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[Pg 326]</a></span>not a man ever to turn his back
+upon his assailants. The Spaniards drew their sabres, and, all being
+in armor, and led by charges of the horsemen, soon put the tumultuous
+savages to flight, and pursued them pell-mell into the village.</p>
+
+<p>The natives fought like tigers from doors, windows, and housetops. The
+exasperated Spaniards, smarting with their wounds, and seeing many of
+their comrades already slain, cut down their foes remorselessly. The
+women fell before their blows as well as the men, for the women fought
+with unrelenting fierceness which the Spaniards had never seen
+surpassed. Night came on while the battle still raged, with no
+prospect of its termination. De Soto withdrew his troops from the
+village, much vexed at having allowed himself to be drawn into so
+useless a conflict, where there was nothing to be gained, and where he
+had lost several valuable men in killed, while many more were wounded.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning De Soto put his whole army in motion and advanced
+upon the village. They found it utterly abandoned. Strong parties were
+sent out in all directions to capture some of the natives, that De
+Soto might endeavor to enter into friendly relations with them. But it
+seemed impossible to take any one alive. They were as untamable and as
+savage as bears and wolves, fighting against <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[Pg 327]</a></span>any odds to the last
+gasp. Both women and men were exceedingly ill-looking, with shapeless
+heads, which were said to have been deformed by the compression of
+bandages in infancy. The province was called Tula, and the village was
+situated, it is supposed, between the waters of the upper Washita and
+the little Missouri.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards remained in the village four days, when suddenly, in the
+darkness of midnight, the war-whoop resounded from three different
+directions, and three large bands of native warriors, who had so
+stealthily approached as to elude the vigilance of the sentinels,
+plunged into the village in a simultaneous attack. Egyptian darkness
+enveloped the combatants, and great was the confusion, for it was
+almost impossible to distinguish friend from foe. The Spaniards, to
+avoid wounding each other, incessantly shouted the name of the Virgin.
+The savages were armed with bows and arrows and with javelins, heavy,
+sharp-pointed, and nine or ten feet in length, which could be used
+either as clubs or pikes. Wielded by their sinewy arms, in a
+hand-to-hand fight, the javelin proved a very formidable weapon.</p>
+
+<p>The battle raged with unintermitted fury till the dawn of the morning.
+The savages then, at a given signal, fled simultaneously to the woods.
+The Spaniards did not pursue them. Thoroughly armored as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[Pg 328]</a></span>they were,
+but four of their number were killed, but many were severely wounded.
+It was nearly twenty days before the wounded were so far convalescent
+that the army could resume its march. The following incident
+illustrates the almost unexampled ferocity of these barbaric warriors:</p>
+
+<p>The morning after the battle a large number of the Spanish soldiers,
+thoroughly armed, were exploring the fields around the village, on
+foot and on horseback. Three foot soldiers and two mounted men were in
+company. One of them saw in a thicket an Indian raise his head and
+immediately conceal it. The foot soldier ran up to kill him. The
+savage rose, and with a ponderous battle-axe which he had won from the
+Spaniards the day before, struck the shield of the Spaniard with such
+force as to cut it in two, at the same time severely wounding his arm.
+The blow was so violent and the wound so severe, that the soldier was
+rendered helpless. The savage then rushed upon another of the foot
+soldiers, and in the same way effectually disabled him.</p>
+
+<p>One of the horsemen, seeing his companions thus roughly handled, put
+spurs to his steed and charged upon the Indian. The savage sprang to
+the trunk of an oak tree, whose low hanging branches prevented the
+near approach of the trooper. Watching his opportunity, he sprang
+forth and struck the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[Pg 329]</a></span>horse such a terrible blow with his axe as to
+render the animal utterly incapable of moving. Just at this moment the
+gallant Gonsalvo Sylvestre came up. The Indian rushed upon him,
+swinging his battle-axe in both hands; but Sylvestre warded the blow
+so that the axe glanced over his shield and buried its edge deeply in
+the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Instantly the keen sabre of Sylvestre fell upon the savage, laying
+open his face and breast with a fearful gash, and so severing his
+right hand from the arm that it hung only by the skin. The desperate
+Indian, seizing the axe between the bleeding stump and the other hand,
+attempted to strike another blow. Again Sylvestre warded off the axe
+with his shield, and with one blow of his sword upon the waist of the
+naked Indian so nearly cut his body in two that he fell dead at his
+feet.</p>
+
+<p>During the time the Spaniards tarried in Tula many foraging excursions
+were sent out to various parts of the province. The region was
+populous and fertile, but it was found impossible to conciliate in any
+degree the hostile inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>Again the soldiers were in motion. They directed their steps towards
+the northwest, towards a province named Utiangue, which was said to be
+situated on the borders of a great lake, at the distance of about two
+hundred and forty miles. They hoped <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[Pg 330]</a></span>that this lake might prove an arm
+of the sea, through which they could open communications with their
+friends in Cuba, and return to them by water. The journey was
+melancholy in the extreme, through a desolate country occupied by
+wandering bands of ferocious savages, who were constantly assailing
+them from ambuscades by day and by night.</p>
+
+<p>At length they reached the village of Utiangue, the capital of the
+province. It was pleasantly situated on a fine plain upon the banks of
+a river, which was probably the Arkansas. Upon the approach of the
+Spaniards the inhabitants had abandoned the place, leaving their
+granaries well stocked with corn, beans, nuts, and plums. The meadows
+surrounding the town offered excellent pasturage for the horses. As
+the season was far advanced, De Soto decided to take up his winter
+quarters here. He fortified the place, surrounding it with strong
+palisades. To lay in ample stores for the whole winter, foraging
+parties were sent out, who returned laden with dried fruits, corn, and
+other grain.</p>
+
+<p>Deer ranged the forests in such numbers that large quantities of
+venison were obtained. Rabbits also were in abundance. The Cacique,
+who kept himself aloof, sent several messengers to De Soto, but they
+so manifestly came merely as spies, and always in the night, that De
+Soto gave orders that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[Pg 331]</a></span>none should be admitted save in the daytime.
+One persisting to enter was killed by a sentinel. This put an end to
+all intercourse between De Soto and the chief; but the Spaniards were
+assaulted whenever the natives could take any advantage of them on
+their foraging expeditions.</p>
+
+<p>Here the Spaniards enjoyed on the whole, the most comfortable winter
+they had experienced since they entered Florida. Secure from attack in
+their fortified town, sheltered from the weather in their comfortable
+dwellings, and with a sufficient supply of food, they were almost
+happy, as they contrasted the comforts they then enjoyed with the
+frightful sufferings they had hitherto experienced. During the winter,
+the expedition met with a great loss from the death of its intelligent
+interpreter, Juan Ortiz. In reference to his services, Mr. Pickett
+says:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"Understanding only the Floridian language, he conducted conversations
+through the Indians of different tribes who understood each other and
+who attended the expedition. In conversing with the Chickasaws, for
+instance, he commenced with the Floridian, who carried the word to a
+Georgian, the Georgian to the Coosa, the Coosa to the Mobilian, and
+the latter to the Chickasaw. In the same tedious manner the reply was
+conveyed to him and reported to De Soto."</p></div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[Pg 332]</a></span></p><p>During the winter at Utiangue, the views and feelings of the Governor
+apparently experienced quite a change. His hopes of finding gold seem
+all to have vanished. He was far away in unknown wilds, having lost
+half his troops and nearly all his horses. The few horses that
+remained, were many of them lame, not having been shod for more than a
+year. He did not hesitate to confess, confidentially to his friends,
+his regret that he had not joined the ships at Pensacola. He now
+despairingly decided to abandon these weary and ruinous wanderings,
+and to return to the Mississippi river. Here he would establish a
+fortified colony, build a couple of brigantines, send them to Cuba
+with tidings of safety to his wife, and procure reinforcements and
+supplies. It seems that his pride would not allow him to return
+himself a ruined man to his friends.</p>
+
+<p>With the early spring he broke up his cantonment, and commenced a
+rapid march for the Mississippi. He had heard of a village called
+Anilco, at the mouth of a large stream emptying into that majestic
+river. They followed down the south side of the Arkansas river for ten
+days, when they crossed on rafts to the north or east side. It was
+probably the intention of De Soto to reach the Mississippi nearly at
+the point at which they had crossed it before.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[Pg 333]</a></span></p><p>Continuing his journey through morasses and miry grounds, where the
+horses often waded up to their girths in water, where there were few
+inhabitants, and little food to be obtained, he at length reached the
+village of Anilco, and found it to be on the northern bank of the
+Arkansas river. Here he learned that, at the distance of some leagues
+to the south, there was a populous and fertile country such as he
+thought would be suitable for the establishment of his colony. Again
+he crossed the Arkansas river to the south side, and moving in a
+southerly direction reached the Mississippi at a village called
+Guachoya, about twenty miles below the mouth of the Arkansas river.</p>
+
+<hr class="large" /><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[Pg 334]</a></span></p>
+<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2>
+
+<h3><i>Death of De Soto.</i></h3>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Ascent of the Mississippi.&mdash;Revenge of Guachoya.&mdash;Sickness
+of De Soto.&mdash;Affecting Leave-taking.&mdash;His Death and
+Burial.&mdash;The March for Mexico.&mdash;Return to the
+Mississippi.&mdash;Descent of the River.&mdash;Dispersion of the
+Expedition.&mdash;Death of Isabella.</p></div>
+
+<p>The village of Guachoya was situated on a bluff on the western bank of
+the Mississippi, and was strongly fortified with palisades. De Soto
+succeeded in establishing friendly relations with the chief, and was
+hospitably entertained within the town. The Cacique and Governor ate
+at the same table, and were served by Indian attendants. Still, for
+some unexplained reason, the Cacique with his warriors retired at
+sunset in their canoes, to the eastern side of the Mississippi, and
+did not return till after sunrise the next morning.</p>
+
+<p>De Soto's great anxiety now was to get access to the ocean. But he
+could not learn that the Cacique had ever heard of such a body of
+water. He then sent Juan de A&ntilde;asco with eight horsemen to follow down
+the banks of the river in search of the sea. They returned in eight
+days, having explored but <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_335" id="Page_335">[Pg 335]</a></span>about fifty miles, in consequence of the
+windings of the stream and the swamps which bordered its banks. Upon
+this discouraging information, the Governor decided to build two
+brigantines at Guachoya, and to establish his colony upon some fertile
+fields which he had passed between Anilco and that place. This
+rendered it very important for him to secure abiding friendly
+relations with the chiefs of both of these provinces.</p>
+
+<p>The territory indeed upon which he intended to settle, was within the
+province of Anilco, and on the north bank of the Arkansas. The chief
+Guachoya, very kindly offered to supply De Soto with eighty large and
+many small canoes with which a portion of his force with the baggage
+could ascend the Mississippi, twenty-one miles to the mouth of the
+Arkansas, and then ascending that stream about forty miles would reach
+the point selected for the settlement. The Governor and the chief,
+with united military force in light marching order, would proceed by
+land so as to reach the spot about the same time as the canoes.</p>
+
+<p>Four thousand Indian warriors embarked in these canoes, and in three
+days accomplished the voyage. At the same time, the land forces
+commenced their march. The Cacique led two thousand warriors, besides
+the attendants. Mr. Irving writes:</p>
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_336" id="Page_336">[Pg 336]</a></span></p>
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The two expeditions arrived safely at the time opposite the
+village. The chief of Anilco was absent, but the inhabitants
+of the place made a stand at the pass of the river. Nu&ntilde;o
+Tobar fell furiously upon them with a party of horse. Eager
+for the fight, they charged so heedlessly that each trooper
+found himself surrounded by a band of Indians. The poor
+savages, however, were so panic-stricken that they turned
+their backs upon the village, and fled in wild disorder to
+the forests, amid the shouts of the pursuers, and the
+shrieks and cries of the women and children.</p>
+
+<p>"On entering the conquered village, they massacred all they
+met, being chiefly old men, women and children, inflicting
+the most horrible barbarities.</p>
+
+<p>"In all this they acted in such fury and haste, that the
+mischief was effected almost before De Soto was aware of it.
+He put an end to the carnage as speedily as possible,
+reprimanded the Cacique severely, forbade any one to set
+fire to a house, or injure an Indian under pain of death,
+and hastened to leave the village, taking care that the
+Indian allies should be the first to pass the river, and
+none remained behind to do mischief."</p></div>
+
+<p>From this untoward enterprise De Soto returned to the village of
+Guachoya, renouncing all idea of establishing his colony in Anilco. He
+immediately <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_337" id="Page_337">[Pg 337]</a></span>commenced with all energy building his two brigantines,
+while he looked anxiously about in search of some region of fertility
+and abundance, where his army could repose till the envoys should
+bring back a sufficient fleet to transport those to Cuba who should
+wish to return there, and could also bring those reinforcements and
+supplies essential to the establishment of the colony. The river at
+this point was about a mile and a half in width. The country on both
+sides was rich in fertility, and thickly inhabited.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the eastern bank there was a province called Quigualtanqui, of
+which De Soto heard such glowing reports that he sent an exploring
+party to examine the country. By fastening four canoes together, he
+succeeded in transporting the horses across the stream. To his
+disappointment he found the Cacique deadly hostile. He sent word to De
+Soto that he would wage a war of utter extermination against him and
+his people, should they attempt to invade his territories.</p>
+
+<p>Care, fatigue and sorrow now began to show their traces upon the
+Governor. He could not disguise the deep despondency which oppressed
+him. His step became feeble, his form emaciate, his countenance
+haggard. A weary, grief-worn pilgrim, he was in a mood to welcome
+death, as life presented him <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_338" id="Page_338">[Pg 338]</a></span>nothing more to hope for. A slow fever
+aggravated by the climate, placed him upon a sick bed. Here, the
+victim of the most profound melancholy, he was informed that the
+powerful chief, Quigualtanqui, was forming a league of all the
+neighboring tribes for the extermination of the Spaniards. De Soto's
+arm was paralyzed and his heart was broken. He had fought his last
+battle. His words were few; his despondency oppressed all who
+approached his bedside. Day after day the malady increased until the
+fever rose so high, that it was manifest to De Soto, and to all his
+companions, that his last hour was at hand.</p>
+
+<p>Calmly and with the piety of a devout Catholic, he prepared for death.
+Luis De Moscoso was appointed his successor in command of the army,
+and also the successor of whatever authority and titles De Soto might
+possess, as Governor of Florida. He called together the officers and
+most prominent soldiers, and with the trembling voice of a dying man
+administered to them the oath of obedience to Moscoso. He then called
+to his bedside, in groups of three persons, the cavaliers who had so
+faithfully followed him through his long and perilous adventures, and
+took an affectionate leave of them. The common soldiers were then, in
+groups of about twenty, brought into the death chamber, and tenderly
+he bade them adieu.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_339" id="Page_339">[Pg 339]</a></span></p><p>These war-worn veterans wept bitterly in taking leave of their beloved
+chief. It is worthy of record that he urged them to do all in their
+power to convert the natives to the Christian religion; that he
+implored the forgiveness of all whom he had in any way offended; and
+entreated them to live as brothers, loving and helping one another. On
+the seventh day after he was attacked by the fever, he expired.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"He died," writes the Inca, "like a Catholic Christian, imploring
+mercy of the most Holy Trinity, relying on the protection of the blood
+of Jesus Christ our Lord, and the intercession of the Virgin and of
+all the celestial court, and in the faith of the Roman church. With
+these words repeated many times, he resigned his soul to God; this
+magnanimous and never-conquered cavalier, worthy of great dignities
+and titles, and deserving a better historian than a rude Indian."</p></div>
+
+<p>Thus perished De Soto, in the forty-second year of his age. His life,
+almost from the cradle to the grave, had been filled with care,
+disappointment and sorrow. When we consider the age in which he lived,
+the influences by which he was surrounded, and the temptations to
+which he was exposed, it must be admitted that he developed many noble
+traits of character, and that great allowances should be made for his
+defects.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_340" id="Page_340">[Pg 340]</a></span></p><p>The Governor had won the confidence and affection of his army to an
+extraordinary degree. He was ever courteous in his demeanor, and kind
+in his treatment. He shared all the hardships of his soldiers, placed
+himself in the front in the hour of peril, and was endowed with that
+wonderful muscular strength and energy which enabled him by his
+achievements often to win the admiration of all his troops. His death
+overwhelmed the army with grief. They feared to have it known by the
+natives, for his renown as a soldier was such as to hold them in awe.</p>
+
+<p>It was apprehended that should his death be known, the natives would
+be encouraged to revolt, and to fall with exterminating fury upon the
+handful of Spaniards now left in the land. They therefore "buried him
+silently at dead of night." Sentinels were carefully posted to prevent
+the approach of any of the natives. A few torches lighted the
+procession to a sandy plain near the encampment, where his body was
+interred, with no salute fired over his grave or even any dirge
+chanted by the attendant priests. The ground was carefully smoothed
+over so as to obliterate as far as possible all traces of the burial.</p>
+
+<p>The better to conceal his death, word was given out the next morning
+that he was much better, and a joyous festival was arranged in honor
+of his convalescence. Still the natives were not deceived. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_341" id="Page_341">[Pg 341]</a></span>They
+suspected that he was dead, and even guessed the place of his burial.
+This was indicated by the fact that they frequently visited the spot,
+looking around with great interest, and talking together with much
+volubility.</p>
+
+<p>One mode of revenge adopted by the natives was to disinter the body of
+an enemy and expose the remains to every species of insult. It was
+feared that as soon as the Spaniards should have withdrawn from the
+region, the body of De Soto might be found and exposed to similar
+outrages. It was therefore decided to take up the remains and sink it
+in the depths of the river.</p>
+
+<p>In the night, Juan De A&ntilde;asco, with one or two companions, embarked in
+a canoe, and, by sounding, found a place in the channel of the river
+nearly a hundred and twenty feet deep. They cut down an evergreen oak,
+whose wood is almost as solid and heavy as lead, gouged out a place in
+it sufficiently large to receive the body, and nailed over the top a
+massive plank. The body, thus placed in its final coffin, was taken at
+midnight to the centre of the river, where it immediately sank to its
+deep burial. The utmost silence was preserved, and every precaution
+adopted to conceal the movement from all but those engaged in the
+enterprise.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>"The discoverer of the Mississippi," writes the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_342" id="Page_342">[Pg 342]</a></span>Inca, "slept beneath
+its waters. He had crossed a large part of the continent in search of
+gold, and found nothing so remarkable as his burial-place."</p></div>
+
+<p>Upon the death of De Soto, a council of war was held to decide what to
+do in the new attitude of affairs. In their exhausted state, and with
+their diminished numbers, they could not think of attempting a march
+back for hundreds of leagues through hostile nations, to Tampa Bay. It
+would take a long time to build their brigantines and to await an
+arrival from Cuba. In the meantime there was great danger that they
+might be attacked and destroyed by the powerful league then forming
+against them.</p>
+
+<p>A rumor had reached them that a large number of Spaniards were in
+Mexico, not very far to the westward; that they were powerful in
+numbers, conquering all before them, and enriching themselves with the
+spoils of a majestic empire. It was consequently determined to march
+with all speed in that direction, and join this Spanish army in its
+career of Mexican conquest.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the month of June they commenced their march in a line due
+west. Their geographical knowledge was so limited that they were not
+aware that they were in a latitude far above the renowned city of the
+Montezumas.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/i352.jpg" class="ispace bbox2" width="500" height="297" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_343" id="Page_343">[Pg 343]</a></span></p><p>Day after day the troops pressed on, through many sufferings and weary
+marches. On the way, one of their number, Diego De Guzman, a very
+ambitious young cavalier of high rank and wealthy connections, fell so
+passionately in love with the beautiful daughter of a Cacique that he
+deserted from the army to remain with her. She was but eighteen years
+of age, of very amiable spirit, and of unusual gracefulness of form
+and loveliness of feature. Moscoso sent an embassy to the Cacique,
+demanding the return of Guzman as a deserter, and threatening, in case
+of refusal, to lay waste his territory with fire and sword. The chief
+sent back the heroic reply&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I have used no force to detain Diego De Guzman. I shall use no force
+to compel him to depart. On the contrary I shall treat him as a
+son-in-law, with all honor and kindness, and shall do the same with
+any others of the strangers who may choose to remain with me. If for
+thus doing my duty you think proper to lay waste my lands and slay my
+people, you can do so. The power is in your hands."</p>
+
+<p>It would seem that this manly reply disarmed Moscoso, for the Spanish
+army continued its journey, leaving Guzman behind. Onward and still
+onward the weary men pressed, wading morasses, forcing their way
+through tangled forests, crossing rivers on rafts; now hungry and now
+thirsty, again enjoying <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_344" id="Page_344">[Pg 344]</a></span>abundance; sometimes encountering hostility
+from the natives, when they took fearful vengeance, applying the torch
+to their villages; and again enjoying the hospitality of the natives,
+until having traversed a region of about three hundred miles in
+breadth, they supposed they had reached the confines of Mexico.</p>
+
+<p>They had no suitable interpreters with them. The most contrary
+impressions were received from the attempts they made to obtain
+intelligence from the Indians. Lured by false hopes, they wandered
+about here and there, ever disappointed in their hopes of finding the
+white men. Entering a vast uninhabited region, they found their food
+exhausted, and but for the roots and herbs they dug up, would have
+perished from hunger.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards were in despair. They were lost in savage wilds,
+surrounded by a barbarous and hostile people, with whom, for want of
+an interpreter, they could hold no intelligible communication. They
+had now been wandering in these bewildering mazes for three months.
+Mountains were rising before them; dense forests were around. They had
+probably reached the hunting-grounds of the Pawnees and Comanches. It
+was the month of October; winter would soon be upon them. A council of
+war was called, and after much agitating debate, it was at <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_345" id="Page_345">[Pg 345]</a></span>length
+decided, as the only refuge from perishing in the wilderness, to
+retrace their steps to the Mississippi.</p>
+
+<p>Forlorn, indeed, were their prospects now. They had made no attempt to
+conciliate the natives through whose provinces they had passed, and
+they could expect to encounter only hostility upon every step of their
+return. The country also, devastated in their advance, could afford
+but little succor in their retreat. Their worst fears were realized.
+Though they made forced marches, often with weary feet, late into the
+night, they were constantly falling into ambuscades, and had an almost
+incessant battle to fight.</p>
+
+<p>Before they reached the Arkansas river the severe weather of winter
+set in. They were drenched with rains, pierced with freezing gales,
+and covered with the mud through which they were always wading. Their
+European clothing had long since vanished. Their grotesque and
+uncomfortable dress consisted principally of skins belted around their
+waists and over their shoulders; they were bare-legged. Many of them
+had neither shoes nor sandals; a few had moccasons made of skins. In
+addition to all this, and hardest to be borne, their spirits were all
+broken, and they were sunk in despondency which led them to the very
+verge of despair.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_346" id="Page_346">[Pg 346]</a></span></p><p>Every day some died. One day, seven dropped by the wayside. The
+Spaniards could hardly stop to give them burial, for hostile Indians
+were continually rising before, behind, and on each side of them. At
+length, early in December, they reached the banks of the Mississippi
+near the mouth of the Arkansas.</p>
+
+<p>The noble army with which De Soto left Spain but three and a half
+years before, had dwindled away to about three hundred and fifty men;
+and many of these gained this refuge only to die. Fifty of these
+wanderers, exhausted by hunger, toil and sorrow, found repose in the
+grave. Soon the survivors commenced building seven brigantines to take
+them back to Cuba. They had one ship-carpenter left, and several other
+mechanics. Swords, stirrups, chains, cutlasses, and worn out
+fire-arms, were wrought into spikes. Ropes were made from grass. The
+Indians proved friendly, furnishing them with food, and aiding them in
+their labors.</p>
+
+<p>The hostile chief of whom we have before spoken, Quigualtanqui, on the
+eastern bank of the river, began to renew his efforts to form a
+hostile league against the Spaniards. He was continually sending spies
+into the camp. Moscoso was a merciless man. One day thirty Indians
+came into the town as spies, but under pretence of bringing presents
+of food, and messages of kindness from their Cacique. Moscoso <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_347" id="Page_347">[Pg 347]</a></span>thought
+he had ample evidence of their treachery. Cruelly he ordered the right
+hand of every one of these chiefs to be chopped off with a hatchet,
+and thus mutilated, sent them back to the Cacique as a warning to
+others.</p>
+
+<p>Moscoso, conscious of the peril of his situation, made the utmost
+haste to complete his fleet. It consisted of seven large barques, open
+save at the bows and stern. The bulwarks were mainly composed of
+hides. Each barque had seven oars on a side. This frail squadron was
+soon afloat, and the Governor and his diminished bands embarked.</p>
+
+<p>It was on the evening of the second of July, just as the sun was
+setting, when they commenced their descent of the majestic
+Mississippi, leading they knew not where. They had succeeded in
+fabricating sails of matting woven from grass. With such sails and
+oars, they set out to voyage over unexplored seas, without a chart,
+and without a compass. The current of the river was swift and their
+descent rapid. They occasionally landed to seize provisions wherever
+they were to be found, and to take signal vengeance on any who opposed
+them.</p>
+
+<p>It seems that the Indians, during the winter, had been collecting a
+fleet, manned with warriors, to cut off the retreat of the Spaniards.
+This fleet consisted of a large number of canoes, sufficiently
+capacious <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_348" id="Page_348">[Pg 348]</a></span>to hold from thirty to seventy warriors, in addition to
+from thirteen to twenty-four men with paddles. They could move with
+great rapidity.</p>
+
+<p>Two days after embarking, the Spaniards met this formidable fleet. The
+natives attacked them with great ferocity, circling around the
+cumbrous brigantines, discharging upon them showers of arrows, and
+withdrawing at their pleasure. This assault, which was continued
+almost without intermission for seven days and nights, was attended by
+hideous yells and war-songs. Though the Spaniards were protected by
+their bulwarks and their shields, nearly every one received some
+wound. All the horses but eight were killed.</p>
+
+<p>On the sixteenth day of the voyage four small boats, containing in all
+fifty-five men, which had pushed out a little distance from the
+brigantines, were cut off by the natives, and all but seven perished.
+The natives now retired from pursuing their foes, and with exultant
+yells of triumph turned their bows up the river and soon disappeared
+from sight.</p>
+
+<p>On the twentieth day they reached the Gulf. Here they anchored their
+fleet to a low marshy island, a mere sand bank, surrounded with a vast
+mass of floating timber. Again a council was held to decide what
+course was to be pursued. They had no nautical instruments, and they
+knew not in what direction <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_349" id="Page_349">[Pg 349]</a></span>to seek for Cuba. It was at length decided
+that as their brigantines could not stand any rough usage of a stormy
+sea, their only safety consisted in creeping cautiously along the
+shore towards the west in search of their companions in Mexico. They
+could thus run into creeks and bays in case of storms, and could
+occasionally land for supplies.</p>
+
+<p>It was three o'clock in the afternoon when they again made sail. There
+was much division of counsel among them; much diversity of opinion as
+to the best course to be pursued; and the authority of Moscoso was but
+little regarded. They had many adventures for fifty-three days, as
+they coasted slowly along to the westward. Then a violent gale arose,
+a norther, which blew with unabated fury for twenty-six hours. In this
+gale the little fleet became separated. The brigantines contained
+about fifty men each. Five of them succeeded in running into a little
+bay for shelter. Two were left far behind, and finding it impossible
+to overtake their companions, as the wind was directly ahead, and as
+there was danger of their foundering during the night, though with
+quarrels among themselves, they ran their two vessels upon a sand
+beach and escaped to the shore.</p>
+
+<p>Moscoso, with the five brigantines, had entered the river Panuco, now
+called Tampico. Here he found, to his great joy, that his countrymen
+had <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_350" id="Page_350">[Pg 350]</a></span>quite a flourishing colony, and that they had reared quite a
+large town, called Panuco, at a few miles up the stream. They kissed
+the very ground for joy, and abandoning their storm-shattered
+brigantines, commenced a tumultuous march towards the town. They were
+received with great hospitality. The Mayor took Moscoso into his own
+house, and the rest of the party were comfortably provided for.</p>
+
+<p>It is worthy of note that one of their first acts was to repair to the
+church to thank God for their signal deliverance from so many perils.
+They were soon joined by their shipwrecked comrades. They numbered
+only three hundred, and they resembled wild beasts rather than men,
+with uncut and uncombed hair and beard, haggard with fatigue,
+blackened from exposure, and clad only in the skins of bears, deer,
+buffaloes, and other animals. Here their military organization ended.</p>
+
+<p>For twenty-five days they remained at Panuco; a riotous band of
+disappointed and reckless men, frequently engaging in sanguinary
+broils. Gradually they dispersed. Many of the common soldiers found
+their way to the city of Mexico, where they enlisted in the Mexican
+and Peruvian armies. Most of the leaders found their way back to
+Spain, broken in health and spirits.</p>
+
+<p>Many months elapsed ere Isabella heard of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_351" id="Page_351">[Pg 351]</a></span>death of her husband,
+and of the utter ruin of the magnificent enterprise in which he had
+engaged. It was to her an overwhelming blow. Her heart was broken; she
+never smiled again, and soon followed her husband to the grave. Sad,
+indeed, were the earthly lives of Ferdinand De Soto and Isabella De
+Bobadilla. We hope their redeemed spirits have met in that better land
+where the weary are at rest.</p>
+
+<h3>THE END.</h3>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<div class="centerbox bbox">
+<p><i>Any Book on this List sent by mail, postpaid, on receipt of price.
+Remit by Check, Registered Letter, or Postal Money Order. We are not
+responsible for remittances made in bills or currency.</i></p>
+
+<hr class="all" />
+
+<h2>CATALOGUE OF<br />
+Standard &amp; Miscellaneous Books</h2>
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">Published by</span></h4>
+
+<h2><span class="smcap">Dodd &amp; Mead</span>,</h2>
+
+<h4>762 Broadway, N. Y.</h4>
+
+<p class="center"><i>New Books and New Editions marked thus</i> &#8224;.</p>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" summary="adpages">
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Abbott, John S. C.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Early American Pioneers and Patriots.</i> A series illustrating
+the Early History and Settlement of America. Each in
+one volume, 12mo., fully illustrated and handsomely bound in
+black and gold; per vol</td>
+<td align="right">$1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>1st Daniel Boone and the Early Settlement of Kentucky</i></td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>2d Miles Standish, the Puritan Captain</i></td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>3d De Soto, the Discoverer of the Mississippi</i></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>Other volumes to follow. (<i>In April.</i>)</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Abbott, Lyman.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Laicus; or, The Experiences of a Layman in a Country</i></td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Parish.</i> By Lyman Abbott. 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Bunyan.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.</i> Being an<br />
+Account of his own Life. By John Bunyan. 18mo., red edges,</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Clark.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Valley Kingdoms&mdash;Egypt and Assyria.</i> By Rev.</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>E. L. Clark, author of "Daleth." With many beautiful illustrations.<br />
+(<i>In preparation.</i>)</td>
+<td align="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Cruden.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Cruden's Complete Concordance.</i> A Dictionary and Alphabetical
+Index to the Bible. (The Unabridged Edition). By
+Alexander Cruden, A.M.</td>
+<td align="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>Price in cloth, reduced from</td>
+<td align="right"><span class="wrap">4.00 to 2.75</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp; &nbsp;"&nbsp; &nbsp; " &nbsp; &nbsp;sheep,&nbsp; &nbsp; "&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;"</td>
+<td align="right"><span class="wrap">5.00 to 3.50</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp; &nbsp;"&nbsp; &nbsp; " &nbsp; &nbsp;half morocco,&nbsp;&nbsp; "</td>
+<td align="right"><span class="wrap">6.50 to 4.50</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Cumming.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Is Christianity from God?</i> A Manual of Bible Evidence
+for the People. By Rev. John Cumming, author of the "Great
+Tribulation." 18mo., brown cloth extra</td>
+<td align="right">90</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Charles, Mrs.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" summary="adpages2">
+
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Schonberg-Cotta Family.</i></td>
+<td align="left">12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2.2em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 3em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"</span></td>
+<td align="left">Hampstead edition</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><i>The Early Dawn.</i></td>
+<td align="left">12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2.2em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 3em;">"</span></td>
+<td align="left">Hampstead edition</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Diary of Kitty Trevylyan.</i></td>
+<td align="left">&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 1.5em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 3em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"</span></td>
+<td align="left">Hampstead edition</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><i>Winifred Bertram.</i></td>
+<td align="left">&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2.2em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 3em;">"</span></td>
+<td align="left">Hampstead edition</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><i>The Draytons and the Davenants.</i></td>
+<td align="left">&nbsp;</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 3em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">"</span></td>
+<td align="left">Hampstead edition</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><i>On Both Sides of the Sea.</i></td>
+<td align="left">12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 2.2em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"</span></td>
+<td align="left">Hampstead edition</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><i>The Victory of the Vanquished.</i></td>
+<td align="left">12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span style="margin-left: 3em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"</span></td>
+<td align="left">Hampstead edition</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>Sets of the above in boxes.</i></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left" colspan="2"><i>The</i> 12<i>mo. edition, seven vols., including Victory, reduced to</i></td>
+<td align="right">10.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="3"><i>The New Uniform Edition.</i></td>
+</tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left" colspan="2"><i>The Hampstead Edition</i>, 16mo., illustrated, and bound in
+black and gold. Seven vols.</td>
+<td align="right">7.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left" colspan="2"><i>Mary, the Handmaid of the Lord.</i> New edition, 18mo.,
+red edges</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left" colspan="2"><i>Poems.</i> New edition, 18mo., red edges</td>
+<td align="right">1.25</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left" colspan="2"><i>Watchwords for the Warfare of Life.</i> Selected from the
+Writings of Luther. 12mo., bevelled boards</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left" colspan="2"><i>Song Without Words.</i> Cheaper edition</td>
+<td align="right">75</td></tr></table></div>
+
+<div class="centered">
+<table border="0" width="100%" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" summary="adpages3">
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Dana.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Corals and Coral Islands.</i> By James D. Dana, Professor</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>of Geology in Yale College, author of a System of Mineralogy,
+&amp;c. One vol., large 8vo., with colored frontispiece and three
+maps, and nearly 100 illustrations, cloth extra</td>
+<td align="right">6.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">D&ouml;llinger.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Dr. J. J. I. Von D&ouml;llinger's Fables Respecting the Popes</i></td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>in the Middle Ages.</i> Translated by Alfred Plummer, together
+with Dr. D&ouml;llinger's Essay on the Prophetic Spirit and the
+Prophecies of the Christian Era. Translated for the American
+Edition, with Introduction and Notes to the whole work by
+Prof. H. B. Smith, D.D. One vol., large 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">2.25</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Lectures on the Reunion of the Churches.</i> By J. J. I. Von</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>D&ouml;llinger, D.D., D.C.L.  Translated by Henry Nutcombe
+Oxenham, M. A. 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Fish.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>History and Repository of Pulpit Eloquence</i>, (Deceased
+Divines.) By Henry C. Fish, D. D. A new edition. Two
+volumes in one. 8vo., over 1,200 pages, with portraits. Cloth,
+extra bevelled boards</td>
+<td align="right">5.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Pulpit Eloquence of the XIXth Century.</i> With Seven large
+steel portraits. 8vo., cloth extra, bevelled boards</td>
+<td align="right">4.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Fenelon.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Spiritual Progress or instructions in the Divine Life of
+the Soul</i>, including Fenelon's Christian Counsel and Spiritual
+Letters, and Mme. Guyon's Short and Easy Method of Prayer,
+12mo., red edges, bevelled boards</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Christian Counsel and Spiritual Letters.</i> In a Separate
+volume. 18mo., red edges</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Daily Prayer Book.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Daily Prayer Book, The.</i> For the use of Families, with</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>additional Prayers for special occasions. Edited by John Stoughton,
+D. D.  12mo., bevelled boards, red edges</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Gray.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Bible Lore.</i> Chapters on the Rare Manuscripts, Various</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>Translations, and Notable Characteristics of the Bible.  By
+James Comper Gray. One vol., 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Garrett.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Premiums Paid to Experience.</i> Incidents in my Business</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>Life, by Edward Garrett, author of "Occupations of a Retired
+Life," &amp;c. 12 illustrations, 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Dead Sin, and other Stories.</i>  By Edward Garrett.</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>12 illustrations, 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Occupations of a Retired Life.</i> 12 illustrations, 12 mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Crust and the Cake.</i> 12 illustrations, 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Hare.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Wanderings in Spain.</i> By Augustus J. C. Hare, author</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>of "Walks in Rome." Finely illustrated</td>
+<td align="right">3.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Hall.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Papers for Home Reading.</i> By Rev. John Hall, D. D.,
+of New York. One elegant 12mo., with Portrait</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Questions of the Day.</i>  By Rev. John Hall, D.D.  One
+elegant 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Howson.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Character of St. Paul.</i> By J. C. Howson, D. D.,</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>one of the authors of Connybeare &amp; Howson's St. Paul. 12mo.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 15.5em;">(<i>In press.</i>)</span></td>
+<td align="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Hood.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Lamps, Pitchers, and Trumpets.</i> Lectures on the Vocation</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>of the Preacher. Illustrated by Anecdotes, Biographical,
+Historical, and Elucidatory, of every order of Pulpit Eloquence
+from the great Preachers of all Ages. By E. Paxton Hood.
+A New Edition, two series in one vol., 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Jay.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Prayers for the Use of Families.</i> By William Jay, author</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>of "Morning and Evening Exercises," &amp;c.  A New Edition.
+12mo. tinted paper, reduced from</td>
+<td align="right"><span class="wrap">1.50 to 1.00</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Jay.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Little Hodge.</i> By the author of Ginx's Baby. One vol. 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.25</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Luchmee and Dilloo.</i> A Novel. (<i>In press.</i>)</td>
+<td align="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Moffat.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>A Comparative History of Religions.</i> By Jas. C. Moffat.</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>D. D., Professor of Church History in Princeton Theological
+Seminary. One vol., 12mo., Part 1st, The Ancient Scriptures</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Macdonald.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Book of Ecclesiastes Explained, Critically and Popularly</i>,
+by James M. Macdonald, D. D.  12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Manning, Anne.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Maiden and Married Life of Mary Powell.</i></td>
+<td align="right">1.25</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Cherry and Violet.</i> 18mo., red edges</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Household of Sir Thos. More.</i>  18mo., red edges</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Faire Gospeller, Anne Askew.</i> 18mo., red edges</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Jacques Bonneval</i>: A Tale of the Huguenots. 16mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Spanish Barber</i>: A Tale of the Bible in Spain. 16mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.25</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Marriage Certificates.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Marriage Certificates.</i> From a beautiful and chaste steel
+engraving. On plate paper, per dozen</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>On bank note paper, per dozen</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Mateer.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Land of Charity</i>: A Descriptive Account of Travancore
+and its Devil Worship. By Rev. F. S. Mateer, F. L. S.
+With over 50 illustrations, 12mo., fancy cloth</td>
+<td align="right">2.25</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Porter.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Sciences of Nature versus the Science of Man.</i> By</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>Noah Porter, D.D., President of Yale College. One volume,
+12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Parker.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Initiatory Catechism</i>; an Introduction to the Shorter
+Catechism, for Young Children. By Rev. Joel Parker, D.D.<br />
+Per 100</td>
+<td align="right">3.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Rowland.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Path of Life.</i> By Rev. H. A. Rowland, D.D.
+18mo.</td>
+<td align="right">60</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Light in a Dark Alley.</i> 18mo.</td>
+<td align="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Way of Peace.</i> 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Raleigh.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Little Sanctuary and other Meditations.</i> By Dr.</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>Alex. Raleigh, of London, author of "Quiet Resting Places."
+12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Rauch.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Psychology</i>; or, a View of the Human Soul, including
+Anthropology. By Rev. F. A. Rauch, D.D. 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Roe.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Barriers Burned Away.</i> A Story. By Rev. E. P. Roe.</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Spencer.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>A Pastor's Sketches.</i> By Rev. I. S. Spencer, D.D. A</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>New Edition, two vols. in one, large 12mo., with portrait, reduced
+from</td>
+<td align="right"><span class="wrap">3.50 to 2.00</span></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Sermons.</i> Vol. 1.&mdash;Practical</td>
+<td align="right">2.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">2.&mdash;Doctrinal</span></td>
+<td align="right">2.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><span style="margin-left: 2em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 2.3em;">"</span><span style="margin-left: 1em;">3.&mdash;Sacramental</span></td>
+<td align="right">2.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2"><i>Any volume sold separately.</i></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Stretton, Hesba.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Bede's Charity.</i> A New Edition, with twelve</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>illustrations</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Max Kromer</i>: A Story of the Siege of Strasburg.<br />
+16mo.</td>
+<td align="right">75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Nelly's Dark Days.</i> 16mo.</td>
+<td align="right">75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Hester Morley's Promise.</i> 12mo. (In press).</td>
+<td align="right">&#8224;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Spring's Works</span>, (Rev. Gardiner, D.D.)</td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Attractions of the Cross.</i> 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Mercy Seat.</i></td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>First Things.</i> Two vols.</td>
+<td align="right">3.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Glory of Christ.</i> Two vols.</td>
+<td align="right">3.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Short Sermons for the People.</i></td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Power of the Pulpit.</i></td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Contrast.</i> Two vols.</td>
+<td align="right">3.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Obligations of the World to the Bible.</i></td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Smith.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Book that Will Suit You</i>; or, a Word for Every
+One. By Rev. James Smith. 32mo., cloth extra, bevelled
+boards, red edges</td>
+<td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Simmons.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Scripture Manual.</i> Alphabetically and Systematically
+arranged. By Charles Simmons. Designed to facilitate the
+finding of proof texts. 12mo., cloth</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Tytler.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Margaret</i>: A Story. By C. C. Fraser Tytler, author of
+"Jasmine Leigh," &amp;c., &amp;c. 12mo., twelve illustrations</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Vinet.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Montaine and other Miscellanies.</i> By Alex. Vinet, D.D.
+12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Gospel Studies.</i> By Alex. Vinet, D. D. 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Van Oosterzee.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Theology of the New Testament</i>; A Hand-Book for
+Bible Students. By J. J. Van Oosterzee, D. D., one of the authors
+of Lange's Commentary. Translated by Maurice J. Evans.
+One vol., 12mo.</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Worboise.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>The Lillingstones of Lillingstone.</i> By Emma Jane Worboise.
+12mo. Twelve illustrations</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">World's Laconics.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>World's Laconics, The.</i> On the Best Thoughts of the Best
+Authors, in Prose and Poetry. By Tryon Edwards, D.D.
+12mo., cloth extra</td>
+<td align="right">1.75</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td colspan="2">&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap u">Weitbrecht.</span></td>
+<td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><i>Miracles of Faith</i>: A Sketch of the Life of Beat&eacute; Paulus.<br />
+By Mary Weitbrecht. With an Introduction by Charles S.<br />
+Robinson, D.D. 18mo., red edges</td>
+<td align="right">75</td></tr>
+
+</table></div></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Footnotes:</span></h3>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> Life of Ferdinand De Soto, by Lambert A. Wilmer, p. 272.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> Conquest of Florida, by Theodore Irving, p. 81.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_C_3" id="Footnote_C_3"></a><a href="#FNanchor_C_3"><span class="label">[C]</span></a> Conquest of Florida, p. 89.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_D_4" id="Footnote_D_4"></a><a href="#FNanchor_D_4"><span class="label">[D]</span></a> Irving's Conquest of Florida, p. 100.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_E_5" id="Footnote_E_5"></a><a href="#FNanchor_E_5"><span class="label">[E]</span></a> History of Alabama, by Albert James Pickett, p. 17.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_F_6" id="Footnote_F_6"></a><a href="#FNanchor_F_6"><span class="label">[F]</span></a> Portuguese Narrative, p. 719.</p></div>
+
+<hr class="large" />
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Transcriber's Notes:</span></h3>
+
+<p>Minor changes have been made to correct typesetters' errors; otherwise, every effort has been made to remain true to the author's words and intent.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of
+the Mississippi, by John S. C. Abbott
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FERDINAND DE SOTO ***
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+</pre>
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+</body>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the
+Mississippi, by John S. C. Abbott
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi
+       American Pioneers and Patriots
+
+Author: John S. C. Abbott
+
+Release Date: June 20, 2009 [EBook #29172]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK FERDINAND DE SOTO ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by D Alexander and the Online Distributed
+Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was
+produced from images generously made available by The
+Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ FERDINAND DE SOTO,
+
+ THE
+
+ DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI
+
+ BY
+
+ JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.
+
+ NEW YORK:
+ DODD & MEAD, No. 762 BROADWAY.
+ 1873.
+
+
+
+
+ Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1873, by
+ DODD & MEAD,
+ in the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington.
+
+ WM. MCCREA & CO., Stereotypers,    LANGE, LITTLE & HILLMAN,
+ Newburgh, N. Y.                    PRINTERS,
+                                    108 TO 114 WOOSTER STREET, N. Y.
+
+
+
+
+ _AMERICAN PIONEERS AND PATRIOTS._
+
+ FERDINAND DE SOTO.
+
+ THE
+
+ DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI.
+
+ BY JOHN S. C. ABBOTT.
+
+ ILLUSTRATED.
+
+ NEW YORK: DODD & MEAD, No. 762 BROADWAY.
+ 1873.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+Mr. Theodore Irving, in his valuable history of the "Conquest of
+Florida," speaking of the astonishing achievements of the Spanish
+Cavaliers, in the dawn of the sixteenth century says:
+
+     "Of all the enterprises undertaken in this spirit of daring
+     adventure, none has surpassed, for hardihood and variety of
+     incident, that of the renowned Hernando de Soto, and his
+     band of cavaliers. It was poetry put in action. It was the
+     knight-errantry of the old world carried into the depths of
+     the American wilderness. Indeed the personal adventures, the
+     feats of individual prowess, the picturesque description of
+     steel-clad cavaliers, with lance and helm and prancing
+     steed, glittering through the wildernesses of Florida,
+     Georgia, Alabama, and the prairies of the Far West, would
+     seem to us mere fictions of romance, did they not come to us
+     recorded in matter of fact narratives of contemporaries, and
+     corroborated by minute and daily memoranda of
+     eye-witnesses."
+
+These are the wild and wondrous adventures which I wish here to
+record. I have spared no pains in obtaining the most accurate
+information which the records of those days have transmitted to us.
+It is as wrong to traduce the dead as the living. If one should be
+careful not to write a line which dying he would wish to blot, he
+should also endeavor to write of the departed in so candid and
+paternal a spirit, while severely just to the truth of history, as to
+be safe from reproach. One who is aiding to form public opinion
+respecting another, who has left the world, should remember that he
+may yet meet the departed in the spirit land. And he may perhaps be
+greeted with the words, "Your condemnation was too severe. You did not
+make due allowance for the times in which I lived. You have held up my
+name to unmerited reproach."
+
+Careful investigation has revealed De Soto to me as by no means so bad
+a man as I had supposed him to have been. And I think that the candid
+reader will admit that there was much, in his heroic but melancholy
+career, which calls for charitable construction and sympathy.
+
+The authorities upon which I have mainly relied for my statements, are
+given in the body of the work. There is no country on the globe, whose
+early history is so full of interest and instruction as our own. The
+writer feels grateful to the press, in general, for the kindly spirit
+in which it has spoken of the attempt, in this series, to interest the
+popular reader in those remarkable incidents which have led to the
+establishment of this majestic republic.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_Childhood and Youth._
+
+                                                                   PAGE
+
+ Birthplace of Ferdinand De Soto.--Spanish Colony at Darien.--Don Pedro
+ de Avila, Governor of Darien.--Vasco Nunez.--Famine.--Love in the
+ Spanish Castle.--Character of Isabella.--Embarrassment of De
+ Soto.--Isabella's Parting Counsel.                                   9
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_The Spanish Colony._
+
+ Character of De Soto.--Cruel Command of Don Pedro.--Incident.--The
+ Duel.--Uracca.--Consternation at Darien.--Expedition
+ Organized.--Uracca's Reception of Espinosa and his Troops.--The
+ Spaniards Retreat.--De Soto Indignant.--Espinosa's Cruelty, and
+ Deposition from Command.                                            21
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_Life at Darien._
+
+ Reinforcements from Spain.--Aid sent to Borrica.--Line of Defense
+ Chosen by the Natives.--Religion of the Buccaneers.--The Battle and
+ the  Rout.--Strategy of Uracca.--Cruelty of Don Pedro.--The
+ Retreat.--Character of Uracca.--Embarrassment of Don Pedro.--Warning
+ of M. Codro.--Expedition of Pizarro.--Mission of M. Codro.--Letter of
+ De Soto to Isabella.                                                37
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_Demoniac Reign._
+
+ Giles Gonzales.--Unsuccessful Contest of De Soto with Gonzales.--Bold
+ Reply of De Soto to the Governor.--Cruelty of Don Pedro to M.
+ Codro.--Assassination of Cordova.--New Expedition of Discovery.--Revenge
+ upon Valenzuela.--Reign of Don Pedro at Nicaragua.--Unwise Decision of
+ De Soto.                                                            55
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_The Invasion of Peru._
+
+ The Kingdom of Peru.--Its Metropolis.--The Desperate Condition of
+ Pizarro.--Arrival of De Soto.--Character of the Spaniards.--Exploring
+ Tour of De Soto.--The Colony at San Miguel.--The General
+ Advance.--Second Exploration of De Soto.--Infamous Conduct of the
+ Pizarros.                                                           72
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_The Atrocities of Pizarro._
+
+ Fears of Pizarro.--Honorable Conduct of the Inca.--The March to
+ Caxamarca.--Hospitable Reception.--Perfidious Attack upon the
+ Inca.--His Capture and Imprisonment.--The Honor of De Soto.--The
+ Offered Ransom.--Treachery and Extortion of Pizarro.                90
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_The Execution of the Inca, and Embarrassments of De Soto._
+
+ Pledges of Pizarro.--His Perfidy.--False Mission of De Soto.--Execution
+ of the Inca.--His Fortitude.--Indignation of De Soto.--Great
+ Embarrassments.--Extenuating Considerations.--Arrival of Almagro.--March
+ Towards the Capital.                                               107
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_De Soto Returns to Spain._
+
+ Dreadful Fate of Chalcukima.--His Fortitude.--Ignominy of Pizarro.--De
+ Soto's Advance upon Cuzco.--The Peruvian Highway.--Battle in the
+ Defile.--De Soto takes the Responsibility.--Capture of the Capital and
+ its Conflagration.--De Soto's Return to Spain.--His Reception
+ there.--Preparations for the Conquest of Florida.                  126
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_The Landing in Florida._
+
+ The Departure from Spain.--Arrival in Cuba.--Leonora and
+ Tobar.--Isabella Invested with the Regency.--Sad Life of
+ Isabella.--Sailing of the Expedition.--The Landing at Tampa
+ Bay.--Outrages of Narvaez.--Noble Spirit of Ucita.--Unsuccessful
+ Enterprises.--Disgrace and Return of Porcallo.                     144
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+_The March to Ochile._
+
+ The March Commenced.--The Swamps of Florida.--Passage of the
+ Morass.--Heroism of Sylvestre.--Message to Acuera.--His Heroic
+ Reply.--Fierce Hostility of the Indians.--Enter the Town of
+ Ocali.--Strange Incident.--Death of the Bloodhound.--Historical
+ Discrepancies.--Romantic Entrance to Ochile.                       163
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+_The Conspiracy and its Consequences._
+
+ The Three Brother Chieftains.--Reply of Vitachuco to his
+ Brothers.--Feigned Friendship for the Spaniards.--The Conspiracy.--Its
+ Consummation and Results.--Clemency of De Soto.--The Second
+ Conspiracy.--Slaughter of the Indians.--March of the Spaniards for
+ Osachile.--Battle in the Morass.                                   180
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+_Winter Quarters._
+
+ Incidents of the March.--Passage of the River.--Entering
+ Anhayea.--Exploring Expeditions.--De Soto's desire for Peace.--Capture
+ of Capafi.--His Escape.--Embarrassments of De Soto.--Letter of
+ Isabella.--Exploration of the Coast.--Discovery of the Bay of
+ Pensacola.--Testimony Respecting Cofachiqui.--The March Resumed.   199
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+_Lost in the Wilderness._
+
+ Incidents at Achise.--Arrival at Cofa.--Friendly Reception by
+ Cofaqui.--The Armed Retinue.--Commission of Patofa.--Splendors of the
+ March.--Lost in the Wilderness.--Peril of the Army.--Friendly
+ Relations.--The Escape from the Wilderness.--They Reach the Frontiers
+ of Cofachiqui.--Dismissal of Patofa.--Wonderful Reception by the
+ Princess of Cofachiqui.                                            220
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+_The Indian Princess._
+
+ Crossing the River.--Hospitable Reception.--Attempts to visit the
+ Queen Mother.--Suicide of the Prince.--Futile search for
+ Gold.--The Discovery of Pearls.--The Pearl Fishery.--The Princess
+ a Captive.--Held in Silken Chains.--Her Escape.--Location of
+ Cutifachiqui.--The March Resumed.                                  240
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+_The Dreadful Battle of Mobila._
+
+ The Army in Alabama.--Barbaric Pageant.--The Chief of
+ Tuscaloosa.--Native Dignity.--Suspected Treachery of the
+ Chief.--Mobila, its Location and Importance.--Cunning of the
+ Chief.--The Spaniards Attacked.--Incidents of the Battle.--Disastrous
+ Results.                                                           259
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+_Days of Darkness._
+
+ The Melancholy Encampment.--The Fleet at Pensacola.--Singular Resolve
+ of De Soto.--Hostility of the Natives.--Beautiful Scenery.--Winter
+ Quarters on the Yazoo.--Feigned Friendship of the Cacique.--Trickery
+ of Juan Ortiz.--The Terrible Battle of Chickasaw.--Dreadful Loss of
+ the Spaniards.                                                     276
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+_The Discovery of the Mississippi._
+
+ The Fortress of Hostile Indians.--Its Capture.--The Disastrous
+ Conflict.--The Advance of the Army.--Discovery of the Mississippi
+ River.--Preparations for Crossing.--Extraordinary
+ Pageants.--Unjustifiable Attack.--The passage of the  River.--Friendly
+ Reception by Casquin.--Extraordinary Religious Festival.           296
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+_Vagrant Wanderings._
+
+ Trickery of Casquin.--The March to Capaha.--The Battle and its
+ Results.--Friendly Relations with Capaha.--The Return Journey.--The
+ March Southward.--Salt Springs.--The Savages of Tula.--Their
+ Ferocity.--Anecdote.--Despondency of De Soto.                      315
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+_Death of De Soto._
+
+ Ascent of the Mississippi.--Revenge of Guachoya.--Sickness of
+ De Soto.--Affecting Leave-taking.--His Death and Burial.--The
+ March for Mexico.--Return to the Mississippi.--Descent of the
+ River.--Dispersion of the Expedition.--Death of Isabella.          334
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+_Childhood and Youth._
+
+     Birthplace of Ferdinand De Soto.--Spanish Colony at Darien.--Don
+     Pedro de Avila, Governor of Darien.--Vasco Nunez.--Famine.--Love
+     in the Spanish Castle.--Character of Isabella.--Embarrassment of
+     De Soto.--Isabella's Parting Counsel.
+
+
+In the interior of Spain, about one hundred and thirty miles southwest
+of Madrid, there is the small walled town of Xeres. It is remote from
+all great routes of travel, and contains about nine thousand
+inhabitants, living very frugally, and in a state of primitive
+simplicity. There are several rude castles of the ancient nobility
+here, and numerous gloomy, monastic institutions. In one of these
+dilapidated castles, there was born, in the year 1500, a boy, who
+received the name of Ferdinand de Soto. His parents were Spanish
+nobles, perhaps the most haughty class of nobility which has ever
+existed. It was, however, a decayed family, so impoverished as to find
+it difficult to maintain the position of gentility. The parents were
+not able to give their son a liberal education. Their rank did not
+allow them to introduce him to any of the pursuits of industry; and
+so far as can now be learned, the years of his early youth were spent
+in idleness.
+
+Ferdinand was an unusually handsome boy. He grew up tall, well formed,
+and with remarkable muscular strength and agility. He greatly excelled
+in fencing, horseback riding, and all those manly exercises which were
+then deemed far more essential for a Spanish gentleman than literary
+culture. He was fearless, energetic, self-reliant; and it was manifest
+that he was endowed with mental powers of much native strength.
+
+When quite a lad he attracted the attention of a wealthy Spanish
+nobleman, Don Pedro de Avila, who sent him to one of the Spanish
+universities, probably that of Saragossa, and maintained him there for
+six years. Literary culture was not then in high repute; but it was
+deemed a matter of very great moment that a nobleman of Spain should
+excel in horsemanship, in fencing, and in wielding every weapon of
+attack or defence.
+
+Ferdinand became quite renowned for his lofty bearing, and for all
+chivalric accomplishments. At the tournaments, and similar displays of
+martial prowess then in vogue, he was prominent, exciting the envy of
+competitive cavaliers, and winning the admiration of the ladies.
+
+Don Pedro became very proud of his foster son, received him to his
+family, and treated him as though he were his own child. The Spanish
+court had at that time established a very important colony at the
+province of Darien, on the Isthmus of Panama. This isthmus, connecting
+North and South America, is about three hundred miles long and from
+forty to sixty broad. A stupendous range of mountains runs along its
+centre, apparently reared as an eternal barrier between the Atlantic
+and Pacific oceans. From several of the summits of this ridge the
+waters of the two oceans can at the same time be distinctly seen. Here
+the Spanish court, in pursuit of its energetic but cruel conquest of
+America, had established one of its most merciless colonies. There was
+gold among the mountains. The natives had many golden ornaments. They
+had no conception of the value of the precious ore in civilized lands.
+Readily they would exchange quite large masses of gold for a few glass
+beads. The great object of the Spaniards in the conquest of Darien was
+to obtain gold. They inferred that if the ignorant natives, without
+any acquaintance with the arts, had obtained so much, there must be
+immense quantities which careful searching and skilful mining would
+reveal.
+
+The wanton cruelties practised by the Spaniards upon the unoffending
+natives of these climes seem to have been as senseless as they were
+fiendlike. It is often difficult to find any motive for their
+atrocities. These crimes are thoroughly authenticated, and yet they
+often seem like the outbursts of demoniac malignity. Anything like a
+faithful recital of them would torture the sensibilities of our
+readers almost beyond endurance. Mothers and maidens were hunted and
+torn down by bloodhounds; infant children were cut in pieces, and
+their quivering limbs thrown to the famished dogs.
+
+The large wealth and the rank of Don Pedro de Avila gave him much
+influence at the Spanish court. He succeeded in obtaining the
+much-coveted appointment of Governor of Darien. His authority was
+virtually absolute over the property, the liberty, and the lives of a
+realm, whose extended limits were not distinctly defined.
+
+Don Pedro occupied quite an imposing castle, his ancestral mansion, in
+the vicinity of Badajoz. Here the poor boy Ferdinand, though descended
+from families of the highest rank, was an entire dependent upon his
+benefactor. The haughty Don Pedro treated him kindly. Still he
+regarded him, in consequence of his poverty, almost as a favored
+menial. He fed him, clothed him, patronized him.
+
+It was in the year 1514 that Don Pedro entered upon his office of
+Governor of Darien. The insatiate thirst for gold caused crowds to
+flock to his banners. A large fleet was soon equipped, and more than
+two thousand persons embarked at St. Lucar for the golden land. The
+most of these were soldiers; men of sensuality, ferocity, and thirst
+for plunder. Not a few noblemen joined the enterprise; some to add to
+their already vast possessions, and others hoping to retrieve their
+impoverished fortunes.
+
+A considerable number of priests accompanied the expedition, and it is
+very certain that some of these at least were actuated by a sincere
+desire to do good to the natives, and to win them to the religion of
+Jesus:--that religion which demands that we should do to others as we
+would that others should do to us, and whose principles, the governor,
+the nobles, and the soldiers, were ruthlessly trampling beneath their
+feet. Don Pedro, when measured by the standard of Christianity, was
+proud, perfidious and tyrannical. The course he pursued upon his
+arrival in the country was impolitic and almost insane.
+
+His predecessor in the governorship was Vasco Nunez. He had been on
+the whole a prudent, able and comparatively merciful governor. He had
+entered into trade with the natives, and had so far secured their good
+will as to induce them to bring in an ample supply of provisions for
+his colony. He had sent out Indian explorers, with careful
+instructions to search the gold regions among the mountains. Don
+Pedro, upon assuming the reins of government, became very jealous of
+the popularity of Nunez, whom he supplanted. His enmity soon became so
+implacable that, without any cause, he accused him of treason and
+ordered him to be decapitated. The sentence was executed in the public
+square of Acla. Don Pedro himself gazed on the cruel spectacle
+concealed in a neighboring house. He seemed ashamed to meet the
+reproachful eye of his victim, as with an axe his head was cut off
+upon a block.
+
+All friendly relations with the Indians were speedily terminated. They
+were robbed of their gold, of their provisions, and their persons were
+outraged in the most cruel manner. The natives, terror-stricken, fled
+from the vicinity of the colony, and suddenly the Spaniards found all
+their supplies of provisions cut off. More than two thousand were
+crowded into a narrow space on the shores of the gulf, with no
+possibility of obtaining food. They were entirely unprepared for any
+farming operations, having neither agricultural tools nor seed.
+Neither if they had them could they wait for the slow advent of the
+harvest. Famine commenced its reign, and with famine, its invariable
+attendant, pestilence. In less than six months, of all the glittering
+hosts, which with music and banners had landed upon the isthmus,
+expecting soon to return to Europe with their ships freighted with
+gold, but a few hundred were found alive, and they were haggard and in
+rags.
+
+The Spaniards had robbed the Indians of their golden trinkets, but
+these trinkets could not be eaten and they would purchase no food.
+They were as worthless as pebbles picked from the beach. Often lumps
+of gold, or jewels of inestimable value, were offered by one starving
+wretch to another for a piece of mouldy bread. The colony would have
+become entirely extinct, but for the opportune arrival of vessels from
+Spain with provisions. Don Pedro had sent out one or two expeditions
+of half-famished men to seize the rice, Indian corn, and other food,
+wherever such food could be found.
+
+The natives had sufficient intelligence to perceive that the colonists
+were fast wasting away. The Indians were gentle and amiable in
+character, and naturally timid; with no taste for the ferocities
+of war. But emboldened by the miseries of the colonies, and beginning
+to despise their weakness, they fell upon the foraging parties with
+great courage and drove them back ignominiously to the coast.
+The arrival of the ships to which we have referred with provisions
+and reinforcements, alone saved the colony from utter extinction.
+
+Don Pedro, after having been in the colony five years, returned to
+Spain to obtain new acquisitions of strength in men and means for the
+prosecution of ever-enlarging plans of wealth and ambition. North and
+south of the narrow peninsula were the two majestic continents of
+North and South America. They both invited incursions, where nations
+could be overthrown, empires established, fame won, and where
+mountains of gold might yet be found.
+
+It seems that De Soto had made the castle of Don Pedro, near Badajoz,
+his home during the absence of the governor. There all his wants had
+been provided for through the charitable munificence of his patron. He
+probably had spent his term time at the university. He was now
+nineteen years of age, and seemed to have attained the full maturity
+of his physical system, and had developed into a remarkably elegant
+young man.
+
+The family of Don Pedro had apparently remained at the castle. His
+second daughter, Isabella, was a very beautiful girl in her sixteenth
+year. She had already been presented at the resplendent court of
+Spain, where she had attracted great admiration. Rich, beautiful and
+of illustrious birth, many noblemen had sought her hand, and among the
+rest, one of the princes of the blood royal. But Isabella and De
+Soto, much thrown together in the paternal castle, had very naturally
+fallen in love with each other.
+
+The haughty governor was one day exceedingly astounded and enraged,
+that De Soto had the audacity to solicit the hand of his daughter in
+marriage. In the most contemptuous and resentful manner, he repelled
+the proposition as an insult. De Soto was keenly wounded. He was
+himself a man of noble birth. He had no superior among all the young
+noblemen around him, in any chivalric accomplishment. The only thing
+wanting was money. Don Pedro loved his daughter, was proud of her
+beauty and celebrity, and was fully aware that she had a very decided
+will of her own.
+
+After the lapse of a few days, the governor was not a little alarmed
+by a statement, which the governess of the young lady ventured to make
+to him. She assured him that Isabella had given her whole heart to De
+Soto, and that she had declared it to be her unalterable resolve to
+retire to a convent, rather than to become the wife of any other
+person. Don Pedro was almost frantic with rage. As totally devoid of
+moral principle as he was of human feelings, he took measures to have
+De Soto assassinated. Such is the uncontradicted testimony of
+contemporary historians. But every day revealed to him more clearly
+the strength of Isabella's attachment for De Soto, and the
+inflexibility of her will. He became seriously alarmed, not only from
+the apprehension that if her wishes were thwarted, no earthly power
+could prevent her from burying herself in a convent, but he even
+feared that if De Soto were to be assassinated, she would, by
+self-sacrifice, follow him to the world of spirits. This caused him to
+feign partial reconciliation, and to revolve in his mind more cautious
+plans for his removal.
+
+He decided to take De Soto back with him to Darien. The historians of
+those days represent that it was his intention to expose his young
+protege to such perils in wild adventures in the New World, as would
+almost certainly secure his death. De Soto himself, proud though poor,
+was tortured by the contemptuous treatment which he received, even
+from the menials in the castle, who were aware of his rejection by
+their proud lord. He therefore eagerly availed himself of the
+invitation of Don Pedro to join in a new expedition which he was
+fitting out for Darien.
+
+He resolved, at whatever sacrifice, to be rich. The acquisition of
+gold, and the accumulation of fame, became the great objects of his
+idolatry. With these he could not only again claim the hand of
+Isabella, but the haughty Don Pedro would eagerly seek the alliance
+of a man of wealth and renown. Thousands of adventurers were then
+crowding to the shores of the New World, lured by the accounts of the
+boundless wealth which it was said could there be found, and inspired
+by the passion which then pervaded Christendom, of obtaining celebrity
+by the performance of chivalric deeds.
+
+Many had returned greatly enriched by the plunder of provinces. The
+names of Pizarro and Cortez had been borne on the wings of renown
+through all the countries of Europe, exciting in all honorable minds
+disgust, in view of their perfidy and cruelty, and inspiring others
+with emotions of admiration, in contemplation of their heroic
+adventures.
+
+De Soto was greatly embarrassed by his poverty. Both his parents were
+dead. He was friendless; and it was quite impossible for him to
+provide himself with an outfit suitable to the condition of a Spanish
+grandee. The insulting treatment he had received from Don Pedro
+rendered it impossible for him to approach that haughty man as a
+suppliant for aid. But Don Pedro did not dare to leave De Soto behind
+him. The family were to remain in the ancestral home. And it was very
+certain that, Don Pedro being absent, ere long he would hear of the
+elopement of Ferdinand and Isabella. Thus influenced, he offered De
+Soto a free passage to Darien, a captain's commission with a suitable
+outfit, and pledged himself that he should have ample opportunity of
+acquiring wealth and distinction, in an expedition he was even then
+organizing for the conquest of Peru. As Don Pedro made these overtures
+to the young man, with apparently the greatest cordiality, assuming
+that De Soto, by embarking in the all-important enterprise, would
+confer a favor rather than receive one, the offer was eagerly
+accepted.
+
+Don Pedro did everything in his power to prevent the two lovers from
+having any private interview before the expedition sailed. But the
+ingenuity of love as usual triumphed over that of avarice. Isabella
+and De Soto met, and solemnly pledged constancy to each other. It
+seems that Isabella thoroughly understood the character of her father,
+and knew that he would shrink from no crime in the accomplishment of
+his purposes. As she took her final leave of her lover, she said to
+him, very solemnly and impressively,
+
+"Ferdinand, remember that one treacherous friend is more dangerous
+than a thousand avowed enemies."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+_The Spanish Colony._
+
+     Character of De Soto.--Cruel Command of Don Pedro.--Incident.--The
+     Duel.--Uracca.--Consternation at Darien.--Expedition
+     Organized.--Uracca's Reception of Espinosa and his Troops.--The
+     Spaniards Retreat.--De Soto Indignant.--Espinosa's Cruelty, and
+     Deposition from Command.
+
+
+It was in the year 1519, when the expedition sailed from St. Lucar for
+Darien. We have no account of the incidents which occurred during the
+voyage. The fleet reached Darien in safety, and the Spanish
+adventurers, encased in coats of mail, which the arrows and javelins
+of the natives could not pierce, mounted on powerful war horses, armed
+with muskets and cannon, and with packs of ferocious bloodhounds at
+their command, were all prepared to scatter the helpless natives
+before them, as the whirlwind scatters autumnal leaves.
+
+De Soto was then but nineteen years of age. In stature and character
+he was a mature man. There are many indications that he was a young
+man of humane and honorable instincts, shrinking from the deeds of
+cruelty and injustice which he saw everywhere perpetrated around him.
+It is however probable, that under the rigor of military law, he at
+times felt constrained to obey commands from which his kindly nature
+recoiled.
+
+Don Pedro was a monster of cruelty. He gave De Soto command of a troop
+of horse. He sent him on many expeditions which required not only
+great courage, but military sagacity scarcely to be expected in one so
+young and inexperienced. It is however much to the credit of De Soto,
+that the annalists of those days never mentioned his name in
+connection with those atrocities which disgraced the administration of
+Don Pedro. He even ventured at times to refuse obedience to the orders
+of the governor, when commanded to engage in some service which he
+deemed dishonorable.
+
+One remarkable instance of this moral and physical intrepidity is on
+record. Don Pedro had determined upon the entire destruction of a
+little village occupied by the natives. The torch was to be applied,
+and men, women and children, were to be put to the sword. Don Pedro
+had issued such a command as this, with as much indifference as he
+would have placed his foot upon an anthill. It is not improbable that
+one of the objects he had in view was to impose a revolting task upon
+De Soto, that he might be, as it were, whipped into implicit
+obedience. He therefore sent one of the most infamous of his captains
+to De Soto with the command that he should immediately take a troop of
+horse, proceed to the doomed village, gallop into its peaceful and
+defenceless street, set fire to every dwelling, and with their keen
+sabres, cut down every man, woman and child. It was a deed fit only
+for demons to execute.
+
+De Soto deemed himself insulted in being ordered on such a mission.
+This was not war,--it was butchery. The defenceless natives could make
+no resistance. Indignantly and heroically he replied:
+
+"Tell Don Pedro, the governor, that my life and services are always at
+his disposal, when the duty to be performed is such as may become a
+Christian and a gentleman. But in the present case, I think the
+governor would have shown more discretion by entrusting you, Captain
+Perez, with this commission, instead of sending you with the order to
+myself."
+
+This reply Captain Perez might certainly regard as reflecting very
+severely upon his own character, and as authorizing him to demand that
+satisfaction which, under such circumstances, one cavalier expects of
+another. He however carried the message to the governor. Don Pedro was
+highly gratified. He saw that a duel was the necessary result. Captain
+Perez was a veteran soldier, and was the most expert swordsman in the
+army. He was famed for his quarrelsome disposition; had already
+fought many duels, in which he had invariably killed his man. In a
+rencontre between the youthful De Soto and the veteran Captain Perez,
+there could be no doubt in the mind of the governor as to the result.
+He therefore smiled very blandly upon Captain Perez, and said in
+language which the captain fully understood:
+
+"Well, my friend, if you, who are a veteran soldier, can endure the
+insolence of this young man, De Soto, I see no reason why an infirm
+old man like myself should not show equal forbearance."
+
+Captain Perez was not at all reluctant to take the hint. It was only
+giving him an opportunity to add another to the list of those who had
+fallen before his sword. The challenge was immediately given. De
+Soto's doom was deemed sealed. Duels in the Spanish army were
+fashionable, and there was no moral sentiment which recoiled in the
+slightest degree from the barbaric practice.
+
+The two combatants met with drawn swords in the presence of nearly all
+the officers of the colonial army, and of a vast concourse of
+spectators. The stripling De Soto displayed skill with his weapon
+which not only baffled his opponent, but which excited the surprise
+and admiration of all the on-lookers. For two hours the deadly
+conflict continued, without any decisive results. De Soto had received
+several trifling wounds, while his antagonist was unharmed. At
+length, by a fortunate blow, he inflicted such a gash upon the right
+wrist of Perez, that his sword dropped from his hand. As he attempted
+to catch it with his left hand, he stumbled and fell to the ground. De
+Soto instantly stood over him with his sword at his breast, demanding
+that he should ask for his life. The proud duellist, thus for the
+first time in his life discomfited, was chagrined beyond endurance. In
+sullen silence, he refused to cry for mercy. De Soto magnanimously
+returned his sword to its scabbard, saying: "The life that is not
+worth asking for, is not worth taking."
+
+He then gracefully bowed to the numerous spectators and retired from
+the field, greeted with the enthusiastic acclaim of all who were
+present. This achievement gave the youthful victor prominence above
+any other man in the army. Perez was so humiliated by his defeat, that
+he threw up his commission and returned to Spain. Thus the New World
+was rid of one of the vilest of the adventurers who had cursed it.
+
+The region of the peninsula, and the adjoining territory of South
+America, were at that time quite densely populated. The inhabitants
+seem to have been a happy people, not fond of war, and yet by no means
+deficient in bravery. The Spanish colonists were but a handful among
+them. But the war horse, bloodhounds, steel coats of mail and
+gunpowder, gave them an immense, almost resistless superiority.
+
+There was at this time, about the year 1521, an Indian chief by the
+name of Uracca, who reigned over quite a populous nation, occupying
+one of the northern provinces of the isthmus. He was a man of unusual
+intelligence and ability. The outrages which the Spaniards were
+perpetrating roused all his energies of resentment, and he resolved to
+adopt desperate measures for their extermination. He gathered an army
+of twenty thousand men. In that warm climate, in accordance with
+immemorial usage, they went but half clothed. Their weapons were
+mainly bows, with poisoned arrows; though they had also javelins and
+clumsy swords made of a hard kind of wood.
+
+The tidings of the approach of this army excited the greatest
+consternation at Darien. A shower of poisoned arrows from the strong
+arms of twenty thousand native warriors, driven forward by the
+energies of despair, even these steel-clad adventurers could not
+contemplate without dread. The Spaniards had taught the natives
+cruelty. They had hunted them down with bloodhounds; they had cut off
+their hands with the sword; they had fed their dogs with their
+infants; had tortured them at slow fires and cast their children into
+the flames. They could not expect that the natives could be more
+merciful than the Spaniards had been.
+
+Don Pedro, instead of waiting the arrival of his foes, decided to
+assail the army on its march, hoping to take it by surprise and to
+throw consternation into the advancing ranks. He divided his army of
+attack into two parties. One division of about one hundred men, he
+sent in two small vessels along the western coast of the isthmus, to
+invade the villages of Uracca, hoping thus to compel the Indian chief
+to draw back his army for the defence of his own territories. This
+expedition was under the command of General Espinosa.
+
+The main body of the Spanish troops, consisting of about two hundred
+men, marched along the eastern shore of the isthmus, intending
+eventually to effect a junction with the naval force in the realms of
+the foe. The energetic, but infamous Francisco Pizarro, led these
+troops. A very important part of his command consisted of a band of
+dragoons, thirty or forty in number, under the leadership of De Soto.
+His steel-clad warriors were well mounted, with housings which greatly
+protected their steeds from the arrows of the natives.
+
+The wary Indian chieftain, who developed during the campaign military
+abilities of a high order, had his scouts out in all directions. They
+discerned in the distant horizon the approach of the two vessels, and
+swift runners speedily reported the fact to Uracca. He immediately
+marched with a force in his judgment sufficiently strong to crush the
+invaders, notwithstanding their vast superiority in arms.
+
+The Spaniards entered a sheltered bay skirted by a plain, which could
+be swept by their guns, and where the Indian warriors would have no
+opportunity to hide in ambush. Uracca allowed the Spaniards to
+disembark unopposed. He stationed his troops, several thousand in
+number, in a hilly country, several leagues distant from the place of
+landing, which was broken with chasms and vast boulders, and covered
+with tropical forest. Here every Indian could fight behind a rampart,
+and the Spaniards could only approach in the scattered line of
+skirmishers. The proud Spaniards advanced in their invading march with
+as much of war's pageantry as could be assumed. They hoped that
+nodding plumes and waving banners, and trumpet peals, would strike
+with consternation the heart of the Indians.
+
+Uracca calmly awaited their approach. His men were so concealed that
+Espinosa could form no judgment of their numbers or position. Indeed
+he was scarcely conscious that there was any foe there who would
+venture to oppose his march. Accustomed as he was to ride rough shod
+over the naked Indians, he was emboldened by a fatal contempt for the
+prowess of his foe. Uracca allowed the Spaniards to become entangled
+in the intricacies of rocks and gullies and gigantic forest trees,
+when suddenly he opened upon them such a shower of poisoned arrows as
+the Spaniards had never encountered before. The touch of one of these
+arrows, breaking the skin, caused immediate and intense agony, and
+almost certain death. The sinewy arms of the Indians could throw these
+sharp-pointed weapons with almost the precision and force of a bullet,
+and with far greater rapidity than the Spaniards could load and fire
+their muskets.
+
+Espinosa found himself assailed by a foe outnumbering him ten or
+twenty to one. The air was almost darkened with arrows, and every one
+was thrown with unerring aim. The rout of the Spaniards was almost
+instantaneous. Several were killed, many wounded. In a panic, they
+turned and fled precipitately from the trap in which they had been
+caught. The natives impetuously pursued, showing no quarter, evidently
+determined to exterminate the whole band.
+
+It so happened that De Soto, with his dragoons, had left Pizarro's
+band, and in a military incursion into the country, was approaching
+the bay where Espinosa had landed his troops. Suddenly the clamor of
+the conflict burst upon his ear--the shouts of the Indian warriors and
+the cry of the fugitive Spaniards. His little band put spurs to their
+horses and hastened to the scene of action. Very great difficulties
+impeded their progress. The rugged ground, encumbered by rocks and
+broken by ravines, was almost impassable for horsemen. But the energy
+of De Soto triumphed over these obstacles, even when the bravest of
+his companions remonstrated and hesitated to follow him. At length he
+reached the open country over which the Spaniards were rushing to gain
+their ships, pursued by the Indians in numbers and strength which
+seemed to render the destruction of the Spaniards certain.
+
+The natives stood in great dread of the horses. When they saw the
+dragoons, glittering in their steel armor, come clattering down upon
+the plain, their pursuit was instantly checked. Espinosa, thus
+unexpectedly reinforced, rallied his panic-stricken troops, and in
+good order continued the retreat to the ships. De Soto with his
+cavalry occupied the post of danger as rear-guard. The Indians
+cautiously followed, watching for every opportunity which the
+inequalities of the ground might offer, to assail the invaders with
+showers of arrows. Occasionally De Soto would halt and turn his
+horses' heads towards the Indians. Apprehensive of a charge, they
+would then fall back. The retreat was thus conducted safely, but
+slowly.
+
+The Spaniards had advanced many leagues from the shores of the
+Pacific. They were now almost perishing from hunger and fatigue.
+Indian bands were coming from all directions to reinforce the native
+troops. The sun was going down and night was approaching. All hearts
+were oppressed with the greatest anxiety. Just then Pizarro, with his
+two hundred men, made his appearance. He had not been far away, and a
+courier having informed him of the peril of the Spaniards, he hastened
+to their relief. Night with its gloom settled down over the plain, and
+war's hideous clamor was for a few hours hushed. The morning would
+usher in a renewal of the battle, under circumstances which caused the
+boldest hearts in the Spanish camp to tremble.
+
+In the night Generals Espinosa and Pizarro held a council of war, and
+came to the inglorious resolve to steal away under the protection of
+darkness, leaving Uracca in undisputed possession of the field. This
+decision excited the indignation of De Soto. He considered it a
+disgrace to the Spanish arms, and declared that it would only embolden
+the natives in all their future military operations. His bitter
+remonstrances were only answered by a sneer from General Espinosa,
+who assured him that the veteran captains of Spain would not look to
+his youth and inexperience for guidance and wisdom.
+
+At midnight the Spaniards commenced their retreat as secretly and
+silently as possible. But they had a foe to deal with who was not
+easily to be deceived. His scouts were on the alert, and immediate
+notice was communicated to Uracca of the movements of the Spaniards.
+The pursuit was conducted with as much vigor as the flight. For eight
+and forty hours the fugitives were followed so closely, and with such
+fierce assailment, that large numbers of the rank and file perished.
+The officers and the dragoons of De Soto, wearing defensive armor,
+generally escaped unharmed. The remnant at length, weary and
+famine-stricken, reached their ships and immediately put to sea. With
+the exception of De Soto's dragoons, they numbered but fifty men.
+Deeply despondent in view of their disastrous campaign, they sailed
+several leagues along the western coast of the isthmus towards the
+south, till they reached a flourishing Indian village called Borrica.
+Conscious that here they were beyond the immediate reach of Uracca's
+avenging forces, they ventured to land. They found all the men absent.
+They were probably in the ranks of the native army.
+
+General Espinosa, who was now chief in command, meanly sacked the
+defenceless village and captured all the women and children, to be
+sent to the West Indies and sold as slaves. The generous heart of De
+Soto was roused by this outrage. He was an imperious man, and was
+never disposed to be very complaisant to his superiors. Sternly
+the young captain rebuked Espinosa as a kidnapper, stealing the
+defenceless; and he demanded that the prisoners should be set at
+liberty. An angry controversy ensued. De Soto accused Espinosa of
+cowardice and imbecility, in ordering the troops of Spain to retreat
+before naked savages. Espinosa, whose domineering spirit could brook
+no opposition, accused De Soto of mutinous conduct, and threatened to
+report him to the governor. De Soto angrily turned his heel upon his
+superior officer and called upon his troops to mount their horses.
+Riding proudly at their head, he approached the tent of Espinosa and
+thus addressed him:
+
+"Senor Espinosa, the governor did not place me under your command, and
+you have no claim to my obedience. I now give you notice, that if you
+retain these prisoners so cruelly and unjustly captured, you must do
+so at your own risk. If these Indian warriors choose to make any
+attempt to recover their wives and their children, I declare to you
+upon my solemn oath, and by all that I hold most sacred, that they
+shall meet with no opposition from me. Consider, therefore, whether
+you have the power to defend yourself and secure your prey, when I
+and my companions have withdrawn from this spot."
+
+Pizarro does not seem to have taken any active part in this dispute,
+though he advised the headstrong Espinosa to give up his captives.
+While these scenes were transpiring, about one hundred of the men of
+the village returned. Most earnestly they entreated the release of
+their wives and children. If not peacefully released, it was pretty
+evident that they would fight desperately for their rescue. It was
+quite apparent that the Indian runners had gone in all directions to
+summon others to their aid. The withdrawal of De Soto left Espinosa so
+weakened that he could hardly hope successfully to repel such forces.
+Indeed he was so situated that, destitute of provisions and
+ammunition, he did not dare to undertake a march back through the
+wilderness to Darien. He therefore very ungraciously consented to
+surrender his captives.
+
+Governor Don Pedro had established his headquarters at Panama. De
+Soto, accompanied by a single dragoon, who like himself was an
+admirable horseman, rode with the utmost possible dispatch to Panama,
+where he informed the governor of the disasters which had befallen
+the expedition, and of the precarious condition in which he had left
+the remnant of the troops. He also made such representation of the
+military conduct of General Espinosa as to induce the governor to
+remove him from the command and send General Herman Ponce to take his
+place. The garrison at Panama was then so weak that only forty men
+could be spared to go to the relief of the troops at Borrica.
+
+In the mean time the Indian chief Uracca had received full information
+of the position and condition of the Spanish troops. Very sagaciously
+he formed his plan to cut off their retreat. Detachments of warriors
+were placed at every point through which they could escape; they could
+not venture a league from their ramparts on any foraging expedition,
+and no food could reach them. They obtained a miserable subsistence
+from roots and herbs.
+
+At length De Soto returned with a fresh supply of ammunition and the
+small reinforcement. By the aid of his cavalry he so far broke up the
+blockade as to obtain food for the famishing troops. Still it was very
+hazardous to attempt a retreat to Panama. With the reinforcements led
+by General Ponce, their whole army, infantry and cavalry, amounted to
+less than one hundred and fifty men. They would be compelled on their
+retreat to climb mountains, plunge into ragged ravines, thread
+tropical forests and narrow defiles, where armies of uncounted
+thousands of natives were ready to dispute their passage.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+_Life at Darien._
+
+     Reinforcements from Spain.--Aid sent to Borrica.--Line of Defense
+     Chosen by the Natives.--Religion of the Buccaneers.--The Battle
+     and the Rout.--Strategy of racca.--Cruelty of Don Pedro.--The
+     Retreat.--Character of Uracca.--Embarrassment of Don
+     Pedro.--Warning of M. Codro.--Expedition of Pizarro.--Mission
+     of M. Codro.--Letter of De Soto to Isabella.
+
+
+While governor Don Pedro was awaiting with intense anxiety the receipt
+of intelligence from Borrica, a ship arrived from Spain bringing three
+or four hundred adventurers, all of whom were eager for any military
+expedition which would open to them an opportunity for plunder. One
+hundred and fifty of these were regular soldiers, well taught in the
+dreadful trade of war. Don Pedro took these fresh troops and one
+hundred and fifty volunteers; and set out with the utmost expedition
+for Borrica. His impetuous nature was inspired with zeal to retrieve
+the disgrace which had befallen the Spanish arms. He took with him
+several pieces of ordnance,--guns with which the Indians thus far had
+no acquaintance.
+
+Upon arriving at Borrica he very earnestly harangued his troops,
+reminding them of the ancient renown of the Spanish soldiers, and
+stimulating their cupidity by the assurance that the kingdom of
+Veragua, over which Uracca reigned, was full of gold; and that all
+that was now requisite for the conquest of the country and the
+accumulation of princely wealth, was a display of the bravery ever
+characteristic of Spanish troops.
+
+There was a deep and rapid river, the Arva, rushing down from the
+mountains, which it was necessary for the Spaniards to cross in their
+renewed invasion of Veragua. On the northern banks of this stream
+Uracca stationed his troops, selecting this spot with much skill as
+his main line of defence. He however posted an advanced guard some
+miles south of the stream in ground broken by hills, rocks and
+ravines, through which the Spaniards would be compelled to pass, and
+where their cavalry could be of very little avail.
+
+By great effort Don Pedro had collected an army of about five hundred
+men. Rapidly marching, he soon reached the spot of broken ground where
+the native troops were stationed awaiting their approach.
+
+It seems almost incomprehensible that this band of thieves and
+murderers, who, without the slightest excuse or provocation, were
+invading the territory of the peaceful natives, carrying to their
+homes death and woe, that they might acquire fame for military
+exploits and return laden with plunder, could have looked to God for
+his blessing upon their infamous expedition. But so it was. And still
+more strange to say, they did not apparently engage in these religious
+services with any consciousness of hypocrisy. The thoughtful mind is
+bewildered in contemplating such developments of the human heart.
+Previous to the attack the whole army was drawn up for prayers, which
+were solemnly offered by the ecclesiastics who always accompanied
+these expeditions. Then every soldier attended the confessional and
+received absolution. Thus he felt assured that, should he fall in the
+battle, he would be immediately translated to the realms of the blest.
+
+Thus inspired by military zeal and religious fanaticism, the Spaniards
+rushed upon the natives in a very impetuous assault. We are happy to
+record that the natives stood nobly on the defence. They met their
+assailants with such a shower of arrows and javelins that the
+Spaniards were first arrested in their march, then driven back, then
+utterly routed and put to flight. In that broken ground where the
+cavalry could not be brought into action, where every native warrior
+stood behind a tree or a rock, and where the natives did not commence
+the action till the Spaniards were within half bow shot of them,
+arrows and javelins were even more potent weapons of war than the
+clumsy muskets then in use.
+
+Upon the open field the arrows of the natives were quite impotent. A
+bullet could strike the heart at twice or three times the distance at
+which an arrow could be thrown. The Spaniards, hotly pursued,
+retreated from this broken ground several miles back into the open
+plain. Many were slain. Here the rout was arrested by the cavalry and
+the discharges from the field-pieces, which broke the Indian ranks.
+
+The natives, however, boldly held their ground, and the Spaniards,
+disheartened and mortified by their discomfiture, encamped upon the
+plain. It was very evident that God had not listened to their prayers.
+
+For several days they remained in a state of uncertainty. For five
+hundred Spaniards to retreat before eight hundred natives, would
+inflict a stigma upon their army which could never be effaced. They
+dared not again attack the natives who were flushed with victory in
+their stronghold. They were well aware that the band of warriors
+before them was but the advanced guard of the great army of Uracca.
+These eight hundred natives were led by one of Uracca's brothers. Even
+should these Indians be attacked and repulsed, they had only to
+retreat a few miles, cross the river Arva in their canoes, and on the
+northern banks join the formidable army of twenty thousand men under
+their redoubtable chief, who had already displayed military abilities
+which compelled the Spaniards to regard him with dread.
+
+Affairs were in this position when Uracca adopted a stratagem which
+completely deceived the Spaniards and inflicted upon them very serious
+loss. He caused several of his warriors to be taken captive. When
+closely questioned by Don Pedro where gold was to be found, and
+threatened with torture if they refused the information, they with
+great apparent reluctance directed their captors to a spot, at the
+distance of but a few leagues, where the precious metal could be
+obtained in great abundance. These unlettered savages executed their
+artifice with skill which would have done honor even to European
+diplomatists.
+
+Don Pedro immediately selected a company of forty of his most reliable
+men and sent them to the designated spot. Here they were surrounded by
+Indian warriors in ambush, and the whole party, with the exception of
+three, put to death. The three who escaped succeeded in reaching the
+Spanish camp with tidings of the disaster. Don Pedro in his rage
+ordered his captives to be torn to pieces, by the bloodhounds. They
+were thrown naked to the dogs. The Spaniards looked on complacently,
+as the merciless beasts, with bloody fangs, tore them limb from limb,
+devouring their quivering flesh. The natives bore this awful
+punishment with fortitude and heroism, which elicited the admiration
+of their foes. With their last breath they exulted that they were
+permitted to die in defence of their country.
+
+The expedition of Don Pedro had thus far proved an utter failure. He
+had already lost one-fourth of his army through the prowess of the
+natives. The prospect before him was dark in the extreme. His troops
+were thoroughly discouraged, and the difficulties still to be
+encountered seemed absolutely insurmountable. Humiliated as never
+before, the proud Don Pedro was compelled to order a retreat. He
+returned to Panama, where, as we have mentioned, he had removed his
+seat of government from Darien. Panama was north of Darien, or rather
+west, as the isthmus there runs east and west. Its seaport was on the
+Pacific, not the Atlantic coast.
+
+Uracca, having thus rescued his country from the invaders, did not
+pursue the retreating Spaniards. He probably in this course acted
+wisely. Could Don Pedro have drawn his enemies into the open field, he
+could undoubtedly have cut down nearly their whole army with grape
+shot, musketry, and charges by his strongly mounted steel-clad
+cavaliers. A panic had however pervaded the Spanish camp. They were in
+constant apprehension of pursuit. Even when they had reached Panama,
+they were day after day in intense apprehension of the approach of
+their outnumbering foes, by whose valor they had already been
+discomfited, and so greatly disgraced.
+
+    "When the Spaniards looked out towards the mountains and the
+    plains," writes the Spanish historian Herrera, "the boughs of
+    trees and the very grass, which grew high in the savannas,
+    appeared to their excited imagination to be armed with
+    Indians. And when they turned their eyes towards the sea,
+    they fancied that it was covered with canoes of their
+    exasperated foemen."
+
+Uracca must have been in all respects an extraordinary man. We have
+the record of his deeds only from the pen of his enemies. And yet
+according to their testimony, he, a pagan, manifested far more of the
+spirit of Christ than did his Christian opponents. In the war which he
+was then waging, there can be no question whatever that the wrong was
+inexcusably and outrageously on the side of Don Pedro. We cannot learn
+that Uracca engaged in any aggressive movements against the Spaniards
+whatever. He remained content with expelling the merciless intruders
+from his country. Even the fiendlike barbarism of the Spaniards could
+not provoke him to retaliatory cruelty. The brutal soldiery of Spain
+paid no respect whatever to the wives and daughters of the natives,
+even to those of the highest chieftains.
+
+On one occasion a Spanish lady, Donna Clara Albitez, fell into the
+hands of Uracca. He treated her with as much delicacy and tenderness
+as if she had been his own daughter or mother, and availed himself of
+the first opportunity of restoring her to her friends.
+
+Though De Soto was one of the bravest of his cavaliers, and was so
+skilful as an officer that his services were almost indispensable to
+Don Pedro, yet the governor was anxious to get rid of him. It is
+probable that he felt somewhat condemned by the undeniable virtues of
+De Soto; for the most of men can feel the power of high moral
+principle as witnessed in others. De Soto, intensely proud, was not at
+all disposed to play the sycophant before his patron. He had already
+exasperated him by his refusal to execute orders which he deemed
+dishonorable. And worst of all, by winning the love of Isabella, he
+had thwarted one of the most ambitious of Don Pedro's plans; he having
+contemplated her alliance with one of the most illustrious families of
+the Spanish nobility.
+
+Don Pedro did not dare to send De Soto to the scaffold or to order him
+to be shot. He had already braved public opinion by the outrageous
+execution of Vasco Nunez, without a shadow of law or justice, and had
+drawn down upon himself an avalanche of condemnation from the highest
+dignitaries of both church and state. He was trembling through fear
+that the Spanish government might call him to account for this
+tyrannic act. Thus situated, it was highly impolitic to send De Soto,
+who was greatly revered and admired by the army, to the block. He
+therefore still sought, though with somewhat waning zeal, to secure
+the death of De Soto on the field of battle. De Soto could not fail to
+perceive that Don Pedro was not his friend. Still, being a magnanimous
+man himself, he could not suspect the governor of being guilty of such
+treachery as to be plotting his death.
+
+When the little army of Spaniards was beleaguered at Borrica, and De
+Soto with his cavalry was scouring the adjacent country on foraging
+expeditions, he chanced to rescue from captivity M. Codro, an Italian
+philosopher, who had accompanied the Spaniards to Darien. In the
+pursuit of science, he had joined the forty men who, under the command
+of Herman Ponce, had been sent as a reinforcement to Borrica. While at
+some distance from the camp on a botanical excursion, he was taken
+captive by the natives, and would have been put to death but for the
+timely rescue by De Soto.
+
+M. Codro was an astrologer. In that superstitious age he was supposed
+by others, and probably himself supposed, that by certain occult arts
+he was able to predict future events. Six months after the return of
+the Spaniards from their disastrous expedition against Uracca, this
+singular man sought an interview with De Soto, and said to him:
+
+"A good action deserves better reward than verbal acknowledgment.
+While it was not in my power to make any suitable recompense to you
+for saving my life, I did not attempt to offer you any. But the time
+has now come when I can give you some substantial evidence of my
+gratitude. I can now inform you that your life is now in no less
+danger than mine was when you rescued me from the Indians."
+
+De Soto replied: "My good friend, though I do not profess to be a
+thorough believer in your prophetic art, I am no less thankful for
+your kind intentions. And in this case, I am free to confess that your
+information, from whatever source derived, is confirmed in a measure
+by my own observations."
+
+"Ferdinand De Soto," said the astrologer with great deliberation and
+solemnity of manner, "I think I can read the page of _your_ destiny,
+even without such light as the stars can shed upon it. Be assured that
+the warning I give you does not come from an unearthly source. But if
+any supernatural confirmation of my words were needed, even on that
+score you might be satisfied. While comparing your horoscope with that
+of my departed friend Vasco Nunez, I have observed some resemblances
+in your lives and fortunes, which you, with all your incredulity, must
+allow to be remarkable. Nunez and you were both born in the same town;
+were both members of noble but impoverished families; both sought to
+ally yourselves with the family of Don Pedro, and both thus incurred
+his deadly resentment."
+
+"These coincidences are certainly remarkable," replied De Soto; "but
+what other similarities do you find in the destinies of Nunez and
+myself?"
+
+"You are a brave man," replied M. Codro, "and you are too skeptical to
+be much disturbed by the prognostications of evil. I may therefore
+venture to tell you that according to my calculations, you will be in
+one important event of your life more happy than Vasco Nunez. It seems
+to be indicated by the superior intelligences, that your death will
+not be in the ordinary course of nature; but I find likewise that the
+term of your life will be equal to that which Nunez attained. When I
+consider your present circumstances, this appears to me to be the most
+improbable part of the prediction."
+
+Nunez was forty-two years old at the time of his death. This gave De
+Soto the promise of nearly twenty years more of life. Reverently he
+replied, "I am in the hands of God. I rely with humble confidence on
+his protection."
+
+"In that you do well," rejoined M. Codro. "Still it is your duty to
+use such human means as may be required to defend yourself against
+open violence or fraudful malice."
+
+De Soto thanked the astrologer for the caution he had given him, and
+as he reflected upon it, saw that it was indeed necessary to be
+constantly on his guard. As time passed on Don Pedro became more
+undisguised in his hostility to De Soto. Ferdinand and Isabella
+exerted all their ingenuity to correspond with each other. Don Pedro
+had been equally vigilant in his endeavors to intercept their letters;
+and so effectual were the plans which he adopted, that for five years,
+while the lovers remained perfectly faithful to each other, not a
+token of remembrance passed between them.
+
+These were weary years to De Soto. He was bitterly disappointed in all
+his expectations. There was no glory to be obtained even in victory,
+in riding rough-shod over the poor natives. And thus far, instead of
+victory attending the Spanish arms, defeat and disgrace had been their
+doom. Moreover, he was astonished and heartily ashamed when he saw the
+measures which his countrymen had adopted to enrich themselves. They
+were highway robbers of the most malignant type. They not only
+slaughtered the victims whom they robbed, but fired their dwellings,
+trampled down their harvests and massacred their wives and children.
+
+The most extravagant tales had been circulated through Europe
+respecting the wealth of the New World. It was said that masses of
+pure gold could be gathered like pebble stones from the banks of the
+rivers, and that gems of priceless value were to be found in the
+ravines. De Soto had been now five years on the isthmus of Darien, and
+had acquired neither fame nor fortune, and there was nothing in the
+prospect of the future to excite enthusiasm or even hope.
+
+There was quite a remarkable man, made so by subsequent events, under
+the command of Don Pedro. His name was Francisco Pizarro. He was a man
+of obscure birth and of very limited education, save only in the
+material art of war. He could neither read nor write, and was thus
+intellectually hardly the equal of some of the most intelligent of the
+natives. We have briefly alluded to him as entrusted with the command
+of one portion of the army in the inglorious expedition against
+Uracca. De Soto had very little respect for the man, and was not at
+all disposed as a subordinate officer to look to him for counsel. Don
+Pedro, however, seems to have formed a high opinion of the military
+abilities of Pizarro. For notwithstanding his ignominious defeat and
+retreat from Veragua, he now appointed him as the leader of an
+expedition, consisting of one hundred and thirty men, to explore the
+western coast of the isthmus by cruising along the Pacific Ocean.
+
+Pizarro set sail from Panama on the fourteenth of November, 1524, in
+one small vessel. It was intended that another vessel should soon
+follow to render such assistance as might be necessary. De Soto was
+urged to become one of this party; but probably from dislike of
+Pizarro, refused to place himself under his command.
+
+The vessel, which was soon joined by its consort under Almagro,
+coasted slowly along in a northerly direction, running in at every
+bay, and landing whenever they approached a flourishing Indian
+village, plundering the natives and maltreating them in every shameful
+way. At length they aroused such a spirit of desperation on the part
+of the natives, that they fell upon the buccaneers with resistless
+ferocity. Two-thirds of the miscreants were slain. Pizarro barely
+escaped with his life, having received severe wounds and being borne
+to his ship in a state of insensibility.
+
+While Pizarro was absent on this ill-fated expedition, a new trouble
+befell Don Pedro. Las Casas, a devoted Christian missionary, whose
+indignation was roused to the highest pitch by the atrocities
+perpetrated upon the Indians, reported the inhuman conduct of Don
+Pedro to the Spanish government. The King appointed Peter de Los Rios
+to succeed him. The new governor was to proceed immediately to Panama
+and bring the degraded official to trial, and, if found guilty, to
+punishment. The governor of a Spanish colony in those days was
+absolute. Don Pedro had cut off the head of his predecessor, though
+that predecessor was one of the best of men. He now trembled in
+apprehension of the loss of his own head. Conscious of his deserts, he
+was terror-stricken.
+
+About four or five hundred miles north of Panama there was the
+magnificent province of Nicaragua. The isthmus is here about one
+hundred and fifty miles in breadth, and the province being about two
+hundred miles in a line from north to south, extended from the
+Atlantic to the Pacific shores. Don Pedro was popular with his brutal
+soldiery, since he allowed them unlimited license and plunder. He
+resolved, surrounded by them, to take refuge in Nicaragua.
+Nevertheless, to render himself as secure as possible, he decided to
+send an agent to plead his cause at the Spanish court.
+
+Among those rude, unprincipled adventurers, men of violence and blood,
+it was very difficult to find a suitable person. At length he fixed
+with much hesitation upon M. Codro, the astrologer. He was a
+simple-minded, good man; learned, though very artless. M. Codro was
+strongly attached to De Soto, the preserver of his life. As we have
+seen, he was well aware of the peril to which his benefactor was
+hourly exposed from the malignity of the governor. Gladly therefore he
+accepted the mission, as he hoped it would afford him an opportunity
+of conferring some favor upon his imperilled friend.
+
+Don Pedro had adopted the most rigorous measures to prevent any
+communication between the colony and Spain, which was not subjected to
+his inspection. He was mainly influenced to this course that he might
+prevent the interchange of any messages whatever between De Soto and
+Isabella. The most severe penalties were denounced against all persons
+who should convey any writing across the seas, excepting through the
+regular mails. But the grateful M. Codro declared himself ready to run
+all risks in carrying a letter from De Soto to Isabella. Though De
+Soto at first hesitated to expose his friend to such hazard, his
+intense desire to open some communication with Isabella, at length
+induced him to accept the generous offer.
+
+As we have mentioned, for five years not one word had passed between
+the lovers. It is said that the following is a literal translation of
+the letter which De Soto wrote. We cannot be certain of its
+authenticity, but it bears internal evidence of genuineness, and a
+manuscript copy is in the library of a Spanish gentleman who has spent
+his life in collecting documents in reference to the past history of
+his country:
+
+     "MOST DEARLY BELOVED ISABELLA:
+
+     "For the first time within five years, I write to you with
+     some assurance that you will receive my letter. Many times
+     have I written before; but how could I write freely when I
+     had reason to fear that other eyes might peruse those fond
+     expressions which your goodness and condescension alone
+     could pardon? But what reason have I to hope that you can
+     still look with favorable regard on my unworthiness? My
+     mature judgment teaches me that this dream of my youth,
+     which I have so long cherished, is not presumption merely,
+     but madness.
+
+     "When I consider your many perfections, and compare them
+     with my own little deserving, I feel that I ought to
+     despair, even if I could empty into your lap the treasure of
+     a thousand kingdoms. How then can I lift my eyes to you when
+     I have nothing to offer but the tribute of an affection
+     which time cannot change, and which must still live when my
+     last hope has departed.
+
+     "O Isabella! the expectation which brought me to this land
+     has not been fulfilled. I can gather no gold, except by such
+     means as my honor, my conscience and yourself must condemn.
+     Though your nobleness may pity one on whom fortune has
+     disdained to smile, I feel that your relations are justified
+     in claiming for you an alliance with exalted rank and
+     affluence; and I love you far too well to regard my own
+     happiness more than your welfare. If, therefore, in your
+     extreme youth you have made a promise which you now regret,
+     as far as it is in my power to absolve you from that
+     engagement, you are released. On my side, the obligation is
+     sacred and eternal. It is not likely that I shall ever
+     return to my country. While I am banished from your
+     presence, all countries are alike to me.
+
+     "The person who brings you this exposes himself to great
+     danger in his desire to serve me. I entreat you to use such
+     precautions as his safety may require. If your goodness
+     should vouchsafe any message to me, he will deliver it, and
+     you may have perfect confidence in his fidelity. Pardon my
+     boldness in supposing it possible that I still have a place
+     in your remembrance. Though you may now think of me with
+     indifference or dislike, do not censure me too severely for
+     calling myself unchangeably and devotedly, Yours, DE SOTO."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+_Demoniac Reign._
+
+     Giles Gonzales.--Unsuccessful Contest of De Soto with
+     Gonzales.--Bold Reply of De Soto to the Governor.--Cruelty
+     of Don Pedro to M. Codro.--Assassination of Cordova.--New
+     Expedition of Discovery.--Revenge upon Valenzuela.--Reign of
+     Don Pedro at Nicaragua.--Unwise Decision of De Soto.
+
+
+It was supposed at that time that there must be a strait somewhere
+north of Panama across the narrow isthmus, which would connect the
+waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Several expeditions had
+been fitted out in search of this all-important passage. Almost
+invariably a company of priests joined these expeditions, who exerted
+all their energies to convert the Indians to nominal Christianity. A
+fanatic adventurer by the name of Giles Gonzales, acquired much
+celebrity for his success in inducing the natives to accept the
+Christian faith and to acknowledge fealty to the king of Spain. He was
+at the head of one hundred steel-clad warriors. His mode of
+persuasion, though unique, was very potent. When he approached the
+seat of the chief of Nicaragua, he sent a courier to him with the
+following message:
+
+"I am coming as a friend to teach you the only true religion, and to
+persuade you to recognize the most powerful monarch on the globe. If
+you refuse to yield to my teachings, you must prepare for battle, and
+I challenge you to meet me in the field."
+
+The gentle and peace-loving natives contemplated with consternation
+these fierce Spaniards mounted on powerful war horses, animals which
+they had never before seen, and glittering in coats of mail. They had
+no religious creed to which they adhered with any tenacity. The
+Nicaraguan chief unhesitatingly expressed his readiness to accept the
+new faith, and in token of friendship, sent Gonzales a quantity of
+gold, equal it is said in value to seventy-five thousand dollars of
+our money. The Spanish historian Herrera, whose record is generally
+deemed in the main accurate, says that the chief, his family, and nine
+thousand of his subjects, were baptized and became Christians.
+Influenced by this example, and by the glowing representations of the
+rewards which were sure to follow the acceptance of the Christian
+faith, more than thirty-six thousand of the natives were baptized
+within the space of half a year. The baptismal fees charged by
+Gonzales amounted to over four hundred thousand dollars.
+
+While Gonzales was engaged on his own responsibility in this career of
+spiritual conquest, with its rich pecuniary accompaniment, Don Pedro
+sent two of his generals, Ferdinand de Cordova and Ferdinand De Soto,
+to explore Nicaragua and take possession of it in his name. He assumed
+that Gonzales, acting without authority, was engaged in a treasonable
+movement. The two parties soon came into collision.
+
+De Soto, with a party of fifty men, twenty of them being well mounted
+cavaliers, encamped at a small village called Torebo. Gonzales was in
+the near vicinity with a little army of three hundred men, two hundred
+of whom were Indians. In the darkness of the night, Gonzales fell upon
+De Soto, and outnumbering him six to one, either killed or took
+captive all the thirty footmen; while the cavaliers, on their horses,
+cut their way through and escaped. Gonzales lost fifty of his best men
+in the conflict, and was so impressed with the military vigor of De
+Soto, that he was not at all disposed again to meet him on the field
+of battle. He therefore retired to a distant part of the province,
+where he vigorously engaged in the work of converting the natives,
+never forgetting his baptismal fee.
+
+De Soto and Cordova established themselves in a new town which they
+called Grenada. Here they erected a church, several dwelling houses,
+and barracks for the soldiers. They also surrounded the village with
+a trench and earthworks, as protection from any sudden assault.
+Gonzales was a fugitive from justice, having assassinated an officer
+sent by Hernando Cortes to arrest him.
+
+Cordova was a mild and humane man. Under his sway the Indians were
+prosperous and happy. Two flourishing towns grew up rapidly quite near
+each other, Leon and Grenada. The climate was delightful, the soil
+fertile, the means of living abundant. Many of the inhabitants of
+Panama emigrated to this more favored region.
+
+De Soto, leaving Cordova in command of Nicaragua, returned to Panama
+to report proceedings to Don Pedro. It was not till then that he
+learned, to his extreme regret, that the Governor had selected
+Nicaragua as a place for his future abode. He knew that the presence
+of the tyrannical governor could only prove disastrous to the
+flourishing colony, and ruinous to the happiness of the natives. The
+gloom with which the contemplation oppressed his mind spread over his
+speaking countenance. The eagle eye of the suspicious governor
+immediately detected these indications of discontent. With an air of
+deference, but in a tone of mockery, he said:
+
+"I judge from your appearance, captain, that my Nicaraguan enterprise
+does not meet with your cordial approbation."
+
+De Soto boldly, and with great deliberation of words, replied:
+
+"Governor Don Pedro, I confess that I feel but little interested in
+any of your movements or intentions, except when they encroach upon
+the rights of others. Nicaragua is at this time well governed by
+Ferdinand de Cordova. The change you propose to make, is to be
+deprecated as one of the greatest misfortunes that could befall not
+only the Indian inhabitants of that district, but our own countrymen
+likewise, who have flocked thither to escape from your jurisdiction."
+
+The countenance of Don Pedro became pallid with rage. Struggling,
+however, to suppress the unavailing outburst of his passion, he said,
+with a malignant smile:
+
+"I thank you, Captain De Soto, for giving me this opportunity which I
+have so long desired. Were I to permit such insolence to go
+unpunished, my authority in this colony would soon be at an end."
+
+"It is at an end," replied De Soto. "You must be aware that your
+successor, De Los Rios, is now on his way to Panama."
+
+"I do not choose," replied Don Pedro, "to debate this matter with you.
+I still claim the right to command you as your superior military
+officer. I now command you to hold yourself and your company in
+readiness to march. When we arrive at Leon, I promise you that full
+justice shall be done to your friend De Cordova, and to yourself."
+
+De Soto fully comprehended the significance of these threats. He wrote
+immediately to Cordova, urging him to be on his guard. The inhabitants
+of Leon and Grenada, learning of the intention of Don Pedro,--to take
+the government into his own hands,--entreated De Cordova to resist the
+tyrant, promising him their unanimous and energetic support. But De
+Cordova declined these overtures, saying, that all the authority to
+which he was legitimately entitled was derived from Don Pedro, and
+that it was his duty to obey him as his superior officer, until he
+should be deposed by the Spanish crown.
+
+Just before Don Pedro, with his suite, left Panama for Nicaragua, M.
+Codro returned from Spain. He brought dispatches to the governor, and
+also secretly a letter from Isabella to De Soto. The spies of the
+governor, in his castle in Spain, watched every movement of M. Codro.
+The simple minded man had very little skill in the arts of duplicity.
+These spies reported to Don Pedro that M. Codro had held a secret
+interview with Isabella, and had frankly stated that he was entrusted
+with a private message to her. Don Pedro knew that such a message
+could have gone only from De Soto; and that unquestionably M. Codro
+had brought back from his daughter a response. We may remark in
+passing, that the letter from Isabella to De Soto informed him of the
+inflexible fidelity of Isabella, and filled the heart of De Soto with
+joy.
+
+The malignant nature of Don Pedro was roused by these suspicions to
+intensity of action, and he resolved upon direful revenge. As the new
+governor was hourly expected, he could not venture upon any open act
+of assassination or violence, for he knew that in that case summary
+punishment would be his doom. Calling M. Codro before him, he assumed
+his blandest smile, thanked the artless philosopher for the services
+he had rendered him in Spain, and said that he wished to entrust him
+with the management of a mineralogical survey of a region near the
+gulf of San Miguel.
+
+The good man was delighted. This was just the employment which his
+nature craved. He was directed to embark in a vessel commanded by one
+of the governor's tools, an infamous wretch by the name of De
+Valenzuela. This man had been for many years a private, and was then
+engaged in kidnapping Indians for the slave trade. He was ordered as
+soon as the vessel was at sea, to chain M. Codro to the foremast, to
+expose him to all the tortures of the blaze of a tropical sun by day
+and chilling dews by night. The crew were enjoined to assail him with
+insulting mockery. Thus exposed to hunger, burning heat, and incessant
+abuse, he was to be kept through these lingering agonies until he
+died.
+
+For ten days the good man bore this cruel martyrdom, when he breathed
+his last, and was buried on a small island about a hundred miles
+southwest of Panama. This brutal assassination was so conducted, that
+De Soto at the time had no knowledge of the tragedy which was being
+enacted.
+
+Early in the year 1526, Don Pedro, surrounded by a large retinue of
+his obedient soldiery, left Panama to assume the government of
+Nicaragua, to which he had no legitimate title. De Soto accompanied
+the governor. Much as he detested his character, he could not forget
+that he was the father of Isabella. When Don Pedro approached the
+little town of Leon, he sent a courier before him, to order De Cordova
+to meet him in the public square, with his municipal officers and his
+clergy, prepared to give an account of his administration.
+
+De Soto with his horsemen was ordered to form in line on one side of
+the square. The foot soldiers of Don Pedro surrounded the governor on
+the other side. All the vacant space was filled with citizens and
+natives. By the side of the governor stood his executioner; a man of
+gigantic stature and of herculean strength, whose massive sword few
+arms but his could wield. De Cordova advanced to meet Don Pedro, and
+bowing respectfully before him, commenced giving an account of the
+state of affairs in the province. Suddenly he was interrupted in his
+narrative by Don Pedro, who with forced anger exclaimed:
+
+"Silence, you hypocrite! Your treasonable projects cannot be hidden
+under these absurd pretensions of loyalty and patriotism: I will now
+let your accomplices see how a traitor should be punished."
+
+He made a sign to his executioner. His gleaming sword flashed through
+the air, and in an instant the dissevered head of Cordova rolled in
+the dust. The headsman grasped the gory trophy by the hair, and
+raising it high above his head exclaimed,
+
+          "_Behold the doom of a traitor._"
+
+All this took place in an instant. The spectators were horror
+stricken. De Soto instinctively seized his sword, and would doubtless
+have put spurs to his horse, rushed upon the governor, and plunged the
+weapon to the hilt in his breast, but for the restraining memories of
+the past. Hesitatingly he returned his sword to its scabbard.
+
+But Don Pedro had not yet finished the contemplated work of the day.
+Another victim he had doomed to fall. A file of soldiers, very
+resolute men, led by a determined officer, crossing the square,
+approached De Soto, at the head of his troops. Don Pedro then
+exclaimed in a loud voice,
+
+"Ferdinand De Soto, you are ordered to dismount and submit yourself to
+the punishment which you have just seen inflicted on your traitorous
+comrade. Soldiers! drag him from his horse if he refuse to obey."
+
+The officer reached forth his hand to seize De Soto. Like lightning's
+flash, the sword of the cavalier fell upon the officer, and his head
+was cleft from crown to chin. The spurs were applied to the fiery
+steed. He plunged through the soldiers, knocking several of them down,
+and in an instant De Soto had his sword's point at the breast of the
+governor. Shouts of "kill the tyrant," rose from all parts of the
+square, which were echoed even from the ranks of Don Pedro's soldiers.
+Again De Soto held back his avenging hand; but in words which made Don
+Pedro quake in his shoes, he said,
+
+"You hear the expression of public sentiment. You hear the wishes of
+those who are subject to your authority. It is the voice of justice
+speaking through these people. In refusing to obey the call, I am
+scarcely less guilty than yourself. But remember, Don Pedro, that in
+sparing your life at this moment, I discharge all the obligations I
+have owed you. Miserable old man! Be thankful that the recollection of
+one that is absent, can make me forget what I owe to my murdered
+friend.
+
+"I will now sheathe my sword, but I solemnly declare by the sacred
+emblem of the cross which it bears, that I will never draw it again in
+your service."
+
+The assassination, for it could hardly be called execution, of De
+Cordova, excited the general indignation of the Spanish settlers. They
+all knew that Don Pedro had no authority from the king of Spain to
+assume the government of Nicaragua, and that he was therefore an
+usurper. The noble character which De Soto had exhibited, and his
+undeniable ability and bravery, had won for him universal regard. The
+Spaniards generally rallied around him, and entreated him to assume
+the command, promising him their enthusiastic support. They could not
+comprehend why De Soto so persistently refused their solicitations.
+They knew nothing of the secret reasons which rendered it almost
+impossible for De Soto to draw his sword against the father of
+Isabella.
+
+As we have mentioned, it was generally supposed that there must be
+some strait between the Isthmus of Darien and the southern frontiers
+of Mexico, which connected the waters of the Atlantic and Pacific
+Oceans. The king of Spain had offered a large reward for the discovery
+of this passage. Several of the wealthy citizens of Leon organized an
+expedition in pursuit of this object. De Soto was placed at its head.
+He selected, from his cavalry troop, five of his most intelligent and
+energetic young men. They started from Leon, and followed along the
+coast of the Pacific, in northwesterly course, penetrating every bay
+and inlet. They travelled on horseback and encountered innumerable
+difficulties from the rugged and pathless wilderness, through which
+they pressed their way. They also had much to fear from the unfriendly
+character of the natives, whose hostility had been aroused by the
+outrages which companies of vagabond Spaniards had inflicted upon
+them.
+
+De Soto, however, and his companions, by their just and kindly spirit,
+soon won the regards of the Indians. They found that the natives
+possessed large quantities of gold, which they seemed to esteem of
+little value. Eagerly they exchanged the precious metal for such
+trinkets as the explorers took with them. Upon this arduous
+expedition, which De Soto managed with consummate skill, he was absent
+eleven months. Seven hundred miles of sea-coast were carefully
+explored, and he became fully convinced that the looked-for strait did
+not exist. Though in this respect the expedition had proved a
+failure, he returned to Leon quite enriched by the gold which he had
+gathered. With honesty, rarely witnessed in those days, he impartially
+divided the treasure among the projectors of the enterprise.
+
+As De Soto was returning, he discovered a small Spanish vessel
+anchored near the present site of San Salvador. As his men and horses
+were worn down by their fatiguing journey, he engaged a passage in the
+vessel to Leon. Upon embarking he found the captain and crew consisted
+of some of the most depraved and brutal men who had ever visited the
+New World. They were cruising along the coast, watching for
+opportunity to kidnap the natives, to convey them to the West Indies
+as slaves. The captain was the infamous Valenzuela, who, as agent of
+Don Pedro, had tortured M. Codro to death.
+
+De Soto had no knowledge, as we have mentioned, of the dreadful doom
+which had befallen his friend. One day the fiendlike captain was
+amusing his crew with a recital of his past deeds of villany. He told
+the story of the murder of Codro.
+
+"He was," he said, "an old wizard whom Don Pedro, the governor of
+Panama, commissioned me to torture and to put to death, in consequence
+of some treachery of which he had been guilty while on a mission to
+Spain."
+
+The words caught the ear of De Soto. He joined the group, and listened
+with breathless attention and a throbbing heart, to the statement of
+Valenzuela.
+
+"I chained the old fellow," said the captain, "to the mainmast, and
+the sailors amused themselves by drenching him with buckets of cold
+water, till he was almost drowned. After several days, he became so
+sick and exhausted, that we saw that our sport would soon be at an
+end. For two days he was speechless. He then suddenly recovered the
+use of his voice, and endeavored to frighten me by saying:
+
+"'Captain, your treatment has caused my death. I now call upon you to
+hear the words of a dying man. Within a year from this time, I summon
+you to meet me before the judgment seat of God.'"
+
+Here the captain burst into a derisive and scornful laugh. He then
+added:
+
+"Come comrades, we'll have a hamper of wine, and drink to the repose
+of M. Codro's soul."
+
+De Soto stepped forward, and repressing all external exhibition of the
+rage which consumed his soul, said calmly to the captain,
+
+"You say that the astrologer prophesied that you should die within the
+year. When will that year expire?"
+
+"In about two weeks," the captain replied. "But I have no fear but
+that the prophet will prove to be a liar."
+
+"He shall not," De Soto added. And drawing from his scabbard his keen,
+glittering sword, with one blow from his sinewy arm, severed the
+captain's head from his body. The ghastly trophy rolled gushing with
+blood upon the deck. These wild and savage men were accustomed to such
+scenes. They admired the courage of De Soto, and the marvellous skill
+with which, at one blow, he had struck off the head of the captain. De
+Soto then turned to the crowd and said:
+
+"Gentlemen, if any of you are disposed to hold me accountable for what
+I have just done, I am ready to answer you according to your desires.
+But I consider myself bound, in reason and in courtesy, to inform you,
+that M. Codro, the man whom this villain murdered, was my friend; and
+I doubt not that he was condemned to death for doing me an important
+service."
+
+All seemed satisfied with this explanation. These sanguinary scenes in
+those days produced but a momentary impression.
+
+De Soto and Don Pedro no longer held any intercourse with each other.
+The reign of the usurping governor was atrocious beyond the power of
+language to express. With horses and bloodhounds he ran down the
+natives, seizing and selling them as slaves. Droves of men, women and
+children, chained together, were often driven into the streets of
+Leon.
+
+The assumption then was that a nominal Christian might pardonably
+inflict any outrages upon those who had not accepted the Christian
+faith. Several of the Indian chiefs had embraced Christianity. Don
+Pedro compelled them all to pay him a tribute of fifty slaves a month.
+All orphans were to be surrendered as slaves. And then the wretch
+demanded that all parents who had several children, should surrender
+one or more, as slaves to the Spaniards. The natives were robbed of
+their harvests, so that they had no encouragement to cultivate the
+soil. This led to famine, and more than twenty thousand perished of
+starvation. Famine introduced pestilence. The good Las Casas declares
+that in consequence of the oppressions of the Spaniards, in ten years,
+more than sixty thousand of the natives of Nicaragua perished.
+
+About this time Francisco Pizarro had embarked in a hair-brained
+enterprise for the conquest of Peru, on the western coast of South
+America. Very slowly he had forced his way along, towards that vast
+empire, encountering innumerable difficulties, and enduring frightful
+sufferings, until he had reached a point where his progress seemed to
+be arrested. His army was greatly weakened, and he had not sufficient
+force to push his conquests any farther. Threatened with the utter
+extermination of his band, he remembered De Soto, whom he had never
+loved. He knew that he was anxious for fame and fortune, and thought
+that his bravery and great military ability might extricate him from
+his embarrassments.
+
+He therefore wrote to Don Pedro, praying that De Soto, with
+reinforcements, might be sent to his aid. For three years there had
+been no communication whatever between the governor and the lover of
+his daughter. But Don Pedro regarded the adventure of Pizarro as
+hazardous in the extreme, and felt sure that all engaged in the
+enterprise would miserably perish. Eagerly he caught at the idea of
+sending De Soto to join them; for his presence was to Don Pedro a
+constant source of annoyance and dread. He therefore caused the
+communication from Pizarro to be conveyed to De Soto, saying to the
+messenger who bore it:
+
+"Urge De Soto to depart immediately for Peru. And I pray Heaven that
+we may never hear of him again."
+
+De Soto, not knowing what to do with himself, imprudently consented,
+and thus allied his fortunes with those of one of the greatest
+villains of any age or country.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+_The Invasion of Peru._
+
+     The Kingdom of Peru.--Its Metropolis.--The Desperate
+     Condition of Pizarro.--Arrival of De Soto.--Character of the
+     Spaniards.--Exploring tour of De Soto.--The Colony at San
+     Miguel.--The General Advance.--Second Exploration of De
+     Soto.--Infamous Conduct of the Pizarros.
+
+
+The kingdom of Peru, skirting the western coast of South America,
+between the majestic peaks of the Andes and the mirrored waters of the
+Pacific Ocean, was one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
+This kingdom, diversified with every variety of scenery, both of the
+sublime and the beautiful, and enjoying a delicious climate, was about
+eighteen hundred miles in length and one hundred and fifty in breadth.
+The natives had attained a high degree of civilization. Though
+gunpowder, steel armor, war horses, and bloodhounds gave the barbarian
+Spaniards the supremacy on fields of blood, the leading men, among the
+Peruvians, seem to have been in intelligence, humanity and every
+virtue, far superior to the savage leaders of the Spaniards, who so
+ruthlessly invaded their peaceful realms.
+
+The metropolis of the empire was the city of Cuzo, which was situated
+in a soft and luxuriant valley traversing some table-lands which were
+about twelve thousand feet above the level of the sea. The government
+of the country was an absolute monarchy. But its sovereign, called the
+Inca, seems to have been truly a good man, the father of his people;
+wisely and successfully seeking their welfare. The Peruvians had
+attained a degree of excellence in many of the arts unsurpassed by the
+Spaniards. Their houses were generally built of stone; their massive
+temples, though devoid of architectural beauty, were constructed of
+hewn blocks of granite, so admirably joined together that the seams
+could be with difficulty discerned.
+
+Humbolt found, among the ruins of these temples, blocks of hewn stone
+thirty-six feet long, nine feet wide, and six feet in thickness. Their
+great highways, spanning the gulfs, clinging to the precipitous cliffs
+and climbing the mountains, were wonderful works of mechanical skill.
+
+De Soto was thoroughly acquainted with the cruel, faithless, and
+treacherous character of Pizarro. A stigma must ever rest upon his
+name, for consenting to enter into any expedition under the leadership
+of such a man. It may however be said, in reply, that he had no
+intention of obeying Pizarro in any thing that was wrong; that his
+love of adventure was roused by the desire to explore one of the most
+magnificent empires in the New World, which rumor had invested with
+wealth and splendor surpassing the dreams of romance. And perhaps,
+most important of all, he hoped _honestly_ to be able to gather from
+the fabled mines of gold, with which Peru was said to be filled, that
+wealth with which he would be enabled to return to Spain and claim the
+hand, as he had already won the heart, of the fair and faithful
+Isabella.
+
+Pizarro had entered upon his enterprise with an army of one hundred
+and eighty men, twenty-seven of whom were mounted. It seems to be the
+uncontradicted testimony of contemporary historians, that this army
+was composed of as worthless a set of vagabonds as ever disgraced
+humanity. There was no crime or cruelty from which these fiends in
+human form would recoil.
+
+Pizarro, following down the western coast of South America five or six
+hundred miles, had reached the island of Puna, in the extreme northern
+part of Peru. It was separated from the mainland by a narrow strait.
+The inhabitants received him cordially, but the murders, rapine and
+other nameless atrocities, perpetrated by the Spaniards upon the
+friendly natives, soon so aroused their resentment that a conspiracy
+was formed for the entire extermination of the invaders. The
+expedition had become so weakened and demoralized that even Pizarro
+saw that it would be the height of imprudence for him to venture, with
+his vile crew, upon the mainland, before reinforcements under some
+degree of military discipline should arrive. He was in this precarious
+condition, and on the eve of extermination, when De Soto and his
+select and well-ordered troops reached the island.
+
+They came in two vessels, bringing with them an abundant supply of
+arms and ammunition. The party consisted of fifty men, thoroughly
+equipped. Thirty of them were steel-clad cavaliers, well mounted. De
+Soto had been offered the rank of second in command. But when he
+arrived at Puna, he found that Pizarro's brother--Hernando--occupied
+this post, and that he had no intention of relinquishing it. De Soto
+reproached Pizarro in very plain terms for this wrong and insult. He
+however did not allow it long to trouble him. Surrounded by his own
+brave and devoted followers, he felt quite independent of the
+authority of Pizarro, and had no intention of obeying him any farther
+than might be in accordance with his own wishes.
+
+On the other hand, Pizarro had but little confidence in his brother,
+and was fully conscious that the success of his enterprise would be
+mainly dependent upon the energy and skill of De Soto.
+
+Pizarro, now finding himself at the head of really a formidable force,
+prepared to pass over to the mainland. There was quite a large town
+there called Tumbez, surrounded by a rich and densely populated
+country. The Peruvians had gold in abundance, and weapons and utensils
+of copper. With iron and steel, they were entirely unacquainted. As
+when fighting at a distance, the bullet of the Spaniard was
+immeasurably superior to the arrow of the native, so in a hand to hand
+fight, the keen and glittering sabre of steel, especially in the hands
+of steel-clad cavaliers left the poorly armed Peruvians almost
+entirely at their mercy.
+
+Arrangements were made to cross the strait and make a descent upon
+Tumbez. Pizarro had already visited the place, where he had been
+kindly received by the inhabitants, and where he had seen with his own
+eyes that the houses and temples were decorated with golden ornaments,
+often massive in weight, and of almost priceless value. He floated his
+little band across the narrow strait on rafts.
+
+The inhabitants of Tumbez and its vicinity had been disposed to
+receive their Spanish visitors as guests, and to treat them with the
+utmost courtesy and kindness. But the tidings had reached them of the
+terrible outrages which they had inflicted upon the inhabitants of
+Puna. They therefore attacked the Spaniards as they approached the
+shore on their rafts and endeavored to prevent their landing. But the
+invaders, with musketry and a cannon which they had with them,
+speedily drove off their assailants, and with horses and hounds
+planted their banners upon the shore. They then marched directly upon
+Tumbez, confident of gathering, from the decorations of her palaces
+and her temples, abounding wealth. Bitter was their disappointment.
+The Peruvians, conscious of their probable inability to resist the
+invaders, had generally abandoned the city, carrying with them, far
+away into the mountains, all their treasures.
+
+The Spaniards, who had entered the city with hideous yells of triumph,
+being thus frustrated in the main object of their expedition, found,
+by inquiry, that at the distance of several leagues easterly from the
+sea-coast, among the pleasant valleys of the mountains, there were
+populous cities, where abundance of booty might be found.
+
+The whole number of Spaniards, then invading Peru, did not exceed two
+hundred and fifty. The Peruvians were daily becoming more deeply
+exasperated. With such a number of men, and no fortified base to fall
+back upon, Pizarro did not deem it safe to enter upon a plundering
+tour into the interior. Keeping therefore about one hundred and
+thirty men with him, and strongly fortifying himself at Tumbez, he
+sent De Soto, at the head of eighty men, sixty of whom were mounted,
+back into the mountains, to search for gold, and to report respecting
+the condition of the country, in preparation for future expeditions.
+
+The bad fame of Pizarro was spreading far and wide. And though De Soto
+enjoined it strictly upon his men, not to be guilty of any act of
+injustice, still he was an invading Spaniard, and the Peruvians
+regarded them all as the shepherd regards the wolf. De Soto had passed
+but a few leagues from the seashore, ere he entered upon the hilly
+country. As he was ascending one of the gentle eminences, a band of
+two thousand Indians, who had met there to arrest his progress, rushed
+down upon him. His sixty horsemen instantly formed in column and
+impetuously charged into their crowded ranks. These Peruvians had
+never seen a horse before. Their arrows glanced harmless from the
+impenetrable armor, and they were mercilessly cut down and trampled
+beneath iron hoofs. The Spaniards galloped through and through their
+ranks, strewing the ground with the dead. The carnage was of short
+duration. The panic-stricken Peruvians fled wherever there was a
+possibility of escape. The trumpets of the conquerors pealed forth
+their triumphant strains. The silken banners waved proudly in the
+breeze, and the victors exultingly continued their march through one
+of the defiles of the mountains.
+
+Whatever excuses De Soto may make for himself, humanity will never
+forgive him for the carnage of that day. Having thus fairly embarked
+upon this enterprise, where he was surely gaining military renown,
+infamous as it was, and where there was the prospect before him of
+plunder of incalculable worth, De Soto seems to have assumed to act
+upon his own responsibility, and to have paid very little regard to
+the authority of Pizarro, whom he had left behind. He had already
+penetrated the country much farther than he had been authorized to do
+by the orders of his superior. One of the men, whom Pizarro had sent
+with him, very probably as a spy upon his movements, deserted, and
+returned to Tumbez with the report that De Soto was already
+practically in revolt, and had renounced all dependence on Pizarro.
+For this alleged insubordination, Pizarro did not venture to call his
+energetic lieutenant to account.
+
+In the mean time, Pizarro was exploring the country in the vicinity of
+Tumbez, for the site of the colony he wished to establish. He selected
+a position about ninety miles south of that city, in a rich and
+well-watered valley which opened upon the placid surface of the
+Pacific. His troops were transported to the spot by the two vessels.
+Here he laid the foundations of a town, which he called San Miguel.
+With timber from the mountains, and stone from the quarries, and the
+labor of a large number of natives, who were driven to daily toil,
+not as servants, by the stimulus of well-paid labor, but as slaves,
+goaded by the sabres of their task masters, quite a large and
+strongly-fortified town rapidly arose.
+
+De Soto continued his explorations in the interior for some time, and
+discovered a very magnificent highway, leading to the capital of the
+empire. It was smoothly paved with flat blocks of stone, or with
+cement harder than stone. He returned to San Miguel with the report of
+his discoveries, and quite richly laden with the gold which he had
+received as a present from the natives, or which he had seized as what
+he considered the lawful spoils of war. The sight of the gold inspired
+all the Spaniards at San Miguel with the intense desire to press
+forward into a field which promised so rich a harvest.
+
+It was ascertained that the Inca had command of an army of over fifty
+thousand men. Pizarro, leaving sixty men in garrison at San Miguel,
+set out with one hundred and ninety men to visit the Inca in his
+capital. De Soto accompanied him. It was not ostensibly a military
+expedition, seeking the conquest of the country, or moving with any
+hostile intent whatever. De Soto had a conscience; Pizarro had none.
+Whatever reproaches might arise in the mind of De Soto in reference to
+the course he was pursuing, he silenced them by the very plausible
+assumption that he was an ambassador from the king of Spain,
+commissioned to make a friendly visit to the monarch of another
+newly-discovered empire; that he was the messenger of peace seeking to
+unite the two kingdoms in friendly relations with each other for their
+mutual benefit. This was probably the real feeling of De Soto. The
+expedition was commissioned by the king of Spain. The armed retinue
+was only such as became the ambassadors of a great monarch. Such an
+expedition was in every respect desirable. The fault--perhaps we ought
+in candor to say the calamity--of De Soto was in allowing himself to
+be attached to an expedition under a man so thoroughly reckless and
+unprincipled as he knew Pizarro to have been. Perhaps he hoped to
+control the actions of his ignorant and fanatic superior officer. It
+is quite manifest that De Soto did exert a very powerful influence in
+giving shape to the expedition.
+
+An Indian courier was sent forward to Cuzco, one of the capitals of
+the Peruvian monarch, with a friendly and almost an obsequious message
+to the Inca, whose name was Attahuallapa. The courier bore the
+communication that Pizarro was an ambassador commissioned by the king
+of Spain to visit the king of Peru, and to kiss his hand in token of
+peace and fraternity. He therefore solicited that protection in
+passing through the country which every monarch is bound to render to
+the representatives of a foreign and friendly power.
+
+Pizarro, as it will be remembered, was a rough and illiterate soldier,
+unable either to read or write. In this sagacious diplomatic
+arrangement, we undoubtedly see the movement of De Soto's reflective
+and cultivated mind. The expedition moved slowly along, awaiting the
+return of the courier. He soon came back with a very indefinite
+response, and with a present of two curiously carved stone cups, and
+some perfumery. The guarded reply and the meagre present excited some
+alarm in the Spanish camp. It was very evident that the expedition was
+not to anticipate a very cordial reception at the Peruvian court.
+Pizarro was much alarmed. He was quite confident that the Inca was
+trying to lure them on to their ruin. Having called a council of war,
+he urged that they should proceed no farther until he had sent some
+faithful Indian spies to ascertain the intentions of Attahuallapa.
+
+But De Soto, whose youthful energies were inspired by love and
+ambition, was eager to press forward.
+
+"It is not necessary," said he, "for the Inca to use treachery with
+us. He could easily overpower us with numbers were he so disposed. We
+have also heard that he is a just and merciful prince; and the
+courtesy he has already shown us, is some token at least of his good
+will. But why should we hesitate? We have no longer any choice but to
+go forward. If we now retreat, it will prove our professions to be
+false; and when the suspicions of the Inca are once aroused, we shall
+find it impossible to escape from his country."
+
+Pizarro's brother--Hernando--was a man of ignoble birth, of ruffianly
+manners, of low and brutal character. Tauntingly he inquired of De
+Soto, if he were ready to give proof of his confidence in the faith of
+the Peruvian monarch, by going forward to his court, as an envoy from
+the embassy.
+
+De Soto turned his keen and flashing eye upon the man, whom he
+despised, and said in slow and measured words:
+
+"Don Hernando, I may yet convince you that it is neither civil nor
+safe to call my sincerity in question. I have as much confidence in
+the honor of the Inca as I have in the integrity of any man in this
+company, not excepting the commander or yourself. I perceive that you
+are disposed to go backward. You may all return, when and how you
+please, or remain where you are. But I have made up my mind to present
+myself to Attahuallapa. And I shall certainly do so, without asking
+the assistance or permission of any of your party."
+
+This was certainly a very defiant speech. It asserted his entire
+rejection of the authority of Pizarro. De Soto could not have dared
+thus to have spoken, unless he had felt strong in the support of his
+own dragoons.
+
+Hernando Pizarro was silent, indulging only in a malignant smile. It
+was not safe for him to provoke De Soto to a personal rencontre.
+Francisco Pizarro smothered his chagrin and very adroitly availed
+himself of this statement, to commission De Soto to take twenty-four
+horsemen, such as he might select, and accompanied by an Indian guide
+called Filipillo, go forward to the Peruvian court.
+
+Both of the Pizarros seemed quite relieved when the sound of the
+departing squadron of brave cavaliers died away in the distance. De
+Soto, during the whole of his adventurous life, seems to have been
+entirely unconscious of the emotion of fear. During his residence in
+the camp of the Pizarros, he had exerted a powerful restraint upon
+their ferocious natures. He had very earnestly endeavored to impress
+their minds with the conviction that they could not pass through the
+populous empire of Peru, or even remain in it, if their followers were
+allowed to trample upon the rights of the natives. So earnestly and
+persistently did he urge these views, that Pizarro at length
+acknowledged their truth, and in the presence of De Soto, commanded
+his men to abstain from every act of aggression.
+
+But now that De Soto was gone, the Pizarros and their rabble rout of
+vagabonds breathed more freely. Scarcely had the plumed helmets of the
+cavaliers disappeared in the distance, when Hernando Pizarro set out
+on a plundering expedition into the villages of the Peruvians. The
+natives fled in terror before the Spaniards. Pizarro caught one of the
+leading men and questioned him very closely respecting the designs of
+Attahuallapa. The captive honestly and earnestly declared, that he
+knew nothing about the plans of his sovereign.
+
+This demoniac Hernando endeavored to extort a confession from him by
+torture. He tied his victim to a tree, enveloped his feet in cotton
+thoroughly saturated with oil and applied the torch. The wretched
+sufferer in unendurable agony, said "yes" to anything and everything.
+Two days after, it was proved that he could not have known anything
+respecting the intended operations of the Inca. It is a satisfaction
+to one's sense of justice to remember that there is a God who will not
+allow such crimes to go unpunished.
+
+De Soto, with his bold cavaliers, pressed rapidly on towards the
+Peruvian camp. Very carefully he guarded against every act of
+hostility or injustice. Everywhere the natives were treated with the
+utmost courtesy. In the rapid advance of the Spaniards through the
+country, crowds flocked to the highway attracted by the novel
+spectacle. And a wonderful spectacle it must have been! These
+cavaliers, with their nodding plumes, their burnished armor, their
+gleaming sabres, their silken banners, mounted on magnificent war
+horses and rushing along over the hills and through the valleys in
+meteoric splendor, must have presented an aspect more imposing to
+their minds than we can well imagine.
+
+De Soto, who had not his superior as a horseman in the Spanish army,
+was mounted on a milk white steed of extraordinary size and grace of
+figure, and wore a complete suit of the most costly and showy armor.
+It is said that on one occasion his path was crossed by a brook twenty
+feet wide. The noble animal disdained to wade through, but cleared it
+at a single bound.
+
+The crowds who lined the highways seemed to understand and appreciate
+the friendly feelings De Soto manifested in gracefully bowing to them
+and smiling as he passed along. He soon ascertained, though his guide
+Filipillo, that the headquarters of the Peruvian camp was at a place
+now called Caxamarca, among the mountains, about eighty miles
+northeast of the present seaport of Truxillo.
+
+After a rapid ride of about six hours, the expedition approached quite
+a flourishing little town called Caxas. Several hundred Peruvian
+soldiers were drawn up in battle array in the outskirts, to arrest the
+progress of the Spaniards. De Soto halted his dragoons, and sent
+forward Filipillo to assure the commandant that he was traversing the
+country not with any hostile intent, and that he bore a friendly
+message from his own sovereign to the king of Peru.
+
+The kindly disposed Peruvians immediately laid aside their arms,
+welcomed the strangers, and entertained them with a sumptuous feast.
+Thus refreshed, they pressed on several leagues farther, until they
+reached a much larger city called Guancabama. From all the accounts
+given it would seem that the inhabitants of this region had reached a
+degree of civilization, so far as the comforts of life are concerned,
+fully equal to that then to be found in Spain. This city was on the
+magnificent highway which traversed fifteen hundred miles through the
+very heart of the empire. The houses, which were built of hewn stone,
+admirably jointed, consisted of several rooms, and were distinguished
+for cleanliness, order, and domestic comfort.
+
+The men seemed intelligent, the women modest, and various arts of
+industry occupied their time. De Soto testified that the great highway
+which passed through this place far surpassed in grandeur and utility
+any public work which had ever been attempted in Spain. Happy and
+prosperous as were the Peruvians, compared with the inhabitants of
+most other countries, it is quite evident that the ravages of the Fall
+were not unknown there.
+
+Just before entering the town, De Soto passed a high gibbet upon which
+three malefactors were hung in chains, swaying in the breeze. That
+revolting spectacle revealed the sad truth that in Peru, as well as
+elsewhere, man's fallen nature developed itself in crime and woe. The
+Emperor had also a large standing army, and the country had just been
+ravaged by the horrors of civil war.
+
+De Soto was kindly received at Guancabama. Just as he was about to
+leave for Caxamarca, an envoy from the Inca reached the city on its
+way to the Spanish camp. The ambassador was a man of high rank.
+Several servants accompanied him, laden with presents for Pizarro. He
+entreated De Soto to return with him to the headquarters of the
+Spaniards. As these presents and this embassy would probably convince
+Pizarro of the friendly feeling of the Peruvian monarch, De Soto
+judged it wise to comply with his request. Thus he turned back, and
+the united party soon reached Pizarro's encampment.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+_The Atrocities of Pizarro._
+
+     Fears of Pizarro.--Honorable Conduct of the Inca.--The March
+     to Caxamarca.--Hospitable Reception.--Perfidious Attack upon
+     the Inca.--His Capture and Imprisonment.--The Honor of De
+     Soto.--The Offered Ransom.--Treachery and Extortion of
+     Pizarro.
+
+
+The report which De Soto brought back was in many respects quite
+alarming to the Pizarros. Though they were delighted to hear of the
+wealth which had been discovered, and the golden ornaments decorating
+houses, temples and shrines, they were not a little alarmed in the
+contemplation of the large population over which the Inca reigned, and
+of the power of his government. The spectacle of the gallows also at
+Guancabama, caused very uncomfortable sensations.
+
+Both of these men were aware that they and their troops had committed
+crimes which would doom them to the scaffold, should the Inca be able
+to punish them according to their deserts. Indeed it subsequently
+appeared, that the Inca had heard of their outrages. But with humanity
+and a sense of justice which reflects lustre upon his name, he had
+resolved not to punish them unheard in their own defence. He knew not
+but that false representations had been made of the facts. He knew not
+but that the Spaniards had been goaded to acts of retaliation by
+outrages on the part of the Peruvians.
+
+He therefore invited the Spanish adventurers to meet him at Caxamarca,
+assuring them of a safe passage to that place. With fear and trembling
+Pizarro consented, with his little band of two hundred and fifty men,
+to visit the Peruvian camp, where fifty thousand soldiers might be
+arrayed against him. The path they were to traverse led through
+defiles of the mountains, where a few hundred men could arrest the
+march of an army. The Spaniards afterwards could not but admit, that
+had the Inca cherished any perfidious design, he might with the utmost
+ease have utterly exterminated them. Not a man could have escaped.
+
+The march of these trembling men was not with the triumphant tramp of
+conquerors. They did not enter the Peruvian camp with flourish of
+trumpets and bugle blasts, but as peaceful ambassadors, with a showy
+retinue, who had been permitted to traverse the country unharmed. The
+sun was just sinking behind the rugged peaks of the mountains on the
+fifteenth of November, 1532, when Pizarro's band rode into the streets
+of Caxamarca. In the centre of the town there was a large public
+square. On one side of that square was a spacious stone edifice, which
+the Inca had caused to be prepared for the accommodation of his
+guests. This building was a part of a strong fortress, within whose
+massive walls, a small party of well armed men might easily defend
+themselves against a host.
+
+The fact that Attahuallapa assigned to them such quarters, proves
+conclusively that he had no intention to treat them otherwise than in
+the most friendly manner. The Inca, with the troops immediately under
+his command, was encamped at a distance of about three miles from the
+town. The treacherous Pizarro was ever apprehensive of treachery on
+the part of others. He was an entire stranger to that calm and
+peaceful courage which seemed always to reign in the bosom of De Soto.
+
+Immediately after he reached Caxamarca he dispatched De Soto to inform
+the Inca of his arrival. The Peruvian camp covered several acres of
+ground, with substantial and commodious tents. In the centre there was
+truly a magnificent pavilion, gorgeous in its decorations, which was
+appropriated to the Inca. Attahuallapa was informed of the approach of
+the Spanish cavaliers. He came from his tent and took his seat upon a
+splendid throne prepared for the occasion. The Peruvian soldiers gazed
+with amazement upon the spectacle of these horsemen as they were led
+into the presence of their sovereign.
+
+De Soto, with the native grace which attended all his actions,
+alighted from his horse, bowed respectfully to the monarch, and said
+in words which were interpreted by Filipillo.
+
+"I am sent by my commander, Don Francisco Pizarro, who desires to be
+admitted to your presence, to give you an account of the causes which
+have brought him to this country, and other matters which it may
+behoove your majesty to know. He humbly entreats you to allow him an
+interview this night or to-morrow, as he wishes to make you an offer
+of his services, and to deliver the message which has been committed
+to him by his sovereign, the king of Spain."
+
+Attahuallapa replied with much dignity and some apparent reserve, that
+he cordially accepted the friendly offers of Pizarro, and would grant
+him the desired interview the following morning. The Inca was a young
+man about thirty years of age. He was tall, admirably formed, and with
+a very handsome countenance. But there was an expression of sadness
+overspreading his features, and a pensive tone in his address,
+indicating that he was a man who had seen affliction.
+
+The splendid steed from which De Soto had alighted was restlessly
+pawing the ground at a short distance from the tent of the Inca,
+attracting the particular attention and admiration of the sovereign.
+De Soto, perceiving the admiration which his steed elicited,
+remounted, and touching the spirited animal with the spur, went
+bounding with almost the speed of the wind over the level plain,
+causing his horse now to rear, and now to plunge, wheeling him around,
+and thus exhibiting his excellent qualities. He then came down at full
+speed to the spot where the Inca stood, until within a few feet of the
+monarch, when he checked his horse so suddenly as to throw him back
+upon his haunches. Some of the attendants of the Inca were evidently
+alarmed; but the Inca himself stood proudly immovable. He reproved his
+attendants for their timidity; and Mr. Prescott, who represents
+Attahuallapa as a very cruel man, intimates that he put some of them
+to death that evening for betraying such weakness before the
+strangers. Refreshments were offered to De Soto and his party, and a
+sort of wine was presented to them in golden cups, of extraordinary
+size.
+
+As De Soto, having fulfilled his mission, was about to leave the royal
+presence and return to Caxamarca, Attahuallapa said:
+
+"Tell your companions, that as I am keeping a fast, I cannot to-day
+accept their invitation. I will come to them to-morrow. I may be
+attended by a large and armed retinue. But let not that give you any
+uneasiness. I wish to cultivate your friendship and that of your king.
+I have already given ample proof that no harm is intended you, though
+your captain, I am told, mistrusts me. If you think it will please him
+better, I will come with few attendants and those unarmed."
+
+De Soto warmly assured the Inca that no man could doubt his sincerity,
+and begged him to consult his own taste entirely in reference to the
+manner in which he would approach the Spaniards.
+
+Upon the return of the cavalier to Pizarro, with an account of the
+interview, that perfidious chieftain proposed to his men, that they
+should seize the Inca and hold him in captivity as a hostage. Mr.
+Prescott, in his account of this infamous procedure, speaks of it in
+the following apologetic terms:
+
+    "Pizarro then summoned a council of his officers, to consider
+    the plan of operations, or rather to propose to them the
+    extraordinary plan on which he had himself decided. This was
+    to lay an ambuscade for the Inca, and take him prisoner in
+    the face of his whole army. It was a project full of peril,
+    bordering as it might well seem on desperation. But the
+    circumstances of the Spaniards were desperate. Whichever way
+    they turned they were menaced by the most appalling dangers.
+    And better was it to confront the danger, than weakly to
+    shrink from it when there was no avenue for escape. To fly
+    was now too late. Whither could they fly? At the first signal
+    of retreat the whole army of the Inca would be upon them.
+    Their movements would be anticipated by a foe far better
+    acquainted with the intricacies of the Sierra than
+    themselves; the passes would be occupied, and they would be
+    hemmed in on all sides; while the mere fact of this
+    retrograde movement would diminish the confidence and with it
+    the effective strength of his own men, while it doubled that
+    of the enemy."
+
+The next morning was Saturday, the 16th of November, 1532. The sun
+rose in a cloudless sky, and great preparations were made by the Inca
+to display his grandeur and his power to his not very welcome guests.
+A large retinue preceded and followed the monarch, while a courier was
+sent forward to inform Pizarro of his approach. The Inca, habited in a
+dress which was glittering with gems and gold, was seated in a
+gorgeous open palanquin, borne upon the shoulders of many of his
+nobles.
+
+It was five o'clock in the afternoon, when the Inca, accompanied by a
+small but unarmed retinue, entered the public square of the city. The
+tents of his troops left outside, spread far and wide over the
+meadows, indicating the presence of an immense host. The Inca was
+clothed in a flowing robe of scarlet, woven of the finest wool, and
+almost entirely covered with golden stars and the most precious gems.
+His head was covered with a turban of variegated colors, to which
+there was suspended a scarlet fringe, the badge of royalty. The
+palanquin, or throne, on which he was seated, was apparently of pure
+gold; and the cushion upon which he sat was covered with the most
+costly gems. His nobles were also dressed in the highest possible
+style of Peruvian wealth and art. It was estimated that the number of
+the nobles and officers of the court who accompanied the king into the
+square, was about two thousand. A large company of priests was also in
+attendance, who chanted the Peruvian National Hymn.
+
+It is very difficult for an honest mind to form any just conception of
+such a religious fanatic, and such an irreligious wretch as this
+Francisco Pizarro. Just before the Peruvians arrived he had attended a
+solemn mass, in which the aid of the God of the Christians was
+fervently implored in behalf of their enterprise. The mass was closed
+with chanting one of the psalms of David, in which God is called upon
+to arise and come to judgment. Friar Vincent, who was Pizarro's
+spiritual adviser, and grand chaplain of the so-called Christian army,
+was then sent forward with the Bible in one hand and a crucifix in the
+other, to expound to the Inca the doctrines of the Christian faith,
+stating that it was for that purpose, and for that only, that the
+Spaniards had come into the country.
+
+So far as we can judge from the uncertain records which have reached
+us, the views he presented were what are called evangelical, though
+highly imbued with the claims of the Papal Church. He described the
+creation of man, his fall, the atonement by the crucifixion of the Son
+of God, his ascension, leaving Peter and his successors, as his
+vicegerents upon earth. Invested with this divine power, one of his
+successors, the present Pope, had commissioned Pizarro to visit Peru,
+to conquer and convert the natives to the true faith.
+
+The Inca listened attentively to the arguments of the priest, but was
+apparently unmoved by them. He calmly replied:
+
+"I acknowledge that there is but one God, the maker of all things. As
+for the Pope, I know him not. He must be insane to give away that
+which does not belong to him. The king of Spain is doubtless a great
+monarch, and I wish to make him my friend, but I cannot become his
+vassal."
+
+A few more words were interchanged, when the priest returned into the
+stone fortress, where Pizarro stood surrounded by his soldiers. The
+priest reported the conversation which had taken place; declared that
+the Inca, in the pride of his heart, had rejected Christianity. He
+therefore announced to Pizarro that he was authorized by the divine
+law, to make war upon the Inca and his people.
+
+"Go set on them at once," said he; "spare them not; kill these dogs
+which so stubbornly despise the law of God. I absolve you."
+
+The extraordinary scene which then ensued cannot perhaps be better
+described than in the language of Mr. Prescott:
+
+    "Pizarro saw that the hour had come. He waved a white scarf
+    in the air, the appointed signal. The fatal gun was fired
+    from the fortress. Then springing into the square, the
+    Spanish captain and his followers shouted the old war cry of
+    'St. Jago, and at them!' It was answered by the battle cry of
+    every Spaniard in the city, as rushing from the avenues of
+    the great halls in which they were concealed, they poured
+    into the Plaza, horse and foot, and threw themselves into the
+    midst of the Indian crowd.
+
+    "The latter, taken by surprise, stunned by the reports of
+    artillery and musketry, the echoes of which reverberated like
+    thunder from the surrounding buildings, and blinded by the
+    smoke which rolled in sulphurous volumes along the square,
+    were seized with a panic. They knew not whither to fly for
+    refuge from the coming ruin. Nobles and commoners all were
+    trampled down under the fierce charge of the cavalry, who
+    dealt their blows right and left, without sparing; while
+    their swords, flashing through the thick gloom, carried
+    dismay into the hearts of the wretched natives, who now, for
+    the first time, saw the horse and his rider in all their
+    terrors. They made no resistance, as indeed they had no
+    weapons with which to resist.
+
+    "Every avenue to escape was closed, for the entrance to the
+    square was choked up with the dead bodies of men who had
+    perished in vain efforts to fly. And such was the agony of
+    the survivors, under the terrible pressure of their
+    assailants, that a large body of Indians, by their convulsive
+    struggles, burst through the wall of stone and dried clay,
+    which formed the boundary of the Plaza. It fell, leaving an
+    opening of more than a hundred paces, through which
+    multitudes now found their way into the country, still hotly
+    pursued by the cavalry, who, leaping the piles of rubbish,
+    hung on the rear of the fugitives, striking them down in all
+    directions.
+
+    "There were two great objects in view in this massacre. One
+    was to strike terror into the heart of the Peruvians; the
+    other was to obtain possession of the person of the Inca. It
+    seems that the nobles regarded their sovereign with almost
+    idolatrous homage. They rallied thickly around him, placed
+    their own bodies between him and the sabres of their
+    assailants, and made frantic endeavors to tear the cavaliers
+    from their saddles. Unfortunately they were unarmed, and had
+    neither arrows, javelins nor war clubs. The Inca sat helpless
+    in his palanquin, quite bewildered by the awful storm of war
+    which had thus suddenly burst around him. In the swaying of
+    the mighty mass, the litter heaved to and fro, like a ship in
+    a storm."
+
+At length several of the nobles who supported it being slain, the
+palanquin was overthrown, and the Inca, as he was falling to the
+ground, was caught by the Spaniards. In the confusion of the affray,
+Pizarro was slightly wounded in the hand by one of his own men. This
+was the only hurt received by any Spaniard during the bloody affray.
+
+The Inca being captured, the conflict in the square ceased. But there
+was another object in view, as has been stated, and that was to strike
+terror into the hearts of the Peruvians. Consequently the steel-clad
+cavaliers pursued the fugitives in all directions, cutting them down
+without mercy. Night, which followed the short twilight of the
+tropics, put an end to the carnage, and the trumpets of Pizarro
+recalled the soldiers, wiping their dripping sabres, to their
+fortress. The number slain is variously estimated. The secretary of
+Pizarro says that two thousand fell. A Peruvian annalist swells the
+number of victims to ten thousand.
+
+Attahuallapa, the monarch of the great kingdom of Peru, thus suddenly
+found himself a prisoner in one of his own fortresses; surrounded by a
+band of stern warriors, who had penetrated the heart of his empire
+from a distance of more than two thousand leagues. Pizarro treated the
+unhappy king with respect, and testifies to the dignity with which he
+met his awful reverses. What part De Soto took in the outrages just
+described, cannot now be known. He had unquestionably in good faith,
+and as an honorable man, invited the Inca to visit Caxamarca, by which
+invitation he had been enticed into the power of the Spaniards.
+
+There is evidence that De Soto had no idea of the treachery which was
+intended, for it was not until after he had left on his visit to the
+Peruvian camp that the plot was formed for the seizure of the Inca.
+Pizarro had two bodies of horsemen. One was commanded by his brother
+Hernando, and the other by De Soto. There were thirty dragoons in each
+band. Unquestionably, Hernando was a very eager participant in the
+horrors of this day. It may be that De Soto, from the roof of the
+fortress, was an inactive spectator of the scene. It does not seem
+possible that with the character he had heretofore developed, he
+could have lent his own strong arm and those of his horsemen to the
+perpetration of a crime so atrocious. Still military discipline is a
+terrible power. It sears the conscience and hardens the heart. The
+fact that De Soto was present and that there are no evidences of
+remonstrances on his part, has left a stigma upon his character which
+time cannot efface.
+
+The next morning these Spaniards, so zealous for the propagation of
+the Christian faith, unmindful of their professed Christian mission,
+betook themselves, with all alacrity, to the work of pillage. The
+golden throne, and the royal wardrobe, were of very great value. The
+nobles were clad in their richest garments of state, and the ground
+was strewn with bodies of the dead, glittering in robes of gold and
+gems. Having stripped the dead, they then entered the houses and
+temples of Caxamarca and loaded themselves down with golden vases, and
+other booty of great value. As one suggestive item, which reveals the
+conduct of these brutal men, the good Las Casas states, that a Spanish
+soldier seized a young Peruvian girl. When the mother rushed to rescue
+her child, he cut off her arm with his sword, and then in his rage
+hewed the maiden to pieces.
+
+Pizarro now assumed the proud title of "The Conqueror of Peru." With
+the sovereign as his prisoner, and elated by his great victory, he
+felt that there was no resistance that he had to fear. It seems that
+Attahuallapa had penetration enough to discern that De Soto was a very
+different man in character from the Pizarros. He soon became quite
+cordial and unreserved in his intercourse with him. And there is no
+evidence that De Soto ever, in the slightest degree, betrayed his
+confidence. One day the Inca inquired of De Soto for what amount of
+ransom Pizarro would be willing to release him. De Soto was well aware
+of the timidity and avarice of the captain. The love of the Peruvians
+for their sovereign was such, that Pizarro was confident that so long
+as Attahuallapa was in his power, they would not make war upon him. De
+Soto felt therefore that there was no prospect that Pizarro would
+release his captive for any ransom whatever, and sadly advised him to
+resign all such hope. The Inca was greatly distressed. After a few
+moments of silence, he said:
+
+"My friend, do not deprive me of the only hope that can make life
+supportable. I must be free, or I must die. Your commander loves gold
+above all things. Surely I can purchase my liberty from him at some
+price, and however unreasonable it may be, I am willing to satisfy his
+demand. Tell me, I entreat of you, what sum you think will be
+sufficient?"
+
+For a moment De Soto made no reply. They were sitting in a room,
+according to the statement of Pizarro's secretary, twenty-two feet
+long and seventeen feet broad. Then turning to the Inca, and wishing
+to impress his mind with the conviction that there was not any ransom
+which could effect his release, he said:
+
+"If you could fill this room with gold as high as I can reach with my
+sword, Pizarro might perhaps accept it as your ransom."
+
+"It shall be done," the Inca eagerly replied. "And I beg you to let
+Pizarro know, that within a month from this day, my part of the
+contract shall be fulfilled."
+
+De Soto was troubled, for he had not intended that as an offer, but
+rather as a statement of an impossibility. He however felt bound to
+report the proposition to Pizarro. Much to his surprise the avaricious
+captain readily accepted it. The contract was drawn up, and Pizarro
+gave his solemn pledge that upon the delivery of the gold the prison
+doors of the captive should be thrown open. But after the terms had
+all been settled, the perfidious Spaniard craved a still higher
+ransom, and declared that he would not release his victim unless
+another room of equal size was equally filled with silver.
+
+Attahuallapa could fully appreciate such dishonorable conduct; for in
+all moral qualities he seems to have been decidedly superior to his
+Spanish antagonist. But without any undignified murmurs, he submitted
+to this extortion also. Matters being thus arranged, De Soto, with his
+characteristic plain dealing, said to Pizarro:
+
+"I hope you will remember, Don Francisco, that my honor is pledged for
+the strict fulfilment of the contract on the part of the Spaniards.
+Observe, therefore, that as soon as the gold and the silver are
+produced, Attahuallapa must have his liberty."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+_The Execution of the Inca, and Embarrassments of De Soto._
+
+     Pledges of Pizarro.--His Perfidy.--False Mission of De
+     Soto.--Execution of the Inca.--His Fortitude.--Indignation
+     of De Soto.--Great Embarrassments.--Extenuating
+     Considerations.--Arrival of Almagro.--March Towards the
+     Capital.
+
+
+Pizarro gave his most solemn pledges, on his Christian faith, that so
+soon as the money was paid the Inca should be released. The idea does
+not seem to have entered the mind of Attahuallapa that Pizarro could
+be guilty of the perfidy of violating those pledges. The unhappy
+condition of the Inca excited the strong sympathies of De Soto. He
+visited him often, and having a natural facility for the acquisition
+of language, was soon able to converse with the captive in his own
+tongue. Quite a friendship, founded on mutual esteem, sprang up
+between them. By his strong intercession, Pizarro was constrained to
+consent that the gold should not be melted into ingots, thus to fill
+the designated space with its solid bulk, but that it should be
+received and packed away in the form of vases, and ornaments, and
+other manufactured articles, as brought in by the Peruvians.
+
+Several of the principal officers of Attahuallapa's court were sent to
+Cuzco, the capital of the empire, where the main treasures of the
+kingdom were deposited. Three Spaniards accompanied these officers.
+The Inca issued his orders that they should be treated with respect.
+The people obeyed; for they knew that any injury or insult befalling
+the Spaniards would bring down terrible retribution upon their beloved
+sovereign. Peruvian agents were also dispatched to all the temples to
+strip them of their ornaments, and to the homes of the nobility to
+receive the plate and golden decorations which were eagerly
+contributed as ransom for the king. The cornices and entablatures of
+the temples were often of solid gold, and massive plates of gold
+encrusted the walls. For several weeks there seemed to be a constant
+procession of Peruvians entering the fortress, laden with golden vases
+and innumerable other utensils, often of exquisite workmanship.
+
+Within the allotted time the ransom, enormous as it was, was all
+brought in. It is estimated that its value was equal to about twenty
+million dollars of our money. The Inca now demanded his release. The
+infamous Pizarro had perhaps originally intended to set him at
+liberty. But he had now come to the conclusion that the Inca might
+immediately rally around him, not only his whole army, but the whole
+population of the kingdom, cut off the retreat of the Spaniards,
+exterminate them, and win back all the plunder so unrighteously
+extorted. Pizarro was consequently plotting for some plausible excuse
+for putting the monarch to death. The Peruvians thus deprived of their
+sovereign, and in a state of bewilderment, would be thrown into
+anarchy, and the Spaniards would have a much better chance of
+obtaining entire possession of the kingdom.
+
+Pizarro did not dare to reveal to De Soto his treasonable designs. He
+feared not only his reproaches, but his determined and very formidable
+resistance. He therefore gave it as an excuse for postponing the
+liberation of the Inca, that he must wait until he had made a division
+of the spoils. The distribution was performed with imposing religious
+ceremonies. Mass was celebrated, and earnest prayers were addressed to
+Heaven that the work might be so performed as to meet the approbation
+of God. A fifth part of the plunder was set apart for the king of
+Spain, the Emperor, Charles the Fifth. Pizarro, as commander of the
+expedition, came next, and his share amounted to millions. De Soto was
+defrauded, not receiving half so much as Hernando Pizarro. Still, his
+share in this distribution and in another which soon took place,
+amounted to over five hundred thousand dollars. This was an enormous
+sum in those days. It elevated him at once, in point of opulence, to
+the rank of the proudest grandees of Spain.
+
+The great object of De Soto's ambition was accomplished. He had
+acquired fame and wealth beyond his most sanguine expectations. Thus
+he was prepared to return to Spain and demand the hand of Isabella.
+But his generous nature was troubled. He became very anxious for the
+fate of the Inca. His own honor was involved in his release, and day
+after day he became more importunate in his expostulations with
+Pizarro.
+
+"Whatever the consequences may be," said De Soto, "the Inca must now
+be immediately set at liberty. He has your promise to that effect and
+he has _mine_; and my promise, come what will, shall not be violated."
+
+Pizarro urged, in view of their peril, the delay of a few weeks. De
+Soto replied:
+
+"Not a single week, not a day; if you do not liberate the prisoner, I
+will take that liberty on myself."
+
+"To give him his freedom at this time," Pizarro replied, "would be
+certain destruction to us all."
+
+"That may be," responded De Soto, "but that should have been
+considered before he was admitted to ransom."
+
+"But since that agreement was made," said Pizarro, "I have received
+information which justifies me in changing my intentions.
+Attahuallapa's officers, acting under his directions, are now engaged
+in exciting an insurrection for the extermination of the Spaniards."
+
+De Soto had no faith whatever in this accusation. There was a long and
+angry controversy. Pizarro called in his interpreter Filipillo, who
+was undoubtedly bribed to testify according to the wishes of his
+master. He declared that the Inca was organizing this conspiracy. De
+Soto was unconvinced. He still regarded the accusation as a groundless
+calumny.
+
+Finally they came to a compromise. The treacherous and wily Pizarro
+suggested that De Soto should take a party of dragoons and proceed to
+that section of the country, where it was said the conspirators were
+assembling in vast numbers, in preparation for their onset upon the
+Spaniards. If De Soto found no indication of such a movement, Pizarro
+gave his solemn pledge, that immediately upon his return, he would
+release Attahuallapa. De Soto agreed to the arrangement, and at once
+set out on the journey.
+
+Pizarro had thus accomplished his object, of being relieved of the
+embarrassment of De Soto's presence, while he should lead the Inca to
+his execution. A sort of council of war was held, though Attahuallapa
+was not present, and nothing was heard in his defence. It was
+necessary to proceed with the utmost expedition, as De Soto would soon
+return. The horrible verdict of the court was, that the captive should
+be burned to death at the stake. Pizarro himself, it is said, carried
+the terrible intelligence to the prisoner.
+
+The Inca, a young man in the very prime of life, being but thirty
+years of age, was horror stricken, and for some time sat in silence,
+not uttering a word. And then turning to Pizarro, he said:
+
+"Is it possible that you can believe in a God and fear him, and yet
+dare to commit such an act of injustice? What have I done to deserve
+death in any form, and why have you condemned me to a death so unusual
+and painful. Surely you cannot intend to execute this cruel sentence."
+
+Pizarro assured him that the decree of the court was unalterable, and
+must immediately be carried into effect.
+
+"Think of the wrong you have already done me," said the Inca, "and do
+not forget how much you are indebted to my kindness and forbearance. I
+could easily have intercepted you in the mountain passes, and made you
+all prisoners, or sacrificed you all justly to the offended laws of my
+country. I could have overpowered you with my armed warriors at
+Caxamarca. But I failed in my duty to my people in receiving you as
+friends. You have robbed me of my kingdom and compelled me to insult
+my Deity, by stripping his temples to satisfy your avarice.
+
+"Of all my possessions, you have left me nothing but my life, and that
+I supposed you would be willing to spare me, since you can gain
+nothing by taking it away. Consider how hard it is for me to die, so
+suddenly and without any warning of my danger. I have lived but thirty
+years, and until very lately, I had every reason to hope for a long
+and happy life. My prospects for happiness are blighted forever. But I
+will not complain of that, if you will permit me to live out the term
+which God and nature have allotted me."
+
+The execution was to take place immediately. Pizarro waited only for
+the sun to go down, that darkness might shroud the fiendlike deed. As
+they were talking Pizarro's chaplain, Friar Vincent, came in to
+prepare the victim for the sacrifice. He was dressed in his
+ecclesiastical robes, and bore in his hand a large crucifix. Was he an
+unmitigated knave, or was he a fanatic? Who but God can tell.
+
+"It is time for you," said he, "to withdraw your thoughts from earthly
+vanities and fix them upon the realities of the eternal world. You are
+justly condemned to death, for your infidelity and other sins. I call
+on you to accept the free gift of salvation which I now offer you, so
+that you may escape the greater punishment of eternal fire."
+
+The Inca seemed to pay little heed to these words, but with a gesture
+of impatience and anger, exclaimed:
+
+"Oh, where is De Soto? He is a good man, and he is my friend. Surely
+he will not allow me to be thus murdered."
+
+"De Soto," the priest replied, "is far away. No earthly help can avail
+you. Receive the consolations of the Church; kiss the feet of this
+image, and I will absolve you from your sins, and prepare you to enter
+the kingdom of Heaven."
+
+"I worship the Maker of all things," the Inca firmly replied. "As much
+as I desire to live, I will not forsake the faith of my fathers to
+prolong my life."
+
+Two hours after sunset, the sound of the trumpet assembled the Spanish
+soldiers by torchlight in the great square of Caxamarca. It was the
+evening of the twenty-ninth of August, 1533. The clanking of chains
+was heard as the victim, manacled hand and foot, toiled painfully over
+the stone pavement of the square. He was bound by chains to the stake;
+the combustible fagots were piled up around him. Friar Vincent then,
+it is said, holding up the cross before the victim, told him that if
+he would embrace Christianity he should be spared the cruel death by
+the flames, and experience in its stead only the painless death of the
+garotte, and that the Inca did, while thus chained to the stake,
+abjure his religion and receive the rite of baptism. In reference to
+this representation Mr. Lambert A. Wilmer, in his admirable life of
+Ferdinand De Soto, says:
+
+     "As the traducers of the dead Inca were permitted to tell
+     their own story without fear of contradiction, it is
+     impossible to assign any limits to their fabrications. And
+     their testimony is probable, only when it tends to criminate
+     themselves. Perhaps the greatest injustice which these
+     slanderers have done to Attahuallapa's memory, was by
+     pretending that he became an apostate to his own religion
+     and a convert to Catholicism just before his death.
+
+     "If this story were true, how could Pizarro justify himself,
+     or how could the Pope and the king of Spain excuse him for
+     putting a Christian to death on account of sins committed by
+     an infidel. Surely the royal penitent, when he entered the
+     pale of the Holy Catholic Church, would be entitled to a
+     free pardon for those errors of conduct which were
+     incidental to his unregenerate condition. We are told that
+     when the Inca had consented to be baptized by Father
+     Vincent, Pizarro graciously commuted his sentence, and
+     allowed him to be strangled before his body was reduced to
+     ashes."
+
+These fictions were doubtless contrived to illustrate Pizarro's
+clemency, and Father Vincent's apostolic success.
+
+The probability is, as others state, that the Inca remained firm to
+the end; the torch was applied, and while the consuming flames
+wreathed around him, he uttered no cry. In this chariot of fire the
+spirit of this deeply outraged man was borne to the judgment of God.
+
+De Soto soon returned. He was almost frantic with indignation when he
+learned of the crime which had been perpetrated in his absence, and
+perceived that his mission was merely an artifice to get him out of
+the way. His rage blazed forth in the most violent reproaches.
+Hastening to the tent of Pizarro, he rudely pushed aside a sentinel
+who guarded the entrance, and found the culprit seated on a low stool,
+affecting the attitude of a mourner. A large slouched hat was bent
+over his eyes.
+
+"Uncover yourself;" said De Soto, "unless you are ashamed to look a
+human being in the face." Then with the point of his sword he struck
+off his hat, exclaiming:
+
+"Is it not enough that I have disgraced myself in the eyes of the
+world by becoming your companion and confederate, making myself
+accessory to your crimes, and protecting you from the punishment you
+deserve. Have you not heaped infamy enough upon me, without
+dishonoring me by the violation of my pledges, and exposing me to the
+suspicion of being connected with the most cruel and causeless murder
+that ever set human laws and divine justice at defiance? I have
+ascertained, what you well knew before I left Caxamarca, that the
+report of the insurrection was utterly false. I have met nothing on
+the road but demonstrations of good will. The whole country is quiet,
+and Attahuallapa has been basely slandered. You, Francisco Pizarro,
+are his slanderer, and you are his murderer.
+
+"To prove that I have had no participation in the deed, I will make
+you accountable for his death. Craven and prevaricating villain as you
+are, you shall not escape this responsibility. If you refuse to meet
+me in honorable combat, I will denounce you to the king of Spain as a
+criminal, and will proclaim you to the whole world as a coward and an
+assassin."
+
+Pizarro was both, an assassin and a coward. He stood in awe of his
+intrepid lieutenant. He did not dare to meet him in a personal
+rencontre, and he well knew that De Soto was not a man to be taken by
+force or guile, as he could immediately rally around him the whole
+body of his well-drilled dragoons. He therefore began to make excuses,
+admitted that he had acted hastily, and endeavored to throw the blame
+upon others, declaring that by their false representations they had
+forced him to the act.
+
+In the midst of the dispute, Pizarro's brothers--for there were two in
+the camp--entered the tent. De Soto, addressing the three, said:
+
+"I am the champion of Attahuallapa. I accuse Francisco Pizarro of
+being his murderer." Then throwing his glove upon the floor, he
+continued:
+
+"I invite any man who is disposed to deny that Francisco Pizarro is a
+coward and an assassin, to take it up."
+
+The glove remained untouched. De Soto turned upon his heel
+contemptuously, and left the tent, resolved, it is said, no longer to
+have any connection whatever with such perfidious wretches. He
+immediately resigned his commission as lieutenant-general and
+announced his determination to return to Spain. But alas, for human
+frailty and inconsistency, he was to take with him the five hundred
+thousand dollars of treasure of which the Peruvians had been
+ruthlessly despoiled. Perhaps he reasoned with himself,
+
+"What can I do with it. The Inca is dead. It would not be wise to
+throw it into the streets, and I surely am not bound to contribute it
+to the already enormous wealth of Pizarro."
+
+Another source of embarrassment arose. Reinforcements to the number of
+two hundred men had just arrived at Caxamarca, under Almagro. They
+had been sent forward from Panama, commissioned by the king of Spain
+to join the enterprise. The whole number of Spanish soldiers,
+assembled in the heart of the Peruvian empire, now amounted to about
+five hundred. Mountain ridges rose between them and the sea-coast, in
+whose almost impassable defiles a few hundred resolute men might
+arrest the advance of an army. The Peruvians had a standing force of
+fifty thousand soldiers. The whole population of the country was
+roused to the highest pitch of indignation. They were everywhere
+grasping their arms. Nothing but the most consummate prudence could
+rescue the Spaniards from their perilous position. The danger was
+imminent, that they would be utterly exterminated.
+
+For De Soto, under these circumstances, to abandon his comrades, and
+retire from the field, would seem an act of cowardice. He had no
+confidence in the ability of the Pizarros to rescue the Spaniards. He
+therefore judged that duty to his king and his countrymen demanded of
+him that he should remain in Peru, until he could leave the army in a
+safe condition.
+
+Pizarro did not venture to resent the reproaches and defiance of De
+Soto, but immediately prepared to avail himself of his military
+abilities, in a march of several hundred miles south to Cuzco, the
+capital of the empire. With characteristic treachery, Pizarro seized
+one of the most distinguished nobles of the Peruvian court, and held
+him as a hostage. This nobleman, named Chalcukima, had occupied some
+of the highest posts of honor in the kingdom, and was greatly revered
+and beloved by the Peruvians. Pizarro sent far and wide the
+announcement, that upon the slightest movement of hostility on the
+part of the natives, Chalcukima would be put to death.
+
+The Spaniards now set out on their long march. It was in the month of
+September, 1533, one of the most lovely months in that attractive
+clime. But for the rapine, carnage and violence of war, such a tour
+through the enchanting valley of the Cordilleras, in the midst of
+fruits and flowers, and bird songs, and traversing populous villages
+inhabited by a gentle and amiable people, would have been an
+enterprise full of enjoyment. But the path of these demoniac men was
+marked by the ravages of fiends. And notwithstanding the great
+embarrassments in which De Soto found himself involved, it is very
+difficult to find any excuse for him, in allowing himself to be one of
+their number.
+
+Francisco Pizarro led the band. His brother Hernando, De Soto, and
+Almagro, were his leading captains. But it was the genius of De Soto
+alone, with his highly disciplined dragoons, which conducted the
+enterprise to a successful issue. He led the advance; he was always
+sent to every point of danger; his sword opened the path, through
+which Pizarro followed with his vagabond and plundering crew.
+
+In trembling solicitude for his own safety, Pizarro not only held
+Chalcukima as a hostage, but he also seized upon Topaxpa, the young,
+feeble and grief-stricken son of the murdered Attahuallapa, and
+declared him to be, by legitimate right, the successor to the throne.
+Thus he still had the Inca in his power. The Peruvians were still
+accustomed to regard the Inca with almost religious homage. Topaxpa
+was compelled to issue such commands as Pizarro gave to him. Thus an
+additional element of embarrassment was thrown into the ranks of the
+Peruvians. Communication between different parts of the empire was
+extremely difficult and slow. There were no mails and no horses. This
+gave the mounted Spaniards a vast advantage over their bewildered
+victims.
+
+For several days the Spanish army moved delightfully along, through a
+series of luxuriant valleys, where the secluded people had scarcely
+heard of their arrival in the country. The movement of the glittering
+host was one of the most wonderful pageants which Peruvian eyes had
+ever beheld. A multitude of men, women and children, thronged the
+highway, gazing with curiosity and admiration upon the scene, and
+astonished by the clatter of the hoofs of the horses upon the
+flag-stones, with which the national road was so carefully paved.
+During these few days of peaceful travel the natives presented no
+opposition to the march, and the presence of De Soto seemed to
+restrain the whole army from deeds of ruffianly violence. Whenever
+Pizarro wished to engage in any of his acts of villany, he was always
+careful first to send De Soto away on some important mission.
+
+They were now approaching a deep and rapid mountain stream, where the
+bridge had either been carried away by the recent flood or had been
+destroyed by the Peruvians. They were also informed that quite a large
+army was gathered upon the opposite bank to arrest, with the aid of
+the rushing torrent, the farther advance of the Spaniards. Pizarro
+immediately ordered a halt. De Soto, with a hundred horsemen, was sent
+forward to reconnoitre, and, if possible, to open the path. Almagro,
+with two hundred footmen, followed closely behind to support the
+cavalry.
+
+De Soto, without paying much attention to his infantry allies, pressed
+so rapidly forward as soon to leave them far behind. He reached the
+river. It was a swollen mountain torrent. Several thousand natives,
+brandishing their javelins and their war clubs, stood upon the
+opposite bank of the stream. De Soto and his horsemen, without a
+moment's hesitation, plunged into the stream, and some by swimming and
+some by fording, soon crossed the foaming waters. As the war horses,
+with their steel-clad riders, came rushing upon the Peruvians, their
+keen swords flashing in the sunlight, a large part of the army fled in
+great terror. It seemed to them that supernatural foes had descended
+for their destruction.
+
+A few remained, and fought with the energies of despair. But they were
+powerless before the trampling horses and the sharp weapons of their
+foes. They were cut down mercilessly, and it was the genius of De Soto
+which guided in the carnage, and the strong arm of De Soto which led
+in the bloody fray. And we must not forget that these Peruvians were
+fighting for their lives, their liberty, their all; and that these
+Spaniards were ruthless invaders. Neither can we greatly admire the
+heroism displayed by the assailants. The man who is carefully gloved
+and masked can with impunity rob the bees of their honey. The wolf
+does not need much courage to induce him to leap into the fold of the
+lambs.
+
+In the vicinity of this routed army there was a pagan temple; that is,
+a temple dedicated to the Sun, the emblem of the God of the
+Peruvians. It was in those days thought that the heathen and all their
+possessions, rightly belonged to the Christians; that it was the just
+desert of the pagans to be plundered and put to death. Even the mind
+of De Soto was so far in accord with these infamous doctrines of a
+benighted age, that he allowed his troopers to plunder the temple of
+all its rich treasures of silver and of gold. A very large amount of
+booty was thus obtained. One of the principal ornaments of this temple
+was an artificial sun, of large size, composed of pure and solid gold.
+
+Mr. Wilmer, speaking of this event, judiciously remarks:
+
+     "De Soto, finding his path once more unobstructed, pushed
+     forward, evidently disposed to open the way to Cuzco without
+     the assistance of his tardy and irresolute commander. It is
+     a remarkable fact, and one which admits of no denial, that
+     every important military movement of the Spaniards in Peru,
+     until the final subjugation of the empire by the capture of
+     the metropolis, was conducted by De Soto. Up to the time to
+     which our narrative now refers, Pizarro had never fought a
+     single battle which deserved the name. The bloody tragedy of
+     Caxamarca, it will be remembered, was only massacre; the
+     contrivance and execution of which required no military
+     skill and no soldier-like courage. Pizarro acquired the
+     mastery of Peru by the act of a malefactor. And he was, in
+     fact, a thief and not a conqueror. The _heroic_ element of
+     this conquest is represented by the actions of De Soto."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+_De Soto Returns to Spain._
+
+     Dreadful Fate of Chalcukima.--His Fortitude.--Ignominy of
+     Pizarro.--De Soto's Advance upon Cuzco.--The Peruvian
+     Highway.--Battle in the Defile.--De Soto takes the
+     Responsibility.--Capture of the Capital and its
+     Conflagration.--De Soto's Return to Spain.--His Reception
+     there.--Preparations for the Conquest of Florida.
+
+
+Considering the relations which existed between De Soto and Pizarro,
+it is not improbable that each was glad to be released from the
+presence of the other. It is very certain that so soon as De Soto was
+gone, Pizarro, instead of hurrying forward to support him in the
+hazardous encounters to which he was exposed, immediately engaged,
+with the main body of his army, in plundering all the mansions of the
+wealthy and the temples on their line of march. And it is equally
+certain that De Soto, instead of waiting for the troops of Pizarro to
+come up, put spurs to his horse and pressed on, as if he were anxious
+to place as great a distance as possible between himself and his
+superior in command.
+
+Though De Soto had allowed his troops to plunder the temple of Xauxa,
+he would allow no robbery of private dwellings, and rigidly prohibited
+the slightest act of violence or injustice towards the persons of the
+natives.
+
+It will be remembered that Pizarro had threatened to hold Chalcukima
+responsible for any act of hostility on the part of the Peruvians. He
+now summoned his captive before him, and charged him with treason;
+accusing him of having incited his countrymen to measures of
+resistance. Chalcukima, with dignity and firmness which indicate a
+noble character, replied:
+
+"If it had been possible for me to communicate with the people, I
+should certainly have advised them to do their duty to their country,
+without any regard to my personal safety. But you well know that the
+vigilance with which you have guarded me, has prevented me from making
+any communication of the kind. I am sorry that it has not been in my
+power to be guilty of the fact with which you charge me."
+
+The wretched Pizarro, utterly incapable of appreciating the grandeur
+of such a character, ordered him to be burned at the stake. The
+fanatic robber and murderer, insulting the cross of Christ, by calling
+himself a Christian, sent his private chaplain, Friar Vincent, to
+convert Chalcukima to what he called the Christian faith. The priest
+gave an awful description of the glooms of hell, to which the prisoner
+was destined as a heathen. In glowing colors he depicted the
+splendors of the celestial Eden, to which he would be admitted the
+moment after his execution if he would accept the Christian faith. The
+captive coldly replied:
+
+"I do not understand your religion, and all that I have seen of it
+does not impress me in its favor."
+
+He was led to the stake. Not a cry escaped his lips, as the fierce
+flames consumed his quivering flesh. From that scene of short, sharp
+agony, we trust that his spirit ascended to be folded in the embrace
+of his Heavenly Father. It is a fundamental principle in the teachings
+of Jesus, that in every nation he that feareth God, and doeth
+righteousness, is accepted of him. But God's ways here on earth are
+indeed past all finding out. Perhaps the future will solve the
+dreadful mystery, but at present, as we contemplate man's inhumanity
+to man, our eyes are often blinded with tears, and our hearts sink
+despairingly within us.
+
+De Soto pressed rapidly onwards, league after league, over sublime
+eminences and through luxuriant vales. The road was admirable: smooth
+and clean as a floor. It was constructed only for foot passengers, as
+the Peruvians had no animals larger than the lama or sheep. This
+advance-guard of the Spanish army, all well mounted, and inspired by
+the energies of their impetuous chief, soon reached a point where the
+road led over a mountain by steps cut in the solid rock, steep as a
+flight of stairs. Precipitous cliffs rose hundreds of feet on either
+side. Here it was necessary for the troopers to dismount, and
+carefully to lead their horses by the bit up the difficult ascent.
+
+The road was winding and irregular, leading through the most savage
+scenery. This pass, at its summit, opened upon smooth table-land,
+luxuriant and beautiful under the influence of a tropical sun and
+mountain showers and dews. About half way up this pass, upon almost
+inaccessible crags, several thousand Peruvians had assembled to make
+another attempt at resistance. Arrows and javelins were of but little
+avail. Indeed they always rebounded from the armor of the Spaniards as
+from the ledges of eternal rock.
+
+But the natives had abundantly provided themselves with enormous
+stones to roll down upon the heads of men and horses. Quite a band of
+armed men were also assembled upon the open plain at the head of the
+pass. As the Spaniards were almost dragging their horses up the gorge,
+suddenly the storm of war burst upon them. Showers of stone descended
+from the cliff from thousands of unseen hands. Huge boulders were
+pried over and went thundering down, crashing all opposition before
+them. It seems now incomprehensible why the whole squadron of
+horsemen was not destroyed. But in this awful hour the self-possession
+of De Soto did not for one moment forsake him. He shouted to his men:
+
+"If we halt here, or attempt to go back, we must certainly perish. Our
+only safety is in pressing forward. As soon as we reach the top of the
+pass, we can easily put these men to flight."
+
+Suiting his action to his words, and being at the head of his men, he
+pushed forward with almost frantic energy, carefully watching and
+avoiding the descending missiles. Though several horses and many men
+were killed, and others sorely wounded, the majority soon reached the
+head of the pass. They then had an unobstructed plain before them,
+over which their horses could gallop in any direction at their utmost
+speed.
+
+Impetuously they fell upon the band collected there, who wielded only
+the impotent weapons of arrows, javelins and war clubs. The Spaniards,
+exasperated by the death of their comrades, and by their own wounds,
+took desperate vengeance. No quarter was shown. Their sabres dripped
+with blood. Few could escape the swift-footed steeds. The dead were
+trampled beneath iron hoofs. Night alone ended the carnage.
+
+During the night the Peruvians bravely rallied from their wide
+dispersion over the mountains, resolved in their combined force to
+make another attempt to resist their foes. They were conscious that
+should they fail here, their case was hopeless.
+
+At the commencement of the conflict a courier had been sent back, by
+De Soto, to urge Almagro to push forward his infantry as rapidly as
+possible. By a forced march they pressed on through the hours of the
+night, almost upon the run. The early dawn brought them to the pass.
+Soon the heart of De Soto was cheered as he heard their bugle blasts
+reverberating among the cliffs of the mountains. Their banners
+appeared emerging from the defile, and two hundred well-armed men
+joined his ranks.
+
+Though the Peruvians were astonished at this accession to the number
+of their foes, they still came bravely forward to the battle. It was
+another scene of slaughter for the poor Peruvians. They inflicted but
+little harm upon the Spaniards, while hundreds of their slain soon
+strewed the ground.
+
+The Spanish infantry, keeping safely beyond the reach of arrow or
+javelin, could, with the deadly bullet, bring down a Peruvian as fast
+as they could load and fire, while the horsemen could almost with
+impunity plunge into the densest ranks of the foe. The Peruvians were
+vanquished, dispersed, and cut down, until the Spaniards even were
+weary with carnage. This was the most important battle which was
+fought in the conquest of Peru.
+
+The field was but twenty-five miles from the capital, to which the
+army could now advance by an almost unobstructed road. De Soto was
+anxious to press on immediately and take possession of the city. He
+however yielded to the earnest entreaties of Almagro, and consented to
+remain where he was with his band of marauders. This delay, in a
+military point of view, proved to be very unfortunate. Had they gone
+immediately forward, the vanquished and panic-stricken Peruvians would
+not have ventured upon another encounter. But Almagro was the friend
+of Pizarro, dependent upon him, and had been his accomplice in many a
+deed of violence. He was anxious that Pizarro should have the renown
+of a conqueror, and should enjoy the triumph of riding at the head of
+his troops into the streets of the vanquished capital.
+
+This delay of several days gave the Peruvians time to recover from
+their consternation, and they organized another formidable line of
+defense in a valley which the Spaniards would be compelled to
+traverse, a few miles from the city. Pizarro was still several miles
+in the rear. De Soto dispatched a courier to him, informing him of the
+new encounter to which the army was exposed, and stating that the
+Peruvians were well posted, and that every hour of delay added to
+their strength. Still Pizarro loitered behind; still Almagro expressed
+his decided reluctance to advance before Pizarro's arrival. To add to
+De Soto's embarrassments, he declared that De Soto was acting without
+authority and in direct opposition to the orders of his superior.
+After a little hesitancy De Soto resolved to take the responsibility
+and to advance. He said to Almagro:
+
+"A soldier who is entrusted with an important command, is not bound in
+all cases to await the orders of his superior. Where there is
+manifestly an important advantage to be gained, he must be allowed to
+act according to his own discretion."
+
+He then appealed to his own dragoons, saying to them:
+
+"The whole success of our expedition now depends upon the celerity of
+our movements. While we are waiting for Pizarro, our best chance for
+victory will be lost."
+
+With one united voice the dragoons of De Soto demanded to be led
+forward. Availing himself of this enthusiasm, De Soto put his troops
+in motion. The Peruvians were a few miles in advance, strongly posted
+in a deep and rugged ravine, where they hoped that the movements of
+the horses would be so impeded that they could accomplish but little.
+They pressed forward, and the battle was immediately commenced. Both
+parties fought with great fury. In the midst of the conflict a large
+reinforcement of the natives came rushing upon the field, under the
+leadership of a young Peruvian noble, who displayed truly chivalric
+courage and energy. De Soto was ever where the blows fell thickest and
+where danger was most imminent.
+
+Quite a number of the Peruvians were slain, and many dead horses were
+strewed over the field. At one time De Soto, separated from his
+comrades by the surging tides of the battle, found himself surrounded
+by twenty Peruvians, who, with arrows, javelins and battle clubs,
+assailed him with the utmost impetuosity. Javelins and arrows glanced
+harmless from the Spanish armor. But war clubs, armed with copper and
+wielded by sinewy arms, were formidable weapons even for the belted
+knight to encounter. De Soto, with his keen and ponderous sword, cut
+his way through his assailants, strewing the ground with the dead. The
+young Peruvian, who, it is said, was heir to the throne of the Inca,
+had assumed the general command.
+
+He gazed with astonishment upon the exploits of De Soto, and said in
+despairing tones to his attendants: "It is useless to contend with
+such enemies! These men are destined to be our masters."
+
+Immediately he approached De Soto, throwing down his arms, advancing
+alone, and indicating by gestures that he was ready to surrender. The
+battle at once ceased, and most of the Peruvian army rushed
+precipitately back towards the city. In a state of frenzy they applied
+the torch in all directions, resolved to thwart the avarice of the
+conqueror by laying the whole city and all its treasures in ashes. The
+inhabitants of Cuzco, almost without exception, fled. Each one seized
+upon whatever of value could be carried away. Volumes of smoke and the
+bursting flames soon announced to the Spaniards the doom of the city.
+
+De Soto and his dragoons put spurs to their horses and hastened
+forward, hoping to extinguish the conflagration. Now that the battle
+was fought and the victory won, Francisco Pizarro, with his band of
+miscreants, came rushing on to seize the plunder.
+
+     "They came like wolves or jackals to fatten on the prey
+     which never could have been attained by their own courage or
+     prowess. The disappointment of Pizarro and his congenial
+     associates, when they found that the principal wealth of the
+     city had been carried off by the Peruvians, vented itself in
+     acts of diabolical cruelty. They seized on the aged and sick
+     persons who had been unable to escape, and put many of them
+     to the torture to make them confess where the treasures of
+     Cuzco were concealed. Either these unfortunate people could
+     not give the information required, or they had sufficient
+     firmness to endure agony and death rather than betray the
+     consecrated treasures of their national monuments and altars
+     into the hands of their enemies."[A]
+
+[Footnote A: Life of Ferdinand De Soto, by Lambert A. Wilmer, p. 272.]
+
+It was late in the afternoon of a November day, 1533, when the
+dragoons of De Soto, closely followed by the whole Spanish army,
+entered the burning streets of Cuzco. They ran about eagerly in all
+directions searching for gold in the blazing palaces and temples. Thus
+an immense amount of spoil was found, which the Peruvians had been
+unable to remove. It is said that after one-fifth had been subtracted
+for the Spanish crown, and the officers had received their abundant
+shares, the common soldiers, four hundred and eighty in number,
+received each one a sum amounting to four thousand dollars.
+
+Peru was conquered, but the victors had indeed gained a loss. Nearly
+all who were engaged in the enterprise perished miserably. Almagro was
+eventually taken captive by the Peruvians and strangled. Hernando
+Pizarro, returning to Spain, languished for weary years in a prison.
+The younger brother was beheaded. Friar Vincent, who had given the
+support of religion to many of the most atrocious of these crimes,
+fell into an ambush with a small party, and they all were massacred.
+Francisco Pizarro himself fell a victim to a conspiracy among his own
+soldiers, and at mid-day was put to death in his own palace. But we
+must leave these wild men to their career of cruelty and crime, while
+we follow the footsteps of De Soto.
+
+Early in the year 1534, De Soto took leave of his comrades in Peru,
+and embarked for Spain. He had left his native land in poverty. He now
+returned after an absence of about fifteen years, greatly enriched,
+prepared in opulence as well as in illustrious birth to take his stand
+with the proudest grandees of that then opulent realm. His last labors
+in Peru were spent in unavailing endeavors to humanize the spirit of
+his countrymen there, and to allay the bitter feuds which were
+springing up among them. But his departure seemed to remove from them
+all restraints, and Spaniards and Peruvians alike were whelmed in a
+common ruin.
+
+No account has been transmitted to us of De Soto's return voyage.
+While he was in Peru, Don Pedro had died. His sick-bed was a scene of
+lingering agony, both of body and of mind. The proud spirit is
+sometimes vanquished and crushed by remorse; but it is never, by those
+scorpion lashes, subdued, and rendered humble and gentle and lovable.
+The dying sinner, whose soul was crimsoned with guilt, was
+overwhelmed with "a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery
+indignation." The ecclesiastics, who surrounded his death-bed, assured
+him that such sins as he had been guilty of could only be expiated by
+the most liberal benefactions to the church. He had never forgiven
+Isabella for her pertinacious adherence to De Soto. In the grave he
+could not prohibit their nuptials. By bequeathing his wealth to the
+church, he could accomplish a double object. He could gratify his
+revenge by leaving his daughter penniless, and thus De Soto, if he
+continued faithful, would be compelled to receive to his arms a
+dowerless bride; and a miserable superstition taught him that he could
+thus bribe God to throw open to him the gates of paradise.
+
+Don Pedro's eldest daughter, Maria, was engaged to be married to Vasco
+Nunez, the very worthy governor who had preceded Don Pedro at Darien,
+and whom he had so infamously beheaded. She had spent fifteen years in
+her father's castle in the gloom and tears of this cruel widowhood.
+Don Pedro bequeathed nearly all his fortune to the endowment of a
+monastery, over which Maria was appointed abbess. Isabella was left
+unprovided for. Thus suddenly the relative position of the two lovers
+was entirely changed. De Soto found himself in possession of large
+wealth. Isabella was reduced to poverty. We know not where to find,
+in the annals of history, the record of a more beautiful attachment
+than that which, during fifteen years of separation, trial, and sorest
+temptations, had united the hearts of De Soto and Isabella. Their love
+commenced when they were children, walking hand in hand, and playing
+in the bowers of Don Pedro's ancestral castle.
+
+De Soto had now attained the age of thirty-five years. Isabella was
+only a few years younger. When we contemplate her youth, her beauty,
+the long years of absence, without even a verbal message passing
+between them, the deadly hostility of her father to the union, and the
+fact that her hand had been repeatedly solicited by the most wealthy
+of the Spanish nobility, this fidelity of Isabella to her youthful
+love is one of the most remarkable in the records of time.
+
+    "During the long separation," says Mr. Wilmer, "of these
+    exemplary lovers, many important changes had taken place.
+    Time and sorrow had somewhat dimmed the lustre of Isabella's
+    beauty. But she was still the fairest among ten thousand, and
+    De Soto was too deeply enamored and too justly appreciative
+    to value her the less, because the rose had partially faded
+    from her cheek."
+
+Immediately upon De Soto's return to Spain, as all obstacles to their
+union were removed, the nuptial ceremony was performed. The voice of
+fame had already proclaimed De Soto as the real conqueror of Peru. As
+such, he had not only enriched himself, but had also greatly enriched
+the Spanish crown. All eyes were fixed upon him. It is said that at
+once he became the most noted and most popular man in the kingdom. He
+and his bride were received at the Spanish court with the most
+flattering marks of distinction. In his style of living he assumed
+almost regal splendor. He had acquired his money very suddenly, and he
+lavished it with an unsparing hand. A contemporary annalist writes:
+
+    "He kept a steward, a gentleman usher, several pages, a
+    gentleman of the horse, a chamberlain, a footman, and all
+    other officers that the house of a nobleman requires."
+
+One of the most splendid mansions in Seville he selected for his
+residence, and in less than two years he found that one-half of his
+princely fortune had melted away. They were two years of adulation, of
+self-indulgence, of mental intoxication. It was a delirious dream from
+which he suddenly awoke. Reflection taught him that he must
+immediately curtail his expenses, and very seriously, or engage in
+some new enterprise to replenish his wasting purse.
+
+The region of North America called Florida, a territory of undefined
+and boundless extent, was then attracting much attention as a fresh
+field for the acquisition of gold and glory. Several expeditions had
+touched upon the unknown coast, but from various causes had proved
+entire failures. Eight years before this De Narvaez had visited the
+country with three hundred adventurers. He found the natives far more
+warlike than the Peruvians, and the country more difficult of access.
+De Narvaez himself, and nearly all his band, fell before the fury of
+the Floridians. Five only escaped. One of these, Cabaca de Vaca, a man
+of glowing imagination, and who held the pen of a ready writer, wrote
+a Baron Munchausen account of the expedition. He descanted upon the
+delicious clime, the luxuriant soil, the populous cities, the
+architectural splendor of the edifices, and the inexhaustible mines of
+silver and of gold. There was no one to call his account in question.
+His extravagant stories were generally believed.
+
+De Soto, who was in the prime of his vigorous manhood, having as yet
+only attained his thirty-seventh year, read this narrative and
+pondered these statements with enthusiasm. A couple of years of
+inaction in his luxurious saloons had inspired him with new zeal for
+romantic adventure; and to this there was added the powerful motive of
+the necessity of retrieving his fortunes. He believed that gold could
+be gathered in Florida, even more abundantly than in Peru; that by
+the aid of the crown a numerous colony might be established where,
+under genial skies, every man could be put into possession of broad
+acres of the most luxuriant soil. And he felt fully confident that his
+long experience on the isthmus and in Peru, qualified him in the
+highest degree to be the leader of such an enterprise.
+
+In these views he was sustained by the common sentiment of the whole
+community. De Soto applied to the king of Spain, the Emperor Charles
+Fifth, for permission to organize an expedition, at his own expense,
+for the conquest of Florida. He offered to the crown, as usual for its
+share, one-fifth of the plunder.
+
+Eagerly the Emperor, who was always in need of money, accepted the
+proposition, "asking no questions, for conscience sake." The Emperor
+was very profuse in conferring honors and titles upon his heroic
+subject. He appointed him governor of the island of Cuba, which he was
+to make the base of his operations, investing him with almost
+dictatorial powers as both military and civil governor. He also
+granted him a private estate in Florida, with the title of marquis, in
+whatever part of the country he might choose. This magnificent estate
+was to consist of a region, ninety miles long and forty-five miles
+wide.
+
+As soon as it was known throughout Spain that De Soto was about to
+embark on such an enterprise, volunteers began to flock to his
+standard. He would accept of none but the most vigorous young men,
+whom he deemed capable of enduring the extremes of toil and hardship.
+In a few months nine hundred and fifty men were assembled at San
+Lucar, eager to embark. Many of these were sons of the wealthy nobles,
+who were thoroughly equipped in splendid style, with costly armor, and
+accompanied by a train of servants.
+
+Twenty-four ecclesiastics, of various grades, joined the expedition,
+whose arduous task it was to convert the natives to that religion of
+the Spaniards which allowed them to rob their houses and their
+temples, to maltreat their wives and daughters, to set fire to their
+villages, to hunt them down with bloodhounds, and to trample them
+under the iron hoofs of their fiery steeds.
+
+Never before had an expedition set out so abundantly supplied. Not
+only was every necessity provided for, but luxury and even wasteful
+extravagance reigned through the armament. De Soto himself was a man
+of magnificent tastes. Many who were with him in Peru, and had become
+there enriched, had joined the enterprise. And the young nobles of
+Spain surrounded themselves with the conveniences and splendor which
+large wealth could furnish.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+_The Landing in Florida._
+
+     The Departure from Spain.--Arrival in Cuba.--Leonora and
+     Tobar.--Isabella Invested with the Regency.--Sad Life of
+     Isabella.--Sailing of the Expedition.--The Landing at
+     Tampa Bay.--Outrages of Narvaez.--Noble Spirit of
+     Ucita.--Unsuccessful Enterprises.--Disgrace and Return
+     of Porcallo.
+
+
+The brilliant armament spread its sails to a favorable breeze at the
+port of San Lucar, on the morning of the sixth of April, 1538. The
+squadron consisted of seven large ships, and three smaller vessels. It
+must have been an imposing and busy scene in that little bay, upon
+which the sun looked serenely down three hundred years ago. In
+addition to the Floridian fleet, there was another squadron of
+twenty-six sail, at the same time weighing anchor, bound for Mexico.
+Bugle peals resounded from ship and shore, while salvoes of artillery
+swept over the waves and reverberated among the cliffs.
+
+Isabella accompanied her husband, and quite an imposing train of
+attendants was attached to the governor's family. The sail of a
+fortnight brought them to the Canary Islands. The Count Gomera, a
+Spanish nobleman, was in command. No religious scruples lent their
+restraints to his luxurious court. He had a very beautiful daughter,
+seventeen years of age, named Leonora. The father loved her tenderly.
+He was perhaps anxious to shield her from the deleterious influences
+with which she was surrounded. The high moral worth of Isabella
+impressed him; and arrangements were made for Leonora to accompany
+Isabella to Cuba, as a companion, to be treated in all respects as her
+own daughter.
+
+On the twenty-fourth of April the fleet again set sail, and reached
+St. Jago de Cuba the latter part of May. This city was then the
+capital of the island. It was situated on the southern shore, at the
+head of a bay running inland about six miles. It was then quite
+populous, and was opulent with the wealth of which previous Spanish
+adventurers had robbed the unhappy Cubans. The whole city turned out
+with music, and banners and gorgeous processions, to give a suitable
+reception to their new governor.
+
+A grand tournament was held on the occasion. Among the cavaliers who
+were contending for the prizes there was a young nobleman, Nuno de
+Tobar, who was De Soto's lieutenant-general. He was one of the most
+accomplished of the Spanish grandees, and bore off many of the prizes.
+The beauty of Leonora won his admiration. They were thrown much
+together, and he betrayed her. At the confessional Leonora opened her
+heart to the priest. It is probable that he communicated with the
+governor. De Soto's indignation was thoroughly roused. He summoned the
+culprit before him. Tobar, deeming his offense a very trivial one,
+without hesitation acknowledged it, thinking, perhaps, that he might
+receive some slight reprimand. He was not a little surprised when the
+governor said in indignant tones:
+
+"Leonora was placed under my care by her father. I pledged myself to
+protect her at the hazard of my own life. To-morrow morning you must
+meet me in single combat, where you will have a chance to protect the
+life you have justly forfeited."
+
+There was no man probably, in the whole Spanish army, who could safely
+cross swords with De Soto in mortal strife. Tobar was appalled. He
+well knew that in such a rencontre death was his inevitable doom.
+Overwhelmed with confusion, he said:
+
+"I have not committed a capital crime. If I had, I should not expect
+your Excellency to be my executioner. It is impossible for me to
+contend with you in single combat. By accepting your challenge, I doom
+myself to certain destruction."
+
+De Soto replied: "Your crime is not a trivial one. You cannot evade
+the consequences by refusing to meet them. To say nothing of the wrong
+you have done this unhappy girl, your treachery to me deserves the
+punishment of a traitor. You may choose whether you will die like a
+soldier, sword in hand, or like a criminal, under the axe of the
+executioner."
+
+Tobar withdrew. He hastened to the room of the confessor. With him he
+called upon Leonora, and, taking a few witnesses, repaired to the
+church, where the marriage ceremony was immediately performed. Within
+an hour he returned to the governor and informed him that he had made
+all the reparation in his power. De Soto, his brow still clouded with
+severe displeasure, replied:
+
+"You have saved your life, but you can never regain my confidence. You
+are no longer my lieutenant. That office can be held only by one whose
+honor is unsullied."
+
+De Soto remained about three months in Cuba, making a tour of the
+island, establishing his government, purchasing horses, and making
+other preparations for the expedition to Florida. While thus engaged,
+he sent a vessel, with a picked crew, to coast along the shores of the
+land he was about to invade, in search of a commodious harbor, where
+his troops might disembark. After many perilous adventures, the vessel
+returned with a satisfactory report.
+
+The fleet, and all the armament it was to bear, were rendezvoused at
+Havana, on the northern coast of Cuba, where a fair wind in a few
+hours would convey them to the shores of Florida. On the twelfth of
+May, some authorities say the eighteenth, of the year 1539, the
+expedition set sail upon one of the most disastrous adventures in
+which heroic men ever engaged. Terrible as were the woes they
+inflicted upon the natives, no less dreadful were the calamities which
+they drew down upon themselves.
+
+Isabella had been anxious to accompany her husband to Florida. But he,
+aware of the hardships and perils to which they would be exposed,
+would not give his consent. She consequently remained at Cuba,
+entrusted with the regency of the island. She never saw her husband
+again. Poor Isabella! In sadness she had waited fifteen years for her
+nuptials. Two short years had glided away like a dream in the night.
+And then, after three years of intense anxiety, during which she heard
+almost nothing of her husband, the tidings reached her of his death.
+It was a fatal blow to her faithful and loving heart. World-weary and
+sorrow-crushed, she soon followed him to the spirit-land. Such is
+life; not as God has appointed it, but as sin has made it.
+
+The expedition consisted of eight large ships, a caraval, and two
+brigantines. They were freighted with everything which could be deemed
+needful to conquer the country, and then to colonize it. The force
+embarked, in addition to the sailors who worked the ships, consisted
+of a thousand thoroughly armed men, and three hundred and fifty
+horses. Contrary winds gave them a slow passage across the gulf. On
+the twenty-fifth of May they entered the harbor of which they were in
+search. It was on the western coast of the magnificent peninsula. De
+Soto then gave it the name of Espiritu Santo. It is now however known
+as Tampa Bay.
+
+As they entered the harbor beacon fires were seen blazing along the
+eminences, indicating that the natives had taken the alarm, and were
+preparing for resistance. Several days were employed in cautious
+sounding of the harbor and searching for a suitable landing-place, as
+it seemed probable that opposition was to be encountered. On the last
+day of May, a detachment of three hundred soldiers landed on the beach
+and took possession of the land in the name of Charles the Fifth. The
+serene day was succeeded by a balmy night. Not an Indian was to be
+seen; and the bloom, luxuriance and fruitage of the tropics, spread
+enchantingly around them.
+
+The hours of the night passed away undisturbed. But just before dawn a
+terrific war-whoop resounded through the forest, as from a thousand
+throats, and a band of Indian warriors came rushing down, hurling upon
+the invaders a shower of arrows and javelins. The attack was so
+sudden and impetuous that the Spaniards were thrown into a panic. They
+rushed for their boats, and with loudest bugle peals, called for aid
+from their companions in the ships. The summons met with a prompt
+response. Boats were immediately lowered, and a large party of
+steel-clad men and horses were sent to their aid.
+
+When Nuno Tobar was degraded, and dismissed from his office as
+lieutenant-general, a rich, hair-brained Spanish nobleman, by the name
+of Vasco Porcallo, took his place. He was a gay cavalier, brave even
+to recklessness, of shallow intellect, but a man who had seen much
+hard service in the battlefields of those days. He was very rich,
+residing at Trinidad in Cuba. He joined the enterprise for the
+conquest of Florida, influenced by an instinctive love of adventure,
+and by the desire to kidnap Indians to work as slaves on his
+plantations. The valiant Porcallo headed the party sent to the rescue
+of those on shore.
+
+In such an adventure he was entirely in his element. Immediately upon
+landing he put spurs to his horse and, accompanied by only seven
+dragoons, with his sabre flashing in the air, plunged into the very
+thickest of the Indians. Soon they were put to flight. An Indian
+arrow, however, pierced his saddle and its housings, and reached the
+vitals of his horse. The noble steed dropped dead beneath him.
+Porcallo was quite proud of his achievement, and boasted not a little
+that his arm had put the _infidels_, as he called the Indians, to
+flight, and that his horse was the first to fall in the encounter.
+
+During the day all the troops were disembarked and encamped upon the
+shore. It was reported that there was quite a populous Indian town at
+the distance of about six miles from the place of landing. While the
+ammunition and commissary stores were being brought on shore, the
+little army marched for this village. It was the residence of the
+chief of the powerful tribe who occupied that region. His name was
+Ucita, and from him the village received the same appellation.
+
+The Spaniards met with no opposition on their march. But when they
+reached the village they found it entirely deserted. It was quite a
+large town, the houses being built substantially of timber, thatched
+with palm leaves. Many of these edifices were large and commodious,
+containing several rooms. Their articles of household furniture were
+convenient, and some of them quite elegant. The dresses, especially
+those of the females, were artistic and often highly ornamental. Very
+beautiful shawls and mantillas were manufactured by them. Their finest
+fabrics were woven by the hand from the fibrous bark of the
+mulberry-tree and hemp, which grew wild and in abundance. The natives
+had acquired the art of rich coloring, and the garments thus
+manufactured by them were often really beautiful. The walls of the
+houses of the wealthier citizens were hung with tapestry of very
+softly tanned and richly prepared buckskin; and carpets of the same
+material were spread upon the floors.
+
+The Floridians were not acquainted with iron, that most indispensable
+article with nations of high enlightenment. But they had succeeded in
+imparting a temper to copper, so as to give many of their tools quite
+a keen edge. Though the inhabitants of Florida had not attained that
+degree of civilization which had been reached by the Peruvians, it
+will be seen that they were immeasurably in advance of the savages in
+the northern portion of the continent, and that their homes far
+surpassed those of the peasantry of Ireland, and were more tasteful
+and commodious than the log huts which European emigrants erect as
+their first home in the wilderness of the West. They cultivated the
+ground mainly for their subsistence, though hunting and fishing were
+resorted to, then as now, for recreation as well as for food.
+
+De Soto took possession of the deserted village, and occupied the
+houses of the inhabitants as barracks for his soldiers. A few
+straggling Indians were taken captive. From them he learned that he
+was doomed to suffer for the infamous conduct of the Spanish
+adventurer, Narvaez, who had preceded him in a visit to this region.
+This vile man had been guilty of the most inhuman atrocities. He had
+caused the mother of the chief Ucita to be torn to pieces by
+bloodhounds, and in a transport of passion had awfully mutilated Ucita
+himself, by cutting off his nose. Consequently, the chief and all his
+people were exasperated to the highest degree. The injuries they had
+received were such as could never be forgiven or forgotten.
+
+De Soto was very anxious to cultivate friendly relations with the
+Indians. Whatever may have been his faults, his whole career thus far
+had shown him to be by nature a kind-hearted and upright man, hating
+oppression and loving justice. The faults of his character rather
+belonged to the age in which he lived, than to the individual man. No
+military leader has ever yet been able to restrain the passions of his
+soldiers. Wherever an army moves, there will always be, to a greater
+or less degree, plunder and violence. De Soto earnestly endeavored to
+introduce strict discipline among his troops. He forbade the slightest
+act of injustice or disrespect towards the Indians. Whenever a captive
+was taken, he treated him as a father would treat a child, and
+returned him to his home laden with presents. He availed himself of
+every opportunity to send friendly messages to Ucita. But the
+mutilated chief was in no mood to be placated. His only reply to these
+kind words was,
+
+"I want none of the speeches or promises of the Spaniards. Bring me
+their heads and I will receive them joyfully."
+
+The energies of De Soto inspired his whole camp. The provisions and
+munitions of war were promptly landed and conveyed to Ucita. The place
+was strongly fortified, and a hardy veteran, named Pedro Calderon, was
+placed in command of the garrison entrusted with its defence. All the
+large ships were sent back to Cuba, probably to obtain fresh supplies
+of military stores; some say that it was to teach the army that, there
+being no possibility of escape, it now must depend upon its own valor
+for existence.
+
+De Soto was very unwilling to set out for a march into the interior
+for discovery and in search of gold, while leaving so powerful a tribe
+as that over which Ucita reigned, in hostility behind him. He
+therefore sent repeated messages to Ucita expressing his utter
+detestation of the conduct of Narvaez; his desire to do everything in
+his power to repair the wrong which had been inflicted upon him, and
+his earnest wish to establish friendly relations with the
+deeply-injured chief.
+
+These reiterated friendly advances, ever accompanied by correspondent
+action, at length in some slight degree mitigated the deadly rancor of
+Ucita, so that instead of returning a message of defiance and hate, he
+sent back the truly noble response:
+
+"The memory of my injuries prevents me from returning a kind reply to
+your messages, and your courtesy is such that it will not allow me to
+return a harsh answer."
+
+The man who, under these circumstances, could frame such a reply, must
+have been one of nature's noblemen. De Soto could appreciate the
+grandeur of such a spirit. While these scenes were transpiring, a man
+was brought into the camp, in Indian costume, who announced himself as
+a Spaniard by the name of Juan Ortiz. He had been one of the
+adventurers under Narvaez. In the extermination of that infamous band
+he had been taken captive and bound to the stake, to be consumed. He
+was then but eighteen years of age, tall and very handsome. As the
+tongues of torturing flame began to eat into his quivering flesh,
+cries of agony were extorted from him.
+
+He was in the hands of a powerful chief, whose daughter is represented
+as a very beautiful princess, by the name of Uleleh. She was about
+sixteen years of age, and could not endure the scene. She threw her
+arms around her father's neck, and with tears of anguish pleaded that
+his life might be saved. He was rescued; and though for a time he
+suffered extreme cruelty, he eventually became adopted, as it were,
+into the tribe, and for ten years had resided among the Indians,
+sometimes regarded as a captive, upon whom heavy burdens could be
+imposed, and again treated with great kindness. Juan Ortiz being thus
+familiar with the habits of the natives and their language, became an
+invaluable acquisition to the adventurers.
+
+De Soto inquired very earnestly of him respecting the country and the
+prospect of finding any region abounding with silver and gold. Ortiz
+had but little information to give, save that, at the distance of
+about a hundred miles from where they then were, there was a great
+chief named Uribaracaxi, to whom all the adjacent chiefs were
+tributary. His realms were represented as far more extensive,
+populous, and rich than those of the surrounding chieftains. De Soto
+dispatched a band of sixty horsemen and sixty foot soldiers with
+presents and messages of friendship to Uribaracaxi. The object of the
+expedition was to explore the country and to make inquiries respecting
+gold.
+
+A weary march of about forty miles brought the party to the village of
+Mucozo, where Ortiz had resided for some years. The chief of this
+tribe, whose name was also Mucozo, was brother-in-law to Uribaracaxi.
+Mucozo received the Spaniards with great hospitality, and learning
+that they were on a friendly visit to Uribaracaxi, furnished them with
+a guide. Four days were occupied in a tedious march through a country
+where pathless morasses continually embarrassed their progress.
+
+This expedition was under the command of Balthazar de Gallegos. He
+reached his point of destination in safety. But the chief, deeming it
+not prudent to trust himself in the hands of the Spaniards, whose
+renown for fiendish deeds had filled the land, had retired from his
+capital, and nearly all the inhabitants had fled with him. He left for
+his uninvited guests no message either of welcome or defiance.
+Gallegos found all his attempts to open any communications with him
+unavailing. There was no plunder in the city worth seizing, and De
+Soto's commands to the expedition were very strict, to treat the
+Indians with the utmost kindness and humanity.
+
+Gallegos made earnest inquiries of the Indians whom he met, as to the
+provinces where gold and silver could be found. They told him that
+there was a country many leagues west of them, of marvellous
+luxuriance and beauty, where gold was found in such abundance that the
+warriors had massive shields and helmets made of that precious metal.
+The more shrewd of the Spaniards placed very little reliance upon
+this testimony. They thought they saw evidence that the Indians were
+ready to fabricate any story by which they could rid themselves of
+their visitors.
+
+Soon after the departure of Gallegos, De Soto received the
+intelligence that the chief Ucita had taken refuge in a forest,
+surrounded with swamps, not far from the Spanish camp. The
+vainglorious Porcallo was exceedingly indignant that the Indian chief
+should presume to hold himself aloof from all friendly advances. He
+entreated De Soto to grant him the privilege of capturing the
+fugitive. De Soto complied with his request. The impetuous old man,
+fond of parade, and lavish of his wealth, selected a band of horsemen
+and footmen, all of whom were gorgeously apparelled for the occasion.
+He, himself, was mounted on a magnificent steed and cased in
+glittering armor.
+
+It seems that the noble Ucita kept himself well informed of every
+movement of the invaders. With a spirit of magnanimity which would
+have done honor to the best Christian in the Spanish ranks, he sent a
+courier to meet Porcallo, and to say to him,
+
+"You will only expose yourself to infinite peril from the rivers,
+morasses, and forests through which you will have to pass in your
+attempt to reach my retreat. My position is so secure that all your
+attempts to take me will result only in your own loss. I do not send
+you this message from any fears on my own account, but because your
+leader, De Soto, has manifested so much forbearance in not injuring my
+territory or my subjects."
+
+It is really refreshing to find here and there, among all these
+demoniac deeds of demoniac men, some remaining traces of that nobility
+of character which man had before the fall, when created in God's
+image he was but little lower than the angels. Man, as we see him
+developed in history, is indeed a ruin, but the ruin of a once noble
+fabric. When we think of what man might be, in all generous
+affections, and then think of what man is, it is enough to cause one
+to weep tears of blood.
+
+Porcallo could not appreciate the magnanimity of Ucita. He regarded
+the message as one of the stratagems of war, dictated either by fear
+or cowardice. He therefore ordered the trumpets to sound the advance,
+his only fear being, that the chief might escape. Porcallo, a Quixotic
+knight, had no element of timidity in his character. He led his
+troops. He never said "Go," but "Follow." Pressing rapidly forward,
+the little band soon arrived upon the border of a vast and dismal
+morass, utterly pathless, stretching out many leagues in extent.
+
+The hot-headed cavalier, thinking that the swamp might be waded, put
+spurs to his horse and dashed forward. He had advanced but a few rods
+when the horse, struggling knee-deep through the mire, stumbled and
+fell. One of the legs of the rider was so caught beneath the animal as
+to pin him inextricably in the morass, covering him with water and
+with mud. The weight of his armor sank him deeper in the mire, and in
+the desperate struggles of the steed for extrication, he was in great
+danger of being suffocated. None could come to his aid without danger
+of being swallowed up in the bog.
+
+The unfeeling and brutal soldiers stood upon the borders of the morass
+with shouts of merriment, as they witnessed the sudden discomfiture of
+their leader; a discomfiture the more ludicrous, in contrast with his
+gorgeous attire, and his invariably proud and lofty bearing. At length
+Porcallo extricated himself, and, drenched with water, and covered
+with mud, led his equally bemired steed to the land. He was humiliated
+and enraged. The derision of the soldiers stung him to the quick. He
+had embarked in the expedition to gain glory and slaves. He had
+encountered disgrace; and the prospect of kidnapping the natives,
+under such a leader as De Soto had proved himself to be, was very
+small.
+
+It is probable that before this disaster he had seriously contemplated
+abandoning the expedition and returning to his princely mansion in
+Trinidad. Ordering his men to face about, he sullenly and silently
+returned to the Spanish camp. Throwing up his commission with disgust,
+he embarked for Cuba, and we hear of him no more.
+
+    "His train of servants," writes Mr. Theodore Irving,
+    "Spanish, Indian and negro, were embarked with all speed. But
+    when the gallant old cavalier came to take leave of his young
+    companions in arms, and the soldiers he had lately aspired to
+    lead so vain-gloriously, his magnificent spirit broke forth.
+    He made gifts to the right and left, dividing among the
+    officers and knights all the arms, accoutrements, horses and
+    camp equipage, with which he had come so lavishly and so
+    ostentatiously provided, and gave, for the use of the army,
+    all the ample store of provisions and munitions brought for
+    the use of himself and his retinue. This done, he bade
+    farewell to campaigning and set sail for Cuba, much to the
+    regret of the army, who lamented that so gallant a spirit
+    should have burned out so soon."[B]
+
+[Footnote B: Conquest of Florida, by Theodore Irving, p. 81.]
+
+Indeed, it is stated in what is called "The Portuguese Narrative" of
+these events, that Porcallo and De Soto had already quarrelled so
+decisively that they were no longer on speaking terms. Porcallo,
+thoroughly destitute of moral principle, was a slave hunter; a
+character whom De Soto thoroughly despised, and whose operations he
+would not on any account allow to be carried on in his army. Porcallo
+therefore found no difficulty in obtaining permission to retire from
+the service. Probably both the governor and his lieutenant were
+equally happy to be rid of each other.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+_The March to Ochile._
+
+     The March Commenced.--The Swamps of Florida.--Passage of the
+     Morass.--Heroism of Sylvestre.--Message to Acuera.--His
+     Heroic Reply.--Fierce Hostility of the Indians.--Enter
+     the Town of Ocali.--Strange Incident.--Death of the
+     Bloodhound.--Historical Discrepancies.--Romantic Entrance
+     to Ochile.
+
+
+The day after the departure of Porcallo, a courier from Captain
+Gallegos, accompanied by a small guard, came to the Spanish camp at
+Ucita. He informed De Soto that there was an ample supply of
+provisions at Uribaracaxi to sustain the army for several days; and
+that he had received information that at not a great distance from
+that place large quantities of gold could be obtained. De Soto and his
+companions were greatly elated by these tidings, trusting that they
+were about to enter upon another Peru. A garrison of forty horsemen
+and eighty foot soldiers, was left at Ucita, to protect the military
+and commissariat stores collected there, and to guard the three
+vessels still remaining in the bay. Captain Calderon, who was left in
+command, was strictly enjoined to treat the Indians with the utmost
+kindness, and not to make war upon them, even if provoked by taunts
+and insults.
+
+De Soto, then, with the main body of his army, set out on the march
+for Uribaracaxi. It was soon very evident to him that he was not in
+Peru. There was no smoothly-paved highway for his soldiers to
+traverse. The country was pathless, rough, apparently uninhabited,
+encumbered with tangled forests, and vast dismal swamps. It was a very
+arduous enterprise for soldiers burdened with heavy armor to force
+their way through such a wilderness, with the baggage essential to
+such a body of men.
+
+One of the great objects of the governor, and a humane one, was to
+establish a colony in Florida. A herd of three hundred swine was kept
+in the line of march, as these animals were deemed the most
+advantageous stock for new settlers. After a toilsome march of two
+days they reached the native village of Mucozo, where the friendly
+chief of the same name resided. It is said that this place is now
+called Hichipuchsassa. The chief received them with great hospitality.
+
+Pressing on without delay, they soon reached Uribaracaxi, which town
+it is supposed was situated near the head of the Hillsborough river,
+which stream empties into Tampa Bay. The chief was still absent, in
+his place of refuge, amidst the fastnesses of the forest. All of De
+Soto's friendly endeavors to draw him from his retreat proved
+unavailing. The Spaniards were yet to traverse many leagues of this
+unknown country before they could enter the region where it was
+supposed the gold could be found.
+
+Florida is emphatically a region of swamps. There is probably no
+section of our country which, in a state of nature, would be more
+difficult for the passage of an army. About nine miles from the
+village, directly on their line of march, extending far away to the
+east and the west, there was a vast bog three miles wide. It was a
+chaotic region of mud and water, with gigantic trees and entangling
+roots. After long search a passage was found through which, by the
+toilsome efforts of a whole day, the army forced its way. Beyond the
+swamp there opened before them a smooth, luxuriant flower-enamelled
+prairie. Rejoicingly the army pressed forward over this beautiful
+expanse, when suddenly they found their steps again arrested by a
+series of sluggish streams, stagnant bayous, and impenetrable bogs.
+
+De Soto now took a hundred horse and a hundred foot soldiers, and
+leaving the remainder of the army safely encamped, set out to explore
+the country in search of a practicable route of travel. For three days
+he skirted the region of bogs, lakes and thickets, sending out his
+runners in different directions to find some outlet. But there was no
+outlet for the journeyings of civilized men. They captured some
+Indians, who offered to guide them, but who treacherously led them to
+more difficult passes and into ambushes where many of their horses
+were slain. The dreadful punishment of these false guides was to be
+torn to pieces by bloodhounds. They bore their sufferings with amazing
+fortitude.
+
+At length they found a very rude, difficult and dangerous path by
+which the Indians crossed these swamps. At one point, where the water
+could not be forded for a distance of nearly three hundred feet, the
+Indians had constructed a bridge by cutting down two large trees and
+uniting the space that still remained between them in this Stygian
+lake, by tying logs together, with cross-poles for flooring. To add to
+the embarrassments of the Spaniards, apparently innumerable small
+bands of Indians were hovering on their track, assailing them with
+their sharp-pointed arrows, wherever they could get a shot, and then
+escaping into the impenetrable region around. They were very careful
+never to come to an open conflict. Canoes, propelled by the paddle,
+would often dart out from the thickets, a shower of arrows be
+discharged, and the canoes disappear where no foot could follow them.
+
+A very bold courier, on one of the fleetest horses, was sent back to
+summon the main body of the army to march, under the command of
+Moscoso, and join the party of explorers which De Soto had led. This
+young man, by the name of Sylvestre, accomplished his feat through a
+thousand perils and hair-breadth escapes.
+
+Three days De Soto's band had passed struggling through bog and brake,
+bramble and forest. Sylvestre was to find his path back travelling
+with all possible speed by night as well as by day. One attendant only
+was with him, Juan Lopez. They never could have found their path but
+through the sagacity of their horses. These noble animals seemed to be
+endowed for the time with the instinct of setter dogs. For in the
+darkness of the night they would puff and snort, with their noses
+close to the ground, ever, under the most difficult circumstances,
+finding the track. The distance over which they urged their horses
+exceeded thirty miles. For three days the poor creatures had not been
+unsaddled, and the bits had but occasionally been removed from their
+mouths that they might enjoy the brief refreshment of grazing.
+
+    "At times," writes Mr. Irving, "they passed within sight of
+    huge fires, around which the savages were stretched in wild
+    fantastic groups, or capering and singing, and making the
+    forests ring with yells and howlings. These were probably
+    celebrating their feasts with war-dances. The deafening din
+    they raised was the safeguard of the two Spaniards, as it
+    prevented the savages noticing the clamorous barking of their
+    dogs, and hearing the tramping of the horses as they
+    passed."[C]
+
+[Footnote C: Conquest of Florida, p. 89.]
+
+Immediately on the arrival of these two bold troopers, Moscoso
+dispatched supplies for the governor with an escort of thirty
+horsemen. In the mean time the troops under De Soto were nearly
+perishing with hunger. They were compelled to leave their encampment
+in search of food. Fortunately, at no great distance, they found a
+beautiful valley, waving luxuriantly with fields of corn or maize.
+Here they encamped and here were soon joined by the escort and their
+welcome supplies. In a few days Moscoso came also with the residue of
+the army. They were about sixty miles north of Uribaracaxi. It is
+supposed the place is now known by the old Indian name of Palaklikaha.
+
+The chief, whose name was Acuera, and all his people had fled to the
+woods. De Soto sent Indian interpreters to him with friendly messages
+and the declaration that the Spaniards had no desire to do him any
+injury; but that it was their power, if the Indians resisted, to
+punish them with great severity. He also commissioned them to make the
+declaration, which to him undoubtedly seemed perfectly just and
+reasonable, but which, to our more enlightened minds, seems atrocious
+in the extreme, that it was their only object to bring him and his
+people into obedience to their lawful sovereign, the king of Spain.
+With this end in view, he invited the chief to a friendly interview.
+It can hardly be doubted that in that benighted age De Soto felt that
+he was acting the part of a just and humane man, and of a Christian,
+in extending the _Christian_ reign of Spain over the heathen realms of
+Florida. Acuera returned the heroic reply:
+
+"Others of your accursed race have, in years past, poisoned our
+peaceful shores. They have taught me what you are. What is your
+employment? To wander about like vagabonds from land to land; to rob
+the poor; to betray the confiding; to murder in cold blood the
+defenceless. With such a people I want no peace--no friendship. War,
+never-ending, exterminating war, is all the boon I ask. You boast
+yourself valiant; and so you may be, but my faithful warriors are not
+less brave; and this, too, you shall one day prove, for I have sworn
+to maintain an unsparing conflict while one white man remains in my
+borders; not openly, in battle, though even thus we fear not to meet
+you, but by stratagem, and ambush, and midnight surprisals. I am king
+in my own land, and will never become the vassal of a mortal like
+myself. As for me and my people, we choose death, yes a hundred
+deaths, before the loss of our liberty and the subjugation of our
+country."
+
+This answer certainly indicates a degree of intelligence and mental
+culture far above what we should expect to find in the chief of a
+tribe of Florida Indians. The chivalric spirit of De Soto compelled
+him to admire the heroism it displayed. He consequently redoubled his
+efforts to gain the friendship of the chief, but all in vain. For
+twenty days De Soto remained in this encampment, recruiting his troops
+and making arrangements for a farther advance. The Indians made
+constant warfare upon him, lurking in the thickets which densely
+surrounded his camp. No Spaniard could wander one hundred steps
+without danger of being shot down by an invisible foe, whose deadly
+arrow was more noiseless in its flight than the sighing of the breeze
+through the tree tops. In this way, during these twenty days, fourteen
+Spaniards were killed and many more wounded. Fifty Indians also fell
+struck by the bullets of the invaders. De Soto allowed himself only in
+a war of self-defence. He strictly prohibited his followers from doing
+any injury to the villages or the property of the natives, or of
+engaging in the slightest act of violence towards any who were not in
+active hostility against them.
+
+After twenty days of such repose as could be found in this war
+harassed camp, De Soto resumed his march. He directed the steps of his
+army in a northeasterly direction towards a town called Ocali, about
+sixty miles from their encampment. It seems that in most, if not all
+of this region, the chief and his principal town bore the same name.
+
+The path of the army led just over a dreary expanse of desert sands,
+about thirty miles broad. There was no underbrush, and over the smooth
+surface both men and horses could travel with the greatest ease. They
+then entered upon a beautiful region of fertility and luxuriance.
+Fields of corn waved their graceful leaves and bannered heads in the
+breeze. Farm houses and pleasant villages were scattered around,
+indicating that peace, with its nameless blessings, reigned there.
+They reached the central town, Ocali, and found it to consist of six
+hundred substantially built houses. This would give the place a
+population of probably not less than three thousand.
+
+But the chief, Ocali, and his principal inhabitants, with their
+effects, had fled to the forests. The Spanish army immediately took up
+its quarters in the dwellings of Ocali. They found here an ample
+supply of provisions, which they seem without any questionings to have
+appropriated to their own use. The clime was balmy, the region
+beautiful, the houses commodious, the food abundant, and the few
+Indians who remained behind manifested no hostility. The common
+soldiers, following the example of their leader, treated all with
+great kindness.
+
+De Soto sent several Indian messengers daily to the retreat of the
+chief with proffers of peace and friendship. Though Ocali rejected all
+these overtures, it seems that they must have made an impression on
+the minds of some of his followers.
+
+One day, four young Floridian warriors, gorgeously dressed and with
+nodding plumes, came to the Spanish camp. De Soto received them with
+great cordiality and invited them to a handsome collation with his
+principal officers. Mr. Irving, in his well authenticated narrative,
+gives the following account of the scene which there ensued:
+
+     "They sat down and appeared to be eating quietly, when
+     perceiving the Spaniards to be off their guard, they rose
+     suddenly and rushed full speed to the woods. It was in vain
+     for the Spaniards to pursue them on foot, and there was no
+     horse at hand. A hound of uncommon sagacity, however,
+     hearing the cry of the Indians, and seeing them run, pursued
+     them. Overtaking and passing by the first and second and
+     third, he sprang upon the shoulders of the foremost and
+     pulled him to the ground; as the next Indian passed on, the
+     dog, leaving the one already down, sprang upon his successor
+     and secured him in the same way. In like manner he served
+     the third and fourth, and then kept running from one to the
+     other, pulling them down as fast as they rose, and barking
+     so furiously that the Indians were terrified and confounded
+     and the Spaniards were enabled to overtake and capture them.
+     They were taken back to the camp and examined separately.
+     For as they were armed, the Spaniards apprehended some
+     treachery; but it appeared that their sudden flight was only
+     by way of exploit, to show their address and fleetness."[D]
+
+[Footnote D: Irving's Conquest of Florida, p. 100.]
+
+Ocali, after resisting for six days all friendly advances, was at
+length induced to visit the Spanish camp. He was received by De Soto
+with the greatest kindness, and every effort was made to win his
+confidence. There was a deep and wide river near the village which it
+was necessary for the Spaniards to cross in their advance. De Soto,
+accompanied by Ocali and several of his subjects, was walking on the
+banks of this stream to select a spot for crossing, by means of a
+bridge or raft, when a large number of Indians sprang up from the
+bushes on the opposite side, and assailing them with insulting and
+reproachful language, discharged a volley of arrows upon them, by
+which one of the Spaniards was wounded.
+
+Upon De Soto's demanding of the chief the meaning of this hostile
+movement, Ocali replied, that they were a collection of his mutinous
+subjects, who had renounced their allegiance to him, in consequence of
+his friendship for the Spaniards. The bloodhound, to which we have
+alluded, that had so sagaciously captured the four Floridians, was in
+the company held in a leash by one of the servants of the governor.
+The moment the ferocious animal heard the yells of the Indians, and
+witnessed their hostile actions, by a desperate struggle he broke from
+his keeper and plunged into the river. In vain the Spaniards
+endeavored to call him back. The Indians eagerly watched his approach,
+and as he drew near they showered upon him such a volley of arrows,
+that more than fifty pierced his head and shoulders. He barely reached
+the land, when he fell dead. The army mourned the loss of the
+sagacious, fearless and merciless brute as if he had been one of the
+most valiant of their warriors.
+
+It soon became evident that Ocali had but slight influence over his
+tribe. De Soto, apprehensive that it might be thought that he detained
+him against his will, advised him to return to his people, assuring
+him that he would always be a welcome guest in the Spanish camp. He
+left, and they saw him no more.
+
+Crossing the river by a rude bridge constructed by the Spanish
+engineers, De Soto took the lead with a hundred horse and a hundred
+foot. After a monotonous march of three days over a flat country, they
+came to a very extensive province called Vitachuco, which was governed
+in common by three brothers. The principal village, Ochile, was rather
+a fortress than a village, consisting of fifty large buildings
+strongly constructed of timber. It was a frontier military post; for
+it seems that this powerful tribe was continually embroiled in war
+with the adjacent provinces. Mr. Williams, in his History of Florida,
+locates Ochile just south of what is called the Allachua prairie.
+
+There are two sources of information upon which we are dependent for
+most of the facts here recorded. One is, the "History of Hernando De
+Soto," written by the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. He was the son of a
+Spanish nobleman and of a Peruvian lady of illustrious rank. His
+narrative was written as related to him, by a friend who was one of
+the expedition. With some probable exaggerations it is generally
+deemed authentic. Mr. Southey describes the work as one of the most
+delightful in the Spanish language.
+
+The other is what is called "The Portuguese Narrative." It is from the
+pen of an anonymous writer, who declares himself to have been a
+Spanish cavalier, and that he describes the scenes of which he was an
+eye-witness. Though these two accounts generally harmonize, there is
+at times very considerable discrepancy between their statements. In
+the extraordinary events now to be chronicled, the writer has
+generally endeavored to give the narrative, as has seemed to him most
+probable, in comparing the two accounts, with the well-established
+character of De Soto.
+
+The advance guard of the Spanish army marched all night, and just
+before the dawn of the morning, entered the silent streets of Ochile.
+Wishing to produce as deep an impression as possible upon the minds of
+the Indians, their drums were beat, and their trumpets emitted their
+loudest blasts, as one hundred horsemen with clattering hoofs, and one
+hundred footmen with resounding arms, startled the citizens from their
+repose. To these simple natives, it must have been a scene almost as
+astounding as if a legion of adventurers, from the star Sirius, were
+at midnight to make their appearance in the streets of a European
+city.
+
+The house of the chief was centrally situated. It was a large mansion,
+nearly three hundred feet in length by one hundred and twenty in
+width. There were also connected with it quite a number of
+outbuildings of very considerable dimensions.
+
+As a matter of course, immediately the whole population was in the
+streets in a state of utter amazement. It was the object of De Soto to
+appear in such strength, and to take such commanding positions, as
+would prevent any assault on the part of the Indians, which would lead
+to bloodshed. He was well informed of the warlike reputation of the
+chief who resided there; and knew that in that fortress he was
+surrounded by a numerous band of warriors, ever armed and always ready
+for battle. The region around was densely populated. Should the chief
+escape, determined upon hostility, and rally his troops around him, it
+might lead to sanguinary scenes, greatly to be deplored.
+
+De Soto immediately held an interview with the chief; treated him with
+the utmost kindness and assured him that he had no intention of
+inflicting any injury upon him or any of his subjects; that he sought
+only for permission to pass peaceably and unmolested through his
+realms. The soldiers were strictly enjoined to treat the natives in
+the most friendly manner, and not to allow themselves, by any
+provocation whatever, to be drawn into a conflict.
+
+The chief was very narrowly watched, that he might not escape. Still
+he was unconscious of his captivity, for he was held by invisible
+chains.
+
+During the following day the main body of the army entered Ochile with
+all the pomp which prancing horses richly accoutred, gorgeous
+uniforms, bugle-blasts, waving banners, and glittering armor could
+present. Ocile, its chief, and his warriors were at the mercy of the
+Spaniards. But they had come not as conquerors, but as peaceful
+travellers, with smiles and presents, and kindly words. Still the
+power of these uninvited guests was very manifest, and it was very
+evident that any hostility on the part of the natives would bring down
+upon them swift destruction.
+
+It so happened, that the youngest of the three brother chiefs resided
+at Ochile. At the suggestion of De Soto, he sent couriers to his two
+brothers, informing them of the arrival of the Spaniards, of their
+friendly disposition, and of their desire simply to pass through the
+country unmolested. At the same time he stated, by request of De Soto,
+that the strength of the Spaniards was such that they were abundantly
+able to defend themselves; and that should any attack be made upon
+them, it would lead to results which all would have occasion to
+deplore.
+
+The capital of the second brother was not far distant. In three days
+he came to Ochile, decorated in gorgeous robes of state and
+accompanied by a retinue of his warriors, in their most showy costume.
+It is recorded that he had the bearing of an accomplished gentleman,
+and seemed as much at ease amidst the wondrous surroundings of the
+Spanish camp, as if he had been accustomed to them all his days. He
+entered into the most friendly relations with De Soto and his
+distinguished officers, and seemed very cordially to reciprocate all
+their courteous attentions.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+_The Conspiracy and its Consequences._
+
+     The Three Brother Chieftains.--Reply of Vitachuco to his
+     Brothers.--Feigned Friendship for the Spaniards.--The
+     Conspiracy.--Its Consummation and Results.--Clemency of
+     De Soto.--The Second Conspiracy.--Slaughter of the
+     Indians.--March of the Spaniards for Osachile.--Battle
+     in the Morass.
+
+
+Of the three brothers who reigned over this extended territory the
+elder bore the same name with the province which he governed, which
+was Vitachuco. He was far the most powerful of the three, in both the
+extent and populousness of his domain. His two brothers had united in
+sending an embassy to him, earnestly enjoining the expediency of
+cultivating friendly relations with the Spaniards. The following very
+extraordinary reply, which he returned, is given by Garcilaso de la
+Vega. And though he says he quotes from memory, still he pledges his
+word of honor, that it is a truthful record of the message Vitachuco
+sent back. We read it with wonder, as it indicates a degree of mental
+enlightenment, which we had not supposed could have been found among
+those semi-civilized people.
+
+"It is evident," said the chief to his brothers, "that you are young
+and have neither judgment nor experience, or you would never speak as
+you have done of these hated white men. You extol them as virtuous
+men, who injure no one. You say that they are valiant; are children of
+the Sun, and merit all our reverence and service. The vile chains
+which they have hung upon you, and the mean and dastardly spirit which
+you have acquired during the short period you have been their slaves,
+have caused you to speak like women, lauding what you should censure
+and abhor.
+
+"You remember not that these strangers can be no better than those who
+formerly committed so many cruelties in our country. Are they not of
+the same nation and subject to the same laws? Do not their manner of
+life and actions prove them to be the children of the spirit of evil,
+and not of the Sun and Moon--our Gods? Go they not from land to land
+plundering and destroying; taking the wives and daughters of others
+instead of bringing their own with them; and like mere vagabonds
+maintaining themselves by the laborious toil and sweating brow of
+others!
+
+"Were they virtuous, as you represent, they never would have left
+their own country; since there they might have practised their
+virtues; planting and cultivating the earth, maintaining themselves,
+without prejudice to others or injury to themselves, instead of
+roving about the world, committing robberies and murders, having
+neither the shame of men nor the fear of God before them. Warn them
+not to enter into my dominions. Valiant as they may be, if they dare
+to put foot upon my soil, they shall never go out of my land alive."
+
+De Soto and his army remained eight days at Ochile. By unwearied
+kindness, he so won the confidence of the two brother chiefs, that
+they went in person to Vitachuco to endeavor by their united
+representations to win him to friendly relations with the Spaniards.
+Apparently they succeeded. Vitachuco either became really convinced
+that he had misjudged the strangers, or feigned reconciliation. He
+invited De Soto and his army to visit his territory, assigning to them
+an encampment in a rich and blooming valley. On an appointed day the
+chief advanced to meet them, accompanied by his two brothers and five
+hundred warriors, in the richest decorations and best armament of
+military art as then understood by the Floridians.
+
+De Soto and Vitachuco were about of the same age and alike magnificent
+specimens of physical manhood. The meeting between them was as cordial
+as if they had always been friends. The Indian warriors escorted their
+guests from their encampment to the capital. It consisted of two
+hundred spacious edifices, strongly built of hewn timber. Several days
+were passed in feasting and rejoicing, when Juan Ortiz informed the
+governor that some friendly Indians had revealed to him that a plot
+had been formed, by Vitachuco, for the entire destruction of the
+Spanish army.
+
+The chief was to assemble his warriors, to the number of about ten
+thousand, upon an extensive plain, just outside the city, ostensibly
+to gratify De Soto with the splendors of a peaceable parade. To disarm
+all suspicion, they were to appear without any weapons of war, which
+weapons were however previously to be concealed in the long grass of
+the prairie. De Soto was to be invited to walk out with the chief to
+witness the spectacle. Twelve very powerful Indians, with concealed
+arms, were to accompany the chief or to be near at hand. It was
+supposed that the pageant would call out nearly all the Spaniards, and
+that they would be carelessly sauntering over the plain. At a given
+signal, the twelve Indians were to rush upon De Soto, and take him
+captive if possible, or if it were inevitable, put him to death.
+
+At the same moment the whole band of native warriors, grasping their
+arms, was to rush upon the Spaniards in overpowering numbers of ten to
+one. In this way it was supposed that every man could speedily be put
+to death or captured. Those who were taken prisoners were to be
+exposed to the utmost ingenuity of Indian torture.
+
+This seemed a very plausible story. De Soto, upon careful inquiry,
+became satisfied of its truth. He consulted his captains, and decided
+to be so prepared for the emergence, that should he be thus attacked,
+the Indian chief would fall into the trap which he had prepared for
+his victims.
+
+The designated day arrived. The sun rose in a cloudless sky and a
+gentle breeze swept the prairie. Early in the morning, Vitachuco
+called upon De Soto, and very obsequiously solicited him to confer
+upon him the honor of witnessing a grand muster of his subjects. He
+said they would appear entirely unarmed, but he wished De Soto to
+witness their evolutions, that he might compare them with the military
+drill of European armies. De Soto, assuming a very friendly and
+unsuspicious air, assured the chief, that he should be very happy to
+witness the pageant. And to add to its imposing display, and in his
+turn to do something to interest the natives, he said he would call
+out his whole force of infantry and cavalry, and arrange them in full
+battle array on the opposite side of the plain.
+
+The chief was evidently much embarrassed by this proposition, but he
+did not venture to present any obstacles. Knowing the valor and
+ferocity of his troops, he still thought that with De Soto as his
+captive, he could crush the Spaniards by overwhelming numbers. Matters
+being thus arranged, the whole Spanish army, in its most glittering
+array, defiled upon the plain. De Soto was secretly well armed.
+Servants were ready with two of the finest horses to rush to his aid.
+A body-guard of twelve of his most stalwart men loitered carelessly
+around him.
+
+At nine o'clock in the morning, De Soto and Vitachuco walked out, side
+by side, accompanied by their few attendants and ascended a slight
+eminence which commanded a view of the field. Notwithstanding the
+careless air assumed by De Soto, he was watching every movement of
+Vitachuco with intensest interest. The instant the Indian chief gave
+his signal, his attendants rushed upon De Soto, and his ten thousand
+warriors grasped their arrows and javelins, and with the hideous
+war-whoop rushed upon the Spaniards. But at the same instant a bugle
+blast, echoing over the plain, put the whole Spanish army in motion in
+an impetuous charge. The two signals for the deadly conflict seemed to
+be simultaneous. The body-guard of De Soto, with their far superior
+weapons, not only repelled the Indian assailants, but seized and bound
+Vitachuco as their captive. De Soto lost not a moment in mounting a
+horse, led to him by his servant. But the noble animal fell dead
+beneath him, pierced by many arrows. Another steed was instantly at
+his side, and De Soto was at the head of his cavalry, leading the
+charge. Never, perhaps, before, did so terrible a storm burst thus
+suddenly from so serene a sky.
+
+The natives fought with valor and ferocity which could not be
+surpassed even by the Spaniards. All the day long the sanguinary
+battle raged, until terminated by the darkness of the night. The field
+was bordered, on one side, by a dense forest, and on the other by a
+large body of water, consisting of two lakes. Some of the natives
+escaped into the almost impenetrable forest. Many were drowned.
+Several of the young men, but eighteen years of age, who were taken
+captive,--the sons of chiefs,--developed a heroism of character which
+attracted the highest admiration of De Soto. They fought to the last
+possible moment, and when finally captured, expressed great regret
+that they had not been able to die for their country. They said to
+their conqueror,
+
+"If you wish to add to your favors, take our lives. After surviving
+the defeat and capture of our chieftain, we are not worthy to appear
+before him, or to live in the world."
+
+It is said that De Soto was greatly moved with compassion in view of
+the calamity which had befallen these noble young men. He embraced
+them with parental tenderness, and commended their valor, which he
+regarded as proof of their noble blood.
+
+    "For two days," writes Mr. Irving, "he detained them in the
+    camp, feasting them at his table and treating them with every
+    distinction; at the end of which time he dismissed them with
+    presents of linen, cloths, silks, mirrors and other articles
+    of Spanish manufacture. He also sent by them presents to
+    their fathers and relations, with proffers of friendship."
+
+De Soto had succeeded in capturing four of the most distinguished
+captains of Vitachuco. They had been ostensibly the friends of the
+Spaniard, had ate at his table and had apparently reciprocated all his
+kindly words and deeds. While thus deceiving him, they had cooperated
+with Vitachuco for his destruction. De Soto summoned them with their
+chief before him.
+
+    "He reproached them," says Mr. Irving "with the treacherous
+    and murderous plot, devised against him and his soldiers, at
+    a time when they were professing the kindest amity. Such
+    treason, he observed, merited death; yet he wished to give
+    the natives evidence of his clemency. He pardoned them,
+    therefore, and restored them to his friendship; warning them,
+    however, to beware how they again deceived him, or trespassed
+    against the safety and welfare of the Spaniards, lest they
+    should bring down upon themselves dire and terrible revenge."
+
+Vitachuco was now a captive. Yet notwithstanding the conspiracy which
+had led to such deplorable results, De Soto treated him with great
+kindness, giving him a seat at his own table, and endeavoring in all
+ways to obliterate the remembrance of the conflict. De Soto was in
+search of gold. He had heard of mountains of that precious metal far
+away in the interior. The natives had no wealth which he desired to
+plunder. Their hostility he exceedingly deprecated, as it deprived him
+of food, of comforts, and exposed his little band to the danger of
+being cut off and annihilated, as were the troops of Narvaez, who had
+preceded him. The past career of De Soto proves, conclusively, that he
+was by nature a humane man, loving what he conceived to be justice.
+
+Under these circumstances, a wise policy demanded that he should do
+what he could to conciliate the natives before he advanced in his
+adventurous journey, leaving them, if hostile, disposed to cut off his
+return. It is said that nine hundred of the most distinguished
+warriors of Vitachuco were virtually enslaved, one of whom was
+assigned to each of the Spaniards, to serve him in the camp and at the
+table. Such at least is the story as it comes down to us. Vitachuco
+formed the plan again to assail the Spaniards by a concerted action
+at the dinner-table. Every warrior was to be ready to surprise and
+seize his master, and put him to death. There is much in this
+narrative which seems improbable. We will, however, give it to our
+readers as recorded by Mr. Irving in his very carefully written
+history of the Conquest of Florida. We know not how it can be
+presented in a more impartial manner.
+
+     "Scarcely had Vitachuco conceived this rash scheme than he
+     hastened to put it into operation. He had four young Indians
+     to attend him as pages. These he sent to the principal
+     prisoners, revealing his plan, with orders that they should
+     pass it secretly and adroitly from one to another, and hold
+     themselves in readiness, at the appointed time, to carry it
+     into effect. The dinner hour of the third day was the time
+     fixed upon for striking the blow. Vitachuco would be dining
+     with the governor, and the Indians in general attending upon
+     their respective masters.
+
+     "The cacique was to watch his opportunity, spring upon the
+     governor and kill him, giving at the moment of assault a
+     war-whoop which should resound throughout the village. The
+     war-whoop was to be the signal for every Indian to grapple
+     with his master or with any other Spaniard at hand and
+     dispatch him on the spot.
+
+     "On the day appointed Vitachuco dined as usual with the
+     governor. When the repast was concluded, he sprang upon his
+     feet, closed instantly with the governor, seized him with
+     the left hand by the collar, and with the other fist dealt
+     him such a blow in the face as to level him with the ground,
+     the blood gushing out of eyes, nose and mouth. The cacique
+     threw himself upon his victim to finish his work, giving at
+     the same time his signal war-whoop.
+
+     "All this was the work of an instant; and before the
+     officers present had time to recover from their
+     astonishment, the governor lay senseless beneath the tiger
+     grasp of Vitachuco. One more blow from the savage would have
+     been fatal; but before he could give it a dozen swords and
+     lances were thrust through his body, and he fell dead.
+
+     "The war-whoop had resounded through the village. Hearing
+     the fatal signal, the Indians, attending upon their masters,
+     assailed them with whatever missile they could command. Some
+     seized upon pikes and swords; others snatched up the pots in
+     which meal was stewing at the fire, and beating the
+     Spaniards about the head, bruised and scalded them at the
+     same time. Some caught up plates, pitchers, jars, and the
+     pestles wherewith they pounded the maize. Others seized upon
+     stools, benches and tables, striking with impotent fury,
+     when their weapons had not the power to harm. Others
+     snatched up burning fire-brands, and rushed like very
+     devils into the affray. Many of the Spaniards were terribly
+     burned, bruised and scalded. Some had their arms broken."
+
+This terrible conflict was of short duration. Though the Spaniards
+were taken by surprise, they were not unarmed. Their long keen sabres
+gave them a great advantage over their assailants. Though several were
+slain, and many more severely wounded, the natives were soon
+overpowered. The exasperated Spaniards were not disposed to show much
+mercy. In these two conflicts with the Indians, Vitachuco fell, and
+thirteen hundred of his ablest warriors.
+
+De Soto had received so terrific a blow, that for half an hour he
+remained insensible. The gigantic fist of the savage had awfully
+bruised his face, knocking out several of his teeth. It was four days
+before he recovered sufficient strength to continue his march and
+twenty days elapsed before he could take any solid food. On the fifth
+day after this great disaster the Spaniards resumed their journeyings
+in a northwest direction, in search of a province of which they had
+heard favorable accounts, called Osachile. The first day they advanced
+but about twelve miles, encamping upon the banks of a broad and deep
+river, which is supposed to have been the Suwanee.
+
+A band of Indians was upon the opposite side of the stream evidently
+in hostile array. The Spaniards spent a day and a half in constructing
+rafts to float them across. They approached the shore in such
+strength, that the Indians took to flight, without assailing them.
+Having crossed the river they entered upon a prairie country of
+fertile soil, where the industrious Indians had many fields well
+filled with corn, beans and pumpkins. But as they journeyed on, the
+Indians, in small bands, assailed them at every point from which an
+unseen arrow or javelin could be thrown. The Spaniards, on their
+march, kept in quite a compact body, numbering seven or eight hundred
+men, several hundred of whom were mounted on horses gayly caparisoned,
+which animals, be it remembered, the Indians had never before seen.
+
+After proceeding about thirty miles through a pretty well cultivated
+country, with scattered farm-houses, they came to quite an important
+Indian town called Osachile. It contained about two hundred houses;
+but the terrified inhabitants had fled, taking with them their most
+valuable effects, and utter solitude reigned in its streets.
+
+The country was generally flat, though occasionally it assumed a
+little of the character of what is called the rolling prairie. The
+Indian towns were always built upon some gentle swell of land. Where
+this could not be found, they often constructed artificial mounds of
+earth, sufficient in extent to contain from ten to twenty houses. Upon
+one of these the chief and his immediate attendants would rear their
+dwellings, while the more humble abodes of the common people, were
+clustered around. At Osachile De Soto found an ample supply of
+provisions, and he remained there two days.
+
+It is supposed that Osachile was at the point now called Old Town.
+Here De Soto was informed by captive Indians that about thirty leagues
+to the west there was a very rich and populous country called
+Appalachee. The natives were warlike in the highest degree, spreading
+the terror of their name through all the region around. Gold was said
+to abound there. The country to be passed through, before reaching
+that territory, was filled with gloomy swamps and impenetrable
+thickets, where there was opportunity for ambuscades. De Soto was told
+that the Appalachians would certainly destroy his whole army should he
+attempt to pass through those barriers and enter their borders.
+
+This peril was only an incentive to the adventurous spirit of the
+Spanish commander. To abandon the enterprise and return without the
+gold, would be not only humiliating, but would be his utter ruin. He
+had already expended in the undertaking all that he possessed. He had
+no scruples of conscience to retard his march, however sanguinary the
+hostility of the natives might render it. It was the doctrine of the
+so-called church at Rome, that Christians were entitled to the
+possessions of the heathen; and though De Soto himself by no means
+professed to be actuated by that motive, the principle unquestionably
+influenced nearly his whole army.
+
+But he did assume that he was a peaceful traveller, desiring to
+cultivate only friendly relations with the natives, and that he had a
+right to explore this wilderness of the new world in search of those
+precious medals of which the natives knew not the value, but which
+were of so much importance to the interest of all civilized nations.
+
+For three days the Spaniards toiled painfully along over an arid,
+desert plain, beneath a burning sun. About noon on the fourth day they
+reached a vast swamp, probably near the Estauhatchee river. This swamp
+was bordered by a gloomy forest, with gigantic trees, and a dense,
+impervious underbrush, ever stimulated to wonderful luxuriance by an
+almost tropical sun and a moist and spongy soil. Through this morass
+the Indians, during generations long since passed away, had
+constructed a narrow trail or path about three feet wide. This
+passage, on both sides, was walled up by thorny and entangled
+vegetation almost as impenetrable as if it were brick or stone.
+
+In the centre of this gloomy forest, there was a sheet of shallow
+water about a mile and a half in width and extending north and south
+as far as the eye could reach. The Indians had discovered a ford
+across this lake till they came to the main channel in the centre,
+which was about one hundred and twenty feet wide. This channel, in the
+motionless waters, was passed by a rude bridge consisting of trees
+tied together.
+
+De Soto encamped on the borders of this gloomy region for a short time
+to become acquainted with the route and to force the passage. There
+were various spots where the Indians, familiar with the whole region,
+lay in ambush. From their unseen coverts, they could assail the
+Spaniards with a shower of arrows as they defiled through the narrow
+pass, and escape beyond any possibility of pursuit. Compelling some
+Indians to operate as guides, under penalty of being torn to pieces by
+bloodhounds, De Soto commenced his march just after midnight. Two
+hundred picked men on foot, but carefully encased in armor, led the
+advance in a long line two abreast. Every man was furnished with his
+day's allowance of food in the form of roasted kernels of corn. They
+pressed along through a path which they could not lose, and from which
+they could not wander, till they reached the lake. Here the guides led
+them along by a narrow ford, up to their waists in water, till they
+reached the bridge of logs. The advance-guard had just passed over
+this bridge when the day dawned, and they were discovered by the
+Indians, who had not supposed they would attempt to cross the morass
+by night.
+
+The Appalachian warriors, with hideous yells and great bravery, rushed
+into the lake to meet their foes. Here Spaniard and Floridian grappled
+in the death struggle up to their waists in water. The steel-clad
+Spaniards, with their superior arms, prevailed, and the natives
+repulsed, rushed into the narrow defile upon the other side of the
+lake. The main body of the army pressed on, though continually and
+fiercely assailed by the arrows of the Indians. Arriving at a point
+where there was an expanse of tolerably dry ground, De Soto sent into
+the forests around forty skirmishers to keep off the Indians, while a
+hundred and fifty men were employed in felling trees and burning
+brush, in preparation for an encampment for the night.
+
+Exhausted by the toil of the march and of the battle; drenched with
+the waters of the lake; many of them suffering from wounds, they threw
+themselves down upon the hot and smouldering soil for sleep. But there
+was no repose for them that night. During all the hours of darkness,
+the prowling natives kept up a continuous clamor, with ever recurring
+assaults. With the first dawn of the morning the Spaniards resumed
+their march, anxious to get out of the defile and into the open
+prairie beyond, where they could avail themselves of their horses, of
+which the Indians stood in great dread. As they gradually emerged from
+the impenetrable thicket into the more open forest, the army could be
+spread out more effectually, and the horsesmen could be brought a
+little more into action. But here the valor of the natives did not
+forsake them.
+
+    "As soon as the Spaniards," writes Mr. Irving, "entered this
+    more open woodland, they were assailed by showers of arrows
+    on every side. The Indians, scattered about among the
+    thickets, sallied forth, plied their bows with intense
+    rapidity, and plunged again into the forest. The horses were
+    of no avail. The arquebusiers and archers seemed no longer a
+    terror; for in the time a Spaniard could make one discharge,
+    and reload his musket or place another bolt in his cross-bow,
+    an Indian would launch six or seven arrows. Scarce had one
+    arrow taken flight before another was in the bow. For two
+    long leagues did the Spaniards toil and fight their way
+    forward through this forest.
+
+    "Irritated and mortified by these galling attacks and the
+    impossibility of retaliating, at length they emerged into an
+    open and level country. Here, overjoyed at being freed from
+    this forest prison, they gave reins to their horses, and free
+    vent to their smothered rage, and scoured the plain, lancing
+    and cutting down every Indian they encountered. But few of
+    the enemy were taken prisoners, many were put to the sword."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+_Winter Quarters._
+
+     Incidents of the March.--Passage of the River.--Entering
+     Anhayea.--Exploring Expeditions.--De Soto's desire for
+     Peace.--Capture of Capafi.--His Escape.--Embarrassments
+     of De Soto.--Letter of Isabella.--Exploration of the
+     Coast.--Discovery of the Bay of Pensacola.--Testimony
+     Respecting Cafachique.--The March Resumed.
+
+
+The Spaniards now entered upon a beautiful and highly cultivated
+region, waving with fields of corn and adorned with many pleasant
+villages and scattered farm-houses. It seemed to be the abode of
+peace, plenty and happiness. It certainly might have been such, but
+for the wickedness of man. Wearied with their long march and almost
+incessant battle, the Spaniards encamped in the open plain, where
+their horsemen would be able to beat off assaults.
+
+But the night brought them no repose. It was necessary to keep a large
+force mounted and ready for conflict. The natives, in large numbers,
+surrounded them, menacing an attack from every quarter, repeatedly
+drawing near enough in the darkness to throw their arrows into the
+camp, and keeping up an incessant and hideous howling. After a
+sleepless night, with the earliest light of the morning they resumed
+their march along a very comfortable road, which led through extensive
+fields of corn, beans, pumpkins and other vegetables. The prairie
+spread out before them in its beautiful, level expanse, till lost in
+the distant horizon. All the day long their march was harassed by
+bands of natives springing up from ambush in the dense corn-fields
+which effectually concealed them from view. Many were the bloody
+conflicts in which the natives were cut down mercilessly, and still
+their ferocity and boldness continued unabated.
+
+After thus toiling on for six miles the Spaniards approached a deep
+stream, supposed to be the river Uche. It was crossed by a narrow ford
+with deep water above and below. Here the natives had constructed
+palisades, and interposed other obstacles, behind which, with their
+arrows and javelins, they seemed prepared to make a desperate
+resistance. De Soto, after carefully reconnoitering the position,
+selected a number of horsemen, who were most effectually protected
+with their steel armor, and sent them forward, with shields on one
+arm, and with swords and hatchets to hew away these obstructions,
+which were all composed of wood. Though several of the Spaniards were
+slain and many wounded, they effected a passage, when the mounted
+horsemen plunged through the opening, put the Indians to flight and
+cut them down with great slaughter.
+
+Continuing their march, on the other side of the river, for a distance
+of about six miles through the same fertile and well populated region,
+they were admonished by the approach of night, again to seek an
+encampment. The night was dark and gloomy. All were deeply depressed
+in spirits. An incessant battle seemed their destiny. The golden
+mountains of which they were in pursuit were ever vanishing away. They
+were on the same path which had previously been traversed by the cruel
+but energetic Narvaez, and where his whole company had been
+annihilated, leaving but four or five to tell the tale of the awful
+tragedy.
+
+Dreadful as were the woes which these adventurers had brought upon the
+Indians, still more terrible were the calamities in which they had
+involved themselves. They were now three hundred miles from Tampa Bay.
+Loud murmurs began to rise in the camp. Nearly all demanded to return.
+But, for De Soto, the abandonment of the enterprise was disgrace, and
+apparently irretrievable ruin. There was scarcely any condition of
+life more to be deplored than that of an impoverished nobleman. De
+Soto was therefore urged onward by the energies of despair.
+
+Again through all the hours of the night, they were exposed to an
+incessant assault from their unwearied foes. From their captives they
+learned that they were but six miles from the village of Anhayea,
+where their chief, Capafi, resided. This was the first instance in
+which they heard of a chief who did not bear the same name as the town
+in which he dwelt. Early in the morning, De Soto, with two hundred
+mounted cavaliers and one hundred footmen, led the advance, and soon
+entered the village, which consisted of two hundred and fifty houses,
+well built and of large size.
+
+At one end of the village stood the dwelling of the chief, which was
+quite imposing in extent, though not in the grandeur of its
+architecture. The chief and all his men had fled, and the Spaniards
+entered deserted streets. The army remained here for several days,
+finding abundance of food. Still they were harassed, day and night, by
+the indomitable energy of the natives. Two well armed expeditions were
+sent out to explore the country on the north and the west, for a
+distance of forty or fifty miles, while a third was dispatched to the
+south in search of the ocean.
+
+Anhayea, where the main body of the army took up its quarters, is
+supposed to have been near the present site of the city of
+Tallahassee. The two first expeditions sent out, returned, one in
+eight and the other in nine days, bringing back no favorable report.
+The other, sent in search of the ocean, was absent much longer, and De
+Soto became very apprehensive that it had been destroyed by the
+natives.
+
+Through many perilous and wild adventures, being often betrayed and
+led astray by their guides, they reached, after a fortnight's travel,
+the head of the bay now called St. Mark's. Here they found vestiges of
+the adventurers who had perished in the ill-fated Narvaez expedition.
+There was a fine harbor to which reinforcements and fresh supplies of
+ammunition might be sent to them by ships from Cuba, or from Tampa
+Bay. With these tidings they hurried back to Anhayea.
+
+They had now reached the month of November, 1539. The winter in these
+regions, though short, had often days of such excessive cold that men
+upon the open prairie, exposed to bleak winds called northers, often
+perished from the severity of the weather. De Soto resolved to
+establish himself in winter-quarters at Anhayea. With his suite he
+occupied the palace of the chief. The other houses were appropriated
+to the soldiers for their barracks. He threw up strong fortifications
+and sent out foraging parties into the region around, for a supply of
+provisions. As we have no intimation that any payment was made, this
+was certainly robbery. Whatever may be said of the necessities of his
+case, it was surely unjust to rob the Indians of their harvests.
+Still, De Soto should not be condemned unheard; and while we have no
+evidence that he paid the natives for the food he took from them,
+still we have no proof that he did not do so.
+
+In accordance with his invariable custom, he made strenuous efforts to
+win the confidence of the natives. Through captive Indians he sent
+valuable presents to the chief Capafi in his retreat, and also
+assurances that he sought only friendly relations between them. The
+chief, however, was in no mood to give any cordial response to these
+advances. He had taken refuge in a dense forest, surrounded by dismal
+morasses, which could only be traversed by a narrow pass known only to
+the Indians, where his warriors in ambush might easily arrest the
+march of the whole army of Spaniards. The brutal soldiery of Narvaez
+had taught them to hate the Spaniards.
+
+He kept up an incessant warfare, sending out from his retreat fierce
+bands to assail the invaders by day and by night, never allowing them
+one moment of repose. Many of the Spaniards were slain. But they
+always sold their lives very dearly, so that probably ten natives
+perished to one of the Spaniards. There was nothing gained by this
+carnage. De Soto was anxious to arrest it. Every consideration
+rendered it desirable for him to have the good will of the natives.
+Peace and friendship would enable him to press forward with infinitely
+less difficulty in search of his imaginary mountains of gold and
+silver, and would greatly facilitate his establishment of a colony
+around the waters of some beautiful bay in the Gulf, whence he could
+ship his treasures to Spain and receive supplies in return.
+
+Finding it impossible to disarm the hostility of Capafi by any kindly
+messages or presents, he resolved if possible to take him captive. In
+this way only could he arrest the cruel war. The veneration of the
+Indians for their chief was such that, with Capafi in the hands of the
+Spaniards as a hostage, they would cease their attacks out of regard
+to his safety.
+
+It was some time before De Soto could get any clew to the retreat in
+which Capafi was concealed. And he hardly knew how to account for the
+fact, that the sovereign of a nation of such redoubtable ferocity,
+should never himself lead any of his military bands, in the fierce
+onsets which they were incessantly making. At length De Soto learned
+that Capafi, though a man of great mental energy, was incapacitated
+from taking the field by his enormous obesity. He was so fat that he
+could scarcely walk, and was borne from place to place on a litter.
+He could give very energetic commands, but the execution of them must
+be left to others. He also ascertained that this formidable chief had
+taken up his almost unapproachable quarters about twenty-five miles
+from Anhayea; and that in addition to the tangled thickets and
+treacherous morasses with which nature had surrounded him, he had also
+fortified himself in the highest style of semi-barbarian art, and had
+garrisoned his little fortress with a band of his most indomitable
+warriors.
+
+Notwithstanding the difficulty of the enterprise, De Soto resolved to
+attempt to capture him. This was too arduous a feat to be entrusted to
+the leadership of any one but himself. He took a select body of
+horsemen and footmen, and after a very difficult journey of three
+days, came to the borders of the citadel where the chief and his
+garrison were intrenched. Mr. Irving, in his admirable history of the
+Conquest of Florida, gives the following interesting account of the
+fortress, and of the battle in which it was captured:
+
+    "In the heart of this close and impervious forest, a piece of
+    ground was cleared and fortified for the residence of the
+    Cacique and his warriors. The only entrance or outlet, was by
+    a narrow path cut through the forest. At every hundred paces,
+    this path was barricaded by palisades and trunks of trees,
+    at each of which was posted a guard of the bravest warriors.
+    Thus the fat Cacique was ensconced in the midst of the forest
+    like a spider in the midst of his web, and his devoted
+    subjects were ready to defend him to the last gasp.
+
+    "When the Governor arrived at the entrance to the perilous
+    defile, he found the enemy well prepared for its defence. The
+    Spaniards pressed forward, but the path was so narrow that
+    the two foremost only could engage in the combat. They gained
+    the first and second palisades at the point of the sword.
+    There it was necessary to cut the osiers and other bands,
+    with which the Indians had fastened the beams. While thus
+    occupied they were exposed to a galling fire and received
+    many wounds. Notwithstanding all these obstacles, they gained
+    one palisade after the other until, by hard fighting, they
+    arrived at the place of refuge of the Cacique.
+
+    "The conflict lasted a long time, with many feats of prowess
+    on both sides. The Indians however, for want of defensive
+    armor, fought on unequal terms, and were most of them cut
+    down. The Cacique called out to the survivors to surrender.
+    The latter, having done all that good soldiers could do, and
+    seeing all their warlike efforts in vain, threw themselves on
+    their knees before the Governor and offered up their own
+    lives, but entreated him to spare the life of their Cacique.
+
+    "De Soto was moved by their valor and their loyalty;
+    receiving them with kindness, he assured them of his pardon
+    for the past, and that henceforth he would consider them as
+    friends. Capafi, not being able to walk, was borne in the
+    arms of his attendants to kiss the hands of the Governor,
+    who, well pleased to have him in his power, treated him with
+    urbanity and kindness."
+
+Severe as had been the conflict, De Soto returned to Anhayea with his
+captive, highly gratified by the result of his enterprise. He had
+strictly enjoined it upon his troops not to be guilty of any act of
+wanton violence. On the march he had very carefully refrained from any
+ravaging of the country. He now hoped that, the chief being in his
+power and being treated with the utmost kindness, all hostilities
+would cease. But, much to his disappointment, the warriors of Capafi,
+released from the care of their chief, devoted themselves anew to the
+harassment of the Spaniards in every possible way.
+
+Capafi seemed much grieved by this their conduct, assuming to be
+entirely reconciled to his conqueror. He informed De Soto that his
+prominent warriors, who directed the campaign, had established their
+headquarters in a dense forest about thirty miles from Anhayea. He
+said that it would be of no avail for him to send messengers to them,
+for they would believe that the messages were only such as De Soto
+compelled their chief to utter. He however offered to go himself to
+the camp of his warriors, accompanied by such a guard of Spanish
+troops as De Soto might deem it best to send with him. He expressed
+the assurance, that he should be enabled to induce his warriors to
+throw down their arms.
+
+De Soto accepted the proposition. In the early morning a strong escort
+of infantry and cavalry left the village to conduct the chief to the
+encampment of the natives. Skillful guides accompanied them, so that
+they reached the vicinity of the encampment just as the sun was going
+down. The chief sent forward scouts immediately, to inform his friends
+of his approach. The Spaniards, weary of their long day's march, and
+convinced of the impossibility of the escape of the chief, who could
+scarcely walk a step, were very remiss in watchfulness. Though they
+established sentinels and a guard, in accordance with military usage,
+it would seem that they all alike fell asleep. It is probable that the
+wily chief had sent confidential communications to his warriors
+through his scouts.
+
+The Spaniards were encamped in the glooms of the forest. At midnight,
+when darkness, silence and solitude reigned, Capafi stealthily crept
+on his hands and knees, a few rods from his sleeping guard, into the
+thicket, where a band of Indian runners met him with a litter and bore
+him rapidly away beyond all chance of successful pursuit. The
+Spaniards never caught glimpse of their lost captive again. When they
+awoke their chagrin and dread of punishment were extreme. The
+sentinels, who had been appointed to watch the captive, solemnly
+averred, in excuse for their neglect, that during the night demoniac
+spirits had appeared, and had borne away the unwieldy chief through
+the air.
+
+As all the band were implicated in the escape, all were alike ready to
+aver that, during the night, they had witnessed very strange sights
+and heard very strange sounds. When they carried back this report, the
+good-natured De Soto, convinced that fretting and fault-finding would
+do no good, appeased their alarm by saying, with a peculiar smile:
+
+"It is not strange. These Indian wizards perform feats far more
+difficult than conjuring away a fat chief."
+
+The winter passed slowly away. The natives were a very ferocious race;
+tall, strong, athletic, and delighting in war. Every day and every
+hour brought alarm and battle. The Indians conducted a harassing and
+destructive warfare. In small bands they roamed through the forest,
+cutting off any who ventured to wander from the town. It required a
+large amount of food to supply the wants of the army in Anhayea. Not a
+native carried any provisions to the town, and it was necessary for De
+Soto to send out foraging expeditions, at whatever risk. The winter
+was cold. Fires were needed for warmth and cooking. But the sound of
+an axe could not be heard in the forest, without drawing upon the
+wood-cutters, a swarm of foes. De Soto found himself in what is called
+a false position; so that he deemed it necessary to resort to cruel
+and apparently unjustifiable expedients.
+
+He took a large number of Indian captives. These he compelled to be
+his hewers of wood and drawers of water. He would send a party of
+Spaniards into the forests for fuel. Each man led an Indian as a
+servant to operate in the double capacity of a shield against the
+arrows of the natives, and a slave to collect and bring back the
+burden. To prevent the escape of these Indians, each one was led by a
+chain, fastened around his neck or waist. Sometimes these natives
+would make the most desperate efforts to escape; by a sudden twitch
+upon the chain they would endeavor to pull it from the hands of their
+guard, or to throw him down and, seizing any club within their reach,
+would spring upon him with the ferocity of a tiger.
+
+In various ways more than twenty Spaniards lost their lives, and many
+more were seriously wounded. It was indeed a melancholy winter for the
+army of De Soto. Their supplies were so far expended that it was
+needful for them to await the arrival of their vessels in the Bay of
+St. Marks. It will also be remembered, that De Soto had sent back an
+expedition to cut its way for a distance of three hundred miles
+through hostile nations to Ucita, and to summon the garrison there, to
+set out on a march to join him at Anhayea. Five months were thus spent
+in weary waiting.
+
+It is estimated that De Soto's force in Anhayea, including the
+captives who were servants or slaves, amounted to about fifteen
+hundred persons. He had also over three hundred horses. The fertility
+of the region was however such, with its extended fields of corn,
+beans, pumpkins and other vegetables, that it was not necessary to
+send foraging parties to a distance of more than four or five miles
+from the village. On the 29th of December, 1539, the two brigantines,
+which had sailed from Tampa Bay, came into St. Marks, then called the
+Bay of Aute. For twelve days before the arrival of the ships, De Soto
+had kept companies of horse and foot marching and countermarching
+between Anhayea and the Bay, to keep the communication open. They also
+placed banners on the highest trees, as signals to point out the place
+of anchorage.
+
+Juan De Anasco, who had command of the vessels, left them well manned
+in the bay, and with the remainder of the ship's company marched to
+Anhayea, under escort of the troops sent him by De Soto.
+
+Soon after this, Pedro Calderon arrived with his gallant little band
+of a hundred and twenty men. By a series of the wildest adventures and
+most heroic achievements they had cut their way through a wilderness
+thronging with foes, where an army of eight hundred men had with
+difficulty effected a passage. Fighting every step of the way and
+bearing along with them their wounded, their progress was necessarily
+slow. Several of their number were killed and many wounded. Of the
+wounded, twelve died soon after they reached Anhayea.
+
+Their arrival in the village was a cause of great gratification to all
+there. De Soto received them as an affectionate father welcomes his
+son whom he had supposed to have been lost. The rumor had reached the
+Governor that all had been slain on the road.
+
+Captain Calderon brought a letter to De Soto, from his wife Isabella.
+We find the following interesting extract from this letter in the
+life of De Soto by Mr. Lambert A. Wilmer. It seems to bear internal
+evidence of authenticity, though we know not the source from which Mr.
+Wilmer obtained it. The spirit of the letter is in entire accord with
+the noble character which Mr. Washington Irving gives Isabella, in his
+life of Columbus and his companions.
+
+     "I have lately had some conversation with Las Casas, the
+     Bishop of Chiapa. He has convinced me that the behavior of
+     our people to the Indians is inexcusable in the sight of
+     God, however it may be overlooked by men in high authority.
+     The Bishop has proved to me that all who have taken part in
+     the abuse of these harmless people, have been visited in
+     this life with the manifest displeasure of heaven; and God
+     grant that they may not be punished in the life to come
+     according to the measure of their offense.
+
+     "I hope, my dearest husband that no considerations of
+     worldly advantage will make you neglectful of the precepts
+     of humanity and of the duties of religion. Be persuaded to
+     return to me at once; for you can gain nothing in Florida
+     which can repay me for the sorrow and anxiety I feel in your
+     absence. Nor for all the riches of the country would I have
+     you commit one act the remembrance of which would be painful
+     to you hereafter. If you have gained nothing I shall be
+     better satisfied, because there may be the less cause for
+     repentance. Whatever may have been your want of success or
+     your losses, I implore you to come to me without delay; for
+     any reverse of fortune is far better than the suspense and
+     misery I now endure."
+
+This letter must have caused De Soto great perplexity. But for reasons
+which we have above given he could not make up his mind to abandon the
+enterprise, and return to Cuba an unsuccessful and impoverished man.
+
+De Soto now ordered the two vessels under Diego Maldonado to explore
+the coast to the westward, carefully examining every river and bay. It
+would seem also probable that at the same time he fitted out an
+expedition of fifty foot soldiers, to march along the coast on a tour
+of discovery. Maldonado, after a sail of about two hundred miles,
+entered the beautiful bay of Pensacola, then called Archusi. It was an
+admirable harbor, and with shores so steep and bold that ships could
+ride in safety almost within cable length of the land. No Spaniards
+had previously visited that region, consequently the natives were
+friendly. They came freely on board, bringing fruits and vegetables,
+and inviting the strangers to the hospitality of their homes.
+
+Maldonado was allowed without molestation to explore the bay in all
+directions, taking careful soundings. The vessels returned to the bay
+of Aute, after an absence of but eight weeks. De Soto was highly
+gratified with the results of the expedition. It seemed to him that
+the shores of the bay of Pensacola presented just the position he
+desired for the location of his colony. He had thus far failed, in his
+search for gold, but it seemed to him still possible that he might lay
+the foundation of a populous and powerful empire.
+
+It was now the latter part of February, and an almost vertical sun was
+throwing down its rays upon them. Maldonado was dispatched with the
+brigantines to Havana, to return with a supply of clothing, ammunition
+and such other freight as was needful for the army in its isolated
+condition. He received orders to be back in the bay of Pensacola, by
+the first of October. In the mean time De Soto with his army was to
+make a long circuit through the country, in search of gold. De Soto
+had received information of a distant province called Cofachiqui,
+which was governed by a queen, young and beautiful. It was said that
+this nation was quite supreme over the adjacent provinces, from which
+it received tribute and feudal homage.
+
+Two lads but sixteen years of age had come to Anhayea, from this
+province in company with some Indian traders. So far as they could
+make themselves understood, though very unskilful interpreters, they
+represented the country as abounding in silver, gold and precious
+stones. In pantomime they described the process of mining and smelting
+the precious metals so accurately that experienced miners were
+convinced that they must have witnessed those operations.
+
+In the month of March, 1540, De Soto left his comfortable quarters,
+and commenced his march for that province, in a northeasterly
+direction. Their path led first through an almost unpeopled wilderness
+many leagues in extent. Each soldier bore his frugal supper or food
+upon his back. It consisted mainly of roasted corn pounded or ground
+into meal.
+
+An unobstructed but weary tramp of three days brought them through
+this desert region to a very singular village, called Capachiqui. In
+the midst of a vast morass, there was an island of elevated and dry
+ground. Here quite a populous village was erected, which commanded a
+wide spread view of the flat surrounding region. The village could
+only be approached by several causeways crossing the marsh, about
+three hundred feet in length. The country beyond was fertile and
+sprinkled with small hamlets. Eight hundred armed warriors, on the
+open plain, presented a force which the most valiant Indians would
+not venture to assail. The Spaniards entered the village by these
+causeways unopposed, and found there a not inhospitable reception.
+
+The day after their arrival, seven of De Soto's body-guard,
+thoughtless and rollicking young men, set out, without authority from
+their superior officers, to seek amusement in the neighboring hamlets.
+They had scarcely reached the main land, beyond the marsh, when the
+Indians, from an ambush, rushed upon them, and after a very fierce
+struggle all but one were slain, and that one, Aguilar, was mortally
+wounded. The soldiers in the village hastened to the relief of their
+comrades, but they were too late. Aguilar, in a dying condition, was
+carried back to the encampment. He had, however, sufficient strength
+left to make the following extraordinary statement:
+
+"You must know that a band of more than fifty savages sprang out of
+the thickets to attack us. The moment, however, they saw that we were
+but seven, and without our horses, seven warriors stepped forth, and
+the rest retired to some distance. They began the attack, and as we
+had neither arquebus nor cross-bow, we were entirely at their mercy.
+Being more agile, and fleet of foot than our men, they leaped around
+us like so many devils, with horrid laughter, shooting us down like
+wild beasts without our being able to close with them. My poor
+comrades fell one after the other, and the savages seeing me alone,
+all seven rushed upon me, and with their bows battered me as you have
+witnessed."
+
+This singular event took place within the territory of Appalachee. It
+is said that the Spaniards not unfrequently met with similar
+instances, in which the natives disdained to avail themselves of
+superior numbers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+_Lost in the Wilderness._
+
+     Incidents at Achise--Arrival at Cofa.--Friendly Reception
+     by Cofaqui.--The Armed Retinue.--Commission of
+     Patofa.--Splendors of the March.--Lost in the
+     Wilderness.--Peril of the Army.--Friendly Relations.--The
+     Escape from the Wilderness.--They Reach the Frontiers of
+     Cofachiqui.--Dismissal of Patofa.--Wonderful Reception by
+     the Princess of Cofachiqui.
+
+
+After a couple of days of rest and feasting, the Spanish army resumed
+its march. De Soto led the advance with forty horsemen and seventy
+foot soldiers. Ere long they entered the province of Attapaha, from
+which the river Attapaha probably takes its name. On the morning of
+the third day they approached a village called Achise. The affrighted
+natives had fled. Two warriors who had tarried behind, were captured
+as the dragoons came dashing into the streets. They were led into the
+presence of De Soto. Without waiting to be addressed by him, they
+haughtily assailed him with the question,
+
+"What is it you seek in our land? Is it peace, or is it war?" De Soto
+replied, through his interpreter,
+
+"We seek not war with any one. We are in search of a distant province;
+and all that we ask for is an unobstructed passage through your
+country, and food by the way."
+
+The answer seemed to them perfectly satisfactory, and they at once
+entered apparently into the most friendly relations. The captives were
+set at liberty and treated by the Spaniards, in all respects, as
+friends. Promptly the two warriors sent a message to their chief,
+informing him of the peaceful disposition of the Spaniards, and he
+accordingly issued orders to his people not to molest them.
+
+In this pleasant village, and surrounded by this friendly people, De
+Soto spent three days. He then resumed his journey, in a northeasterly
+direction, along the banks of some unknown river, fringed with
+mulberry trees, and winding through many luxuriant and beautiful
+valleys. The natives were all friendly, and not the slightest
+collision occurred. For eleven days the army continued its movements,
+encountering nothing worthy of note.
+
+They then entered a province called Cofa. De Soto sent couriers in
+advance to the chief with proffers of friendship. The chief, in
+return, sent a large number of Indians laden with food for the
+strangers. With the provisions were sent rabbits, partridges, and a
+species of dog whose flesh was held in high esteem. The Spaniards
+suffered for want of meat; for though game in the forest was abundant,
+being constantly on the march, they had no time for hunting.
+
+The chief of Cofa received the Spaniards in his metropolitan town with
+great hospitality. He assigned his own mansion to De Soto, and
+provided comfortable quarters for all his troops. The natives and the
+Spaniards mingled together without the slightest apparent antagonism.
+The province of Cofa was of large extent, populous and fertile. Here
+the Spaniards remained five days, entertained by the abounding
+hospitality of the chief.
+
+De Soto had thus far brought with him a piece of ordnance, which had
+proved of very little service. It was heavy and exceedingly difficult
+of transportation. He decided to leave it behind him with this
+friendly people. To impress them, however, with an idea of its power
+as an engine of destruction, he caused it to be loaded and aimed at a
+large oak tree just outside of the village. Two shots laid the oak
+prostrate. The achievement filled both the chief and his people with
+amazement and awe.
+
+Again the army resumed its march towards the next province, which was
+called Cofaqui; whose chief was brother of Cofa. The Spaniards were
+escorted by Cofa and a division of his army, during one day's journey.
+The friendly chief then took an affectionate leave of De Soto, and
+sent forward couriers to inform his brother of the approach of the
+Spaniards and to intercede for his kindly offices in their behalf. It
+required a march of six days to reach the territory of the new
+chieftain.
+
+In response to Cofa's message, Cofaqui dispatched four of his
+subordinate chiefs, with a message of welcome to the Spaniards. He
+sent out his runners to bring him speedy intelligence of their
+approach. As soon as he received news that they were drawing near, he
+started himself, with a retinue of warriors in their richest
+decorations, to welcome the strangers. The meeting, on both sides, was
+equally cordial. Side by side, almost hand in hand, the Floridians and
+the Spaniards entered the pleasant streets of Cofaqui. The chief led
+De Soto to his own mansion, and left him in possession there while he
+retired to another dwelling.
+
+The intercourse between these two illustrious men seemed to be as
+cordial as that between two loving brothers. The Floridian chief, with
+great frankness, gave De Soto information respecting the extent,
+population and resources of his domain. He informed him that the
+province of Cofachiqui, of which he was in search, could only be
+reached by a journey of seven days, through a dreary wilderness. But
+he offered, should De Soto decide to continue his journey, to send a
+strong band of his army, to accompany him with ample supplies. De Soto
+afterwards ascertained that there was some duplicity in this proposal;
+or rather, that the chief had a double object in view. It appeared,
+that there had been long and hereditary antagonism between the
+province of Cofaqui, and that of Cofachiqui; and the chief availed
+himself of that opportunity to invade the territory of his rival.
+
+Scouts were sent out in all directions to assemble the warriors, and
+De Soto was surprised to find an army of four thousand soldiers, and
+as many burden-bearers, ready to accompany him. The provisions, with
+which they were fully supplied, consisted mainly of corn, dried plums
+and nuts of various kinds. Indian hunters accompanied the expedition
+to search the forests for game.
+
+The Spaniards at first were not a little alarmed in finding themselves
+in company with such an army of natives; outnumbering them eight to
+one, and they were apprehensive of treachery. Soon, however, their
+fears in that direction were allayed, for the chief frankly avowed the
+object of the expedition. Summoning before him Patofa, the captain of
+the native army, he said to him, in presence of the leading Spanish
+officers in the public square:
+
+"You well know that a perpetual enmity has existed between our fathers
+and the Indians of Cofachiqui. That hatred you know has not abated in
+the least. The wrongs we have received from that vile tribe still
+rankle in our hearts, unavenged. The present opportunity must not be
+lost. You, at the head of my braves, must accompany this chief and his
+warriors, and, under their protection, wreak vengeance on our
+enemies."
+
+Patofa, who was a man of very imposing appearance, stepped forward,
+and after going through several evolutions with a heavy broadsword
+carved from wood, exceedingly hard, said:
+
+"I pledge my word to fulfill your commands, so far as may be in my
+power. I promise, by aid of the strangers, to revenge the insults and
+deaths, our fathers have sustained from the natives of Cofachiqui. My
+vengeance shall be such, that the memory of past evils shall be wiped
+away forever. My daring to reappear in your presence will be a token
+that your commands have been executed. Should the fates deny my hopes,
+never again shall you see me, never again shall the sun shine upon me.
+If the enemy deny me death, I will inflict upon myself the punishment
+my cowardice or evil fortune will merit."
+
+It was indeed a large army which then commenced its march, for it
+consisted of four thousand native warriors, and four thousand
+retainers to carry supplies and clothing, and between eight and nine
+hundred Spaniards. The Indians were plumed and decorated in the
+highest style of military display. The horses of the Spaniards were
+gayly caparisoned, and their burnished armor glittered in the sun.
+Silken banners waving in the breeze and bugle peals echoing over the
+plains, added both to the beauty and the sublimity of the scene.
+
+The Spaniards conducted their march as in an enemy's country, and
+according to the established usages of war. They formed in squadrons
+with a van and rear guard. The natives followed, also in martial
+array; for they were anxious to show the Spaniards that they were
+acquainted with military discipline and tactics. Thus in long
+procession, but without artillery trains or baggage wagons, they moved
+over the extended plains and threaded the defiles of the forest. At
+night they invariably encamped at a little distance from each other.
+Both parties posted their sentinels, and adopted every caution to
+guard against surprise.
+
+Indeed, it appears that De Soto still had some distrust of his allies,
+whose presence was uninvited, and with whose company he would gladly
+have dispensed. The more he reflected upon his situation, the more
+embarrassing it seemed to him. He was entering a distant and unknown
+province, ostensibly on a friendly mission, and it was his most
+earnest desire to secure the good-will and cooperation of the natives.
+And yet he was accompanied by an army whose openly avowed object was
+to ravage the country and to butcher the people.
+
+The region upon which they first entered, being a border land between
+the two hostile nations, was almost uninhabited, and was much of the
+way quite pathless. It consisted, however, of a pleasant diversity of
+hills, forests and rivers. The considerable band of hunters which
+accompanied the native army, succeeded in capturing quite an amount of
+game for the use of the troops. For seven days the two armies moved
+slowly over these widely extended plains, when they found themselves
+utterly bewildered and lost in the intricacies of a vast, dense,
+tangled forest, through which they could not find even an Indian's
+trail. The guides professed to be entirely at fault, and all seemed to
+be alike bewildered.
+
+De Soto was quite indignant, feeling that he had been betrayed and led
+into an ambush for his destruction. He summoned Patofa to his presence
+and said to him:
+
+"Why have you, under the guise of friendship, led us into this
+wilderness, whence we can discover no way of extricating ourselves? I
+will never believe that among eight thousand Indians there is not one
+to be found capable of showing us the way to Cofachiqui. It is not at
+all likely that you who have maintained perpetual war with that tribe,
+should know nothing of the public road and secret paths leading from
+one village to another."
+
+Patofa made the following frank and convincing reply.
+
+"The wars that have been waged between these two provinces, have not
+been carried on by pitched battles nor invasions of either party, but
+by skirmishes by small bands who resort to the streams and rivers we
+have crossed, to fish; and also by combats between hunting parties, as
+the wilderness we have traversed is the common hunting ground of both
+nations. The natives of Cofachiqui are more powerful and have always
+worsted us in fight. Our people were therefore dispirited and dared
+not pass over their own frontiers.
+
+"Do you suspect that I have led your army into these deserts to
+perish? If so, take what you please. If my head will suffice, take it;
+if not you may behead every Indian, as they will obey my mandate to
+the death."
+
+The manner of Patofa was in accordance with these feeling and manly
+words. De Soto no longer cherished a doubt of his sincerity, and
+became also convinced that their guides were utterly unable to
+extricate him. Under these circumstances nothing remained but blindly
+to press forward or to retrace his steps. They at length found some
+narrow openings in the forest through which they forced their way
+until they arrived, just before sunset, upon the banks of a deep and
+rapid stream which seemed to present an impassable barrier before
+them.
+
+They had no canoes or rafts with which to cross the river; their food
+was nearly consumed, as it had been supposed that a supply for seven
+days would be amply sufficient to enable them to traverse the desert.
+To turn back was certain death by starvation; to remain where they
+were was equal destruction; to go forward seemed impossible, for they
+had not sufficient food to support them even while constructing rafts.
+It was the darkest hour in all their wanderings. Despair seemed to
+take possession of all hearts excepting that of De Soto. He still kept
+up his courage, assuming before his people an untroubled and even
+cheerful spirit.
+
+The river afforded water to drink. A large grove of pine trees
+bordering the river, beneath whose fragrant shade they were encamped,
+sheltered them from the sun. The level and extended plain, dry and
+destitute of underbrush, presented excellent camping-ground. Food only
+was wanting. But without this food in a few short days the whole army
+must perish.
+
+De Soto, that very evening leaving the armies there, took a detachment
+of horse and foot and set off himself in search of some relief or path
+of extrication. Late in the night he returned, perplexed and
+distressed, having accomplished nothing. A council of war was held. It
+was promptly decided that the armies should remain where they were
+while detachments were sent in all directions in search of food or of
+some path of escape.
+
+These detachments left early in the morning and returned late at night
+having discovered neither road nor corn-field, nor habitation. De Soto
+then organized four bands of horse and two of foot to go up and down
+the river, and to penetrate the interior, and to make as wide an
+exploration as possible within the limit of five days. Each band was
+accompanied by a large number of natives. Patofa himself went with one
+of these detachments. A thousand Indian warriors were scattered
+through the forest in search of a road and such game as could be
+found. The Governor remained on the banks of the river anxiously
+awaiting their return.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+    "The four thousand Indians," writes Mr. Irving, "who remained
+    with him, sallied out every morning and returned at night,
+    some with herbs and roots that were eatable, others with
+    fish, and others again with birds and small animals killed
+    with their bows and arrows. These supplies were, however, by
+    no means sufficient for the subsistence of such a multitude.
+
+    "De Soto fared equally with his men in every respect; and,
+    though troubled and anxious for the fate of his great
+    expedition, he wore a sunny countenance to cheer up his
+    followers. These chivalrous spirits appreciated his care and
+    kindness, and to solace him they concealed their sufferings,
+    assumed an air of contentedness, and appeared as happy as
+    though revelling in abundance."
+
+Most of the exploring parties suffered no less from hunger than did
+their companions who remained behind. Juan De Anasco, after traversing
+the banks of the river for three days, had his heart gladdened by the
+sight of a small village. From an eminence he saw that the country
+beyond was fertile, well cultivated and dotted here and there with
+hamlets. In the village, for some unexplained reason, he found a large
+amount of provisions accumulated, consisting mainly of corn. He
+immediately dispatched four horsemen back to De Soto with the joyful
+tidings. They took with them such food as they could carry. This
+proved to be the first village in the long-sought-for province of
+Cofachiqui.
+
+It will be remembered that Patofa, the commander-in-chief of the
+native army, had, with a large number of his warriors, accompanied
+Anasco. He had pledged his word to his chief that he would do
+everything in his power to harass, pillage and destroy their ancestral
+foes. Anasco encamped his band a little outside the village. At
+midnight Patofa and his warriors crept stealthily from the encampment,
+pillaged the temple which contained many treasures prized by the
+Indians, and killed and scalped every native whom they met, man, woman
+or child. When Anasco awoke in the morning and found what they had
+done, he was terrified. The outrage had been committed by troops under
+his own command. He was apprehensive that every man in the village,
+aided by such warriors as could be gathered from around, would rush
+upon him in revenge, and that he and his enfeebled followers would be
+destroyed. Immediately he commenced a retreat to meet De Soto, who he
+doubted not would be promptly on the move to join him.
+
+The four couriers reached the camp in one day, though in their slow
+exploring tour it had required three days to accomplish the forty
+miles which they had traversed. The troops were overjoyed at the glad
+tidings, and immediately prepared to resume their march. Several of
+their detachments had not yet returned. In order to give them
+information of the direction which the army had taken, De Soto wrote a
+letter, placed it in a box, and buried it at the foot of a tree. Upon
+the bark of the tree, he had these words conspicuously cut: "Dig at
+the root of this pine, and you will find a letter."
+
+The half famished troops, inspired with new energies, reached the
+village in a day and a half, where their hunger was appeased. The
+scattered detachments arrived a few days after. The force of De Soto
+was too strong for the natives to attack him, notwithstanding the
+provocation they had received. He found, however, much to his chagrin,
+that he was utterly unable to restrain the savage propensities of his
+allies. For seven days the Spaniards sojourned in this frontier
+village of Cofachiqui. Warlike bands were continually stealing out,
+penetrating the region around, killing and scalping men, women and
+children, and committing every conceivable outrage of barbaric
+warfare.
+
+De Soto could endure this no longer. He called Patofa before him, and
+told him in very emphatic terms that he must return to his own
+province. He thanked the chieftain very cordially for his friendly
+escort, made him a present of knives, clothing, and other valuables,
+and dismissed him and his followers. Patofa was not unwilling to
+return. He was highly gratified with the presents he had received, and
+still more gratified that he had been permitted to wreak vengeance on
+his hereditary foes.
+
+Two days after his departure, the Spanish army was again in motion,
+along the banks of the river. Every step they took revealed to them
+the awful ravages committed by the bands of Patofa. They passed many
+dwellings and many small hamlets, where the ground was covered with
+the scalpless bodies of the dead. The natives had fled in terror to
+the woods, so that not a living being was encountered. There was,
+however, a plentiful supply of food in the villages, and the army
+again enjoyed abundance.
+
+The heroic Anasco was sent in advance to search out the way and, if
+possible, to capture some Indians as guides. He took with him a small
+band of thirty foot-soldiers, who were ordered to move as noiselessly
+as possible, that they might, perchance, come upon the natives by
+surprise. There was quite a broad, good road leading along the banks
+over which the band advanced. Night came upon them when they were
+about six miles ahead of the army. They were moving in profound
+silence and with noiseless step through a grove, when they heard,
+just before them, the sounds of a village. The barking of dogs, the
+shouts of children, and the voices of men and women, reached their
+ears. Pressing eagerly forward, hoping to capture some Indians in the
+suburbs, they found that there was a sudden turn in the river and that
+they stood upon the banks of its deep and swiftly flowing flood, with
+the village on the other side. There was no means of crossing, neither
+would it have been prudent to have crossed with such small numbers,
+not knowing the force they might encounter there.
+
+They dispatched couriers back in the night, to inform De Soto of their
+discovery. By the break of day, the army was again in motion, De Soto
+himself taking the lead, with one hundred horse and one hundred foot.
+When he reached the banks, and the natives upon the opposite shore
+caught sight of his glittering dragoons, on their magnificent steeds,
+they were struck with amazement and consternation.
+
+It would seem that the language of these different tribes must have
+been essentially the same, for Juan Ortiz was still their interpreter.
+He shouted across the river, assuring the natives of the friendly
+intentions of the Spaniards, and urging them to send some one over to
+convey a message to their chief. After some little hesitation and
+deliberation, the Indians launched a large canoe, in which six
+Indians of venerable appearance took their seats, while quite a number
+of lusty men grasped the oars. Very rapidly the canoe was driven
+through the water.
+
+De Soto, who had watched these movements with deep interest, perceived
+that he was about to be visited by men of much importance. He had
+therefore brought forward and placed upon the banks a very showy
+throne, or chair of state, which he always carried with him for such
+purposes. Here he took his seat, with his retinue of officers around
+him.
+
+The native chieftains landed without any apparent fear, approached him
+with three profound reverences, and then with much dignity inquired,
+"Do you come for peace or for war?"
+
+"I come for peace," De Soto replied, "and seek only an unmolested
+passage through your land. I need food for my people, and implore your
+assistance, by means of canoes and rafts, to cross the river."
+
+The Indians replied, that they were themselves somewhat destitute of
+provisions; that a terrible pestilence the preceding year had swept
+off many of their inhabitants; and that others in their consternation
+had fled from their homes, thus neglecting to cultivate the fields.
+
+They said that their chieftain was a young princess who had recently
+inherited the government, and that they had no doubt that she would
+receive them with hospitality, and do everything in her power, to
+promote their welfare. Having thus concluded this friendly interview,
+the chiefs returned to the other side of the river.
+
+Very soon the Spaniards, who eagerly watched every movement, perceived
+a decided commotion in the village. A large and highly decorated canoe
+appeared upon the banks; then quite a gorgeous palanquin was seen
+borne by four men, descending towards the stream; then several other
+canoes of imposing structure seemed to be preparing for an aquatic
+procession. From the palanquin a graceful girl, showily dressed,
+entered the state canoe and reclined upon cushions in the stern under
+a canopy. Eight female attendants accompanied her.
+
+The six ambassadors, who had already visited De Soto, took seats in
+the canoe which led the van, driven as before by a large number of
+sinewy arms. The royal barge was attached to this canoe and was towed
+by it. Several other boats, filled with distinguished men, followed in
+the rear, completing the imposing show.
+
+As the young princess stepped on shore, all the Spaniards were deeply
+impressed with her dignity, grace and beauty. To their eyes, she was
+in form and feature as perfect as any image which Grecian artist ever
+sculptured. Her attendants brought with them a chair of state upon
+which she took her seat after courteously bowing to the Governor.
+Through an interpreter they immediately entered into conversation. The
+princess confirmed the statement of her ambassadors in reference to
+the pestilence, but offered to do everything in her power to provide
+them with food. She offered one-half of her own residence to De Soto
+for his accommodation, and one-half of the houses in her village as
+barracks for the soldiers. She also promised that by the next day
+rafts and canoes should be in readiness to transport the Spaniards
+across the river.
+
+The generous soul of De Soto was deeply touched, and he assured her of
+his lasting friendship and that of his sovereign. At the close of the
+interview the princess rose, and as a present, suspended a string of
+costly pearls around the neck of De Soto. The Governor then rose and
+presented her with a ring of gold set with a ruby, which she placed
+upon one of her fingers. Thus terminated this extraordinary interview.
+What a difference between peace and war!
+
+     "Were half the power that fills the world with terror,
+     Were half the wealth bestowed on camps and courts,
+     Given to redeem the human mind from error,
+     There were no need for arsenals or forts.
+
+     "The warrior's name would be a name abhorred;
+     And every nation that should lift again
+     Its hand against a brother, on its forehead
+     Would wear forevermore the curse of Cain."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+_The Indian Princess._
+
+     Crossing the River.--Hospitable Reception.--Attempts to
+     visit the Queen Mother.--Suicide of the Prince.--Futile
+     search for Gold.--The Discovery of Pearls.--The Pearl
+     Fishery.--The Princess a Captive.--Held in Silken
+     Chains.--Her Escape.--Location of Cutifachiqui.--The March
+     Resumed.
+
+
+The next day after the extraordinary interview which we have described
+in the last chapter, the princess ordered several large rafts to be
+constructed, and with these, aided by a number of canoes, the army
+crossed the rapid stream. Four horses, in attempting to swim the swift
+river, were carried away and drowned. These animals were so precious
+that the loss was deplored by the whole army.
+
+When the troops had all crossed, they found very pleasant
+accommodations provided for them. Some were lodged in the village. For
+the rest commodious wigwams were erected just outside of the village
+in a beautiful mulberry grove on the river banks. The province of
+Cofachiqui was found to be very fertile and quite densely populated.
+The natives were in complexion nearly as white as the Spaniards. They
+had agreeable features, graceful forms, and were very frank and
+amiable in disposition. They did not seem to be fond of war, though
+often involved in conflicts with their neighbors. According to the
+custom of the times, all prisoners of war were enslaved and were
+employed in servile labor. To prevent their escape the cruel expedient
+was adopted of cutting the main tendon of one leg just above the heel.
+
+The mother of the princess of this tribe was a widow, residing in a
+retired home about thirty-six miles down the river. De Soto, who was
+anxious to secure the firm friendship of this interesting people,
+expressed an earnest desire to see the queen mother. The princess
+immediately dispatched twelve of her chieftains to urge her mother to
+visit her, that she might be introduced to the strange visitors, and
+see the wonderful animals on which they rode.
+
+She however declined the invitation, expressing her very decided
+disapproval of the conduct of her daughter, as both inexpedient and
+indelicate, in entering into such friendly relations with utter
+strangers, of whose ulterior designs she could know nothing. This
+message, greatly increased the desire of De Soto to have an interview
+with the queen mother, that he might conciliate her friendship. He
+therefore dispatched Juan De Anasco, who was alike distinguished for
+bravery and prudence, with thirty companions on foot, to convey to her
+presents and friendly messages, and very earnest requests that she
+would visit them at the court of her daughter.
+
+The princess sent a near relative of the family as guide to this
+party--a young man about twenty-one years of age, and exceedingly
+attractive both in person and character. He was richly habited in
+garments of soft deerskin, beautifully fringed and embroidered, with a
+head-dress of various colored plumes.
+
+"In his hand he bore a beautiful bow, so highly polished as to appear
+as if finely enamelled. At his shoulder hung a quiver full of arrows.
+With a light and elastic step and an animated and gallant air his
+whole appearance was that of an ambassador, worthy of the young and
+beautiful princess whom he served."
+
+The morning was somewhat advanced, ere they left the village. It was a
+beautiful day in a lovely clime. Their route led down the banks of the
+river through luxuriant and enchanting scenery. After a pleasant walk
+of ten or twelve miles, they rested in the shade of a grove, for their
+noonday meal. Their young guide had been very social all the way,
+entertaining them with information of the region through which they
+were passing, and of the people. As they were partaking of their
+refreshments, suddenly the aspect of their young companion became
+greatly altered. He was silent, thoughtful and apparently deeply
+depressed. At length he quietly took the quiver from his shoulder, and
+slowly and seemingly lost in deep reflection, drew out the arrows one
+by one. They were very beautiful, of the highest possible finish,
+keenly pointed, and triangularly feathered.
+
+The Spaniards took them up, admired them greatly, and passed them from
+hand to hand. At length he drew out an arrow barbed with flint, long,
+and sharp, and shaped like a dagger. Casting an anxious glance around,
+and seeing the attention of the Spaniards engrossed in examining his
+weapons, he plunged the keen pointed arrow down his throat, severing
+an artery, and almost immediately fell dead. The soldiers were shocked
+and bewildered, not being able to conceive of any reason for the
+dreadful occurrence. There were several Indian attendants in the
+company, who seemed to be overwhelmed with distress, uttering loud
+cries of grief over the corpse.
+
+It subsequently appeared, that the young guide was a great favorite
+with the queen mother; that he knew that she was very unwilling to
+have any acquaintance with the Spaniards, and he apprehended that it
+was their object to seize her and carry her off by violence. The
+thought that he was guiding them to her retreat overwhelmed him. He
+could not endure the idea of meeting her, and perhaps of being
+reproached as her betrayer.
+
+On the other hand, the queen, whom he revered and loved, had
+commissioned him to conduct the Spaniards to her mother's abode. He
+did not dare to disobey her commands. Either alternative was more to
+be dreaded by him than death. The ingenuous young man had, therefore,
+endeavored to escape from the dilemma by self-destruction.
+
+Juan De Anasco was not only deeply grieved by the fate of his young
+friend, but also greatly perplexed as to the course he was then to
+pursue. None of the Indian attendants knew where the widow was
+concealed. He took several natives prisoners, and anxiously inquired
+of them respecting the residence of the queen mother. But either they
+could not, or would not, give him any information. After wandering
+about fruitlessly until noon of the next day, he returned to the camp,
+much mortified in reporting to De Soto the utter failure of his
+expedition.
+
+Two days after his return, an Indian came to him and offered to
+conduct him down the river in a canoe, to the dwelling of the queen
+mother. Eagerly he accepted the proposition. Two large canoes, with
+strong rowers, were prepared. Anasco, with twenty companions, set out
+on this second expedition. The queen heard of his approach, and, with
+a few attendants, secretly fled to another retreat far away. After a
+search of six days, the canoes returned, having accomplished nothing.
+De Soto relinquished all further endeavors to obtain an interview with
+the widow.
+
+In the meantime, while Anasco was engaged in these unsuccessful
+enterprises, De Soto was making very anxious inquiries respecting the
+silver and the gold which he had been informed was to be found in the
+province. The princess listened to his description of the yellow metal
+and the white metal of which he was in search, and said that they were
+both to be found in great abundance in her territories. She
+immediately sent out some Indians, to bring him specimens. They soon
+returned laden with a yellow metal somewhat resembling gold in color,
+but which proved to be nothing but an alloy of copper. The shining
+substance which he had supposed was silver, was nothing but a
+worthless species of mica, or quartz. Thus again, to his bitter
+disappointment, De Soto awoke from his dreams of golden treasure, to
+the toils and sorrows of his weary life.
+
+The princess seemed to sympathize with her guest in the bitterness of
+his disappointment. In her attempts at consolation, she informed him
+that at the distance of about three miles from where they were, there
+was a village called Talomeco, which was the ancient capital of the
+realm; that here there was a vast sepulchre, in which all the
+chieftains and great warriors had been buried; that their bodies were
+decorated with great quantities of pearls.
+
+De Soto, with a large retinue of his own officers and of the household
+of the princess, visited this mausoleum. Much to his surprise, he
+found there an edifice three hundred feet in length, and one hundred
+and twenty in breadth, with a lofty roof. The entrance was decorated
+with gigantic statuary of wood. One of these statues was twelve feet
+in height. In the interior many statues and carved ornaments were
+found.
+
+A large number of wooden chests or coffins contained the decaying
+bodies of the illustrious dead. By the side of each of these there was
+another smaller chest, containing such valuables as it was probably
+supposed the chief would need in the spirit-land. Both the Inca and
+the Portuguese narrative agree in the account of the almost incredible
+number of pearls there found. It is said that the Spaniards obtained
+fourteen bushels, and that the princess assured them, that by visiting
+the mausoleums of the various villages, they could find enough pearls
+to load down all the horses of the army.
+
+The Spaniards generally were greatly elated at the discovery of these
+riches. Pearls were estimated at a value almost equal to diamonds. It
+is said that Queen Cleopatra possessed a single pearl which was valued
+at three hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. Philip II. of
+Spain received as a present a pearl, about the size of a pigeon's egg,
+valued at one hundred and sixty thousand dollars.
+
+De Soto was urged to establish his colony upon this river, which has
+variously been conjectured to have been the St. Helena, the Oconee,
+the Ogeechee, and the Savannah. The country was beautiful and fertile;
+the climate delightful; and apparently an inexhaustible pearl fishery
+near. It was urged that an agricultural colony could be established on
+the fertile banks of the river, while from the seaport at its mouth a
+lucrative trade could be carried on with the mother country for all
+the rich productions of Spain.
+
+But the persistent spirit of De Soto was not to be turned from its one
+great all-absorbing object, the search for gold. He urged, and with
+great show of reason, that, in consequence of the recent pestilence,
+there was not sufficient provision in the country, to support the army
+for a month; that by continuing their march they might enter far
+richer provinces, and might find mines of gold. Should they be
+disappointed, they could easily return; and in the meantime, the
+Indians having replanted their land, the fields would wave with
+abundant golden harvests.
+
+In an army of eight or nine hundred Spanish adventurers, there would
+of course be many worthless characters, difficult of restraint. De
+Soto had been in this village several weeks. Notwithstanding all his
+endeavors to promote peace and friendship, several broils had arisen
+between the natives and some of the low and degraded of his soldiery.
+The conduct of these vile men had produced a general feeling of
+ill-will among the natives. Even the princess herself manifested
+estrangement. She had become distant and reserved, and was evidently
+desirous that her no longer welcome guests should take their speedy
+departure. There were some indications that the princess so far
+distrusted the Spaniards that, like her more prudent mother, she was
+about secretly to escape from them by flight.
+
+This would leave the Spaniards in a very embarrassed condition. They
+needed guides to conduct them through the extended territory of the
+princess. Heavily armed as they were, they needed porters to carry
+their burdens of extra clothing and provisions. The flight of the
+princess would be the signal for the natives, all over the territory,
+to rise in a war of attempted extermination. The queen mother would
+doubtless do everything in her power to rouse and stimulate this
+hostility. The Spaniards thus assailed on every side, destitute of
+guides, without porters to carry their baggage, and with but little
+food, would find themselves compelled in self-defence, to cut their
+way, with blood-dripping sabres, through their foes, to rob their
+granaries, and to leave behind them a path strown with the dead, and
+filled with misery.
+
+Again De Soto found himself in a false position. Again he felt
+constrained to do that which his own conscience told him was unjust.
+The only possible way, as it seemed to him, by which he could obtain
+extrication from these awful difficulties, was to seize the person of
+the princess, his friend and benefactor, and hold her as a captive to
+secure the good behavior of her subjects. He knew that their love for
+her was such that so long as she was in his power, they would not
+enter upon any hostile movement which might bring down vengeance upon
+her head.
+
+If De Soto had accepted the spirit of the noble letter from Isabella,
+and had said, "I will no longer persevere in this invasion of the
+lands of others, which is always plunging me more and more deeply into
+difficulties,"--had he said frankly to the friendly princess, "I have
+decided to return to my home, and I solicit your friendly cooperation
+to assist me on my way;" and had he made her a present, in token of
+his gratitude, of some of those articles with which he could easily
+have parted, and which were of priceless value to her, he might
+doubtless have retired unmolested. Instead of this he followed the
+infamous example which Pizarro had set him in Peru.
+
+He appointed a guard, who were directed to keep a constant watch upon
+the princess, so that she could by no possibility escape; at the same
+time he informing her, in the most courteous tones, that the
+protection of his army and of her own people rendered it necessary
+that she should accompany him on his march. He held her in silken
+chains, treating her with the utmost delicacy and deference. The
+princess had sufficient shrewdness to affect compliance with this
+arrangement. It certainly accomplished the desired effect. All strife
+between the natives and the Spaniards ceased, a sufficient body of
+porters accompanied the army, and its march was unimpeded. A beautiful
+palanquin was provided for the princess, and the highest honors were
+lavished upon her.
+
+Colonel A. J. Pickett, in his interesting and very carefully prepared
+History of Alabama, speaking of the locality of this village where De
+Soto tarried so long, and encountered so many adventures, says:
+
+    "He entered the territory of the present Georgia at its
+    southwestern border, and successively crossing the Ockmulgee,
+    Oconee, and Ogeechee, finally rested on the banks of the
+    Savannah, immediately opposite the modern Silver Bluff. On
+    the eastern side was the town of Cutifachiqui, where lived an
+    Indian queen, young, beautiful, and unmarried, and who ruled
+    the country around to a vast extent. In 1736 George Golphin,
+    then a young Irishman, established himself as an Indian
+    trader at this point, and gave the old site of Cutifachiqui
+    the name of Silver Bluff. The most ancient Indians informed
+    him that this was the place where De Soto found the Indian
+    princess; and this tradition agrees with that preserved by
+    other old traders, and handed down to me."
+
+According to this statement the village of Cutifachiqui was on the
+eastern bank of the Savannah river, in Barnwell county, in the State
+of South Carolina. On the morning of the 4th of May, 1540, De Soto
+again put his army in motion, taking with him the beautiful queen and
+her retinue of plumed warriors. All this country was then called
+Florida. The army advanced rapidly up the eastern bank of the Savannah
+river, where they forded the stream, and, again entering the present
+State of Georgia, traversed nearly its whole breadth until they
+reached the head waters of the Coosa river. Here, at the confluence of
+the Oostanaula and Etowa rivers, they found a large Indian town called
+Chiaha, near the present site of Rome.
+
+While on the march across the State of Georgia, the queen, probably
+dreading to be carried captive beyond her own domain, and aided by an
+understanding with her retinue, leaped from the palanquin and
+disappeared in a dense forest through which they were passing. De Soto
+never saw her or heard from her again. Undoubtedly a band of her
+warriors were in rendezvous there to receive her.
+
+For five days the adventurers pressed along as rapidly as possible,
+over a hilly country about sixty miles in breadth. Though well
+watered, and abounding in beautiful valleys, luxuriant with mulberry
+groves and rich prairies, it seemed to be quite uninhabited. Having
+crossed this mountainous region, they reached a populous district
+called Guachule. The chief had received an intimation of the approach
+of the Spaniards, and that they came as messengers of peace and not of
+war. When De Soto and his band, led by native guides whom they had
+picked up by the way, had arrived within two miles of the village of
+the chief, they discovered him approaching them with a retinue of five
+hundred plumed warriors, adorned with glittering robes and weapons in
+the highest style of semi-barbaric display. The chief was
+unembarrassed, dignified, and courtly in his address. He received De
+Soto with truly fraternal kindness, escorted him to his village, which
+consisted of three hundred spacious houses, in a beautiful valley of
+running streams at the base of adjacent hills.
+
+The dwelling of the chief was upon a spacious artificial mound, the
+summit of which was sufficiently broad for the large edifice, leaving
+a terrace all around it about twelve feet in breadth. Here De Soto
+remained four days, enjoying the hospitality of the friendly Cacique.
+
+Resuming their journey, the army marched down the banks of a large
+stream, supposed to be the Etowa, which empties into the Coosa. For
+five days they continued their march through an uninteresting country,
+almost destitute of inhabitants, until, having traversed, as they
+supposed, about ninety miles, they came in sight of a large village,
+called Chiaha.
+
+De Soto, having arrived opposite the great town of Chiaha, which
+probably occupied the present site of Rome, crossed the Oostanaula in
+canoes, and upon rafts made of logs, prepared by the Indians, and took
+up his quarters in the town. The noble young chief received De Soto
+with unaffected joy, and made him the following address:
+
+"Mighty Chief:--Nothing could have made me so happy as to be the means
+of serving you and your warriors. You sent me word from Guaxule to
+have corn collected to last your army two months. Here I have twenty
+barns full of the best which the country can afford. If I have not met
+your wishes respect my tender age, and receive my good-will to do for
+you whatever I am able."
+
+The Governor responded in a kind manner, and was then conducted to the
+chief's own house, prepared for his accommodation. The confluence of
+the Oostanaula and Etowa at this point forms the Coosa. Here De Soto
+remained for a fortnight, recruiting his wearied men and his still
+more exhausted horses. It was bright and balmy summer, and the
+soldiers encamping in a luxuriant mulberry grove a little outside of
+the town, enjoyed, for a season, rest and abundance. De Soto, as
+usual, made earnest inquiries for gold. He was informed that about
+thirty miles north of him there were mines of copper, and also of some
+metal of the color of copper, but finer, brighter, and softer; and
+that the natives sometimes melted them together in their manufacture
+of barbs, spearheads, and hatchets.
+
+This intelligence excited De Soto with new hopes. He had occasionally
+met on his way natives with hatchets composed of copper and gold
+melted together. As the province, which was called Chisca, was
+separated from Chiaha by a pathless wilderness which horses could not
+traverse, De Soto sent two of his most trusty followers on an
+exploring tour through the region, conducted by Indian guides. After
+an absence of ten days they returned with the disappointing report
+that they found nothing there but copper of different degrees of
+purity.
+
+The rivers in the vicinity of Chiaha seem to have abounded with pearl
+oysters, and large numbers of beautiful pearls were obtained. The
+natives nearly spoiled them all by boring them through with a red-hot
+rod, that they might string them as bracelets. One day the Cacique
+presented De Soto with a string of pearls six feet in length, each
+pearl as large as a filbert. These gems would have been of almost
+priceless value but for the action of fire upon them.
+
+De Soto expressed some curiosity to see how the pearls were obtained.
+The Cacique immediately dispatched forty canoes down the river to fish
+during the night for pearl oysters. In the morning De Soto accompanied
+the Cacique to the banks of the river where the oysters were
+collected. Large fires were built, and the oysters placed upon the
+glowing coals. The heat opened them, and the pearls were sought for.
+From some of the first thus opened ten or twelve pearls were obtained,
+about the size of peas. They were all, however, more or less injured
+by the heat. Col. Pickett says that the oyster mentioned was the
+muscle, to be found in all the rivers of Alabama.
+
+Again De Soto commenced his journey, leaving the friendly chief and
+his people well contented with the presents he made them of gayly
+colored cloths, knives, and other trinkets. Following the banks of the
+Coosa to the west they soon entered what is now the State of Alabama,
+and on the second of July came to a large native town named Acoste.
+The tribe, or nation, inhabiting this region, was famed for its
+martial prowess. The Cacique, a fierce warrior, did not condescend to
+advance to meet De Soto, but at the head of fifteen hundred of his
+soldiers, well armed and gorgeously uniformed, awaited in the public
+square the approach of the Spanish chief. De Soto encamped his army
+just outside of the town, and, with a small retinue, rode in to pay
+his respects to the Cacique.
+
+Some of the vagabond soldiers straggled into the city, and were guilty
+of some outrages, which led the natives to fall upon them. De Soto,
+with his accustomed presence of mind, seized a cudgel and assisted the
+natives in fighting the Spaniards, while at the same moment he
+dispatched a courier to summon the whole army to his rescue. Peace was
+soon established, but there was some irritation on both sides. The
+next morning De Soto was very willing to leave the neighborhood, and
+the chief was not unwilling to have him.
+
+De Soto crossed the river Coosa to the eastern banks, and journeying
+along in a southerly direction, at the rate of about twelve miles a
+day, passed over a fertile and populous region, nearly three hundred
+miles in extent. It is supposed his path led through the present
+counties of Benton, Talladega, Coosa, and Tallapoosa, in Alabama.
+Throughout the whole route they were treated by the natives with the
+most profuse hospitality, being fed by them liberally, and supplied
+with guides to lead them from one village to another. The province
+which De Soto was thus traversing, and which was far-famed for its
+beauty and fertility, was called Coosa.
+
+     "With a delightful climate, and abounding in fine meadows and
+     beautiful little rivers, this region was charming to De Soto and
+     his followers. The numerous barns were full of corn, while acres
+     of that which was growing bent to the warm rays of the sun and
+     rustled in the breeze. In the plains were plum trees, peculiar to
+     the country, and others resembling those of Spain. Wild fruit
+     clambered to the tops of the loftiest trees, and lower branches
+     were laden with delicious Isabella grapes."[E]
+
+[Footnote E: History of Alabama, by Albert James Pickett, p. 17.]
+
+This is supposed to have been the same native grape, called the
+Isabella, which has since been so extensively cultivated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+_The Dreadful Battle of Mobila._
+
+     The Army in Alabama.--Barbaric Pageant.--The Chief of
+     Tuscaloosa.--Native Dignity.--Suspected Treachery of the
+     Chief.--Mobila, its Location and Importance.--Cunning of
+     the Chief.--The Spaniards Attacked.--Incidents of the
+     Battle.--Disastrous Results.
+
+
+On the 15th of July, 1540, the army came in sight of the metropolitan
+town of the rich and populous province through which it was passing.
+The town, like the province, bore the name of Coosa. The army had
+travelled slowly, so that the native chief, by his swift footmen, had
+easily kept himself informed of all its movements. When within a mile
+or two of Coosa, De Soto saw in the distance a very splendid display
+of martial bands advancing to meet him. The friendly greeting he had
+continually received disarmed all suspicion of a hostile encounter.
+
+The procession rapidly approached. At its head was the chief, a young
+man twenty-six years of age, of admirable figure and countenance,
+borne in a chair palanquin upon the shoulders of four of his warriors.
+A thousand soldiers, in their most gaudy attire, composed his train.
+As they drew near, with the music of well-played flutes, with regular
+tread, their mantles and plumes waving in the breeze, all the
+Spaniards were alike impressed with the beauty of the spectacle. The
+chief himself was decorated with a mantle of rich furs gracefully
+thrown over his shoulders. His diadem was of plumes very brilliantly
+colored. He addressed De Soto in the following speech:
+
+"Mighty chief, above all others of the earth. Although I come now to
+receive you, yet I received you many days ago deep in my heart. If I
+had the whole world it would not give me as much pleasure as I now
+enjoy at the presence of yourself and your incomparable warriors. My
+person, lands, and subjects are at your service. I will now march you
+to your quarters with playing and singing."[F]
+
+[Footnote F: Portuguese Narrative, p. 719.]
+
+De Soto made a suitable response. Then the two armies, numbering, with
+their attendants, more than two thousand men, commenced their march
+toward the town. The native chief was borne in his palanquin, and De
+Soto rode on his magnificent charger by his side. The royal palace was
+assigned to De Soto, and one-half of the houses in the town were
+appropriated to the soldiers for their lodgings.
+
+The town of Coosa, which consisted of five hundred houses, was
+situated on the east bank of the river of the same name, between two
+creeks now known as Talladega and Tallasehatchee. During a residence
+of twelve days in this delightful retreat, some slight disturbance
+arose between some of the natives and some of the Spanish soldiers. It
+was, however, easily quelled by the prudence and friendly disposition
+of the chief and the Governor. Indeed, the native chief became so
+attached to De Soto as to urge him to establish his colony there. Or
+if he could not consent to that arrangement, at least to spend the
+winter with him.
+
+    "But De Soto," writes Mr. Irving, "was anxious to arrive at
+    the bay of Achusi, where he had appointed Captain Diego
+    Maldonado to meet him in the autumn. Since leaving the
+    province of Xuala he had merely made a bend through the
+    country, and was now striking southerly for the sea-coast."
+
+On the 20th of August the Spanish army, after having spent twenty-five
+days at Coosa, was again in movement. The chief of Coosa, and a large
+body of his warriors, accompanied De Soto to their frontiers,
+evidently as a friendly retinue. The Portuguese Narrative makes the
+incredible assertion that they were all prisoners, compelled to follow
+the army for its protection and as guides. With much more probability
+it is represented that one of the chief's subordinate officers on the
+frontier was in a state of insurrection, and that upon that account
+the chief gladly accompanied the Spaniards, hoping to overawe his
+refractory subjects by appearing among them with such formidable
+allies.
+
+The Spaniards now entered the territory of Tuscaloosa, who was the
+most warlike and powerful chieftain of all the southern tribes. His
+domain comprised nearly the whole of the present States of Alabama and
+Mississippi. The Tuscaloosa, or Black Warrior river, flowed through
+one of the richest of his valleys. Though there were no mails or
+telegraphs in those days, Indian runners conveyed all important
+intelligence with very considerable rapidity. The chief had heard of
+the approach of the Spaniards, and the annalists of those days say, we
+know not with what authority, that he hesitated whether to receive
+them as friends or foes. Whatever may have been his secret thoughts,
+he certainly sent his son, a young man of eighteen, with a retinue of
+warriors, to meet De Soto with proffers of friendship.
+
+The young ambassador was a splendid specimen of manhood, being taller
+than any Spaniard or Indian in the army, and admirably formed for both
+strength and agility. In his bearing he was self-possessed and
+courteous, appearing like a gentleman accustomed to polished society.
+De Soto was much impressed by his appearance and princely manners. He
+received him with the utmost kindness, made him several valuable
+presents, and dismissed him with friendly messages to his father,
+stating that he cordially accepted of his friendship, and would
+shortly visit him.
+
+De Soto then crossed the river Tuscaloosa, or Black Warrior, having
+first taken an affectionate leave of the Cacique of Coosa, who had
+accompanied him to this frontier river. A journey of two days brought
+the Spaniards to within six miles of the large village where the chief
+of Tuscaloosa was awaiting their arrival. As they reached this spot in
+the evening, they encamped for the night in a pleasant grove. Early
+the next morning De Soto sent forward a courier to apprise the chief
+of his arrival, and set out soon after himself, accompanied by a
+suitable retinue of horsemen.
+
+The chief had, however, by his own scouts, kept himself informed of
+every movement of the Spaniards. He had repaired with a hundred of his
+nobles, and a large band of warriors, to the summit of a hill, over
+which the route of the Spaniards led, and which commanded a
+magnificent prospect of the country for many leagues around. He was
+seated on a chair of state, and a canopy of parti-colored deerskin,
+very softly tanned, and somewhat resembling a large umbrella, was held
+over his head. His chief men were arranged respectfully and in order
+near him, while at a little distance his warriors were posted in
+martial bands. The whole spectacle, crowning the smooth and verdant
+hill, presented a beautiful pageant.
+
+The Cacique was about forty years of age, and of gigantic proportions,
+being, like his son, nearly a head taller than any of his attendants.
+He was well-formed, and his countenance indicated perfect
+self-possession, intelligence, and great firmness. The sight of the
+cavaliers approaching with their silken banners, their glittering
+armor, and bestride their magnificent steeds, must have been
+astounding in the highest degree to one who had never seen a quadruped
+larger than a dog. But the proud chief assumed an air of imperturbable
+gravity and indifference.
+
+One would have supposed that he had been accustomed to such scenes
+from his childhood. He did not deign even to look upon the horsemen,
+though some of them endeavored to arrest his attention by causing the
+animals to prance and rear. Without taking the slightest notice of the
+cavaliers who preceded De Soto, his eye seemed instantly to discern
+the Governor. As he approached, the chief courteously arose, and
+advanced a few steps to meet him. De Soto alighted from his horse, and
+with Spanish courtesy embraced the chieftain, who, with great dignity,
+addressed him in the following words:
+
+"Mighty chief, I bid you welcome. I greet you as I would my brother.
+It is needless to talk long. What I have to say can be said in a few
+words. You shall know how willing I am to serve you. I am thankful for
+the things you have sent me, chiefly because they were yours. I am now
+ready to comply with your desires."
+
+This interview, it is supposed, took place in the present county of
+Montgomery, Alabama. The whole party then returned to the village, De
+Soto and the chief walking arm in arm. A spacious house was assigned
+to De Soto and his suite by the side of that occupied by the Cacique.
+
+After a rest of two days in the village, enjoying the rather cold and
+reserved, but abundant hospitality of the chief, the Spaniards
+continued their march. The chief, either for his own pleasure or by
+persuasion, was induced to accompany him. The most powerful horse in
+the army was selected to bear his herculean frame; and yet it is said
+that when the Cacique bestrode him his feet almost touched the ground.
+De Soto had made him a present of a dress and mantle of rich scarlet
+cloth Thus habited and mounted, with his towering plumes, he
+attracted all eyes. The two chieftains rode side by side. Their route
+led through the counties of Montgomery, Lowndes, and the southeastern
+part of Dallas, until they came to a large town called Piache, upon
+the Alabama river. This stream they passed on rafts of log and cane,
+probably in the upper part of the county of Wilcox. The expedition
+then turned in a southerly direction, following down the western bank
+of the Alabama through Wilcox county.
+
+The Indian chief continued proud and distant; was observed to be
+frequently consulting with his principal men, and often dispatching
+runners in different directions. De Soto was led to suspect that some
+treachery was meditated. Two of the Spaniards, who had wandered a
+little distance in the woods, disappeared, and were never heard of
+again. It was suspected that they had been killed by the natives. The
+Cacique being questioned upon the subject, angrily and contemptuously
+replied:
+
+"Why do you ask me about your people? Am I their keeper?"
+
+These suspicions led De Soto to keep a close watch upon the chief.
+This was done secretly, while still friendly relations were maintained
+between them. It was more than probable that the chief was himself a
+spy in the Spanish camp, and that he was treacherously gathering his
+powerful armies at some favorable point where he could effectually
+annihilate the Spaniards, and enrich himself with all their
+possessions of armor and horses. It was therefore a matter of
+prudence, almost a vital necessity, for De Soto to throw an invisible
+guard around the chieftain, that all his movements might be narrowly
+observed, and that he might not take to sudden flight. With him in
+their hands as a hostage, the hostility of his warriors might,
+perhaps, be effectually arrested.
+
+They were now approaching the town of Mobila, which was the capital of
+the Tuscaloosa kingdom. This town was probably situated at a place now
+called Choctaw Bluff, on the north or western side of the Alabama
+river, in the county of Clarke. At that point the Spaniards were at a
+distance of about twenty-five miles above the confluence of the
+Alabama and the Tombigbee, and about eighty-five miles from the bay of
+Pensacola. The town was beautifully situated upon a spacious plain,
+and consisted of eighty very large houses; each one of which, it was
+stated, would accommodate a thousand men.
+
+As they approached this important place, De Soto sent forward some
+very reliable couriers, to observe if there were any indications of
+conspiracy. Early in the morning of the eighteenth of October, 1540,
+De Soto with the advance guard of his army, consisting of one hundred
+footmen, all picked men, accompanied by the Cacique, entered the
+streets of Mobila. Mr. Irving gives the following interesting account
+of this important capital:
+
+     "This was the stronghold of the Cacique, where he and his
+     principal men resided. It stood in a fine plain, and was
+     surrounded by a high wall, formed of huge trunks of trees
+     driven into the ground, side by side, and wedged together.
+     These were crossed, within and without, by others, small and
+     longer, bound to them by bands made of split reeds and wild
+     vines. The whole was thickly plastered over with a kind of
+     mortar, made of clay and straw trampled together, which
+     filled up every chink and crevice of the wood-work, so that
+     it appeared as if smoothed with a trowel. Throughout its
+     whole circuit, the wall was pierced at the height of a man
+     with loopholes, whence arrows might be discharged at an
+     enemy, and at every fifty paces, it was surmounted by a
+     tower capable of holding seven or eight fighting men."
+
+As De Soto and the chief, accompanied by the advance guard of the
+Spanish army, and a numerous train of Indian warriors, approached the
+walls, a large band of native soldiers, in compact martial array, and
+as usual gorgeously decorated, emerged from one of the gates. They
+were preceded by a musical band, playing upon Indian flutes, and were
+followed by a group of dancing girls, remarkably graceful and
+beautiful. As we have mentioned, De Soto, and the Cacique in his
+scarlet uniform, rode side by side. Traversing the streets, the whole
+band arrived in the central square. Here they alighted, and all the
+horses were led outside the walls to be tethered and fed.
+
+The chief then, through Juan Ortiz, the interpreter, pointed out to De
+Soto one of the largest houses for the accommodation of himself and
+suite. Another adjoining house was appropriated to the servants and
+attendants. Cabins were also immediately reared just outside the walls
+for the accommodation of the main body of the army.
+
+De Soto was somewhat anxious in view of this arrangement. It was
+effectually separating him from his soldiers, and was leaving the
+Cacique entirely at liberty. Some words passed between the chief and
+the Governor, which led to an angry reply on the part of the Cacique,
+who turned upon his heel and retired to his own palace. The main body
+of the army had not yet come up, and if the chief meditated
+treachery, the moment was very favorable for an attack upon the
+advance guard only.
+
+Soon after the Cacique had left in an angry mood, one of the cavaliers
+whom De Soto had sent forward to examine into the state of affairs,
+entered with the announcement that many circumstances indicated a dark
+and treacherous plot. He said that more than ten thousand warriors,
+all evidently picked men, and thoroughly armed, were assembled in the
+various houses. Not a child was to be found in the town, and scarcely
+a woman, excepting the few dancing girls who had formed a part of the
+escort.
+
+The Governor was much alarmed by these tidings. He dispatched orders
+to all the troops who were with him to be on the alert, and to hold
+themselves in readiness to repel an assault. At the same time he sent
+back a courier to inform Luis De Moscoso, who was master of the
+Spanish camp, of the dangerous posture of affairs. Unfortunately,
+relying upon the friendly spirit of the natives, he had allowed his
+men to scatter widely from the camp, hunting and amusing themselves.
+It was some time before they could be collected.
+
+De Soto, anxious to avert a rupture, wished to get the person of the
+Cacique in his power. They had been accustomed since they met to eat
+together. As soon as the attendants of the Governor had prepared some
+refreshments for him, he sent Juan Ortiz to invite the Cacique to join
+him in the repast. The interpreter was not permitted to enter the
+palace, but after a little delay, a messenger announced that the
+Cacique would come pretty soon.
+
+The Governor waited some time, and again sent Ortiz to repeat the
+invitation. Again the interpreter returned with the same response.
+After another interval of waiting, and the Cacique not appearing,
+Ortiz was sent for the third time. Approaching the door of the palace,
+he shouted out, in a voice sufficiently loud to be heard by all
+within, "Tell the chief of Tuscaloosa to come forth. The food is upon
+the table, and the Governor is waiting for him."
+
+Immediately one of the principal attendants of the Cacique rushed out
+in a towering passion, and exclaimed:
+
+"Who are these robbers, these vagabonds, who keep calling to my chief
+of Tuscaloosa, 'come out! come out!' with as little reverence as if he
+were one of them? By the sun and moon, this insolence is no longer to
+be borne! Let us cut them to pieces on the spot, and put an end to
+their wickedness and tyranny!"
+
+Uttering these words, he threw off his superb mantle of marten skins,
+and seizing a bow from the hands of an attendant, drew an arrow to the
+head, aiming at a group of Spaniards in the public square. But before
+the arrow left the bow, a steel-clad cavalier, who had accompanied the
+interpreter, with one thrust of his sword laid the Indian dead at his
+feet. The son of the dead warrior, a vigorous young savage, sprang
+forward and let fly upon the cavalier six or seven arrows, as fast as
+he could draw them. But they all fell harmless from his armor. He then
+seized a club and struck him three or four blows over the head with
+such force that the blood gushed from beneath his casque.
+
+All this was done in an instant, when the cavalier, recovering
+from his surprise, with two sword-thrusts, laid the young warrior
+dead in his blood by the side of his father. It seemed as though
+instantaneously the war-whoop resounded from a thousand throats.
+
+The concealed warriors, ten thousand in number, with hideous yells,
+like swarming bees, rushed into the streets. De Soto had but two
+hundred men to meet them. But these were all admirably armed, and most
+of them protected by coats of mail. He immediately placed himself at
+the head of his troops, and slowly retreating, fighting fiercely every
+inch of the way, with his armored men facing the foe, succeeded in
+withdrawing through the gate out upon the open plain, where his
+horsemen could operate to better advantage. In the retreat five of the
+Spaniards were killed and many severely wounded, De Soto being one of
+the number.
+
+The Indians came rushing out upon the plain in a tumultuous mass, with
+yells of defiance and victory. But the dragoons soon regained their
+horses, which had been tethered outside the walls, and whose bodies
+were much protected from the arrows of the natives; and then, in a
+terrific charge, one hundred steel-clad men, cutting to the right hand
+and to the left, maddened by the treachery of which they had been the
+victims, plunged into the densest masses of their foes, and every
+sabre-blow was death to a half-naked Indian. The slaughter was awful.
+Brave as the Indians were, they were thrown into a panic, and fled
+precipitately into the town.
+
+In the retreat from the town, about twenty of the Spaniards had been
+cut off from their comrades, and had taken refuge in the house
+assigned to the Governor. Here they valiantly defended themselves
+against fearful odds. The bold storming of the place by the Spanish
+troops rescued them from their perilous position. But now all the
+warriors of both parties crowded together in the public square, fought
+hand to hand with a ferocity which could not be surpassed. Though the
+natives were far more numerous than their foes, and were equally brave
+and strong, still the Spaniards had a vast superiority over them in
+their bucklers, their impenetrable armor, and their long, keen sabres
+of steel.
+
+De Soto, conscious that the very existence of his army depended upon
+the issue of the conflict, was ever in the thickest of the battle,
+notwithstanding the severity of the wound from which he was suffering.
+At length, to drive his foes from the protection of their houses, the
+torch was applied in many places. The timber of which they were built
+was dry almost as tinder. Soon the whole place was in flames, the
+fiery billows surging to and fro like a furnace. All alike fled from
+the conflagration. The horsemen were already upon the plain, and they
+cut down the fugitive Indians mercilessly.
+
+The sun was then sinking; Mobila was in ruins, and its flaming
+dwellings formed the funeral pyre of thousands of the dead. The battle
+had lasted nine hours. To the Spaniards it was one of the most
+terrible calamities. Eighty-two of their number were slain. Nearly all
+the rest were more or less severely wounded. Forty-five horses had
+been shot--an irreparable loss which all the army deeply mourned.
+
+In entering the city, they had piled their camp equipage against the
+walls. This was all consumed, consisting of clothing, armor,
+medicines, and all the pearls which they had collected. The disaster
+to the natives was still more dreadful. It is estimated that six
+thousand of their number perished by the sword or the flames. The fate
+of the chieftain is not with certainty known. It is generally supposed
+that he was slain and was consumed in the flames of his capital.
+
+The situation of the Spanish army that night was distressing in the
+highest degree. They were hungry, exhausted, dejected, and seventeen
+hundred dangerous wounds demanded immediate attention. There was but
+one surgeon of the expedition who survived, and he was a man of but
+little skill.
+
+De Soto forgot himself and his wound in devotion to the interests of
+his men. Foraging parties were sent in all directions to obtain food
+for the sufferers, and straw for bedding. Here the army was compelled
+many days to remain to recruit from the awful disaster with which it
+had been so suddenly overwhelmed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+_Days of Darkness._
+
+     The Melancholy Encampment.--The Fleet at
+     Pensacola.--Singular Resolve of De Soto.--Hostility of
+     the Natives.--Beautiful Scenery.--Winter Quarters on the
+     Yazoo.--Feigned Friendship of the Cacique.--Trickery of
+     Juan Ortiz.--The Terrible Battle of Chickasaw.--Dreadful
+     Loss of the Spaniards.
+
+
+For twenty-three days the Spaniards remained in their miserable
+quarters, nursing the sick and the wounded. As nearly all their
+baggage had been consumed in the flames, they were in a condition of
+extreme destitution and suffering. Parties, of those who were least
+disabled, were sent on foraging expeditions, penetrating the country
+around to a distance of about twelve miles. They found the villages
+deserted by the terror-stricken inhabitants. But they obtained a
+sufficient supply of food to meet their immediate wants. In the
+thickets and ravines they found the bodies of many Indians, who had
+died of their wounds, and had been left unburied by their companions.
+They also found in many of the deserted hamlets, wounded Indians, who
+could go no farther, and who were in a starving and dying condition.
+De Soto kindly ordered that their wounds should be dressed, and that
+they should be fed and nursed just as tenderly as his own men. Several
+captives were taken. De Soto inquired of them if another attack were
+meditated. They replied that all their warriors were slain; that none
+were left to renew the battle; that their chief had sent his son to
+watch the movements of the Spaniards, and had summoned his warriors
+from a great distance for their extermination. Nearly all were to be
+slain. The survivors were to be held as slaves. All their possessions
+and especially the magnificent animals they rode, were to be divided
+as the spoils of the conqueror. They said that their chief, upon the
+arrival of De Soto with his advance guard, was holding a council with
+his officers, to decide whether they should immediately attack those
+who had already arrived, or wait until the whole army was within their
+power. The passion and imprudence of one of their generals had
+precipitated the conflict.
+
+The loss of the natives was even greater than De Soto had at first
+imagined. The thousands of Indian warriors who were within the
+spacious houses, shooting their arrows through windows, doors and
+loopholes, were many of them cut off from all escape, by the devouring
+flames. Bewildered, blinded, stifled by the smoke, and encircled by
+the billowy fire, they miserably perished.
+
+While De Soto was thus encamped around the smouldering ruins of
+Mobila, he heard of the arrival of his fleet at Pensacola, then called
+the bay of Achusi. As he was but about one hundred miles from that
+point, an easy march of a few days would bring him to reinforcements
+and abundant supplies. The tidings of their arrival at first gave him
+great satisfaction. His determined spirit was still unvanquished. He
+immediately resolved to establish his colony on the shores of
+Pensacola Bay, whence he could have constant water communication with
+Cuba and with Spain. Having obtained a fresh supply of military stores
+and recruits from the ships, he would recommence his pursuit after
+gold.
+
+While one cannot but condemn his persistence in a ruinous course, the
+invincible spirit it develops wins admiration. Indeed if we accept the
+facts of the affair at Mobila, as above described, and those facts
+seem to be fully corroborated by a careful examination of all the
+reliable annalists of those days, impartial history cannot severely
+condemn De Soto in that dreadful occurrence. But it cannot be denied
+that he would have acted much more wisely, had he followed the counsel
+of Isabella, previously given, and withdrawn from scenes thus fraught
+with violence, cruelty and blood.
+
+As De Soto was conversing with some of his officers, of his plan of
+still prosecuting his journey in search of gold, he was told, not a
+little to his dismay, that his soldiers would not follow him. It was
+said that they were all thoroughly disheartened, and anxious to return
+to their homes, and that immediately upon reaching their ships, they
+would insist upon reembarking, and abandoning a land where they had
+thus far encountered only disasters.
+
+The thought of returning to Cuba an impoverished man, having utterly
+failed in his expedition, surrounded by ragged and clamorous
+followers, and thus in disgrace, was to De Soto dreadful. Not making
+sufficient allowance for the difference in those respects between
+himself and his followers, he found it difficult to credit the
+representations which had been made to him. He therefore dressed
+himself in a disguise, and secretly wandered about by night among the
+frail huts of the soldiers, and soon found, by listening to their
+conversation, his worst fears confirmed. It became clear to his mind
+that immediately on his return to the ships, his present followers
+would disband and shift for themselves, while it would be in vain for
+him to attempt to raise another army.
+
+Speaking of the distress with which these considerations oppressed the
+mind of De Soto, Mr. Irving well says, referring in confirmation of
+his statement, both to the account given by the Portuguese Narrative,
+and that by the Inca:
+
+     "Should his present forces desert him, therefore, he would
+     remain stripped of dignity and command, blasted in
+     reputation, his fortune expended in vain, and his
+     enterprise, which had caused so much toil and trouble, a
+     subject of scoffing rather than renown. The Governor was a
+     man extremely jealous of his honor; and as he reflected upon
+     these gloomy prospects, they produced sudden and desperate
+     resolves. He disguised his anger and his knowledge of the
+     schemes he had overheard, but he determined to frustrate
+     them by turning back upon the coast, striking again into the
+     interior, and never seeking the ships nor furnishing any
+     tidings of himself, until he had crowned his enterprise
+     gloriously by discovering new regions of wealth like those
+     of Peru and Mexico.
+
+     "A change came over De Soto from this day. He was
+     disconcerted in his favorite scheme of colonization, and had
+     lost confidence in his followers. Instead of manifesting his
+     usual frankness, energy and alacrity, he became a moody,
+     irritable, discontented man. He no longer pretended to
+     strike out any grand undertaking, went recklessly wandering
+     from place to place, apparently without order or object, as
+     if careless of time and life, and only anxious to finish his
+     existence."
+
+On the morning of the 15th of November, 1540, the troops, much to
+their consternation, received orders to commence their march to the
+north, instead of to the south. The established habits of military
+discipline, and the stern manner of De Soto, repelled all audible
+murmurs. Each soldier took with him two days' provision, which
+consisted mainly of roasted corn pounded into meal. It was not doubted
+that in the fertile region of that sunny clime they would find food by
+the way. But winter was approaching which, though short, would
+certainly bring with it some days and nights of such severe cold that
+an unsheltered army would almost perish.
+
+After traversing a very pleasant country for five days, without
+meeting any adventure of any especial interest, they came to a river
+wide and deep, with precipitous banks, which is supposed to have been
+the Tuscaloosa, or Black Warrior. The point at which they touched this
+stream, upon whose banks they had already encamped, was probably near
+the present site of Erie, in Greene County. Here they found upon the
+farther banks of the river, a populous village called Cabusto. De Soto
+as usual sent a courier with a friendly message to the chief, saying
+"that he came in friendship and sought only an unobstructed path
+through his realms."
+
+The chief returned the defiant reply--
+
+"We want no peace with you. War only we want; a war of fire and
+blood."
+
+As De Soto, troubled by this message, moved cautiously forward, he
+found an army of fifteen hundred natives drawn up on the banks of the
+stream to prevent the passage; while the opposite banks were occupied
+by between six and seven thousand warriors, extending up and down the
+river for a distance of six miles. There was nothing for the Spaniards
+to do but to press forward. To turn back, in sight of their foes, was
+not to be thought of. After a pretty sharp skirmish, in which the
+Spaniards attacked their opponents, the natives sprang into their
+canoes, and some by swimming crossed the river and joined the main
+body of the Indians upon the opposite bank.
+
+Here they were obviously prepared, to make a desperate resistance.
+Night came on, dark and chill. The Spaniards bivouacked on the open
+plain, awaiting the morning, when, with but about seven hundred men,
+they were to assail eight thousand warriors, very strongly posted on
+bluffs, with a deep and rapid river flowing at their feet. The Indians
+gave the Spaniards no repose. During the darkness they were
+continually passing the river at different points in their canoes, and
+then uniting in one band, with hideous outcries assailing the weary
+travellers. The military genius of De Soto successfully beat them off
+through the night. He then intrenched himself so as to bid defiance to
+their attacks, and employed one hundred of his most skilful workmen in
+building, under the concealment of a neighboring grove, two very large
+flat boats.
+
+Twelve days passed before these barges were finished. By the aid of
+men and horses, they were brought to the river and launched. In the
+morning, before the dawn, ten mounted horsemen and forty footmen
+embarked in each boat, the footmen to ply the oars as vigorously as
+possible in the rapid passage of the river to a designated spot, where
+the horsemen were immediately to spur their steeds upon the shore, and
+with their sabres open a passage for the rest of the troops. De Soto
+was anxious to pass in the first boat, but his followers entreated him
+not to expose his life, upon which everything depended, to so great a
+peril.
+
+The moment the boats were dimly seen by the watchful natives, a signal
+war-whoop rang along the bank for miles. Five hundred warriors rushed
+to the menaced spot, to prevent the landing. Such a shower of arrows
+was thrown upon the boat that every man was more or less wounded. The
+moment the bows touched the beach, the steel-clad horsemen plunged
+upon the foe, and cut their way through them with blood-dripping
+sabres. Other native warriors were however hurrying to the assistance
+of their comrades. In the meantime the boats had with great rapidity
+recrossed the river, and brought over another detachment of eighty men
+with De Soto himself at their head. After a sanguinary conflict the
+Spaniards obtained complete possession of the landing place. Though
+unimportant skirmishes were kept up through the day, the remaining
+troops were without difficulty brought across the river. At nightfall
+not an Indian was to be seen. They had all withdrawn and fortified
+themselves with palisades in a neighboring swamp.
+
+The Spaniards found opening before them a beautiful and fertile
+country, well cultivated, with fields of corn and beans, and with many
+small villages and comfortable farm-houses scattered around. They
+broke up their boats for the sake of the nails, which might prove of
+priceless value to them in their future operations. Leaving the
+Indians unmolested in their fortress, they journeyed on five days in a
+westerly direction, when they reached the banks of another large
+river, which is supposed to have been the Tombigbee.
+
+Here De Soto found hostile Indians arrayed on the opposite bank, ready
+to oppose his passage. Anxious to avoid, if possible, any sanguinary
+collision with the natives, he tarried for two days, until a canoe had
+been constructed by which he could send a friendly message across to
+the chief. A single unarmed Indian was dispatched in the canoe with
+these words of peace. He paddled across the river, and as soon as the
+canoe touched the shore the savages rushed upon him, beat out his
+brains with their war-clubs, and raising yells of defiance,
+mysteriously disappeared.
+
+There being no longer any foe to oppose the passage, the troops were
+easily conveyed across on rafts. Unassailed, they marched tranquilly
+on for several days, until, on the 18th of December, they reached a
+small village called Chickasaw. It was pleasantly situated on a gentle
+eminence, embellished with groves of walnut and oak trees, and with
+streams of pure water running on either side. It is supposed that this
+village was on the Yazoo river, in the upper part of the State of
+Mississippi, about two hundred and fifty miles northwest of Mobile.
+
+It was midwinter, and upon those high lands the weather was intensely
+cold. The ground was frequently encumbered with snow and ice, and the
+troops, unprovided with winter clothing, suffered severely. De Soto
+decided to take up his winter quarters at Chickasaw, there to await
+the returning sun of spring. There appears to have been something
+senseless in the wild wanderings in which De Soto was now persisting,
+which have led some to suppose that care, exhaustion, and sorrow had
+brought on some degree of mental derangement. However that may be, he
+devoted himself with great energy to the promotion of the comfort of
+his men. Foraging parties were dispatched in all directions in search
+of food and of straw for bedding, while an ample supply of fuel was
+collected for their winter fires.
+
+There were two hundred comfortable houses in this village, and De Soto
+added a few more, so that all of his men were well sheltered. So far
+as we can judge from the narratives given, the native inhabitants,
+through fear of the Spaniards, had abandoned their homes and fled to
+distant parts. De Soto did everything in his power to open friendly
+relations with the Indians. He succeeded, through his scouts, in
+capturing a few, whom he sent to their chief laden with presents, and
+with assurances of peace and friendship.
+
+The Cacique returned favorable replies, and sent to De Soto in return
+fruit, fish, and venison. He, however, was very careful not to expose
+his person to the power of the Spaniards. His warriors, in gradually
+increasing numbers, ventured to enter the village, where they were
+treated by De Soto with the greatest consideration. He had still quite
+a large number of swine with him, for they had multiplied wonderfully
+on the way. The Indians, having had a taste of pork, found it so
+delicious that they began to prowl around the encampment by night to
+steal these animals. It is said that two Indians who were caught in
+the act were shot, and as this did not check the thievery, a third had
+both his hands chopped off with a hatchet, and thus mutilated was sent
+to the chief as a warning to others.
+
+It is with great reluctance that we give any credence to this
+statement. It certainly is not sustained by any evidence which would
+secure conviction in a court of justice. It is quite contrary to the
+well-established humanity of De Soto. There can be no possible excuse
+for such an act of barbarity on the part of any civilized man. If De
+Soto were guilty of the atrocity, it would, indeed, indicate that his
+reason was being dethroned.
+
+The chief had taken up his residence about three or four miles from
+the village. Four of the Spanish soldiers one night, well armed, stole
+from their barracks, in direct violation of orders, and repairing to
+the dwelling of the Cacique, robbed him of some rich fur mantles, and
+other valuable articles of clothing. With that even-handed justice
+which has thus far characterized De Soto, he who had ordered two
+Indians to be shot for stealing his swine, now ordered the two
+ringleaders in this robbery of the Indian chief to be put to death.
+
+The priests in the army, and most of the officers, earnestly implored
+De Soto to pardon the culprits. But he was inflexible. He would
+administer equal justice to the Indian and the Spaniard. The culprits
+were led into the public square to be beheaded. It so happened that,
+just at that time, an embassage arrived from the Cacique with
+complaints of the robbery, and demanding the punishment of the
+offenders. Juan Ortiz, the interpreter, whose sympathies were deeply
+moved in behalf of his comrades about to be executed, adopted the
+following singular and sagacious expedient to save them:
+
+He falsely reported to the Governor that the chief had sent his
+messengers to implore the forgiveness of the culprits--to say that
+their offence was a very slight one, and that he should regard it as a
+personal favor if they were pardoned and set at liberty. The
+kind-hearted De Soto, thus delivered from his embarrassment, gladly
+released them.
+
+On the other hand, the tricky interpreter sent word to the Cacique
+that the men who had robbed him were in close imprisonment, and that
+they would be punished with the utmost severity, so as to serve as a
+warning to all others.
+
+Many circumstances led De Soto to the suspicion that the chief was
+acting a treacherous part; that he was marshalling an immense army in
+the vicinity to attack the Spaniards; that his pretended friendliness
+was intended merely to disarm suspicion, and that the warriors who
+visited the village were spies, making preparation for a general
+assault. In this judgment subsequent events proved him to be correct.
+
+Early in the month of March there was a dark and stormy night, and a
+chill north wind swept the bleak plains. The sentinels were driven to
+seek shelter; no one dreamed of peril. It was the hour for the grand
+assault. Just at midnight the Cacique put his martial bands in motion.
+They were in three powerful divisions, the central party being led by
+the chief in person. These moccasoned warriors, with noiseless tread,
+stealthily approached their victims. Suddenly the air resounded with
+war-whoops, blasts of conch shells, and the clangor of wooden drums,
+rising above the roar of the storm, when the savages, like spirits of
+darkness, rushed upon the defenceless village. They bore with them
+lighted matches, made of some combustible substance twisted in the
+form of a cord, which, being waved in the air, would blaze into flame.
+The village was built of reeds, with thatch of dried grass. The torch
+was everywhere applied; the gale fanned the fire. In a few minutes the
+whole village was a roaring furnace of flame.
+
+What pen can describe the scene which ensued of tumult, terror, blood,
+and woe! What imagination can conceive of the horrors of that night,
+when uncounted thousands of savages, fierce as demons, rushed upon the
+steel-clad veterans of Spain, not one of whom would ask for quarter!
+every one of whom would fight with sinewy arm and glittering sabre to
+the last possible gasp.
+
+Nothing could throw the veteran Spaniards into a panic. They always
+slept prepared for surprise. In an instant every man was at his post.
+De Soto, who always slept in hose and doublet, drew his armor around
+him, mounted his steed ever ready, and was one of the first to dash
+into the densest of the foe. Twelve armored horsemen were immediately
+at his side. The arrows and javelins of the natives glanced harmless
+from helmet and cuirass, while every flash of the long, keen sabres
+was death to an Indian, and the proud war-horses trampled the corpses
+beneath their feet.
+
+The fierce conflagration soon drove all alike out into the plain.
+Many of the Spaniards could not escape, but perished miserably in the
+fire. Several of the splendid horses were also burned. Soon all were
+engaged hand to hand, fighting in a tumultuous mass by the light of
+the conflagration. There was, perhaps, alike bravery on either side.
+But the natives knew that if defeated they could flee to the forests;
+while to the Spaniards defeat was certain death, or captivity worse
+than death to every one.
+
+De Soto observed not far from him an Indian chief of herculean
+strength, who was fighting with great success. He closed in upon him,
+and as he rose in his saddle, leaning mainly upon the right stirrup,
+to pierce him with his lance, the saddle, which in the haste had not
+been sufficiently girded, turned beneath him, and he was thrown upon
+the ground in the midst of the enemy. His companions sprang to the
+rescue. Instantly he remounted, and was again in the thickest of the
+foe. The battle was fierce, bloody, and short. So many of the horsemen
+had perished during their long journey that many of the foot soldiers
+were protected by armor. At length the savages were put to flight.
+Pursued by the swift-footed horses, they, in their terror, to add
+speed to their footsteps, threw away their weapons, and thus fell an
+easy prey to the conqueror.
+
+The Spaniards, justly exasperated in being thus treacherously
+assailed by those who had assumed the guise of friendship, pursued the
+fugitives so long as they could be distinguished by the light of the
+conflagration, and cut them down without any mercy. A bugle-blast then
+sounded the recall. The victors returned to an awful scene of
+desolation and misery. Their homes were all in ashes, and many of the
+few comforts they had retained were consumed. Forty Spaniards had been
+slain, besides many more wounded. Fifty horses had perished in the
+flames, or had been shot by the natives. Their herd of swine, which
+they prized so highly, and which they regarded as an essential element
+in the establishment of their colony, had been shut up in an enclosure
+roofed with straw, and nearly every one had perished in the flames.
+
+This disaster was the most severe calamity which had befallen them.
+Since landing at Tampa Bay, over three hundred men had fallen from the
+attacks of the natives. De Soto was thrown into a state of the deepest
+despondency. All hope seemed to be extinguished. World-weary, and in
+despair, he apparently wished only to die. Distress was all around
+him, with no possibility of his affording any relief. Sadly he buried
+the dead of his own army, while he left the bodies of the natives
+thick upon the plain, a prey for wolves and vultures. The smouldering
+ruins of Chickasaw were abandoned, and an encampment was reared of
+logs and bark at a distance of about three miles; where they passed a
+few weeks of great wretchedness. Bodily discomfort and mental
+despondency united in creating almost intolerable gloom.
+
+Terribly as the natives had been punished they soon learned the extent
+of the calamity they had inflicted upon the Spaniards. Through their
+spies they ascertained their diminished numbers, witnessed their
+miserable plight, and had the sagacity to perceive that they were very
+poorly prepared to withstand another attack. Thus they gradually
+regained confidence, marshalled their armies anew, and commenced an
+incessant series of assaults, avoiding any general action, and yet
+wearing out the Spaniards with the expectation of such action every
+hour of every night.
+
+In the daytime, De Soto sent out his horsemen to scour the country
+around in all directions for a distance of ten or twelve miles. They
+would return with the declaration that not a warrior was to be found.
+But before midnight the fleet footed savages would be swarming around
+the encampment, with hideous yells, often approaching near enough to
+throw in upon it a shower of arrows. Occasionally these skirmishes
+became hotly contested. In one of them forty Indians were slain,
+while two of the horses of the Spaniards were killed and two severely
+wounded.
+
+In their thin clothing the Spaniards would have suffered terribly from
+the severe cold of the nights, but for the ingenuity of one of their
+number, who invented a soft, thick, warm matting or coverlet which he
+wove from some long grass that abounded in the vicinity. Every soldier
+was speedily engaged in the manufacture of these beds or blankets.
+They were made several inches in thickness and about six feet square.
+One half served as a mattress, and the other folded over, became a
+blanket. Thus they were relieved from the cold, which otherwise would
+have been almost unendurable.
+
+The foraging parties succeeded in obtaining a supply of corn, beans,
+and dried fruit. Here De Soto was compelled to remain, to heal his
+wounded, for the remainder of the month of March. He was very anxious
+to escape from the hostile region as soon as possible. As an
+illustration of the scenes which were occurring almost every night
+during this sad encampment, we may mention the following.
+
+The night was cold and dark. The defiant war-cries of the savages were
+heard in all directions and no one could tell how great their numbers,
+or upon what point their attack would fall. Several camp-fires were
+built, around which horsemen were assembled ready to meet the foe from
+whatever point, in the darkness, he might approach. Juan De Gusman was
+the leader of one of these bands. He was a cavalier of high renown. In
+figure, he was delicate, almost feminine, but he had the soul of a
+lion.
+
+By the light of the blazing fagots, he discerned a numerous band of
+Indians stealthily approaching. Leaping upon his horse, and followed
+by five companions, and a few armored footmen, he plunged into the
+midst of them. He aimed his javelin, at apparently the leader of the
+savages, a man of gigantic stature. The Indian wrenched the lance from
+his hand, seized him by the collar, and hurled him from his saddle to
+the ground. Instantly the soldiers rushed in, with their sabers, cut
+the savage to pieces and after a short conflict in which a large
+number of the natives were slain, put the rest to flight.
+
+It may seem strange that so few of the Spaniards were killed in these
+terrible conflicts, in which they often cut down hundreds and even
+thousands of their foes. But it should be remembered that their coats
+of mail quite effectually protected them from the flint pointed arrows
+of the Indians. The only vulnerable point was the face, and even this
+was sometimes shielded by the visor. But the bodies of the natives,
+thinly clad, were easily cut down by the steel blades of the
+cavaliers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+_The Discovery of the Mississippi._
+
+     The Fortress of Hostile Indians.--Its Capture.--The
+     Disastrous Conflict.--The Advance of the Army.--Discovery
+     of the Mississippi River.--Preparations for
+     Crossing.--Extraordinary Pageants.--Unjustifiable
+     Attack.--The passage of the River.--Friendly Reception
+     by Casquin.--Extraordinary Religious Festival.
+
+
+On the first day of April, 1541, the army broke up its encampment, and
+again set out languidly on its journey to the westward. No sounds of
+joy were heard, for there was no longer hope to cheer. The indomitable
+energy of De Soto dragged along the reluctant footsteps of his troops.
+The first day they travelled about twelve miles, through a level and
+fertile country with many villages and farm houses to charm the eye.
+At night they encamped beyond the territory of Chickasaw, and
+consequently supposed that they would no longer be molested, by those
+hostile Indians.
+
+A well armed party of cavalry and infantry was sent out on a foraging
+expedition. They accidently approached a strong fortress where a large
+number of Indian warriors was assembled, prepared to resist their
+march. They were very fantastically clothed, and painted in the
+highest style of barbaric art, so as to render them as hideous as
+possible. Immediately upon catching sight of the Spaniards they rushed
+out upon them with ferocious cries. Anasco, who was in command of the
+Spanish party, seeing such overwhelming numbers coming upon him,
+retreated to an open field, where he drew up his horses and placed his
+cross-bow men in front with their bucklers, to protect the precious
+animals. At the same time he sent hastily back to De Soto for
+reinforcements.
+
+The Indians came rushing on, clashing their weapons, beating wooden
+drums and raising the war-whoop, till they arrived within reach of the
+arrows of the cross-bow men. Then, somewhat appalled by the formidable
+military array of the Spaniards glittering in steel armor, they
+stopped and taunted their foes from the distance, with cries of
+defiance and gestures of insolence and insult.
+
+The hot-headed Anasco found it hard to restrain his impatience. Soon
+De Soto himself came, with all his force, except a few left to guard
+the camp. Carefully he scrutinized the fortress where these savages
+had gathered their strength to crush him. It was indeed a formidable
+structure: consisting of a quadrangle twelve hundred feet square.
+There were three entrance gates, purposely so low that mounted men
+could not enter. In the rear of the fortress there was a deep and
+rapid river with steep banks, probably the Yazoo; in the county of
+Tallahatchee. The fort was called the Alabama. Across this stream,
+frail bridges were constructed, over which the Indians, in case of
+necessity, could retreat, and easily destroy the bridges behind them.
+Directly in the rear of the front entrance, there was a second wall,
+and in the rear of that a third; so that if the outer wall were
+gained, the garrison could retreat behind one and the other.
+
+De Soto very carefully reconnoitred the fort. He judged that the
+slightest appearance of timidity, on his part, would so embolden the
+savages as to expose him to great peril. Should he avoid the conflict,
+to which he was challenged, and endeavor to escape, by fleeing before
+his enemies, he would draw them down upon him with resistless fury.
+Thus again he found himself impelled to rouse all the energies of his
+army for the slaughter of the poor savages.
+
+He formed his attacking force in three columns, to seize the three
+entrances. The Indians, carefully noting these preparations, made a
+simultaneous rush upon the Spaniards, pouring in upon them an
+incessant volley of flint-pointed arrows. Notwithstanding the armor,
+many of the Spaniards were wounded, the savages taking careful aim at
+those parts which were least protected. The three storming columns
+pressed vigorously on, while two bands of horsemen, twenty in each,
+De Soto leading one of them, attacked the tumultuous foe on each
+flank. The assault was resistless. The panic-stricken savages fled to
+the fortress. The entrances were clogged by the crowd, and horsemen
+and footmen, with their long sharp sabres cut down their foes with
+enormous slaughter.
+
+In the heat of the conflict an arrow, thrown by the sinewy arm of an
+Indian, struck the steel casque of De Soto with such force that it
+rebounded some sixteen feet in the air. The blow was so severe that it
+almost unhorsed the Governor, and seemingly caused, as he afterwards
+said, the fire to flash from his eyes. As the savages rushed pell-mell
+into the fortress, their pursuers were at their heels, cutting them
+down. The Spaniards were exasperated. They had sought peace, and had
+found only war. De Soto had wished, in a friendly spirit, to traverse
+their country, and they were hedging up his way and pursuing him with
+relentless ferocity. He assumed that it was necessary, for the
+salvation of his army, to teach them a lesson which they would not
+soon forget.
+
+The carnage within the fortress was dreadful. All was inextricable
+confusion. It was a hand-to-hand fight. Wooden swords fell harmless
+upon helmet, cuirass and buckler. But the keen and polished steel of
+the Spaniards did fearful execution upon the almost naked bodies of
+the Indians. Some climbed the palisades and leaped down into the
+plain, where they were instantly slain by the mounted troops. Others
+crowded through the fort and endeavored to escape by the narrow
+bridges. Many were jostled off, and in the swift current were drowned.
+But a few moments elapsed ere the fort was in the hands of the
+Spaniards. Its floor was covered by the gory bodies of the slain.
+Still, not a few had escaped, some by swimming, some by the bridges.
+They immediately formed in battle array upon the opposite bank of the
+river, where they supposed they were beyond the reach of the
+Spaniards.
+
+Again they raised shouts of defiance and insult. De Soto was not in a
+mood to endure these taunts. Just above the fort he found a ford.
+Crossing with a squadron of horsemen, they rushed with gleaming sabres
+upon the savages, and put them instantly to flight. For more than
+three miles they pursued them over the plain, till wearied with
+slaughter. They then returned, victors, slowly and sadly to their
+encampment. Peace and friendship would have been far preferable to
+this war and misery. Even their victory was to the Spaniards a great
+disaster, for several of the men were slain, and many severely
+wounded. Of the latter, fifteen subsequently died. De Soto remained
+four days in the encampment, nursing the wounded, and then resumed his
+weary march.
+
+He still directed his footsteps in a westerly direction, carefully
+avoiding an approach to the sea, lest his troops should rise in
+mutiny, send for the ships, and escape from the ill-starred
+enterprise. This certainly indicates, under the circumstances, an
+unsound, if not a deranged mind. For four days the troops toiled along
+through a dismal region, uninhabited, and encumbered with tangled
+forests and almost impassable swamps.
+
+At length they came to a small village called Chisca, upon the banks
+of the most majestic stream they had yet discovered. Sublimely the
+mighty flood, a mile and a half in width, rolled by them. The current
+was rapid and bore upon its bosom a vast amount of trees, logs, and
+drift-wood, showing that its sources must be hundreds of leagues far
+away, in the unknown interior. This was the mighty Mississippi, the
+'father of waters.' The Indians, at that point, called it Chucagua.
+Its source and its embouchure were alike unknown to De Soto. Little
+was he then aware of the magnitude of the discovery he had made.
+
+    "De Soto," says Mr. Irving, "was the first European who
+    looked out upon the turbid waters of this magnificent river;
+    and that event has more surely enrolled his name among those
+    who will ever live in American history, than if he had
+    discovered mines of silver and gold."
+
+The Spaniards had reached the river after a four days' march through
+an unpeopled wilderness. The Indians of Chisca knew nothing of their
+approach, and probably had never heard of their being in the country.
+The tribe inhabiting the region of which Chisca was the metropolis,
+was by no means as formidable, as many whom they had already
+encountered. The dwelling of the Cacique stood on a large artificial
+mound, from eighteen to twenty feet in height. It was ascended by two
+ladders, which could of course be easily drawn up, leaving the royal
+family thus quite isolated from the people below.
+
+Chisca, the chieftain, was far advanced in years, a feeble, emaciate
+old man of very diminutive stature. In the days of his prime, he had
+been a renowned warrior. Hearing of the arrival of the Spaniards, he
+was disposed to regard them as enemies, and seizing his tomahawk, he
+was eager to descend from his castle and lead his warriors to battle.
+
+The contradictory statements are made that De Soto, weary of the
+harassing warfare of the winter, was very anxious to secure the
+friendship of these Indians. Unless he were crazed, it must have been
+so, for there was absolutely nothing to be gained, but everything to
+be imperilled, by war. On the other hand, it is said that the moment
+the Spaniards descried the village, they rushed into it, plundering
+the houses, seizing men and women as captives. Both statements may
+have been partially true. It is not improbable that the disorderly
+troops of De Soto, to his great regret, were guilty of some outrages,
+while he personally might have been intensely anxious to repress this
+violence and cultivate only friendly relations with the natives.
+
+But whatever may have been the hostile or friendly attitude assumed by
+the Spaniards, it is admitted that the Cacique was disposed to wage
+war against the new comers. The more prudent of his warriors urged
+that he should delay his attack upon them until he had made such
+preparations as would secure successful results.
+
+"It will be best first," said they, "to assemble all the warriors of
+our nation, for these men are well armed. In the meantime, let us
+pretend friendship and not provoke an attack until we are strong
+enough to be sure of victory."
+
+The irascible old chief was willing only partially to listen to this
+advice. He delayed the conflict, but did not disguise his hostility.
+De Soto sent to him a very friendly message, declaring that he came
+in peace and wished only for an unmolested march through his country.
+The Cacique returned an angry reply, refusing all courteous
+intercourse.
+
+The Spaniards had been but three hours in the village when, to their
+surprise, they perceived an army of four thousand warriors, thoroughly
+prepared for battle, gathered around the mound upon which was reared
+the dwelling of the chief. If so many warriors could be assembled in
+so short a time, they feared there must be a large number in reserve
+who could be soon drawn in. The Spaniards, in their long marches and
+many battles, had dwindled away to less than five hundred men. Four
+thousand against five hundred were fearful odds; and yet the number of
+their foes might speedily be doubled or even quadrupled. In addition
+to this, the plains around the city were exceedingly unfavorable for
+the movements of the Spanish army, while they presented great
+advantages to the nimble-footed natives, for the region was covered
+with forests, sluggish streams and bogs.
+
+By great exertions, De Soto succeeded in effecting a sort of
+compromise. The Cacique consented to allow the Spaniards to remain for
+six days in the village to nurse the sick and the wounded. Food was to
+be furnished them by the Cacique. At the end of six days the
+Spaniards were to leave, abstaining entirely from pillage, from
+injuring the crops, and from all other acts of violence.
+
+The Cacique and all the inhabitants of the village abandoned the
+place, leaving it to the sole occupancy of the Spaniards. April, in
+that sunny clime, was mild as genial summer. The natives, with their
+simple habits, probably found little inconvenience in encamping in the
+groves around. On the last day of his stay, De Soto obtained
+permission to visit the Cacique. He thanked the chief cordially for
+his kindness and hospitality, and taking an affectionate leave,
+continued his journey into the unknown regions beyond.
+
+Ascending the tortuous windings of the river on the eastern bank, the
+Spaniards found themselves, for four days, in almost impenetrable
+thickets, where there were no signs of inhabitants. At length they
+came to quite an opening in the forest. A treeless plain, waving with
+grass, spread far and wide around them. The Mississippi river here was
+about half a league in width. On the opposite bank large numbers of
+Indians were seen, many of them warriors in battle array, while a
+fleet of canoes lined the shore.
+
+De Soto decided, for some unexplained reason, to cross the river at
+that point, though it was evident that the Indians had in some way
+received tidings of his approach, and were assembled there to dispute
+his passage. The natives could easily cross the river in their canoes,
+but they would hardly venture to attack the Spaniards upon the open
+plain, where there was such a fine opportunity for the charges of
+their cavalry.
+
+Here De Soto encamped for twenty days, while all who could handle
+tools were employed in building four large flat boats for the
+transportation of the troops across the stream. On the second day of
+the encampment, several natives from some tribe disposed to be
+friendly, on the eastern side of the river, visited the Spaniards.
+With very much ceremony of bowing and semi-barbaric parade, they
+approached De Soto, and informed him that they were commissioned by
+their chief to bid him welcome to his territory, and to assure him of
+his friendly services. De Soto, much gratified by this message,
+received the envoys with the greatest kindness, and dismissed them
+highly pleased with their reception.
+
+Though this chief sent De Soto repeated messages of kindness, he did
+not himself visit the Spanish camp, the alleged reason being, and
+perhaps the true one, that he was on a sick bed. He, however, sent
+large numbers of his subjects with supplies of food, and to assist the
+Spaniards in drawing the timber to construct their barges. The hostile
+Indians on the opposite bank frequently crossed in their canoes, and
+attacking small bands of workmen, showered upon them volleys of
+arrows, and fled again to their boats.
+
+One day the Spaniards, while at work, saw two hundred canoes filled
+with natives, in one united squadron, descending the river. It was a
+beautiful sight to witness this fleet, crowded with decorated and
+plumed warriors, their paddles, ornaments, and burnished weapons
+flashing in the sunlight. They came in true military style: several
+warriors standing at the bows and stern of each boat, with large
+shields of buffalo hides on their left arms, and with bows and arrows
+in their hands. De Soto advanced to the shore to meet them, where he
+stood surrounded by his staff. The royal barge containing the chief
+was paddled within a few rods of the bank. The Cacique then rose, and
+addressed De Soto in words which were translated by the interpreter as
+follows:
+
+"I am informed that you are the envoy of the most powerful monarch on
+the globe. I have come to proffer to you friendship and homage, and to
+assure you of my assistance in any way in which I can be of service."
+
+De Soto thanked him heartily for his offers, and entreated him to
+land, assuring him he should meet only the kindest reception. The
+following extraordinary account of the termination of this interview,
+a termination which seems incredible, is given in the "Conquest of
+Florida:"
+
+     "The Cacique returned no answer, but sent three canoes on
+     shore with presents of fruit, and bread made of the pulp of
+     a certain kind of plum. The Governor again importuned the
+     savage to land, but perceiving him to hesitate, and
+     suspecting a treacherous and hostile intent, marshalled his
+     men in order of battle. Upon this the Indians turned their
+     prows and fled.
+
+     "The cross-bowmen sent a flight of arrows after them, and
+     killed five or six of their number. They retreated in good
+     order, covering the rowers with their shields. Several times
+     after this they landed to attack the soldiers, as was
+     supposed, but the moment the Spaniards charged upon them
+     they fled to their canoes."
+
+If this account be true, the attack by the Spaniards was as
+inexcusable as it was senseless. At the end of twenty days the four
+barges were built and launched. In the darkness of the night De Soto
+ordered them to be well manned with rowers and picked troops of tried
+prudence and courage. The moment the bows touched the beach the
+soldiers sprang ashore, to their surprise encountering no resistance.
+The boats immediately returned for another load. Rapidly they passed
+to and fro, and before the sun went down at the close of that day, the
+whole army was transported to the western bank of the Mississippi. The
+point where De Soto and his army crossed, it is supposed, was at what
+is called the lowest Chickasaw Bluff.
+
+    "The river in this place," says the Portuguese Narrative,
+    "was a mile and a half in breadth, so that a man standing
+    still could scarcely be discerned from the opposite shore. It
+    was of great depth, of wonderful rapidity, and very turbid,
+    and was always filled with floating trees and timber, carried
+    down by the force of the current."
+
+The army having all crossed, the boats were broken up, as usual, to
+preserve the nails. It would seem that the hostile Indians had all
+vanished, for the Spaniards advanced four days in a westerly
+direction, through an uninhabited wilderness, encountering no
+opposition. On the fifth day they toiled up a heavy swell of land,
+from whose summit they discerned, in a valley on the other side, a
+large village of about four hundred dwellings. It was situated on the
+fertile banks of a stream, which is supposed to have been the St.
+Francis.
+
+The extended valley, watered by this river, presented a lovely view as
+far as the eye could reach, with luxuriant fields of Indian corn and
+with groves of fruit trees. The natives had received some intimation
+of the approach of the Spaniards, and in friendly crowds gathered
+around them, offering food and the occupancy of their houses. Two of
+the highest chieftains, subordinate to the Cacique, soon came with an
+imposing train of warriors, bearing a welcome from their chief and the
+offer of his services.
+
+De Soto received them with the utmost courtesy, and in the interchange
+of these friendly offices, both Spaniards and natives became alike
+pleased with each other. The adventurers remained in this village for
+six days, finding abundant food for themselves and their horses, and
+experiencing in the friendship and hospitality of the natives, joys
+which certainly never were found in the horrors of war. The province
+was called by the name of Kaska, and was probably the same as that
+occupied by the Kaskaskias Indians.
+
+Upon commencing anew their march they passed through a populous and
+well cultivated country, where peace, prosperity and abundance seemed
+to reign. In two days, having journeyed about twenty miles up the
+western bank of the Mississippi, they approached the chief town of the
+province where the Cacique lived. It was situated, as is supposed, in
+the region now called Little Prairie, in the extreme southern part of
+the State of Missouri, not far from New Madrid. Here they found the
+hospitable hands of the Cacique and his people extended to greet them.
+
+The residence of the chief stood upon a broad artificial mound,
+sufficiently capacious for twelve or thirteen houses, which were
+occupied by his numerous family and attendants. He made De Soto a
+present of a rich fur mantle, and invited him, with his suite, to
+occupy the royal dwellings for their residence. De Soto politely
+declined this offer, as he was unwilling thus to incommode his kind
+entertainer. He, however, accepted the accommodation of several houses
+in the village. The remainder of the army were lodged in exceedingly
+pleasant bowers, skilfully, and very expeditiously constructed by the
+natives, of bark and the green boughs of trees, outside the village.
+
+It was now the month of May. The weather was intensely hot, and these
+rustic bowers were found to be refreshingly cool and grateful. The
+name of this friendly chief was Casquin. Here the army remained for
+three days, without a ripple of unfriendly feeling arising between the
+Spaniards and the natives.
+
+It was a season of unusual drouth in the country, and on the fourth
+day the following extraordinary incident occurred: Casquin,
+accompanied by quite an imposing retinue of his most distinguished
+men, came into the presence of De Soto, and stepping forward, with
+great solemnity of manner, said to him,--
+
+"Senor, as you are superior to us in prowess and surpass us in arms,
+we likewise believe that your God is better than our God. These you
+behold before you are the chief warriors of my dominions. We
+supplicate you to pray to your God to send us rain, for our fields are
+parched for the want of water."
+
+De Soto, who was a reflective man, of pensive temperament and devoutly
+inclined, responded,--
+
+"We are all alike sinners, but we will pray to God, the Father of
+mercies, to show his kindness to you."
+
+He then ordered the carpenter to cut down one of the tallest pine
+trees in the vicinity. It was carefully trimmed and formed into a
+perfect, but gigantic cross. Its dimensions were such, that it
+required the strength of one hundred men to raise and plant it in the
+ground. Two days were employed in this operation. The cross stood upon
+a bluff, on the western bank of the Mississippi. The next morning
+after it was reared, the whole Spanish army was called out to
+celebrate the erection of the cross, by a solemn religious procession.
+A large number of the natives, with apparent devoutness, joined in the
+festival.
+
+Casquin and De Soto took the lead, walking side by side. The Spanish
+soldiers and the native warriors, composing a procession of more than
+a thousand persons, walked harmoniously along as brothers, to
+commemorate the erection of the cross--the symbol of the Christian's
+faith. The Cross! It should be the emblem of peace on earth and good
+will among men. Alas! how often has it been the badge of cruelty and
+crime.
+
+The priests, for there were several in the army, chanted their
+Christian hymns, and offered fervent prayers. The Mississippi at this
+point is not very broad, and it is said that upon the opposite bank
+twenty thousand natives were assembled, watching with intensest
+interest the imposing ceremony, and apparently, at times, taking part
+in the exercises. When the priests raised their hands in prayer, they,
+too, extended their arms and raised their eyes, as if imploring the
+aid of the God of heaven and of earth.
+
+Occasionally a low moan was heard wafted across the river--a wailing
+cry, as if woe-stricken children were imploring the aid of an Almighty
+Father. The spirit of De Soto was deeply moved to tenderness and
+sympathy as he witnessed this benighted people paying such homage to
+the emblem of man's redemption. After several prayers were offered,
+the whole procession, slowly advancing two by two, knelt before the
+cross, as in brief ejaculatory prayer, and kissed it. All then
+returned with the same solemnity to the village, the priests chanting
+the grand anthem, "Te Deum Laudamus."
+
+Thus more than three hundred years ago the cross, significant of the
+religion of Jesus, was planted upon the banks of the Mississippi, and
+the melody of Christian hymns was wafted across the silent waters, and
+was blended with the sighing of the breeze through the tree-tops. It
+is sad to reflect how little of the spirit of that religion has since
+been manifested in those realms in man's treatment of his brother man.
+
+It is worthy of especial notice that upon the night succeeding this
+eventful day clouds gathered, and the long-looked-for rain fell
+abundantly. The devout Las Casas writes:
+
+    "God, in his mercy, willing to show these heathen that he
+    listeneth to those who call upon him in truth, sent down, in
+    the middle of the ensuing night, a plenteous rain, to the
+    great joy of the Indians."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+_Vagrant Wanderings._
+
+     Trickery of Casquin.--The March to Capaha.--The Battle and
+     its Results.--Friendly Relations with Capaha.--The Return
+     Journey.--The Marsh Southward.--Salt Springs.--The Savages
+     of Tula.--Their Ferocity.--Anecdote.--Despondency of De
+     Soto.
+
+
+It is painful to recall the mind from these peaceful, joy-giving,
+humanizing scenes of religion, to barbaric war--its crime, carnage,
+and misery. It is an affecting comment upon the fall of man, that far
+away in this wilderness, among these tribes that might so have blessed
+and cheered each other by fraternal love, war seems to have been the
+normal condition. After a residence of nine days in this village,
+beneath truly sunny skies, in the enjoyment of abundance, and cheered
+by fruits, flowers, and bird-songs, the Spanish army again commenced
+its march in the wild and apparently senseless search for gold.
+
+The Cacique, Casquin, was about fifty years of age. He begged
+permission to accompany De Soto to the next province, with his whole
+army in its best military array, and with a numerous band of
+attendants to carry provisions and to gather wood and fodder for the
+encampments. De Soto cheerfully accepted this friendly offer. But he
+soon found that it was hatred, not love, which was the impelling
+motive; that the chief was incited by a desire to make war, not to
+cultivate peace. The chief of the next province was a redoubtable
+warrior named Capaha. His territories were extensive; his subjects
+numerous and martial. Time out of mind there had been warfare between
+these two provinces, the subjects of each hating each other
+implacably.
+
+Capaha had in recent conflicts been quite the victor, and Casquin
+thought this a good opportunity, with the Spaniards for his powerful
+allies, to take signal vengeance upon his foe. Of this De Soto, at the
+time, knew nothing.
+
+The army commenced its march. There were five thousand native warriors
+who accompanied him, plumed, painted, and armed in the highest style
+of savage art. There were three thousand attendants, who bore the
+supplies, and who were also armed with bows and arrows. Casquin, with
+his troops, took the lead; wishing, as he said, to clear the road of
+any obstructions, to drive off any lurking foes, and to prepare at
+night the ground for the comfortable encampment of the Spaniards. His
+troops were in a good state of military discipline, and marched in
+well organized array about a mile and a half in advance of the
+Spaniards.
+
+Thus they travelled for three uneventful days, until they reached an
+immense swamp, extending back unknown miles from the Mississippi. This
+was the frontier line which bordered the hostile provinces of Casquin
+and Capaha. Crossing it with much difficulty, they encamped upon a
+beautiful prairie upon the northern side. A journey of two days
+through a sparsely inhabited country brought them to the more fertile
+and populous region of the new province. Here they found the capital
+of the Cacique. It was a well fortified town of about five hundred
+large houses, situated upon elevated land, which commanded an
+extensive view of the country around. One portion of the town was
+protected by a deep ditch, one hundred and fifty feet broad. The
+higher portion was defended by a strong palisade. The ditch, or canal,
+connected with the Mississippi river, which was nine miles distant.
+
+Capaha, hearing suddenly of the arrival of so formidable a force, fled
+down the canal in a curve, to an island in the river, where he
+summoned his warriors to meet him as speedily as possible. Casquin,
+marching as usual a mile and a half in advance, finding the town
+unprotected, and almost abandoned, entered and immediately commenced
+all the ravages of savage warfare. One hundred men, women and
+children, caught in the place, were immediately seized, the men killed
+and scalped, the women and boys made captives. To gratify their
+vengeance, they broke into the mausoleum, held so sacred by the
+Indians, where the remains of all the great men of the tribe had been
+deposited. They broke open the coffins, scattered the remains over the
+floor and trampled them beneath their feet.
+
+It is said that Casquin, would have set fire to the mausoleum, and
+laid it and the whole village in ashes, but that he feared that he
+might thus incur the anger of De Soto. When the Governor arrived and
+saw what ravages had been committed by those who had come as his
+companions, friends and allies, he was greatly distressed. Immediately
+he sent envoys to Capaha on the island, assuring him of his regret in
+view of the outrages; that neither he, nor his soldiers, had in the
+slightest degree participated in them, and that he sought only
+friendly relations with the Cacique.
+
+Capaha, who was a proud warrior, and who had retired but for a little
+time that he might marshal his armies to take vengeance on the
+invaders, returned an indignant and defiant answer; declaring that he
+sought no peace; but that he would wage war to the last extremity.
+
+Again De Soto found himself in what may be called a false position.
+The chief Capaha and his people were exasperated against him in the
+highest degree. The nation was one of the most numerous and powerful
+on the Mississippi. Should the eight thousand allies, who had
+accompanied him from Kaska, and who had plunged him into these
+difficulties, withdraw, he would be left entirely at the mercy of
+these fierce warriors. From ten to twenty thousand might rush upon his
+little band, now numbering but about four hundred, and their utter
+extermination could hardly be doubtful. Under these circumstances he
+decided to attempt to conquer a peace. Still he made other efforts,
+but in vain, to conciliate the justly enraged chieftain. He then
+prepared for war. However severely he may be censured for this
+decision, it is the duty of the impartial historian to state those
+facts which may in some degree modify the severity of judgment.
+
+A large number of canoes were prepared, in which two hundred Spaniards
+and three thousand Indians embarked to attack Capaha upon his island,
+before he had time to collect a resistless force of warriors. They
+found the island covered with a dense forest, and the chief and his
+troops strongly intrenched. The battle was fought with great fury, the
+Spanish soldiers performing marvellous feats of bravery, strength and
+endurance. The warriors of Capaha, who fought with courage equal to
+that of the Spaniards, and struck such dismay into the more timid
+troops of Casquin, that they abandoned their allies and fled
+tumultuously to their canoes, and swiftly paddled away.
+
+De Soto, thus left to bear the whole brunt of the hostile army, was
+also compelled to retreat. He did this in good order, and might have
+suffered terribly in the retreat but for the singular and, at the
+time, unaccountable fact that Capaha withdrew his warriors and allowed
+the Spaniards to embark unmolested. It would seem that the sagacious
+chieftain, impressed by the wonderful martial prowess displayed by the
+Spaniards, and by the reiterated proffers of peace and friendship
+which had been made to him, and despising the pusillanimity of the
+troops of Casquin, whom he had always been in the habit of conquering,
+thought that by detaching the Spaniards from them he could convert De
+Soto and his band into friends and allies. Then he could fall upon the
+Indian army, and glut his vengeance, by repaying them tenfold for all
+the outrages they had committed.
+
+Accordingly, the next morning, four ambassadors of highest rank
+visited the Spanish encampment. De Soto and Casquin were together. The
+ambassadors bowed to De Soto with profound reverence, but
+disdainfully took no notice whatever of Casquin. The speaker then
+said,--
+
+"We have come, in the name of our chief, to implore the oblivion of
+the past and to offer to you his friendship and homage."
+
+De Soto was greatly relieved by the prospect of this termination of
+the difficulties in which he had found himself involved. He treated
+the envoys with great affability, reciprocated all their friendly
+utterances, and they returned to Capaha highly pleased with their
+reception.
+
+Casquin was very indignant. He did everything in his power to excite
+the hostility of De Soto against Capaha, but all was in vain. The
+Governor was highly displeased with the trick Casquin had played upon
+him, in setting out on a military expedition under the guise of an
+honorary escort. He despised the cowardice which Casquin's troops had
+evinced in the battle, and he respected the courage which Capaha had
+exhibited, and the frankness and magnanimity of his conduct. He
+therefore issued orders to his own and the native army that no one
+should inflict any injury whatever, either upon the persons or the
+property of the natives of the province. He allowed Casquin to remain
+in his camp and under his protection for a few days, but compelled
+him to send immediately home the whole body of his followers,
+retaining merely enough vassals for his personal service.
+
+The next morning Capaha himself, accompanied by a train of one hundred
+of his warriors, fearlessly returned to his village. He must have had
+great confidence in the integrity of De Soto, for by this act he
+placed himself quite in the power of the Spaniards. Immediately upon
+entering the village, he visited the desecrated mausoleum of his
+ancestors, and in silent indignation repaired, as far as possible, the
+injury which had been done. He then proceeded to the headquarters of
+De Soto. The Spanish Governor and Casquin were seated together.
+
+Capaha was about twenty-six years of age, of very fine person and of
+frank and winning manners. With great cordiality he approached De
+Soto, reiterating his proffers of friendship, and his earnest desire
+that kindly feelings should be cherished between them. Casquin he
+treated with utter disdain, paying no more attention to him than if he
+had not been present. For some time the Indian Cacique and the Spanish
+Governor conversed together with perfect frankness and cordiality. A
+slight pause occurring in their discourse, Capaha fixed his eyes
+sternly for a moment upon Casquin and said, in tones of strong
+indignation,--
+
+"You, Casquin, undoubtedly exult in the thought that you have revenged
+your past defeats. This you never could have done through your own
+strength. You are indebted to these strangers for what you have
+accomplished. Soon they will go on their way. But we shall be left in
+this country as we were before. We shall then meet again. Pray to the
+gods that they may send us good weather."
+
+De Soto humanely did everything in his power to promote reconciliation
+between the hostile chieftains. But all was in vain. Though they
+treated each other with civility, he observed frequent interchanges of
+angry glances.
+
+The Spaniards found, in this town, a great variety of valuable skins
+of deer, panthers, buffalo and bears. Taught by the Indians, the
+Spaniards made themselves very comfortable moccasons of deerskin, and
+also strong bucklers, impervious to arrows, of buffalo hide.
+
+After making minute and anxious inquiries for gold, and ascertaining
+that there was none to be found in that direction, De Soto turned his
+desponding steps backwards to Kaska. Here he remained for four days,
+preparing for a march to the southward. He then continued his progress
+nine days down the western bank of the river, until, on the fourth of
+August, he reached a province called Quigate. His path had led him
+through a populous country, but the Indians made no attempt to molest
+his movements. It is supposed that Quigate must have been on the White
+river, about forty or fifty miles from its mouth. Here De Soto learned
+that, faraway in the northwest there was a range of mountains, and
+there he thought might perhaps be the gold region of which he had so
+long been in search.
+
+Immediately he put his soldiers in motion, led by a hope which was
+probably rejected by every mind in the army, except his own. A single
+Indian guide led them on a weary tramp for many days, through dreary
+morasses and tangled forests. They at length came to a village called
+Coligoa, which is supposed to have been upon the banks of White river.
+The natives at first fled in terror at their approach, but as no
+hostility was manifested by the Spaniards, they soon gained
+confidence, and returned with kind words and presents. But there was
+no gold there, and no visions of gold in the distance.
+
+The chief informed De Soto that there was a very rich and populous
+province about thirty miles to the south, where the inhabitants were
+in the enjoyment of a great abundance of the good things of life.
+Again the Spaniards took up their line of march in that direction.
+They found a fertile and quite thickly inhabited country on their
+route. The Indians were friendly, and seemed to have attained a
+degree of civilization superior to that of most of the tribes they had
+as yet visited. The walls of the better class of houses were hung with
+deerskins, so softly tanned and colored that they resembled beautiful
+tapestry. The floors were also neatly carpeted with richly decorated
+skins.
+
+The Spaniards seem to have travelled very slowly, for nine days were
+occupied in reaching Tanico, in the Cayas country, which was situated
+probably upon Saline river, a branch of the Washita. Here they found
+some salt springs, and remained several days to obtain a supply of
+salt, of which they were greatly in need. Turning their steps towards
+the west, still groping blindly, hunting for gold, they journeyed four
+days through a barren and uninhabited region, when suddenly they
+emerged upon a wide and blooming prairie.
+
+In the centre, at the distance of about a couple of miles, between two
+pleasant streams, they saw quite a large village. It was mid-day, and
+the Governor encamped his army in the edge of the grove, on the
+borders of the plain. In the afternoon, with a strong party of horse
+and foot, he set out upon a reconnoitering excursion. As he approached
+the village the inhabitants, men and women, sallied forth and attacked
+him with great ferocity. De Soto was not a man ever to turn his back
+upon his assailants. The Spaniards drew their sabres, and, all being
+in armor, and led by charges of the horsemen, soon put the tumultuous
+savages to flight, and pursued them pell-mell into the village.
+
+The natives fought like tigers from doors, windows, and housetops. The
+exasperated Spaniards, smarting with their wounds, and seeing many of
+their comrades already slain, cut down their foes remorselessly. The
+women fell before their blows as well as the men, for the women fought
+with unrelenting fierceness which the Spaniards had never seen
+surpassed. Night came on while the battle still raged, with no
+prospect of its termination. De Soto withdrew his troops from the
+village, much vexed at having allowed himself to be drawn into so
+useless a conflict, where there was nothing to be gained, and where he
+had lost several valuable men in killed, while many more were wounded.
+
+The next morning De Soto put his whole army in motion and advanced
+upon the village. They found it utterly abandoned. Strong parties were
+sent out in all directions to capture some of the natives, that De
+Soto might endeavor to enter into friendly relations with them. But it
+seemed impossible to take any one alive. They were as untamable and as
+savage as bears and wolves, fighting against any odds to the last
+gasp. Both women and men were exceedingly ill-looking, with shapeless
+heads, which were said to have been deformed by the compression of
+bandages in infancy. The province was called Tula, and the village was
+situated, it is supposed, between the waters of the upper Washita and
+the little Missouri.
+
+The Spaniards remained in the village four days, when suddenly, in the
+darkness of midnight, the war-whoop resounded from three different
+directions, and three large bands of native warriors, who had so
+stealthily approached as to elude the vigilance of the sentinels,
+plunged into the village in a simultaneous attack. Egyptian darkness
+enveloped the combatants, and great was the confusion, for it was
+almost impossible to distinguish friend from foe. The Spaniards, to
+avoid wounding each other, incessantly shouted the name of the Virgin.
+The savages were armed with bows and arrows and with javelins, heavy,
+sharp-pointed, and nine or ten feet in length, which could be used
+either as clubs or pikes. Wielded by their sinewy arms, in a
+hand-to-hand fight, the javelin proved a very formidable weapon.
+
+The battle raged with unintermitted fury till the dawn of the morning.
+The savages then, at a given signal, fled simultaneously to the woods.
+The Spaniards did not pursue them. Thoroughly armored as they were,
+but four of their number were killed, but many were severely wounded.
+It was nearly twenty days before the wounded were so far convalescent
+that the army could resume its march. The following incident
+illustrates the almost unexampled ferocity of these barbaric warriors:
+
+The morning after the battle a large number of the Spanish soldiers,
+thoroughly armed, were exploring the fields around the village, on
+foot and on horseback. Three foot soldiers and two mounted men were in
+company. One of them saw in a thicket an Indian raise his head and
+immediately conceal it. The foot soldier ran up to kill him. The
+savage rose, and with a ponderous battle-axe which he had won from the
+Spaniards the day before, struck the shield of the Spaniard with such
+force as to cut it in two, at the same time severely wounding his arm.
+The blow was so violent and the wound so severe, that the soldier was
+rendered helpless. The savage then rushed upon another of the foot
+soldiers, and in the same way effectually disabled him.
+
+One of the horsemen, seeing his companions thus roughly handled, put
+spurs to his steed and charged upon the Indian. The savage sprang to
+the trunk of an oak tree, whose low hanging branches prevented the
+near approach of the trooper. Watching his opportunity, he sprang
+forth and struck the horse such a terrible blow with his axe as to
+render the animal utterly incapable of moving. Just at this moment the
+gallant Gonsalvo Sylvestre came up. The Indian rushed upon him,
+swinging his battle-axe in both hands; but Sylvestre warded the blow
+so that the axe glanced over his shield and buried its edge deeply in
+the ground.
+
+Instantly the keen sabre of Sylvestre fell upon the savage, laying
+open his face and breast with a fearful gash, and so severing his
+right hand from the arm that it hung only by the skin. The desperate
+Indian, seizing the axe between the bleeding stump and the other hand,
+attempted to strike another blow. Again Sylvestre warded off the axe
+with his shield, and with one blow of his sword upon the waist of the
+naked Indian so nearly cut his body in two that he fell dead at his
+feet.
+
+During the time the Spaniards tarried in Tula many foraging excursions
+were sent out to various parts of the province. The region was
+populous and fertile, but it was found impossible to conciliate in any
+degree the hostile inhabitants.
+
+Again the soldiers were in motion. They directed their steps towards
+the northwest, towards a province named Utiangue, which was said to be
+situated on the borders of a great lake, at the distance of about two
+hundred and forty miles. They hoped that this lake might prove an arm
+of the sea, through which they could open communications with their
+friends in Cuba, and return to them by water. The journey was
+melancholy in the extreme, through a desolate country occupied by
+wandering bands of ferocious savages, who were constantly assailing
+them from ambuscades by day and by night.
+
+At length they reached the village of Utiangue, the capital of the
+province. It was pleasantly situated on a fine plain upon the banks of
+a river, which was probably the Arkansas. Upon the approach of the
+Spaniards the inhabitants had abandoned the place, leaving their
+granaries well stocked with corn, beans, nuts, and plums. The meadows
+surrounding the town offered excellent pasturage for the horses. As
+the season was far advanced, De Soto decided to take up his winter
+quarters here. He fortified the place, surrounding it with strong
+palisades. To lay in ample stores for the whole winter, foraging
+parties were sent out, who returned laden with dried fruits, corn, and
+other grain.
+
+Deer ranged the forests in such numbers that large quantities of
+venison were obtained. Rabbits also were in abundance. The Cacique,
+who kept himself aloof, sent several messengers to De Soto, but they
+so manifestly came merely as spies, and always in the night, that De
+Soto gave orders that none should be admitted save in the daytime.
+One persisting to enter was killed by a sentinel. This put an end to
+all intercourse between De Soto and the chief; but the Spaniards were
+assaulted whenever the natives could take any advantage of them on
+their foraging expeditions.
+
+Here the Spaniards enjoyed on the whole, the most comfortable winter
+they had experienced since they entered Florida. Secure from attack in
+their fortified town, sheltered from the weather in their comfortable
+dwellings, and with a sufficient supply of food, they were almost
+happy, as they contrasted the comforts they then enjoyed with the
+frightful sufferings they had hitherto experienced. During the winter,
+the expedition met with a great loss from the death of its intelligent
+interpreter, Juan Ortiz. In reference to his services, Mr. Pickett
+says:
+
+    "Understanding only the Floridian language, he conducted
+    conversations through the Indians of different tribes who
+    understood each other and who attended the expedition. In
+    conversing with the Chickasaws, for instance, he commenced
+    with the Floridian, who carried the word to a Georgian, the
+    Georgian to the Coosa, the Coosa to the Mobilian, and the
+    latter to the Chickasaw. In the same tedious manner the reply
+    was conveyed to him and reported to De Soto."
+
+During the winter at Utiangue, the views and feelings of the Governor
+apparently experienced quite a change. His hopes of finding gold seem
+all to have vanished. He was far away in unknown wilds, having lost
+half his troops and nearly all his horses. The few horses that
+remained, were many of them lame, not having been shod for more than a
+year. He did not hesitate to confess, confidentially to his friends,
+his regret that he had not joined the ships at Pensacola. He now
+despairingly decided to abandon these weary and ruinous wanderings,
+and to return to the Mississippi river. Here he would establish a
+fortified colony, build a couple of brigantines, send them to Cuba
+with tidings of safety to his wife, and procure reinforcements and
+supplies. It seems that his pride would not allow him to return
+himself a ruined man to his friends.
+
+With the early spring he broke up his cantonment, and commenced a
+rapid march for the Mississippi. He had heard of a village called
+Anilco, at the mouth of a large stream emptying into that majestic
+river. They followed down the south side of the Arkansas river for ten
+days, when they crossed on rafts to the north or east side. It was
+probably the intention of De Soto to reach the Mississippi nearly at
+the point at which they had crossed it before.
+
+Continuing his journey through morasses and miry grounds, where the
+horses often waded up to their girths in water, where there were few
+inhabitants, and little food to be obtained, he at length reached the
+village of Anilco, and found it to be on the northern bank of the
+Arkansas river. Here he learned that, at the distance of some leagues
+to the south, there was a populous and fertile country such as he
+thought would be suitable for the establishment of his colony. Again
+he crossed the Arkansas river to the south side, and moving in a
+southerly direction reached the Mississippi at a village called
+Guachoya, about twenty miles below the mouth of the Arkansas river.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+_Death of De Soto._
+
+     Ascent of the Mississippi.--Revenge of Guachoya.--Sickness
+     of De Soto.--Affecting Leave-taking.--His Death and
+     Burial.--The March for Mexico.--Return to the
+     Mississippi.--Descent of the River.--Dispersion of the
+     Expedition.--Death of Isabella.
+
+
+The village of Guachoya was situated on a bluff on the western bank of
+the Mississippi, and was strongly fortified with palisades. De Soto
+succeeded in establishing friendly relations with the chief, and was
+hospitably entertained within the town. The Cacique and Governor ate
+at the same table, and were served by Indian attendants. Still, for
+some unexplained reason, the Cacique with his warriors retired at
+sunset in their canoes, to the eastern side of the Mississippi, and
+did not return till after sunrise the next morning.
+
+De Soto's great anxiety now was to get access to the ocean. But he
+could not learn that the Cacique had ever heard of such a body of
+water. He then sent Juan de Anasco with eight horsemen to follow down
+the banks of the river in search of the sea. They returned in eight
+days, having explored but about fifty miles, in consequence of the
+windings of the stream and the swamps which bordered its banks. Upon
+this discouraging information, the Governor decided to build two
+brigantines at Guachoya, and to establish his colony upon some fertile
+fields which he had passed between Anilco and that place. This
+rendered it very important for him to secure abiding friendly
+relations with the chiefs of both of these provinces.
+
+The territory indeed upon which he intended to settle, was within the
+province of Anilco, and on the north bank of the Arkansas. The chief
+Guachoya, very kindly offered to supply De Soto with eighty large and
+many small canoes with which a portion of his force with the baggage
+could ascend the Mississippi, twenty-one miles to the mouth of the
+Arkansas, and then ascending that stream about forty miles would reach
+the point selected for the settlement. The Governor and the chief,
+with united military force in light marching order, would proceed by
+land so as to reach the spot about the same time as the canoes.
+
+Four thousand Indian warriors embarked in these canoes, and in three
+days accomplished the voyage. At the same time, the land forces
+commenced their march. The Cacique led two thousand warriors, besides
+the attendants. Mr. Irving writes:
+
+     "The two expeditions arrived safely at the time opposite the
+     village. The chief of Anilco was absent, but the inhabitants
+     of the place made a stand at the pass of the river. Nuno
+     Tobar fell furiously upon them with a party of horse. Eager
+     for the fight, they charged so heedlessly that each trooper
+     found himself surrounded by a band of Indians. The poor
+     savages, however, were so panic-stricken that they turned
+     their backs upon the village, and fled in wild disorder to
+     the forests, amid the shouts of the pursuers, and the
+     shrieks and cries of the women and children.
+
+     "On entering the conquered village, they massacred all they
+     met, being chiefly old men, women and children, inflicting
+     the most horrible barbarities.
+
+     "In all this they acted in such fury and haste, that the
+     mischief was effected almost before De Soto was aware of it.
+     He put an end to the carnage as speedily as possible,
+     reprimanded the Cacique severely, forbade any one to set
+     fire to a house, or injure an Indian under pain of death,
+     and hastened to leave the village, taking care that the
+     Indian allies should be the first to pass the river, and
+     none remained behind to do mischief."
+
+From this untoward enterprise De Soto returned to the village of
+Guachoya, renouncing all idea of establishing his colony in Anilco. He
+immediately commenced with all energy building his two brigantines,
+while he looked anxiously about in search of some region of fertility
+and abundance, where his army could repose till the envoys should
+bring back a sufficient fleet to transport those to Cuba who should
+wish to return there, and could also bring those reinforcements and
+supplies essential to the establishment of the colony. The river at
+this point was about a mile and a half in width. The country on both
+sides was rich in fertility, and thickly inhabited.
+
+Upon the eastern bank there was a province called Quigualtanqui, of
+which De Soto heard such glowing reports that he sent an exploring
+party to examine the country. By fastening four canoes together, he
+succeeded in transporting the horses across the stream. To his
+disappointment he found the Cacique deadly hostile. He sent word to De
+Soto that he would wage a war of utter extermination against him and
+his people, should they attempt to invade his territories.
+
+Care, fatigue and sorrow now began to show their traces upon the
+Governor. He could not disguise the deep despondency which oppressed
+him. His step became feeble, his form emaciate, his countenance
+haggard. A weary, grief-worn pilgrim, he was in a mood to welcome
+death, as life presented him nothing more to hope for. A slow fever
+aggravated by the climate, placed him upon a sick bed. Here, the
+victim of the most profound melancholy, he was informed that the
+powerful chief, Quigualtanqui, was forming a league of all the
+neighboring tribes for the extermination of the Spaniards. De Soto's
+arm was paralyzed and his heart was broken. He had fought his last
+battle. His words were few; his despondency oppressed all who
+approached his bedside. Day after day the malady increased until the
+fever rose so high, that it was manifest to De Soto, and to all his
+companions, that his last hour was at hand.
+
+Calmly and with the piety of a devout Catholic, he prepared for death.
+Luis De Moscoso was appointed his successor in command of the army,
+and also the successor of whatever authority and titles De Soto might
+possess, as Governor of Florida. He called together the officers and
+most prominent soldiers, and with the trembling voice of a dying man
+administered to them the oath of obedience to Moscoso. He then called
+to his bedside, in groups of three persons, the cavaliers who had so
+faithfully followed him through his long and perilous adventures, and
+took an affectionate leave of them. The common soldiers were then, in
+groups of about twenty, brought into the death chamber, and tenderly
+he bade them adieu.
+
+These war-worn veterans wept bitterly in taking leave of their beloved
+chief. It is worthy of record that he urged them to do all in their
+power to convert the natives to the Christian religion; that he
+implored the forgiveness of all whom he had in any way offended; and
+entreated them to live as brothers, loving and helping one another. On
+the seventh day after he was attacked by the fever, he expired.
+
+    "He died," writes the Inca, "like a Catholic Christian,
+    imploring mercy of the most Holy Trinity, relying on the
+    protection of the blood of Jesus Christ our Lord, and the
+    intercession of the Virgin and of all the celestial court,
+    and in the faith of the Roman church. With these words
+    repeated many times, he resigned his soul to God; this
+    magnanimous and never-conquered cavalier, worthy of great
+    dignities and titles, and deserving a better historian than a
+    rude Indian."
+
+Thus perished De Soto, in the forty-second year of his age. His life,
+almost from the cradle to the grave, had been filled with care,
+disappointment and sorrow. When we consider the age in which he lived,
+the influences by which he was surrounded, and the temptations to
+which he was exposed, it must be admitted that he developed many noble
+traits of character, and that great allowances should be made for his
+defects.
+
+The Governor had won the confidence and affection of his army to an
+extraordinary degree. He was ever courteous in his demeanor, and kind
+in his treatment. He shared all the hardships of his soldiers, placed
+himself in the front in the hour of peril, and was endowed with that
+wonderful muscular strength and energy which enabled him by his
+achievements often to win the admiration of all his troops. His death
+overwhelmed the army with grief. They feared to have it known by the
+natives, for his renown as a soldier was such as to hold them in awe.
+
+It was apprehended that should his death be known, the natives would
+be encouraged to revolt, and to fall with exterminating fury upon the
+handful of Spaniards now left in the land. They therefore "buried him
+silently at dead of night." Sentinels were carefully posted to prevent
+the approach of any of the natives. A few torches lighted the
+procession to a sandy plain near the encampment, where his body was
+interred, with no salute fired over his grave or even any dirge
+chanted by the attendant priests. The ground was carefully smoothed
+over so as to obliterate as far as possible all traces of the burial.
+
+The better to conceal his death, word was given out the next morning
+that he was much better, and a joyous festival was arranged in honor
+of his convalescence. Still the natives were not deceived. They
+suspected that he was dead, and even guessed the place of his burial.
+This was indicated by the fact that they frequently visited the spot,
+looking around with great interest, and talking together with much
+volubility.
+
+One mode of revenge adopted by the natives was to disinter the body of
+an enemy and expose the remains to every species of insult. It was
+feared that as soon as the Spaniards should have withdrawn from the
+region, the body of De Soto might be found and exposed to similar
+outrages. It was therefore decided to take up the remains and sink it
+in the depths of the river.
+
+In the night, Juan De Anasco, with one or two companions, embarked in
+a canoe, and, by sounding, found a place in the channel of the river
+nearly a hundred and twenty feet deep. They cut down an evergreen oak,
+whose wood is almost as solid and heavy as lead, gouged out a place in
+it sufficiently large to receive the body, and nailed over the top a
+massive plank. The body, thus placed in its final coffin, was taken at
+midnight to the centre of the river, where it immediately sank to its
+deep burial. The utmost silence was preserved, and every precaution
+adopted to conceal the movement from all but those engaged in the
+enterprise.
+
+    "The discoverer of the Mississippi," writes the Inca, "slept
+    beneath its waters. He had crossed a large part of the
+    continent in search of gold, and found nothing so remarkable
+    as his burial-place."
+
+Upon the death of De Soto, a council of war was held to decide what to
+do in the new attitude of affairs. In their exhausted state, and with
+their diminished numbers, they could not think of attempting a march
+back for hundreds of leagues through hostile nations, to Tampa Bay. It
+would take a long time to build their brigantines and to await an
+arrival from Cuba. In the meantime there was great danger that they
+might be attacked and destroyed by the powerful league then forming
+against them.
+
+A rumor had reached them that a large number of Spaniards were in
+Mexico, not very far to the westward; that they were powerful in
+numbers, conquering all before them, and enriching themselves with the
+spoils of a majestic empire. It was consequently determined to march
+with all speed in that direction, and join this Spanish army in its
+career of Mexican conquest.
+
+Early in the month of June they commenced their march in a line due
+west. Their geographical knowledge was so limited that they were not
+aware that they were in a latitude far above the renowned city of the
+Montezumas.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Day after day the troops pressed on, through many sufferings and weary
+marches. On the way, one of their number, Diego De Guzman, a very
+ambitious young cavalier of high rank and wealthy connections, fell so
+passionately in love with the beautiful daughter of a Cacique that he
+deserted from the army to remain with her. She was but eighteen years
+of age, of very amiable spirit, and of unusual gracefulness of form
+and loveliness of feature. Moscoso sent an embassy to the Cacique,
+demanding the return of Guzman as a deserter, and threatening, in case
+of refusal, to lay waste his territory with fire and sword. The chief
+sent back the heroic reply--
+
+"I have used no force to detain Diego De Guzman. I shall use no force
+to compel him to depart. On the contrary I shall treat him as a
+son-in-law, with all honor and kindness, and shall do the same with
+any others of the strangers who may choose to remain with me. If for
+thus doing my duty you think proper to lay waste my lands and slay my
+people, you can do so. The power is in your hands."
+
+It would seem that this manly reply disarmed Moscoso, for the Spanish
+army continued its journey, leaving Guzman behind. Onward and still
+onward the weary men pressed, wading morasses, forcing their way
+through tangled forests, crossing rivers on rafts; now hungry and now
+thirsty, again enjoying abundance; sometimes encountering hostility
+from the natives, when they took fearful vengeance, applying the torch
+to their villages; and again enjoying the hospitality of the natives,
+until having traversed a region of about three hundred miles in
+breadth, they supposed they had reached the confines of Mexico.
+
+They had no suitable interpreters with them. The most contrary
+impressions were received from the attempts they made to obtain
+intelligence from the Indians. Lured by false hopes, they wandered
+about here and there, ever disappointed in their hopes of finding the
+white men. Entering a vast uninhabited region, they found their food
+exhausted, and but for the roots and herbs they dug up, would have
+perished from hunger.
+
+The Spaniards were in despair. They were lost in savage wilds,
+surrounded by a barbarous and hostile people, with whom, for want of
+an interpreter, they could hold no intelligible communication. They
+had now been wandering in these bewildering mazes for three months.
+Mountains were rising before them; dense forests were around. They had
+probably reached the hunting-grounds of the Pawnees and Comanches. It
+was the month of October; winter would soon be upon them. A council of
+war was called, and after much agitating debate, it was at length
+decided, as the only refuge from perishing in the wilderness, to
+retrace their steps to the Mississippi.
+
+Forlorn, indeed, were their prospects now. They had made no attempt to
+conciliate the natives through whose provinces they had passed, and
+they could expect to encounter only hostility upon every step of their
+return. The country also, devastated in their advance, could afford
+but little succor in their retreat. Their worst fears were realized.
+Though they made forced marches, often with weary feet, late into the
+night, they were constantly falling into ambuscades, and had an almost
+incessant battle to fight.
+
+Before they reached the Arkansas river the severe weather of winter
+set in. They were drenched with rains, pierced with freezing gales,
+and covered with the mud through which they were always wading. Their
+European clothing had long since vanished. Their grotesque and
+uncomfortable dress consisted principally of skins belted around their
+waists and over their shoulders; they were bare-legged. Many of them
+had neither shoes nor sandals; a few had moccasons made of skins. In
+addition to all this, and hardest to be borne, their spirits were all
+broken, and they were sunk in despondency which led them to the very
+verge of despair.
+
+Every day some died. One day, seven dropped by the wayside. The
+Spaniards could hardly stop to give them burial, for hostile Indians
+were continually rising before, behind, and on each side of them. At
+length, early in December, they reached the banks of the Mississippi
+near the mouth of the Arkansas.
+
+The noble army with which De Soto left Spain but three and a half
+years before, had dwindled away to about three hundred and fifty men;
+and many of these gained this refuge only to die. Fifty of these
+wanderers, exhausted by hunger, toil and sorrow, found repose in the
+grave. Soon the survivors commenced building seven brigantines to take
+them back to Cuba. They had one ship-carpenter left, and several other
+mechanics. Swords, stirrups, chains, cutlasses, and worn out
+fire-arms, were wrought into spikes. Ropes were made from grass. The
+Indians proved friendly, furnishing them with food, and aiding them in
+their labors.
+
+The hostile chief of whom we have before spoken, Quigualtanqui, on the
+eastern bank of the river, began to renew his efforts to form a
+hostile league against the Spaniards. He was continually sending spies
+into the camp. Moscoso was a merciless man. One day thirty Indians
+came into the town as spies, but under pretence of bringing presents
+of food, and messages of kindness from their Cacique. Moscoso thought
+he had ample evidence of their treachery. Cruelly he ordered the right
+hand of every one of these chiefs to be chopped off with a hatchet,
+and thus mutilated, sent them back to the Cacique as a warning to
+others.
+
+Moscoso, conscious of the peril of his situation, made the utmost
+haste to complete his fleet. It consisted of seven large barques, open
+save at the bows and stern. The bulwarks were mainly composed of
+hides. Each barque had seven oars on a side. This frail squadron was
+soon afloat, and the Governor and his diminished bands embarked.
+
+It was on the evening of the second of July, just as the sun was
+setting, when they commenced their descent of the majestic
+Mississippi, leading they knew not where. They had succeeded in
+fabricating sails of matting woven from grass. With such sails and
+oars, they set out to voyage over unexplored seas, without a chart,
+and without a compass. The current of the river was swift and their
+descent rapid. They occasionally landed to seize provisions wherever
+they were to be found, and to take signal vengeance on any who opposed
+them.
+
+It seems that the Indians, during the winter, had been collecting a
+fleet, manned with warriors, to cut off the retreat of the Spaniards.
+This fleet consisted of a large number of canoes, sufficiently
+capacious to hold from thirty to seventy warriors, in addition to
+from thirteen to twenty-four men with paddles. They could move with
+great rapidity.
+
+Two days after embarking, the Spaniards met this formidable fleet. The
+natives attacked them with great ferocity, circling around the
+cumbrous brigantines, discharging upon them showers of arrows, and
+withdrawing at their pleasure. This assault, which was continued
+almost without intermission for seven days and nights, was attended by
+hideous yells and war-songs. Though the Spaniards were protected by
+their bulwarks and their shields, nearly every one received some
+wound. All the horses but eight were killed.
+
+On the sixteenth day of the voyage four small boats, containing in all
+fifty-five men, which had pushed out a little distance from the
+brigantines, were cut off by the natives, and all but seven perished.
+The natives now retired from pursuing their foes, and with exultant
+yells of triumph turned their bows up the river and soon disappeared
+from sight.
+
+On the twentieth day they reached the Gulf. Here they anchored their
+fleet to a low marshy island, a mere sand bank, surrounded with a vast
+mass of floating timber. Again a council was held to decide what
+course was to be pursued. They had no nautical instruments, and they
+knew not in what direction to seek for Cuba. It was at length decided
+that as their brigantines could not stand any rough usage of a stormy
+sea, their only safety consisted in creeping cautiously along the
+shore towards the west in search of their companions in Mexico. They
+could thus run into creeks and bays in case of storms, and could
+occasionally land for supplies.
+
+It was three o'clock in the afternoon when they again made sail. There
+was much division of counsel among them; much diversity of opinion as
+to the best course to be pursued; and the authority of Moscoso was but
+little regarded. They had many adventures for fifty-three days, as
+they coasted slowly along to the westward. Then a violent gale arose,
+a norther, which blew with unabated fury for twenty-six hours. In this
+gale the little fleet became separated. The brigantines contained
+about fifty men each. Five of them succeeded in running into a little
+bay for shelter. Two were left far behind, and finding it impossible
+to overtake their companions, as the wind was directly ahead, and as
+there was danger of their foundering during the night, though with
+quarrels among themselves, they ran their two vessels upon a sand
+beach and escaped to the shore.
+
+Moscoso, with the five brigantines, had entered the river Panuco, now
+called Tampico. Here he found, to his great joy, that his countrymen
+had quite a flourishing colony, and that they had reared quite a
+large town, called Panuco, at a few miles up the stream. They kissed
+the very ground for joy, and abandoning their storm-shattered
+brigantines, commenced a tumultuous march towards the town. They were
+received with great hospitality. The Mayor took Moscoso into his own
+house, and the rest of the party were comfortably provided for.
+
+It is worthy of note that one of their first acts was to repair to the
+church to thank God for their signal deliverance from so many perils.
+They were soon joined by their shipwrecked comrades. They numbered
+only three hundred, and they resembled wild beasts rather than men,
+with uncut and uncombed hair and beard, haggard with fatigue,
+blackened from exposure, and clad only in the skins of bears, deer,
+buffaloes, and other animals. Here their military organization ended.
+
+For twenty-five days they remained at Panuco; a riotous band of
+disappointed and reckless men, frequently engaging in sanguinary
+broils. Gradually they dispersed. Many of the common soldiers found
+their way to the city of Mexico, where they enlisted in the Mexican
+and Peruvian armies. Most of the leaders found their way back to
+Spain, broken in health and spirits.
+
+Many months elapsed ere Isabella heard of the death of her husband,
+and of the utter ruin of the magnificent enterprise in which he had
+engaged. It was to her an overwhelming blow. Her heart was broken; she
+never smiled again, and soon followed her husband to the grave. Sad,
+indeed, were the earthly lives of Ferdinand De Soto and Isabella De
+Bobadilla. We hope their redeemed spirits have met in that better land
+where the weary are at rest.
+
+                         THE END.
+
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