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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Narrative of the expedition of Hernando
+de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557, by A Gentleman of Elvas
+
+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: A Narrative of the expedition of Hernando de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557
+
+Author: A Gentleman of Elvas
+
+Translator: Richard Hackluyt
+
+Release Date: January 18, 2011 [EBook #34997]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chuck Greif, Library of Congress; France in
+America and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
+
+OF
+
+LOUISIANA,
+
+EMBRACING TRANSLATIONS OF
+
+MANY RARE AND VALUABLE DOCUMENTS
+
+RELATING TO THE
+
+NATURAL, CIVIL AND POLITICAL
+
+HISTORY OF THAT STATE.
+
+COMPILED WITH
+
+HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES,
+
+AND AN
+
+INTRODUCTION,
+
+BY
+B. F. FRENCH,
+
+_Member of the Louisiana Historical Society; of the American Association
+for the Advancement of Science; Honorary Member of the Historical
+Society of Pennsylvania; Corresponding Member of the Academy of Natural
+Sciences of Philadelphia, etc., etc._
+
+PART II.
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+DANIELS AND SMITH.
+
+_New York_, G. P. PUTNAM; _Boston_, LITTLE AND BROWN; _New Orleans_, B. M.
+NORMAN; _London_, JOHN CHAPMAN; _Paris_, GALIGNANI AND CO.
+1850.
+
+Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1850, by
+
+B. F. FRENCH,
+
+in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the
+Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+PRINTED BY T. K. & P. G. COLLINS.
+
+
+
+
+TO THE
+
+MEMBERS OF THE LOUISIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
+
+THIS VOLUME
+
+IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
+
+BY
+
+BENJAMIN F. FRENCH.
+
+
+[The following is an excerpt from this volume.
+(note of etext transcriber.)]
+
+
+
+
+A NARRATIVE
+
+OF THE
+
+EXPEDITION OF HERNANDO DE SOTO
+
+INTO
+
+FLORIDA.
+
+BY A GENTLEMAN OF ELVAS.
+
+PUBLISHED AT EVORA 1557.
+
+TRANSLATED FROM THE PORTUGUESE
+
+BY
+
+RICHARD HACKLUYT.
+
+LONDON, 1609.
+
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN SOTO was the son of a squire of _Xerez of Badajoz_. He went into
+the Spanish _Indies_, when _Peter Arias_ of _Avila_ was Governor of the
+_West Indies_. And there he was without anything else of his own, save
+his sword and target: and for his good qualities and valor, _Peter
+Arias_ made him captain of a troop of horsemen, and by his commandment
+he went with _Fernando Pizarro_ to the conquest of _Peru_: where (as
+many persons of credit reported, which were there present) as well at
+the taking of _Atabalipa_, Lord of _Peru_, as at the assault of the city
+of _Cusco_, and in all other places where they found resistance,
+wheresoever he was present, he passed all other captains and principal
+persons. For which cause, besides his part of the treasure of
+_Atabalipa_, he had a good share; whereby in time he gathered a hundred
+and four score thousand ducats together, with that which fell to his
+part; which he brought into Spain; whereof the Emperor borrowed a
+certain part, which he repaid again with 60,000 rials of plate in the
+rent of the silks of _Granada_, and all the rest was delivered him in
+the contractation house of _Seville_. He took servants to wit, a
+steward, a gentleman usher, pages, a gentleman of the horse, a
+chamberlain, lackeys, and all other officers that the house of a noble
+may require. From _Seville_ he went to the court, and in the court,
+there accompanied him _John Danusco_ of _Seville_, and _Lewis Moscoso
+D'Alvarado_, _Nuño de Touar_, and _John Rodriguez Lobillo_. Except
+_John Danusco_, all the rest came with him from _Peru_: and every one of
+them brought fourteen or fifteen thousand ducats: all of them went well
+and costly appareled. And although _Soto_ of his own nature was not
+liberal, yet because that was the first time that he was to show himself
+in the court, he spent frankly, and went accompanied with those which I
+have named, and with his servants, and many others which resorted unto
+him. He married with _Donna Isabella de Bobadilla_, daughter of _Peter
+Arias_ of _Avila_, Earl of _Punno en Rostro_. The Emperor made him the
+Governor of the Isle of _Cuba_, and Adelantado or President of
+_Florida_; with a title of Marquis of certain part of the lands that he
+should conquer.
+
+When _Don Ferdinando_ had obtained the government, there came a
+gentleman from the _Indies_ to the court, named _Cabeça de Vaca_, which
+had been with the Governor _Pamphilo de Narvaez_ which died in
+_Florida_, who reported that _Narvaez_ was cast away at sea with all the
+company that went with him. And how he with four more escaped and
+arrived in _Nueva España_. Also he brought a relation in writing, of
+that which he had seen in _Florida_; which said in some places: In such
+a place I have seen this; and the rest which here I saw, I leave to
+confer of between his Majesty and myself. Generally he reported the
+misery of the country, and the troubles which he passed: and he told
+some of his kinsfolk, which were desirous to go into the _Indies_, and
+urged him very much to tell them whether he had seen any rich country in
+_Florida_, that he might not tell them, because he and another, whose
+name was _Orantes_, (who remained in _Nueva España_ with purpose to
+return into _Florida_: for which intent he came into _Spain_ to beg the
+government thereof of the Emperor) had sworn not to discover some of
+those things which they had seen, because no man should prevent them in
+begging the same. And he informed them _that it was the richest country
+of the world_. _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ was very desirous to have him
+with him, and made him a favorable offer: and after they were agreed,
+because _Soto_ gave him not a sum of money which he demanded to buy a
+ship, they broke off again. _Baltasar de Gallegos_, and _Christopher de
+Spindola_, the kinsmen of _Cabeça de Vaca_, told him, that for that
+which he had imparted to them, they were resolved to pass with _Soto_
+into _Florida_, and therefore they prayed him to advise them what they
+were best to do. _Cabeça de Vaca_ told them, that the cause why he went
+not with _Soto_, was because he hoped to beg another government, and
+that he was loth to go under the command of another: and that he came to
+beg the conquest of _Florida_: but seeing _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ had
+gotten it already, for his oath's sake he might tell them nothing of
+that which they would know: but he counseled them to sell their goods
+and go with him, and that in so doing they should do well. As soon as he
+had opportunity, he spake with the Emperor, and related unto him
+whatsoever he had passed and seen, and come to understand. Of this
+relation, made by word of mouth to the Emperor, the Marquis of _Astorya_
+had notice, and forthwith determined to send with _Don Ferdinando de
+Soto_ his brother _Don Antonio Osorio_: and with him two kinsmen of his
+prepared themselves, to wit, _Francis Osorio_, and _Garcia Osorio_. _Don
+Antonio_ dispossessed himself of 60,000 rials of rent which he held by
+the church; and _Francis Osorio_ of a town of vassals, which he had in
+the country _de Campos_. And they made their rendezvous with the
+Adelantado in _Seville_. The like did _Nuñez de Touar_, and _Lewis de
+Moscoso_, and _John Rodriguez Lobillo_, each of whom had brought from
+_Peru_ fourteen or fifteen thousand ducats. _Lewis de Moscoso_ carried
+with him two brethren; there went also _Don Carlos_, which had married
+the governor's niece, and took her with him. From _Badajoz_ there went
+_Peter Calderan_, and three kinsmen of the Adelantado, to wit, _Arias
+Tinoco_, _Alfonso Romo_, and _Diego Tinoco_. And as _Lewis de Moscoso_
+passed through _Elvas_[A] _Andrew de Vasconcelos_ spake with him, and
+requested him to speak to _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ concerning him, and
+delivered him certain warrants which he had received from the Marquis of
+_Villa Real_, wherein he gave him the captainship of _Ceuta_ in
+_Barbarie_, that he might show them unto him. And the Adelantado saw
+them; and was informed who he was, and wrote unto him, that he would
+favor him in all things, and by all means, and would give him a charge
+of men in _Florida_. And from _Elvas_ went _Andrew de Vasconcelos_, and
+_Fernan Pegado_, _Antonio Martinez Segurado_, _Men Roiz Pereira_, _John
+Cordero_, _Stephen Pegado_, _Benedict Fernandez_, and _Alvaro
+Fernandez_. And out of _Salamanca_, and _Jaen_, and _Valencia_, and
+_Albuquerque_, and from other parts of _Spain_, many people of noble
+birth, assembled at _Seville_, insomuch that in Saint _Lucar_ many men
+of good account, which had sold their goods, remained behind for want of
+shipping, whereas for other known and rich countries, they are wont to
+want men: and this fell out by occasion of that which _Cabeça de
+Vaca_[B] told the Emperor, and informed such persons as he had
+conference withal touching the state of that country. _Soto_ made him
+great offers, and being agreed to go with him (as I have said before)
+because he would not give him money to pay for a ship, which he had
+bought, they brake off, and he went for governor to the river of
+_Plate_. His kinsmen, _Christopher de Spindola_ and _Baltasar de
+Gallegos_, went with _Soto_. _Baltasar de Gallegos_ sold houses and
+vineyards, and rent corn, and ninety ranks of olive trees in the _Xarafe
+of Seville_. He had the office of _Alcalde Mayor_, and took his wife
+with him. And there went also many other persons of account with the
+President, and had the offices following by great friendship, because
+they were offices desired of many, to wit, _Antonie de Biedma_ was
+factor, _John Danusco_ was auditor, and _John Gaytan_, nephew to the
+Cardinal of _Ciguenza_, had the office of treasurer.
+
+The Portuguese departed from _Elvas_ the 15th of January, and came to
+_Seville_ the 19th of the same month, and went to the lodging of the
+Governor, and entered into a court, over the which were certain
+galleries where he was, who came down and received them at the stairs,
+whereby they went up into the galleries. When he was come up, he
+commanded chairs to be given them to sit on. And _Andrew de Vasconcelos_
+told him who he and the other Portuguese were, and how they all were
+come to accompany him, and serve him in his voyage. He gave him thanks,
+and made show of great contentment for his coming and offer. And the
+table being already laid, he invited them to dinner. And being at
+dinner, he commanded his steward to seek a lodging for them near unto
+his own, where they might be lodged. The Adelantado departed from
+_Seville_ to _Saint Lucar_ with all the people which were to go with
+him. And he commanded a muster to be made, at the which the Portuguese
+showed themselves armed in very bright armor, and the Castellans very
+gallant with silk upon silk, with many pinkings and cuts. The Governor,
+because these braveries in such an action did not like him, commanded
+that they should muster another day, and every one should come forth
+with his armor; at the which the Portuguese came as at the first armed
+with very good armor. The Governor placed them in order near unto the
+standard, which the ensign bearer carried. The Castellans, for the most
+part, did wear very bad and rusty shirts of mail, and all of them
+head-pieces and steel caps, and very bad lances. Some of them sought to
+come among the Portuguese. So those passed and were counted and enrolled
+which _Soto_ liked and accepted of, and did accompany him into
+_Florida_; which were in all six hundred men. He had already bought
+seven ships, and had all necessary provision aboard them. He appointed
+captains, and delivered to every one his ship, and gave them in a roll
+what people every one should carry with them.
+
+In the year of our Lord 1538, in the month of April, the Adelantado
+delivered his ships to the captains which were to go in them; and took
+for himself a new ship, and good of sail, and gave another to _Andrew de
+Vasconcelos_, in which the Portuguese went; he went over the bar of _St.
+Lucar_ on Sunday, being _St. Lazarus_ day, in the morning of the month
+and year aforesaid, with great joy, commanding his trumpets to be
+sounded, and many shots of the ordnance to be discharged. He sailed four
+days with a prosperous wind, and suddenly it calmed; the calms continued
+eight days with swelling seas, in such wise that we made no way. The
+fifteenth day after his departure from _St. Lucar_, he came to _Gomera_,
+one of the _Canaries_, on Easter day in the morning. The Earl of that
+island was appareled all in white, cloak, jerkin, hose, shoes and cap,
+so that he seemed a Lord of the Gipsies. He received the Governor with
+much joy; he was well lodged, and all the rest had their lodgings
+gratis, and got great store of victuals for their money, as bread, wine,
+and flesh; and they took what was needful for their ships, and the
+Sunday following, eight days after their arrival, they departed from the
+Isle of _Gomera_. The Earl gave to _Donna Isabella_, the Adelantado's
+wife, a bastard daughter that he had, to be her waiting-maid. They
+arrived at the _Antilles_, in the Isle of _Cuba_, at the port of the
+city of _St. Jago_, upon Whit-sunday. As soon as they came thither, a
+gentleman of the city sent to the sea-side a very fair roan horse, and
+well furnished, for the Governor, and a mule for _Donna Isabella_, and
+all the horsemen and footmen that were in the town came to receive him
+at the sea-side. The Governor was well lodged, visited, and served of
+all the inhabitants of the city, and all his company had their lodgings
+freely: those which desired to go into the country, were divided by four
+and four, and six and six, in the farms or granges, according to the
+ability of the owners of the farms, and were furnished by them with all
+things necessary.
+
+The city of _St. Jago_ hath fourscore houses, which are great and well
+contrived. The most part have their walls made of boards, and are
+covered with thatch; it hath some houses built with lime and stones, and
+covered with tiles. It hath great orchards and many trees in them,
+differing from those of Spain: there be fig trees which bear figs as big
+as one's fist, yellow within, and of small taste; and other trees which
+bear a fruit which they call Ananes, in making and bigness like to a
+small pineapple: it is a fruit very sweet in taste: the shell being
+taken away, the kernel is like a piece of fresh cheese. In the granges
+abroad in the country there are other great pineapples, which grow on
+low trees, and are like the Aloe tree: they are of a very good smell and
+exceeding good taste. Other trees do bear a fruit which they call
+Mameis, of the bigness of peaches. This the islanders do hold for the
+best fruit of the country. There is another fruit which they call
+Guayabas, like filberts, as big as figs. There are other trees as high
+as a javelin, having one only stock without any bough, and the leaves as
+long as a casting dart; and the fruit is of the bigness and fashion of a
+cucumber; one bunch beareth twenty or thirty, and as they ripen the tree
+bendeth downward with them: they are called in this country Plantanos,
+and are of a good taste, and ripen after they be gathered; but those are
+the better which ripen upon the tree itself; they bear fruit but once,
+and the tree being cut down, there spring up others out of the but,
+which bear fruit the next year. There is another fruit, whereby many
+people are sustained, and chiefly the slaves, which are called Batatas.
+These grow now in the Isle of _Terçera_, belonging to the kingdom of
+_Portugal_, and they grow within the earth, and are like a fruit called
+Iname; they have almost the taste of a chestnut. The bread of this
+country is also made of roots which are like the Batatas.[C] And the
+stock whereon those roots do grow is like an elder tree: they make their
+ground in little hillocks, and in each of them they thrust four or five
+stakes; and they gather the roots a year and a half after they set them.
+If any one, thinking it is a batata or potato root, chance to eat of it
+never so little, he is in great danger of death: which was seen by
+experience in a soldier, which as soon as he had eaten a very little of
+one of those roots, he died quickly. They pare these roots and stamp
+them, and squeeze them in a thing like a press: the juice that cometh
+from them is of an evil smell. The bread is of little taste and less
+substance. Of the fruits of _Spain_, there are figs and oranges, and
+they bear fruit all the year, because the soil is very rank and
+fruitful. In this country are many good horses, and there is green grass
+all the year. There be many wild oxen and hogs, whereby the people of
+the island are well furnished with flesh. Without the towns abroad in
+the country are many fruits. And it happeneth sometimes that a Christian
+goeth out of the way and is lost fifteen or twenty days, because of the
+many paths in the thick groves that cross to and fro made by the oxen;
+and being thus lost they sustain themselves with fruits and
+palmîtos--for there be many great groves of palm trees through all the
+island--they yield no other fruit that is of any profit. The Isle of
+_Cuba_ is three hundred leagues long from the east to the west, and is
+in some places thirty, in others forty leagues from north to south. It
+hath six towns of Christians, to wit, _St. Jago_, _Baracôa_, _Bayamo_,
+_Puerto de Principes_, _S. Espirito_, and _Havana_. Every one hath
+between thirty and forty households, except _St. Jago_ and _Havana_,
+which have about sixty or eighty houses. They have churches in each of
+them, and a chaplain which confesseth them and saith mass. In _St. Jago_
+is a monastery of Franciscan friars; it hath but few friars, and is well
+provided of alms, because the country is rich. The Church of _St. Jago_
+hath honest revenue, and there is a curate and prebends, and many
+priests, as the church of that city, which is the chief of all the
+island. There is in this country much gold and few slaves to get it; for
+many have made away themselves, because of the Christians' evil usage of
+them in the mines. A steward of _Vasquez Porcallo_, which was an
+inhabitor in that island, understanding that his slaves would make away
+themselves, stayed for them with a cudgel in his hand at the place where
+they were to meet, and told them that they could neither do nor think
+anything that he did not know before, and that he came thither to kill
+himself, with them, to the end, that if he had used them badly in this
+world, he might use them worse in the world to come: and this was a
+means that they changed their purpose, and turned home again to do that
+which he commanded them.
+
+The Governor sent from _St. Jago_ his nephew _Don Carlos_, with the
+ships in company of _Donna Isabella_ to tarry for him at _Havana_, which
+is a haven in the west part toward the head of the island, one hundred
+and eighty leagues from the city of _St. Jago_. The Governor, and those
+which stayed with him, bought horses and proceeded on their journey. The
+first town they came unto was _Bayamo_: they were lodged four and four,
+and six and six, as they went in company, and where they lodged, they
+took nothing for their diet, for nothing cost them aught save the maize
+or corn for their horses, because the Governor went to visit them from
+town to town, and seized them in the tribute and service of the Indians.
+_Bayamo_ is twenty-five leagues from the city of _St. Jago_. Near unto
+the town passeth a great river which is called _Tanto_; it is greater
+than _Guadiana_, and in it be very great crocodiles, which sometimes
+hurt the Indians, or the cattle which passeth the river. In all the
+country are neither wolf, fox, bear, lion, nor tiger. There are wild
+dogs which go from the houses into the woods and feed upon swine. There
+be certain snakes as big as a man's thigh or bigger; they are very
+slow, they do no kind of hurt. From _Bayamo_ to _Puerto de los
+Principes_ are fifty leagues. In all the island from town to town, the
+way is made by stubbing up the underwood; and if it be left but one year
+undone, the wood groweth so much that the way cannot be seen, and the
+paths of the oxen are so many, that none can travel without an Indian of
+the country for a guide: for all the rest is very high and thick woods.
+From _Puerto de los Principes_ the Governor went to the house of
+_Vasquez Porcallo_ by sea in a boat (for it was near the sea) to know
+there some news of _Donna Isabella_, which at that instant (as
+afterwards was known) was in great distress, insomuch that the ships
+lost one another, and two of them fell on the coast of _Florida_, and
+all of them endured great want of water and victuals. When the storm was
+over, they met together without knowing where they were: in the end they
+descried the Cape of _St. Anton_, a country not inhabited of the island
+of _Cuba_; there they watered, and at the end of forty days, which were
+passed since their departure from the city of _St. Jago_, they arrived
+at _Havana_. The Governor was presently informed thereof, and went to
+_Donna Isabella_. And those which went by land, which were one hundred
+and fifty horsemen, being divided into two parts, because they would not
+oppress the inhabitants, traveled by _St. Espirito_, which is sixty
+leagues from _Puerto de los Principes_. The food which they carried with
+them was _Caçabe_ bread, which is that whereof I made mention before:
+and it is of such a quality that if it be wet it breaketh presently,
+whereby it happened to some to eat flesh without bread for many days.
+They carried dogs with them, and a man of the country, which did hunt;
+and by the way, or where they were to lodge that night, they killed as
+many hogs as they needed. In this journey they were well provided of
+beef and pork, and they were greatly troubled with musquitoes,
+especially in a lake, which is called the mere of _Pia_, which they had
+much ado to pass from noon till night. The water might be some half
+league over, and to be swam about a crossbow shot; the rest came to the
+waist, and they waded up to the knees in the mire, and in the bottom
+were cockle shells, which cut their feet very sore, in such sort that
+there was neither boot nor shoe sole that was whole at half way. Their
+clothes and saddles were passed in baskets of palm trees. Passing this
+lake, stripped out of their clothes, there came many mosquitoes, upon
+whose biting there arose a wheal that smarted very much; they struck
+them with their hands, and with the blow which they gave they killed so
+many that the blood did run down the arms and bodies of the men. That
+night they rested very little for them, and other nights also in the
+like places and times. They came to _Santo Espirito_, which is a town of
+thirty houses; there passeth by it a little river; it is very pleasant
+and fruitful, having great store of oranges and citrons, and fruits of
+the country. One-half of the company were lodged here, and the rest
+passed forward twenty-five leagues to another town called la _Trinidad_,
+of fifteen or twenty households. Here is an hospital for the poor, and
+there is none other in all the island. And they say that this town was
+the greatest in all the country, and that before the Christians came
+into this land, as a ship passed along the coast there came in it a very
+sick man, which desired the captain to set him on shore, and the captain
+did so, and the ship went her way. The sick man remained set on shore in
+that country, which until then had not been haunted by Christians;
+whereupon the Indians found him, carried him home, and looked unto him
+till he was whole; and the lord of that town married him unto a daughter
+of his, and had war with all the inhabitants round about, and by the
+industry and valor of the Christian, he subdued and brought under his
+command all the people of that island. A great while after, the Governor
+_Diego Velasques_ went to conquer it, and from thence discovered _New
+Spain_. And this Christian which was with the Indians did pacify them,
+and brought them to the obedience and subjection of the governor. From
+this town _de la Trinidad_ unto _Havana_ are eighty leagues, without any
+habitation, which they traveled. They came to _Havana_ in the end of
+March, where they found the Governor, and the rest of the people which
+came with him from _Spain_. The Governor sent from _Havana John
+Dannusco_ with a caravele and two brigantines with fifty men to discover
+the haven of _Florida_, and from thence he brought two Indians which he
+took upon the coast, wherewith (as well because they might be necessary
+for guides and for interpreters, as because they said by signs that
+there was much gold in _Florida_) the Governor and all the company
+received much contentment, and longed for the hour of their departure,
+thinking in himself that this was the richest country that unto that day
+had been discovered.
+
+Before our departure the Governor deprived _Nuño de Touar_ of the office
+of Captain-general, and gave it to _Porcallo de Figueroa_, an inhabitant
+of _Cuba_, which was a mean that the ship was well furnished with
+victuals; for he gave a great many loads of _Casabe_ bread and many
+hogs. The Governor took away this office from _Nuño de Touar_, because
+he had fallen in love with the daughter of the Earl of _Gomera_, _Donna
+Isabella's_ waiting-maid, who, though his office were taken from him (to
+return again to the Governor's favor), though she were with child by
+him, yet took her to his wife, and went with _Soto_ into _Florida_. The
+Governor left _Donna Isabella_ in _Havana_, and with her remained the
+wife of _Don Carlos_, and the wives of _Baltasar de Gallegos_, and of
+_Nuño de Touar_. And he left for his lieutenant a gentleman of _Havana_,
+called _John de Roias_, for the government of the island.
+
+On Sunday the 18th of May, in the year of our Lord 1539, the Adelantado
+or president departed from _Havana_ in _Cuba_ with his fleet, which were
+nine vessels, five great ships, two caravels, and two brigantines. They
+sailed seven days with a prosperous wind. The 25th day of May, the day
+_de Pasca de Spirito Santo_[D] (which we call Whitson Sunday), they saw
+the land of _Florida_, and because of the shoals, they came to an anchor
+a league from the shore. On Friday the 30th of May they landed in
+_Florida_, two leagues from a town of an Indian lord called _Ucita_.
+They set on land two hundred and thirteen horses, which they brought
+with them to unburden the ships, that they might draw the less water. He
+landed all his men, and only the seamen remained in the ships, which in
+eight days, going up with the tide every day a little, brought them up
+unto the town. As soon as the people were come on shore, he pitched his
+camp on the sea-side, hard upon the bay which went up unto the town. And
+presently the Captain-general, _Vasquez Porcallo_, with other seven
+horsemen foraged the country half a league round about, and found six
+Indians, which resisted him with their arrows, which are the weapons
+which they used to fight withal. The horsemen killed two of them, and
+the other four escaped; because the country is cumbersome with woods and
+bogs, where the horses stuck fast, and fell with their riders, because
+they were weak with traveling upon the sea. The same night following,
+the Governor with an hundred men in the brigantines lighted upon a town,
+which he found without people, because that as soon as the Christians
+had sight of land, they were descried, and saw along the coast many
+smokes, which the Indians had made to give advice the one to the other.
+The next day _Luys de Moscoso_, master of the camp, set the men in
+order, the horsemen in three squadrons, the vanguard, the battalion, and
+the rereward; and so they marched that day and the day following,
+compassing great creeks which came out of the bay. They came to the town
+of _Ucita_, where the Governor was on Sunday the first of June, being
+Trinity Sunday. The town was of seven or eight houses. The lord's house
+stood near the shore upon a very high mount, made by hand for strength.
+At another end of the town stood the church, and on the top of it stood
+a fowl made of wood with gilded eyes. Here were found some pearls of
+small value, spoiled with the fire, which the Indians do pierce and
+string them like beads, and wear them about their necks and handwrists,
+and they esteem them very much. The houses were made of timber, and
+covered with palm leaves. The Governor lodged himself in the lord's
+houses, and with him _Vasquez Porcallo_, and _Luys de Moscoso_; and in
+others that were in the midst of the town, was the chief Alcalde or
+justice, _Baltasar de Gallegos_ lodged; and in the same houses was set
+in a place by itself all the provision that came in the ships; the other
+houses and the church were broken down, and every three or four soldiers
+made a little cabin wherein they lodged. The country round about was
+very fenny, and encumbered with great and high trees. The Governor
+commanded to fell the woods a crossbow shot round about the town, that
+the horses might run, and the Christians might have the advantage of the
+Indians, if by chance they should set upon them by night. In the ways
+and places convenient they had their sentinels of footmen by two and two
+in every stand, which did watch by turns, and the horsemen did visit
+them, and were ready to assist them if there were any alarm. The
+Governor made four captains of the horsemen and two of the footmen. The
+captains of the horsemen were one of them _Andrew de Masconcelos_, and
+another _Pedro Calderan de Badajoz_; and the other two were his kinsmen,
+to wit, _Arias Tinoco_, and _Alfonso Romo_, born likewise in _Badajoz_.
+The captains of the footmen, the one was _Francisco Maldonado of
+Salamanca_, and the other _Juan Rodriguez Lobillo_. While we were in
+this town of _Ucita_, the two Indians which _John Danusco_ had taken on
+that coast, and the Governor carried along with him for guides and
+interpreters, through carelessness of two men which had the charge of
+them escaped away one night; for which the Governor and all the rest
+were very sorry, for they had already made some roads, and no Indians
+could be taken, because the country was full of marsh grounds, and in
+some places full of very high and thick woods.
+
+From the town of _Ucita_ the Governor sent the Alcalde mayor, _Baltasar
+de Gallegos_, with forty horsemen and eighty footmen into the country to
+see if they could take any Indians; and the Captain _John Rodriguez
+Lobillo_ another way with fifty footmen: the most of them were
+swordsmen and targeters, and the rest were shot and crossbow-men. They
+passed through a country full of bogs, where horses could not travel.
+Half a league from the camp they lighted upon, certain cabins of Indians
+near a river. The people that were in them leaped into the river, yet
+they took four Indian women. And twenty Indians charged us and so
+distressed us, that we were forced to retire to our camp, being, as they
+are, exceeding ready with their weapons. It is a people so warlike and
+so nimble, that they care not a whit for any footmen. For if their
+enemies charge them they run away, and if they turn their backs they are
+presently upon them. And the thing that they most flee is the shot of an
+arrow. They never stand still, but are always running and traversing
+from one place to another, by reason whereof neither crossbow nor
+arquebuss can aim at them; and before one crossbowman can make one shot
+an Indian will discharge three or four arrows, and he seldom misseth
+what he shooteth at. An arrow where it findeth no armor, pierceth as
+deeply as a crossbow. Their bows are very long, and their arrows are
+made of certain canes like reeds, very heavy, and so strong that a sharp
+cane passeth through a target. Some they arm in the point with a sharp
+bone of a fish like a chisel, and in others they fasten certain stones
+like points of diamonds. For the most part when they light upon an armor
+they break in the place where they are bound together. Those of cane do
+split and pierce a coat of mail, and are more hurtful than the other.
+_John Rodriguez Lobillo_ returned to the camp with six men wounded,
+whereof one died; and brought the four Indian women which _Baltasar
+Gallegos_ had taken in the cabins or cottages. Two leagues from the
+town, coming into the plain field, he espied ten or eleven Indians,
+among whom was a Christian, which was naked and scorched with the sun,
+and had his arms razed after the manner of the Indians, and differed
+nothing at all from them. And as soon as the horsemen saw them they ran
+toward them. The Indians fled, and some of them hid themselves in a
+wood, and they overtook two or three of them which were wounded; and the
+Christian seeing a horseman run upon him with his lance, began to cry
+out, "Sirs, I am a Christian, slay me not, nor these Indians, for they
+have saved my life." And straightway he called them and put them out of
+fear, and they came forth of the wood unto them. The horsemen took both
+the Christian and the Indians up behind them, and toward night came into
+the camp with much joy; which thing being known by the Governor, and
+them that remained in the camp, they were received with the like.
+
+This Christian's name was _John Ortiz_, and he was born in _Seville_,
+of worshipful parentage. He was twelve years in the hands of the
+Indians. He came into this country with _Pamphilo de Narvaez_, and
+returned in the ships to the Island of _Cuba_, where the wife of the
+Governor _Pamphilo de Narvaez_ was, and by his commandment with twenty
+or thirty others in a brigantine returned back again to _Florida_, and
+coming to the port in the sight of the town, on the shore they saw a
+cane sticking in the ground, and riven at the top, and a letter in it;
+and they believed that the governor had left it there to give
+advertisement of himself when he resolved to go up into the land, and
+they demanded it of four or five Indians which walked along the
+sea-shore, and they bade them by signs to come on shore for it, which
+against the will of the rest _John Ortiz_ and another did. And as soon
+as they were on land, from the houses of the town issued a great number
+of Indians, which compassed them about and took them in a place where
+they could not flee; and the other, which sought to defend himself, they
+presently killed upon the place, and took John _Ortiz_ alive, and
+carried him to _Ucita_ their lord. And those of the brigantine sought
+not to land, but put themselves to sea, and returned to the Island of
+_Cuba_. _Ucita_ commanded to bind _John Ortiz_ hand and foot upon four
+stakes aloft upon a raft, and to make a fire under him, that there he
+might be burned. But a daughter of his desired him that he would not put
+him to death, alleging that one only Christian could do him neither hurt
+nor good, telling him that it was more for his honor to keep him as a
+captive. And _Ucita_ granted her request, and commanded him to be cured
+of his wounds; and as soon as he was whole he gave him the charge of the
+keeping of the temple, because that by night the wolves did carry away
+the dead corpses out of the same--who commended himself to God and took
+upon him the charge of his temple. One night the wolves got from him the
+corpse of a little child, the son of a principal Indian, and going after
+them he threw a dart at one of the wolves, and struck him that carried
+away the corpse, who, feeling himself wounded left it, and fell down
+dead near the place; and he not woting what he had done, because it was
+night, went back again to the temple; the morning being come and finding
+not the body of the child, he was very sad. As soon as _Ucita_ knew
+thereof he resolved to put him to death, and sent by the track which he
+said the wolves went, and found the body of the child, and the wolf dead
+a little beyond, whereat _Ucita_ was much contented with the Christian,
+and with the watch which he kept in the temple, and from thenceforward
+esteemed him much. Three years after he fell into his hands there came
+another lord called _Mocoço_, who dwelleth two days' journey from the
+port, and burnt his town. _Ucita_ fled to another town that he had in
+another sea-port. Thus _John Ortiz_ lost his office and favor that he
+had with him. These people being worshipers of the devil, are wont to
+offer up unto him the lives and blood of their Indians, or of any other
+people they can come by; and they report that when he will have them do
+that sacrifice unto him, he speaketh with them, and telleth them that he
+is athirst, and willeth them to sacrifice unto him. _John Ortiz_ had
+notice by the damsel that had delivered him from the fire, how her
+father was determined to sacrifice him the day following, who willed him
+to flee to _Mocoço_, for she knew that he would use him well; for she
+heard say that he had asked for him and said he would be glad to see
+him, and because he knew not the way she went with him half a league out
+of the town by night and set him in the way, and returned because she
+would not be discovered. _John Ortiz_ traveled all that night, and by
+the morning came to a river which is the territory of _Mocoço_, and
+there he saw two Indians fishing; and because they were in war with the
+people of _Ucita_, and their languages were different, and he knew not
+the language of _Mocoço_, he was afraid, because he could not tell them
+who he was, nor how he came thither, nor was able to answer anything for
+himself, that they would kill him, taking him for one of the Indians of
+_Ucita_, and before they espied him he came to the place where they had
+laid their weapons; and as soon as they saw him they fled toward the
+town, and although he willed them to stay, because he meant to do them
+no hurt, yet they understood him not, and ran away as fast as ever they
+could. And as soon as they came to the town with great outcries, many
+Indians came forth against him, and began to compass him to shoot at
+him. _John Ortiz_ seeing himself in so great danger, shielded himself
+with certain trees, and begun to shriek out and cry very loud, and to
+tell them that he was a Christian, and that he was fled from _Ucita_,
+and was come to see and serve _Mocoço_ his lord. It pleased God that at
+that very instant there came thither an Indian that could speak the
+language and understood him, and pacified the rest, who told them what
+he said. Then ran from thence three or four Indians to bear the news to
+their lord, who came forth a quarter of a league from the town to
+receive him, and was very glad of him. He caused him presently to swear
+according to the custom of the Christians, that he would not run away
+from him to any other lord, and promised him to entreat him very well;
+and that if at any time there came any Christians into that country, he
+would freely let him go, and give him leave to go to them; and likewise
+took his oath to perform the same according to the Indian custom. About
+three years after certain Indians, which were fishing at sea two leagues
+from the town, brought news to _Mocoço_ that they had seen ships, and he
+called _John Ortiz_ and gave him leave to go his way, who taking his
+leave of him, with all the haste he could came to the sea, and finding
+no ships he thought it to be some deceit, and that the cacique had done
+the same to learn his mind. So he dwelt with _Mocoço_ nine years, with
+small hope of seeing any Christians. As soon as our Governor arrived in
+_Florida_, it was known to _Mocoço_, and straightway he signified to
+_John Ortiz_ that Christians were lodged in the town of _Ucita_; and he
+thought he had jested with him as he had done before, and told him that
+by this time he had forgotten the Christians, and thought of nothing
+else but to serve him. But he assured him that it was so, and gave him
+license to go unto them, saying unto him that if he would not do it, and
+if the Christians should go their way, he should not blame him, for he
+had fulfilled that which he had promised him. The joy of _John Ortiz_
+was so great, that he could not believe that it was true;
+notwithstanding he gave him thanks, and took his leave of him, and
+_Mocoço_ gave him ten or eleven principal Indians to bear him company;
+and as they went to the port where the Governor was, they met with
+_Baltasar de Gallegos_, as I have declared before. As soon as he was
+come to the camp, the Governor commanded to give him a suit of apparel,
+and very good armor, and a fair horse; and inquired of him whether he
+had notice of any country where there was any gold or silver. He
+answered, No, because he never went ten leagues compass from the place
+where he dwelt; but that thirty leagues from thence[E] dwelt an Indian
+lord, which was called _Paracossi_, to whom _Mocoço_ and _Ucita_, with
+all the rest of that coast paid tribute, and that he peradventure might
+have notice of some good country, and that his land was better than that
+of the sea-coast, and more fruitful and plentiful of maize. Whereof the
+Governor received great contentment, and said that he desired no more
+than to find victuals, that he might go into the main land, for the land
+of _Florida_ was so large, that in one place or other there could not
+choose but be some rich country. The _Cacique Mocoço_ came to the port
+to visit the Governor, and made this speech following.
+
+"Right high and mighty lord, I being lesser in mine own conceit for to
+obey you, than any of those which you have under your command, and
+greater in desire to do you greater services, do appear before your
+lordship with so much confidence of receiving favor, as if in effect
+this my good will were manifested unto you in works; not for the small
+service I did unto you touching the Christian which I had in my power,
+in giving him freely his liberty (for I was bound to do it to preserve
+mine honor, and that which I had promised him), but because it is the
+part of great men to use great magnificences. And I am persuaded that as
+in bodily perfections, and commanding of good people, you do exceed all
+men in the world, so likewise you do in the parts of the mind, in which
+you may boast of the bounty of nature. The favor which I hope for of
+your lordship is, that you would hold me for yours, and bethink yourself
+to command me anything wherein I may do you service."
+
+The Governor answered him, "That although in freeing and sending him the
+Christian, he had preserved his honor and promise, yet he thanked him,
+and held it in such esteem as it had no comparison; and that he would
+always hold him as his brother, and would favor all things to the utmost
+of his power." Then he commanded a shirt to be given him, and other
+things, wherewith the cacique being very well contented, took his leave
+of him, and departed to his own town.
+
+From the Port _de Spirito Santo_ where the Governor lay, he sent the
+Alcalde Mayor _Baltasar de Gallegos_ with fifty horsemen, and thirty or
+forty footmen to the province of _Paracossi_, to view the disposition of
+the country, and inform himself of the land farther inward, and to send
+him word of such things as he found. Likewise he sent his ships back to
+the Island of _Cuba_, that they might return within a certain time with
+victuals. _Vasquez Porcallo de Figueroa_, which went with the Governor
+as Captain-general, (whose principal intent was to send slaves from
+_Florida_ to the Island of _Cuba_, where he had his goods and mines,)
+having made some inroads, and seeing no Indians were to be got, because
+of the great bogs and woods that were in the country, considering the
+disposition of the same, determined to return to _Cuba_. And though
+there was some difference between him and the Governor, whereupon they
+neither dealt nor conversed together with good countenance, yet
+notwithstanding with loving words he asked him leave and departed from
+him. _Baltasar de Gallegos_ came to the _Paracossi_. There came to him
+thirty Indians from the cacique, which was absent from his town, and one
+of them made this speech:
+
+"Paracossi, the lord of this province, whose vassals we are, sendeth us
+unto your worship, to know what it is that you seek in this his country,
+and wherein he may do you service."
+
+_Baltasar de Gallegos_ said unto him that he thanked them very much for
+their offer, willing them to warn their lord to come to his town, and
+that there they would talk and confirm their peace and friendship, which
+he much desired. The Indians went their way and returned next day, and
+said that their lord was ill at ease, and therefore could not come; but
+that they came on his behalf to see what he demanded. He asked them if
+they knew or had notice of any rich country where there was gold or
+silver. They told him they did, and that towards the west there was a
+province which was called _Cale_; and that others that inhabited other
+countries had war with the people of that country, where the most part
+of the year was summer, and that there was much gold; and that when
+those their enemies came to make war with them of _Cale_, these
+inhabitants of _Cale_ did wear hats of gold, in manner of head-pieces.
+_Baltasar de Gallegos_ seeing that the cacique came not, thinking all
+that they said was feigned, with intent that in the meantime they might
+set themselves in safety, fearing that if he did let them go, they would
+return no more, commanded the thirty Indians to be chained, and sent
+word to the Governor by eight horsemen what had passed; whereof the
+Governor with all that were with him at the Port _de Spirito Santo_
+received great comfort, supposing that that which the Indians reported
+might be true. He left Captain _Calderan_ at the port, with thirty
+horsemen and seventy footmen, with provision for two years, and himself
+with all the rest marched into the main land, and came to the
+_Paracossi_, at whose town _Baltasar de Gallegos_ was; and from thence
+with all his men took the way to _Cale_. He passed by a little town
+called _Acela_, and came to another called _Tocaste_; and from thence he
+went before with thirty horsemen and fifty footmen towards _Cale_. And
+passing by a town whence the people were fled, they saw Indians a little
+distance from thence in a lake, to whom the interpreter spoke. They came
+unto them and gave them an Indian for a guide; and he came to a river
+with a great current, and upon a tree which was in the midst of it, was
+made a bridge, whereon the men passed; the horses swam over by a hawser,
+that they were pulled by from the other side; for one, which they drove
+in at the first without it, was drowned. From thence the Governor sent
+two horsemen to his people that were behind, to make haste after him;
+because the way grew long, and their victuals short. He came to _Cale_,
+and found the town without people. He took three Indians which were
+spies, and tarried there for his people that came after, which were
+sore vexed with hunger and evil ways, because the country was very
+barren of maize, low, and full of water, bogs, and thick woods; and the
+victuals which they brought with them from the _Port de Spirito Santo_,
+were spent. Wheresoever any town was found, there were some beets, and
+he that came first gathered them, and sodden with water and salt, did
+eat them without any other thing; and such as could not get them,
+gathered the stalks of maize and eat them, which because they were young
+had no maize in them. When they came to the river which the Governor had
+passed, they found palmîtos upon low palm trees like those of
+_Andalusia_. There they met with the two horsemen which the Governor
+sent unto them, and they brought news that in _Cale_ there was plenty of
+maize, at which news they all rejoiced. As soon as they came to _Cale_,
+the Governor commanded them to gather all the maize that was ripe in the
+field, which was sufficient for three months. At the gathering of it the
+Indians killed three Christians, and one of them which were taken told
+the Governor, that within seven days' journey there was a very great
+province, and plentiful of maize, which was called _Apalache_. And
+presently he departed from _Cale_ with fifty horsemen, and sixty
+footmen. He left the master of the camp, _Luys de Moscoso_, with all the
+rest of the people there, with charge that he should not depart thence
+until he had word from him. And because hitherto none had gotten any
+slaves, the bread that every one was to eat he was fain himself to beat
+in a mortar made in a piece of timber, with a pestle, and some of them
+did sift the flour through their shirts of mail. They baked their bread
+upon certain tileshares which they set over the fire, in such sort as
+heretofore I have said they used to do in _Cuba_. It is so troublesome
+to grind their maize, that there were many that would rather not eat it
+than grind it; and did eat the maize parched and sodden.
+
+The second day of August, 1539, the Governor departed from _Cale_; he
+lodged in a little town called _Ytara_, and the next day in another
+called _Potano_, and the third day at _Utinama_, and came to another
+town which they named the town of _Evil peace_; because an Indian came
+in peace, saying, that he was the cacique, and that he with his people
+would serve the Governor, and that if he would set free twenty-eight
+persons, men and women, which his men had taken the night before, he
+would command provision to be brought him, and would give him a guide to
+instruct him in his way. The Governor commanded them to be set at
+liberty, and to keep him in safeguard. The next day in the morning there
+came many Indians, and set themselves round about the town near to a
+wood. The Indian wished them to carry him near them, and that he would
+speak unto them, and assure them, and that they would do whatsoever he
+commanded them. And when he saw himself near unto them he broke from
+them, and ran away so swiftly from the Christians that there was none
+that could overtake him, and all of them fled into the woods. The
+Governor commanded to loose a greyhound, which was already fleshed on
+them, which passing by many other Indians, caught the counterfeit
+cacique which had escaped from the Christians, and held him till they
+came to take him. From thence the Governor lodged at a town called
+_Cholupaha_, and because it had store of maize in it, they named it
+_Villa farta_. Beyond the same there was a river, on which he made a
+bridge of timber, and traveled two days through a desert. The 17th of
+August he came to _Caliquen_, where he was informed of the province of
+_Apalache_. They told him that _Pamphilo de Narvaez_ had been there, and
+that there he took shipping, because he could find no way to go forward.
+That there was none other town at all; but that on both sides was all
+water. The whole company were very sad for this news, and counseled the
+Governor to go back to the _Port de Spirito Santo_, and to abandon the
+country of _Florida_, lest he should perish as _Narvaez_ had done;
+declaring that if he went forward, he could not return back when he
+would, and that the Indians would gather up that small quantity of maize
+which was left. Whereunto the Governor answered that he would not go
+back, till he had seen with his eyes that which they reported; saying
+that he could not believe it, and that we should be put out of doubt
+before it were long. And he sent to _Luys de Moscoso_ to come presently
+from _Cale_, and that he tarried for him there. _Luys de Moscoso_ and
+many others thought that from _Apalache_ they should return back; and in
+_Cale_ they buried their iron tools, and divers other things. They came
+to _Caliquen_ with great trouble; because the country which the Governor
+had passed by, was spoiled and destitute of maize. After all the people
+were come together, he commanded a bridge to be made over a river that
+passed near the town. He departed from _Caliquen_ the 10th of September,
+and carried the cacique with him. After he had traveled three days,
+there came Indians peaceably to visit their lord, and every day met us
+on the way playing upon flutes; which is a token that they use, that men
+may know that they come in peace. They said that in our way before there
+was a cacique whose name was _Uzachil_, a kinsman of the cacique of
+_Caliquen_ their lord, waiting for him with many presents, and they
+desired the Governor that he would loose the cacique. But he would not,
+fearing that they would rise, and would not give him any guides, and
+sent them away from day to day with good words. He traveled five days;
+he passed by some small towns; he came to a town called _Napetuca_, the
+15th day of September. Thither came fourteen or fifteen Indians, and
+besought the Governor to let loose the cacique of _Caliquen_, their
+lord. He answered them that he held him not in prison, but that he would
+have him to accompany him to Uzachil. The Governor had notice by _John
+Ortiz_, that an Indian told him how they determined to gather themselves
+together, and come upon him, and give him battle, and take away the
+cacique from him. The day that it was agreed upon, the Governor
+commanded his men to be in readiness, and that the horsemen should be
+ready armed and on horseback every one in his lodging, because the
+Indians might not see them, and so more confidently come to the town.
+There came four hundred Indians in sight of the camp with their bows and
+arrows, and placed themselves in a wood, and sent two Indians to bid the
+Governor to deliver them the cacique. The Governor with six footmen
+leading the cacique by the hand, and talking with him, to secure the
+Indians, went toward the place where they were. And seeing a fit time,
+commanded to sound a trumpet; and presently those that were in the town
+in the houses, both horse and foot, set upon the Indians, which were so
+suddenly assaulted, that the greatest care they had was which way they
+should flee. They killed two horses; one was the Governor's, and he was
+presently horsed again upon another. There were thirty or forty Indians
+slain. The rest fled to two very great lakes, that were somewhat distant
+the one from the other. There they were swimming, and the Christians
+round about them. The calivermen and crossbow-men shot at them from the
+bank; but the distance being great, and shooting afar off, they did them
+no hurt. The Governor commanded that the same night they should compass
+one of the lakes, because they were so great, that there were not men
+enough to compass them both; being beset, as soon as night shut in, the
+Indians, with determination to run away, came swimming very softly to
+the bank; and to hide themselves they put a water lily leaf on their
+heads. The horsemen, as soon as they perceived it to stir, ran into the
+water to the horses' breasts, and the Indians fled again into the lake.
+So this night passed without any rest on both sides. _John Ortiz_
+persuaded them that seeing they could not escape, they should yield
+themselves to the Governor; which they did, enforced thereunto by the
+coldness of the water; and one by one, he first whom the cold did first
+overcome, cried to _John Ortiz_, desiring that they would not kill him,
+for he came to put himself into the hands of the Governor. By the
+morning watch they made an end of yielding themselves; only twelve
+principal men, being more honorable and valorous than the rest, resolved
+rather to die than to come into his hands. And the Indians of
+_Paracossi_, which were now loosed out of chains, went swimming to them,
+and pulled them out by the hair of their heads, and they were all put in
+chains, and the next day were divided among the Christians for their
+service. Being thus in captivity, they determined to rebel; and gave in
+charge to an Indian which was interpreter, and held to be valiant, that
+as soon as the Governor did come to speak with him, he should cast his
+hands about his neck, and choke him: who, when he saw opportunity, laid
+hands on the Governor, and before he cast his hands about his neck, he
+gave him such a blow on the nostrils, that he made them gush out with
+blood, and presently all the rest did rise. He that could get any
+weapons at hand, or the handle wherewith he did grind the maize, sought
+to kill his master, or the first he met before him; and he that could
+get a lance or sword at hand, bestirred himself in such sort with it, as
+though he had used it all his lifetime. One Indian in the market-place
+enclosed between fifteen or twenty footmen, made a way like a bull, with
+a sword in his hand, till certain halbardiers of the Governor came,
+which killed him. Another got up with a lance to a loft made of canes,
+which they build to keep their maize in, which they call a barbacoa, and
+there he made such a noise as though ten men had been there defending
+the door; they slew him with a partizan. The Indians were in all about
+two hundred men. They were all subdued. And some of the youngest the
+Governor gave to them which had good chains, and were careful to look to
+them that they got not away. All the rest he commanded to be put to
+death, being tied to a stake in the midst of the market-place; and the
+Indians of the _Paracossi_ did shoot them to death.
+
+The Governor departed from _Napetuca_ the 23d of September; he lodged by
+a river, where two Indians brought him a buck from the cacique of
+_Uzachil_. The next day he passed by a great town called _Hapaluya_, and
+lodged at _Uzachil_, and found no people in it, because they durst not
+tarry for the notice the Indians had of the slaughter of _Napetuca_. He
+found in that town great store of maize, French beans, and pompions,
+which is their food, and that wherewith the Christians there sustained
+themselves. The maize is like coarse millet, and the pompions are better
+and more savory than those of _Spain_. From thence the Governor sent
+two captains each a sundry way to seek the Indians. They took an hundred
+men and women; of which as well there as in other place where they made
+any inroads, the captain chose one or two for the Governor, and divided
+the rest to himself, and those that went with him. They led these
+Indians in chains with iron collars about their necks; and they served
+to carry their stuff, and to grind their maize, and for other services
+that such captives could do. Sometimes it happened that going for wood
+or maize with them, they killed the Christian that led them, and ran
+away with the chain; others filed their chains by night with a piece of
+stone, wherewith they cut them, and use it instead of iron. Those that
+were perceived paid for themselves, and for the rest, because they
+should not dare to do the like another time. The women and young boys,
+when they were once an hundred leagues from their country, and had
+forgotten things, they let go loose, and so they served; and in a very
+short space they understood the language of the Christians. From
+_Uzachil_ the Governor departed toward _Apalache_, and in two days'
+journey he came to a town called _Axille_, and from thence forward the
+Indians were careless, because they had as yet no notice of the
+Christians. The next day in the morning, the first of October, he
+departed from thence, and commanded a bridge to be made over a river
+which he was to pass. The depth of the river where the bridge was made,
+was a stone's cast, and forward a crossbow shot the water came to the
+waist; and the wood whereby the Indians came to see if they could defend
+the passage, and disturb those which made the bridge, was very high and
+thick. The crossbow-men so bestirred themselves that they made them give
+back; and certain planks were cast into the river, whereon the men
+passed, which made good the passage. The Governor passed upon Wednesday,
+which was _St. Francis_' day, and lodged at a town which was called
+_Vitachuco_, subject to _Apalache_: he found it burning, for the Indians
+had set it on fire. From thence forward the country was much inhabited,
+and had great store of maize. He passed by many granges like hamlets. On
+Sunday, the 25th of October, he came to a town which is called _Uzela_,
+and upon Tuesday to _Anaica Apalache_, where the lord of all that
+country and province was resident; in which town the camp master, whose
+office is to quarter out, and lodge men, did lodge all the company round
+about within a league, and half a league of it. There were other towns,
+where was great store of maize, pompions, French beans, and plums of the
+country, which are better than those of _Spain_, and they grow in the
+fields without planting. The victuals that were thought necessary to
+pass the winter, were gathered from these towns to _Anaica Apalache_.
+The Governor was informed that the sea was ten leagues from thence. He
+presently sent a captain thither with horsemen and footmen. And six
+leagues on the way he found a town which was named _Ochete_, and so came
+to the sea; and found a great tree felled, and cut into pieces, with
+stakes set up like mangers, and saw the skulls of horses. He returned
+with this news. And that was held for certain, which was reported of
+_Pamphilo de Narvaez_, that there he had built the barks wherewith he
+went out of the land of _Florida_, and was cast away at sea. Presently
+the Governor sent _John Danusco_ with thirty horsemen to the _Port de
+Spirito Santo_ where _Calderan_ was, with order that they should abandon
+the port, and all of them come to _Apalache_. He departed on Saturday
+the 17th of November. In _Uzachil_ and other towns that stood in the way
+he found great store of people already careless. He would take none of
+the Indians, for not hindering himself, because it behooved him to give
+them no leisure to gather themselves together. He passed through the
+towns by night, and rested without the towns three or four hours. In ten
+days he came to the _Port de Spirito Santo_. He carried with him twenty
+Indian women, which he took in _Ytara_, and _Potano_, near unto _Cale_,
+and sent them to _Donna Isabella_ in the two caravels, which he sent
+from the _Port de Spirito Santo_ to _Cuba_. And he carried all the
+footmen in the brigantines, and coasting along the shore came to
+_Apalache_. And _Calderan_, with the horsemen, and some crossbow-men on
+foot, went by land; and in some places the Indians set upon him, and
+wounded some of his men. As soon as he came to _Apalache_, presently the
+Governor sent sawed planks and spikes to the sea-side, wherewith was
+made a piragua or bark, wherein were embarked thirty men well armed,
+which went out of the bay to the sea, looking for the brigantines.
+Sometimes they fought with the Indians, which passed along the harbor in
+their canoes. Upon Saturday, the 29th of November, there came an Indian
+through the watch undiscovered, and sat the town on fire, and with the
+great wind that blew two parts of it were consumed in a short time. On
+Sunday the 28th of December, came _John Danusco_ with the brigantines.
+The Governor sent _Francisco Maldonado_, a captain of footmen, with
+fifty men to discover the coast westward, and to seek some port, because
+he had determined to go by land, and discover that part. That day there
+went out eight horsemen by commandment of the Governor into the field,
+two leagues about the town, to seek Indians; for they were now so
+emboldened, that within two crossbow shot of the camp, they came and
+slew men. They found two men and a woman gathering French beans; the
+men, though they might have fled, yet because they would not leave the
+woman, which was one of their wives, they resolved to die fighting; and
+before they were slain, they wounded three horses, whereof one died
+within a few days after. _Calderan_ going with his men by the sea-coast,
+from a wood that was near the place, the Indians set upon him, and made
+him forsake his way, and many of them that went with him forsook some
+necessary victuals, which they carried with them. Three or four days
+after the limited time given by the Governor to _Maldonado_ for his
+going and coming, being already determined and resolved, if within eight
+days he did not come, to tarry no longer for him, he came, and brought
+an Indian from a province which was called _Ochus_, sixty leagues
+westward from _Apalache_; where he had found a port of good depth, and
+defence against weather. And because the Governor hoped to find a good
+country forward, he was very well contented. And he sent _Maldonado_ for
+victuals to _Havana_, with order that he should tarry for him at the
+port of _Ochus_, which he had discovered, for he would go seek it by
+land; and if he should chance to stay, and not come thither that summer,
+that then he should return to _Havana_, and should come again the next
+summer after, and tarry for him at that port; for he said he would do
+none other thing but go to seek _Ochus_. _Francisco Maldonado_ departed,
+and in his place for captain of the footmen remained _John de Guzman_.
+Of those Indians which were taken in _Napetuca_, the Treasurer _John
+Gaytan_ had a young man, which said that he was not of that country, but
+of another far off toward the sun rising, and that it was long since he
+had traveled to see countries; and that his country was called _Yupaha_,
+and that a woman did govern it; and that the town where she was resident
+was of a wonderful bigness, and that many lords round about were
+tributaries to her; and some gave her clothes, and others gold in
+abundance; and he told how it was taken out of the mines, and was molten
+and refined, as if he had seen it done, or the devil had taught it him.
+So that all those which knew anything concerning the same, said that it
+was impossible to give so good a relation, without having seen it; and
+all of them, as if they had seen it, by the signs that he gave, believed
+all that he said to be true.
+
+On Wednesday, the third of March, of the year 1540, the Governor
+departed from _Anaica Apalache_ to seek _Yupaha_. He commanded his men
+to go provided with maize for sixty leagues of desert. The horsemen
+carried their maize on their horses, and the footmen at their sides;
+because the Indians that were for service, with their miserable life
+that they led that winter, being naked and in chains, died for the most
+part. Within four days' journey they came to a great river; and they
+made a piragua or ferry boat, and because of the great current, they
+made a cable with chains, which they fastened on both sides of the
+river; and the ferry boat went along by it, and the horses swam over,
+being drawn with capstans. Having passed the river in a day and a half,
+they came to a town called _Capachiqui_. Upon Friday the 11th of March,
+they found Indians in arms. The next day five Christians went to seek
+mortars, which the Indians have to beat their maize, and they went to
+certain houses on the back side of the camp environed with a wood. And
+within the wood were many Indians which came to spy us; of the which
+came other five and set upon us. One of the Christians came running
+away, giving an alarm unto the camp. Those which were most ready
+answered the alarm. They found one Christian dead, and three sore
+wounded. The Indians fled unto a lake adjoining near a very thick wood,
+where the horses could not enter. The Governor departed from
+_Capachiqui_ and passed through a desert. On Wednesday, the twenty-first
+of the month, he came to a town called _Toalli_; and from thence forward
+there was a difference in the houses. For those which were behind us
+were thatched with straw, and those of _Toalli_ were covered with reeds,
+in manner of tiles. These houses are very cleanly. Some of them had
+walls daubed with clay, which showed like a mud-wall. In all the cold
+country the Indians have every one a house for the winter daubed with
+clay within and without, and the door is very little; they shut it by
+night, and make fire within; so that they are in it as warm as in a
+stove, and so it continueth all night that they need not clothes; and
+besides these they have others for summer; and their kitchens near them,
+where they make fire and bake their bread; and they have barbacoas
+wherein they keep their maize; which is a house set up in the air upon
+four stakes, boarded about like a chamber, and the floor of it is of
+cane hurdles. The difference which lords or principal men's houses have
+from the rest, besides they be greater, is, that they have great
+galleries in their fronts, and under them seats made of canes in manner
+of benches; and round about them they have many lofts, wherein they lay
+up that which the Indians do give them for tribute, which is maize,
+deers' skins, and mantles of the country, which are like blankets; they
+make them of the inner rind of the barks of trees, and some of a kind of
+grass like unto nettles, which being beaten, is like unto flax. The
+women cover themselves with these mantles; they put one about them from
+the waist downward, and another over their shoulder, with their right
+arm out, like unto the Egyptians. The men wear but one mantle upon their
+shoulders after the same manner; and have their secrets hid with a
+deer's skin, made like a linen breech, which was wont to be used in
+_Spain_. The skins are well curried, and they give them what color they
+list, so perfect, that if it be red, it seemeth a very fine cloth in
+grain, and the black is most fine, and of the same leather they make
+shoes; and they dye their mantles in the same colors. The Governor
+departed from _Toalli_ the 24th of March; he came on Thursday at evening
+to a small river, where a bridge was made whereon the people passed, and
+_Benit_ _Fernandez_, a Portuguese, fell off from it, and was drowned. As
+soon as the Governor had passed the river, a little distance thence he
+found a town called _Achese_. The Indians had no notice of the
+Christians: they leaped into a river: some men and women were taken,
+among which was one that understood the youth which guided the Governor
+to _Yupaha_; whereby that which he had reported was more confirmed. For
+they had passed through countries of divers languages, and some which he
+understood not. The Governor sent by one of the Indians that were taken
+to call the cacique, which was on the other side of the river. He came,
+and made this speech following:
+
+"Right high, right mighty, and excellent lord, those things which seldom
+happen do cause admiration. What then may the sight of your lordship and
+your people do to me and mine, whom we never saw? especially being
+mounted on such fierce beasts as your horses are, entering with such
+violence and fury into my country, without my knowledge of your coming.
+It was a thing so strange, and caused such fear and terror in our minds,
+that it was not in our power to stay and receive your lordship with the
+solemnity due to so high and renowned a prince as your lordship is. And
+trusting in your greatness and singular virtues, I do not only hope to
+be freed from blame, but also to receive favors; and the first which I
+demand of your lordship is, that you will use me, my country, and
+subjects as your own; and the second, that you will tell me who you are,
+and whence you come, and whither you go, and what you seek, that I the
+better may serve you therein."
+
+The Governor answered him, that he thanked him as much for his offer and
+good-will as if he had received it, and as if he had offered him a great
+treasure; and told him that he was the son of the Sun, and came from
+those parts where he dwelt, and traveled through that country, and
+sought the greatest lord and richest province that was in it. The
+cacique told him that farther forward dwelt a great lord, and that his
+dominion was called _Ocute_. He gave him a guide and an interpreter for
+that province. The Governor commanded his Indians to be set free, and
+traveled through his country up a river very well inhabited. He departed
+from his town the first of April; and left a very high cross of wood set
+up in the midst of the market-place; and because the time gave no more
+leisure, he declared to him only that that cross was a memory of the
+same whereon Christ, which was God and man, and created the heavens and
+the earth, suffered for our salvation; therefore he exhorted them that
+they should reverence it, and they made show as though they would do so.
+The fourth of April the Governor passed by a town called _Altamaca_, and
+the tenth of the month he came to _Ocute_. The cacique sent him two
+thousand Indians with a present, to wit, many conies and partridges,
+bread of maize, two hens, and many dogs; which among the Christians were
+esteemed as if they had been fat wethers, because of the great want of
+flesh meat and salt, and hereof in many places, and many times was great
+need; and they were so scarce, that if a man fell sick, there was
+nothing to cherish him withal; and with a sickness, that in another
+place easily might have been remedied, he consumed away till nothing but
+skin and bones were left; and they died of pure weakness, some of them
+saying, "If I had a slice of meat or a few corns of salt, I should not
+die. The Indians want no flesh meat; for they kill with their arrows
+many deer, hens, conies, and other wild fowl, for they are very cunning
+at it, which skill the Christians had not; and though they had it, they
+had no leisure to use it; for the most of the time they spent in travel,
+and durst not presume to straggle aside. And because they were thus
+scanted of flesh, when six hundred men that went with _Soto_ came to any
+town, and found thirty or forty dogs, he that could get one and kill it
+thought himself no small man; and he that killed it and gave not his
+captain one quarter, if he knew it he frowned on him, and made him feel
+it in the watches, or in any other matter of labor that was offered,
+wherein he might do him a displeasure. On Monday, the twelfth of April,
+1540, the Governor departed from _Ocute_. The cacique gave him two
+hundred _Tamenes_, to wit, Indians to carry burdens; he passed through a
+town, the lord whereof was named _Cofaqui_, and came to a province of an
+Indian lord called _Patofa_, who because he was in peace with the lord
+of _Ocute_, and with the other bordering lords, had many days before
+notice of the Governor, and desired to see him. He came to visit him,
+and made this speech following.
+
+"Mighty lord, now with good reason I will crave of fortune to requite
+this my so great prosperity with some small adversity; and I will count
+myself very rich, seeing that I have obtained that which in this world I
+most desired, which is to see and be able to do your lordship some
+service. And although the tongue be the image of that which is in the
+heart, and that the contentment which I feel in my heart I cannot
+dissemble, yet is it not sufficient wholly to manifest the same. Where
+did this your country, which I do govern, deserve to be visited of so
+sovereign and so excellent a prince, whom all the rest of the world
+ought to obey and serve? And those which inhabit it being so base, what
+shall be the issue of such happiness, if their memory do not represent
+unto them some adversity that may betide them, according to the order of
+fortune? If from this day forward we may be capable of this benefit,
+that your lordship will hold us for your own, we cannot fail to be
+favored and maintained in true justice and reason, and to have the name
+of men. For such as are void of reason and justice, may be compared to
+brute beasts. For mine own part, from my very heart with reverence due
+to such a prince, I offer myself unto your lordship, and beseech you,
+that in reward of this my true good will, you will vouchsafe to make use
+of mine own person, my country, and subjects."
+
+The Governor answered him, that his offers and good-will declared by the
+effect, did highly please him, whereof he would always be mindful to
+honor and favor him as his brother. This country, from the first
+peaceable cacique, unto the province of _Patofa_, which were fifty
+leagues, is a fat country, beautiful, and very fruitful, and very well
+watered, and full of good rivers. And from thence to the _Port de
+Spirito Santo_, where we first arrived in the land of _Florida_ (which
+may be three hundred and fifty leagues, little more or less), is a
+barren land, and the most of it groves of wild pine trees, low and full
+of lakes, and in some places very high and thick groves, whither the
+Indians that were in arms fled, so that no man could find them, neither
+could any horses enter into them, which was an inconvenience to the
+Christians, in regard of the victuals which they found conveyed away;
+and of the troubles which they had in seeking of Indians to be their
+guides.
+
+In the town of _Patofa_ the youth which the Governor carried with him
+for an interpreter and a guide, began to foam at the mouth, and tumble
+on the ground, as one possessed with the devil: they said a gospel over
+him, and the fit left him. And he said, that four days' journey from
+thence toward the sun rising, was the province that he spoke of. The
+Indians of _Patofa_ said, that toward that part they knew no habitation;
+but that toward the north-west, they knew a province which was called
+_Coça_, a very plentiful country, which had very great towns in it. The
+cacique told the Governor that if he would go thither, he would give him
+guides and Indians for burdens; and if he would go whither the youth
+spake of, that he would likewise give him those that he needed; and so
+with loving words and offers of courtesy, they took their leaves the one
+of the other. He gave him seven hundred Indians to bear burdens. He took
+maize for four days' journey. He traveled six days by a path which grew
+narrow more and more, till it was lost altogether. He went where the
+youth did lead him, and passed two rivers, which were waded: each of
+them was two crossbow shots over; the water came to the stirrups, and
+had so great a current, that it was needful for the horsemen to stand
+one before another, that the footmen might pass above them, leaning unto
+them. He came to another river of a great current and largeness, which
+was passed with more trouble, because the horses did swim at the coming
+out, about a lance's length. Having passed this river, the Governor came
+to a grove of pine trees, and threatened the youth, and made as though
+he would have cast him to the dogs, because he had told him a lie,
+saying, it was but four days' journey, and they had traveled nine, and
+every day seven or eight leagues, and the men by this time were grown
+weary and weak, and the horses lean through the great scanting of the
+maize. The youth said that he knew not where he was. It saved him that
+he was not cast to the dogs, that there was never another whom _John
+Ortiz_ did understand. The Governor, with them two, and with some
+horsemen and footmen, leaving the camp in a grove of pine trees,
+traveled that day five or six leagues to seek a way, and returned at
+night very comfortless, and without finding any sign of way or town. The
+next day there were sundry opinions delivered, whether they should go
+back, or what they should do; and because backward the country whereby
+they had passed was greatly spoiled, and destitute of maize, and that
+which they brought with them was spent, and the men were very weak, and
+the horses likewise, they doubted much whether they might come to any
+place where they might help themselves. And besides this, they were of
+opinion, that going in that sort out of order, that any Indians would
+presume to set upon them, so that with hunger or with war, they could
+not escape. The Governor determined to send horsemen from thence every
+way to seek habitation; and the next day he sent four captains, every
+one a sundry way with eight horsemen. At night they came again, leading
+their horses, or driving them with a stick before; for they were weary,
+that they could not lead them, neither found they any way or sign of
+habitation. The next day the Governor sent other four with as many
+horsemen that could swim, to pass the swamps and rivers which they
+should find, and they had choice horses, the best that were in the camp.
+The captains were _Baltasar de Gallegos_, which went up the river; and
+_John Danusco_ down the river; _Alfonso Romo_ and _John Rodriguez
+Lobillo_ went into the inward parts of the land. The Governor brought
+with him into _Florida_ thirteen sows, and had by this time three
+hundred swine. He commanded every man should have half a pound of hog's
+flesh every day, and this he did three or four days after the maize was
+all spent. With this small quantity of flesh, and some sodden herbs,
+with much trouble the people were sustained. The Governor dismissed the
+Indians of _Patofa_, because he had no food to give them; who desiring
+to accompany and serve the Christians in their necessity, making show
+that it grieved them very much to return until they had left them in a
+peopled country, returned to their own home. _John Danusco_ came on
+Sunday late in the evening, and brought news that he had found a little
+town twelve or thirteen leagues from thence: he brought a woman and a
+boy that he took there. With his coming and with those news, the
+Governor and all the rest were so glad that they seemed at that instant
+to have returned from death to life. Upon Monday, the twenty-sixth of
+April, the Governor departed to go to the town, which was called
+_Aymay_; and the Christians named it the town of _Relief_. He left where
+the camp had lain at the foot of a pine tree, a letter buried, and
+letters carved in the bark of the pine, the contents whereof was this:
+Dig here at the foot of this pine, and you shall find a letter. And this
+he did, because when the captains came, which were sent to seek some
+habitation, they might see the letter, and know what was become of the
+Governor, and which way he was gone. There was no other way to the town,
+but the marks that _John Danusco_ left made upon the trees. The
+Governor, with some of them that had the best horses, came to it on the
+Monday; and all the rest inforcing themselves the best way they could,
+some of them lodged within two leagues of the town, some within three
+and four, every one as he was able to go, and his strength served him.
+There was found in the town a store-house full of the flour of parched
+maize; and some maize, which was distributed by allowance. Here were
+four Indians taken, and none of them would confess any other thing, but
+that they knew of none other habitation. The Governor commanded one of
+them to be burned, and presently another confessed that two days'
+journey from thence, there was a province that was called
+_Cutifachiqui_. Upon Wednesday came the captains _Baltasar de Gallegos,
+Alfonso Romo_, and _John Rodriguez Lobillo_, for they had found the
+letter, and followed the way which the Governor had taken toward the
+town. Two men of _John Rodriguez's_ company were lost, because their
+horses tired; the Governor checked him very sore for leaving them
+behind, and sent to seek them; and as soon as they came he departed
+toward _Cutifachiqui_. In the way three Indians were taken, which said
+that the lady of that country had notice already of the Christians, and
+stayed for them in a town of hers. The Governor sent by one of them to
+offer her his friendship, and to advertise her how he was coming
+thither. The Governor came unto the town, and presently there came four
+canoes to him; in one of them came a sister of the lady, and approaching
+to the Governor she said these words:
+
+"Excellent lord, my sister sendeth unto you by me to kiss your
+lordship's hands, and to signify unto you that the cause why she came
+not in person, is, that she thinketh to do you greater service staying
+behind, as she doth, giving order that with all speed all her canoes be
+ready, that your lordship may pass the river, and take your rest, which
+shall presently be performed."
+
+The Governor gave her thanks, and she returned to the other side of the
+river. Within a little while the lady (Cutifachiqui) came out of the
+town in a chair, whereon certain of the principal Indians brought her to
+the river. She entered into a barge which had the stern tilted over, and
+on the floor her mat ready laid with two cushions upon it one upon
+another, where she sat her down; and with her came her principal Indians
+in other barges, which did wait upon her. She went to the place where
+the Governor was, and at her coming she made this speech following:
+
+"Excellent lord, I wish this coming of your lordship into these your
+countries to be most happy; although my power be not answerable to my
+will, and my services be not according to my desire, nor such as so high
+a prince as your lordship deserveth; yet since the good-will is rather
+to be accepted than all the treasures of the world, that without it are
+offered with most unfailable and manifest affection, I offer you my
+person, lands, and subjects, and this small service."
+
+And therewithal she presented unto him great store of clothes of the
+country, which she brought in other canoes, to wit, mantles and skins;
+and took from her own neck a great cordon of pearls, and cast it about
+the neck of the Governor, entertaining him with very gracious speeches
+of love and courtesy, and commanded canoes to be brought thither,
+wherein the Governor and his people passed the river. As soon as he was
+lodged in the town, she (Cutifachiqui) sent him another present of many
+hens. This country was very pleasant, fat, and hath goodly meadows by
+the rivers. Their woods are thin, and full of walnut trees and mulberry
+trees. They said the sea was two days' journey from thence. Within a
+league and half a league about this town were great towns dispeopled,
+and overgrown with grass; which showed that they had been long without
+inhabitants. The Indians said that two years before there was a plague
+in that country, and that they removed to other towns. There was in
+their store-houses great quantity of clothes, mantles of yarn made of
+the barks of trees, and others made of feathers, white, green, red, and
+yellow, very fine after their use, and profitable for winter. There were
+also many deer's skins, with many compartments traced in them, and some
+of them made into hose, stockings, and shoes. And the lady perceiving
+that the Christians esteemed the pearls, advised the Governor to send to
+search certain graves that were in that town, and that he should find
+many; and that if he would send to the dispeopled towns he might load
+all his horses. They sought the graves of that town, and there found
+fourteen rows of pearls (three hundred and ninety-two pounds), and
+little babies and birds made of them. The people were brown, well made,
+and well proportioned, and more civil than any others that were seen in
+all the country of _Florida_, and all of them went shod and clothed. The
+youth told the Governor that he began now to enter into the land which
+he spoke of; and some credit was given him that it was so, because he
+understood the language of the Indians; and he requested that he might
+be christened, for he said he desired to become a Christian. He was
+christened, and named _Peter_; and the Governor commanded him to be
+loosed from a chain, in which until that time he had gone. This country,
+as the Indians reported, had been much inhabited, and had the fame of a
+good country. And as it seemeth, the youth, which was the Governor's
+guide, had heard of it, and that which he knew by hearsay, he affirmed
+that he had seen, and augmented at his pleasure. In this town was found
+a dagger, and beads that belonged to Christians. The Indians reported
+that Christians had been in the haven (St. Helena), which was two days'
+journey from this town, many years ago. He that came thither was the
+Governor, the _Licentiate Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon_, which went to
+conquer this country, and at his coming to the port he died (1525); and
+there was a division, quarrels and slaughters between some principal men
+which went with him, for the principal government. And without knowing
+anything of the country, they returned home to _Hispaniola_. All the
+company thought it good to inhabit that country, because it was in a
+temperate climate (32° 30'). And that if it were inhabited, all the
+ships of New Spain, of _Peru_, _Santa Martha_, and _Terra Firma_, in
+their return for _Spain_ might well touch there, because it was in their
+way, and because it was a good country, and sited fit to raise
+commodity. The Governor, since his intent was to seek another treasure,
+like that of _Atabalipa_, Lord of _Peru_, was not contented with a good
+country, nor with pearls, though many of them were worth their weight in
+gold. And if the country had been divided among the Christians, those
+which the Indians had fished for afterwards would have been of more
+value; for those which they had, because they burned them in the fire,
+did lessen their color. The Governor answered them that urged him to
+inhabit, that in all the country there were not victuals to sustain his
+men one month; and that it was needful to resort to the Port of _Ocus_,
+where _Maldonado_ was to stay for them: and that if no richer country
+were found, they might return again to that whensoever they would; and
+in the meantime the Indians would sow their fields, and it would be
+better furnished with maize. He inquired of the Indians whether they had
+notice of any great lord farther into the land. They told him that
+twelve days' journey from thence[F] there was a province called
+_Chiaha_, subject to the Lord of _Coça_. Presently the Governor
+determined to seek that land. And being a stern man, and of few words,
+though he was glad to sift and know the opinion of all men, yet after he
+had delivered his own, he would not be contraried, and always did what
+liked himself, and so all men did condescend unto his will. And though
+it seemed an error to leave that country (for others might have been
+sought round about, where the people might have been sustained until the
+harvest had been ready there, and the maize gathered), yet there was
+none that would say anything against him, after they knew his
+resolution.
+
+The Governor departed from _Cutifachiqui_ the third day of May. And
+because the Indians had revolted, and the will of the lady was
+perceived, that if she could, she would depart without giving any guides
+or men for burden, for the wrongs which the Christians had done to the
+Indians (for there never want some among many of a base sort, that for
+a little gain do put themselves and others in danger of undoing), the
+Governor commanded her to be kept in safeguard, and carried with him,
+not with so good usage as she deserved for the good-will she showed, and
+good entertainment that she had made him. And he verified that old
+proverb which saith: "For well-doing I receive evil." And so he carried
+her on foot with his bondwomen to look unto her. In all the towns where
+the Governor passed, the lady commanded the Indians to come and carry
+the burdens from one town to another. We passed through her country an
+hundred leagues, in which, as we saw, she was much obeyed, for the
+Indians did all that she commanded them with great efficacy and
+diligence. _Peter_, the youth that was our guide, said that she was not
+the lady herself, but a niece of hers, which came to that town to
+execute certain principal men by commandment of the lady, which had
+withheld her tribute; which words were not believed, because of the lies
+which they had found in him before; but they bare with all things
+because of the need which they had of him to declare what the Indians
+said. In seven days' space the Governor came to a province called
+_Ohalaque_, the poorest country of maize that was seen in _Florida_. The
+Indians feed upon roots and herbs, which they seek in the fields, and
+upon wild beasts, which they kill with their bows and arrows, and are a
+very gentle people. All of them go naked, and are very lean. There was a
+Lord (Cutifachiqui), which for a great present, brought the Governor two
+deer skins; and there were in that country many wild hens. In one town
+they made him a present of seven hundred hens, and so in other towns
+they sent him those which they had or could get. From this province to
+another, which is called _Xualla_, he spent five days. Here he found
+very little maize, and for this cause, though the people were wearied,
+and the horses very weak, he staid no more but two days. From _Ocute_ to
+_Cutifachiqui_, may be some hundred and thirty leagues, whereof eighty
+are wilderness. From _Cutifachiqui_ to _Xualla_ two hundred and fifty,
+and it is a hilly country. The Governor departed from _Xualla_ towards
+_Guaxule_--he passed very rough and high hills. In that journey, the
+lady of _Cutifachiqui_ (whom the Governor carried with him, as is
+aforesaid, with purpose to carry her to _Guaxule_, because her territory
+reached thither), going on a day with the bondwomen which led her, went
+out of the way, and entered into a wood, saying she went to ease
+herself, and so she deceived them, and hid herself in the wood; and
+though they sought her they could not find her. She carried away with
+her a little chest made of canes in manner of a coffer, which they call
+petaca, full of unbored pearls. Some which could judge of them, said
+that they were of great value. An Indian woman that waited on her did
+carry them. The Governor, not to discontent her altogether, left them
+with her, making account that in _Guaxule_ he would ask them of her,
+when he gave her leave to return; which coffer she carried away and went
+to _Xualla_ with three slaves which fled from the camp, and one horseman
+which remained behind, who, falling sick of an ague, went out of the way
+and was lost. This man, whose name was _Alimamos_, dealt with the slaves
+to change their evil purpose, and return with him to the Christians,
+which two of them did; and _Alimamos_ and they overtook the Governor
+fifty leagues from thence in a province called _Chiaha_; and reported
+how the lady remained in _Xualla_ with a slave of _Andrew de
+Vasconcelos_, which would not come back with them; and that of a
+certainty they lived as man and wife together, and meant to go both to
+_Cutifachiqui_. Within five days the Governor came to _Guaxule_. The
+Indians there gave him a present of three hundred dogs, because they saw
+the Christians esteem them, and sought them to feed on them; for among
+them they are not eaten. In _Guaxule_, and all that way, was very little
+maize. The Governor sent from thence an Indian with a message to the
+cacique of _Chiaha_, to desire him to gather some maize thither, that he
+might rest a few days in _Chiaha_. The Governor departed from _Guaxule_,
+and in two days' journey came to a town called _Canasagua_. There met
+him on the way twenty Indians, every one loaded with a basketful of
+mulberries; for there be many, and those very good, from _Cutifachiqui_
+thither, and so forward in other provinces, and also nuts and plums. And
+the trees grow in the fields without planting or dressing them, and as
+big and as rank as though they grew in gardens digged and watered. From
+the time that the Governor departed from _Canasagua_, he journeyed five
+days through a desert; and two leagues before he came to _Chiaha_, there
+met him fifteen Indians loaded with maize, which the cacique had sent;
+and they told him on his behalf, that he waited his coming with twenty
+barns full of it; and further, that himself, his country, and subjects,
+and all things else were at his service. On the fifth day of June, the
+Governor entered into _Chiaha_. The cacique voided his own houses, in
+which he lodged, and received him with much joy, saying these words
+following:--
+
+"Mighty and excellent lord, I hold myself for so happy a man, in that it
+hath pleased your lordship to use me, that nothing could have happened
+unto me of more contentment, nor that I would have esteemed so much.
+From _Guaxule_ your lordship sent unto me, that I should prepare maize
+for you in this town for two months. Here I have for you twenty barns
+full of the choicest that in all the country could be found. If your
+lordship be not entertained by me in such sort as is fit for so high a
+prince, respect my tender age, which excuseth me from blame, and receive
+my good-will, which with much loyalty, truth and sincerity, I will
+always show in anything which shall concern your lordship's service."
+
+The Governor answered him that he thanked him very much for his service
+and offer, and that he would always account him as his brother. There
+was in this town much butter in gourds melted like oil--they said it was
+the fat of bears. There was found, also, great store of oil of walnuts,
+which was clear as butter, and of a good taste, and a pot full of honey
+of bees, which neither before nor afterward was seen in all the country.
+The town was an island between two arms of a river, and was seated nigh
+one of them. The river divideth itself into those two branches, two
+crossbow shots above the town, and meeteth again a league beneath the
+same. The plain between both the branches is sometimes one crossbow
+shot, sometimes two crossbow shots over. The branches are very broad,
+and both of them may be waded over. There were along them very good
+meadows, and many fields sown with maize. And because the Indians staid
+in their town, the Governor only lodged in the houses of the cacique,
+and his people in the fields; where there was ever a tree every one took
+one for himself. Thus the camp lay separated one from another, and out
+of order. The Governor winked at it, because the Indians were in peace,
+and because it was very hot, and the people should have suffered great
+extremity if it had not been so. The horses came thither so weak, that
+for feebleness they were not able to carry their masters; because that
+from _Cutifachiqui_ they always traveled with very little provender, and
+were hunger-starved and tired ever since they came from the desert of
+_Ocute_. And because the most of them were not in case to use in battle,
+though need should require, they sent them to feed in the night a
+quarter of a league from the camp. The Christians were there in great
+danger, because that if at this time the Indians had set upon them, they
+had been in evil case to have defended themselves. The Governor rested
+there thirty days, in which time, because the country was very fruitful,
+the horses grew fat. At the time of his departure, by the importunity
+of some, which would have more than was reason, he demanded of the
+cacique thirty women to make slaves of. He answered that he would confer
+with his chief men. And before he returned an answer, one night all of
+them with their wives and children forsook the town, and fled away. The
+next day, the Governor proposing to go to seek them, the cacique came
+unto him, and at his coming used these words unto the Governor:--
+
+"Mighty lord, with shame and fear of your lordship, because my subjects
+against my will have done amiss in absenting themselves, I went my way
+without your license; and knowing the error which I have committed, like
+a loyal subject, I come to yield myself into your power, to dispose of
+me at your own pleasure. For my subjects do not obey me, nor do anything
+but what an uncle of mine commandeth, which governeth this country for
+me, until I be of a perfect age. If your lordship will pursue them, and
+execute on them that, which for their disobedience they deserve, I will
+be your guide, since at this present my fortune will not suffer me to
+perform any more."
+
+Presently, the Governor with thirty horsemen, and as many footmen, went
+to seek the Indians, and passing by some towns of the principal Indians
+which had absented themselves, he cut and destroyed great fields of
+maize; and went up the river, where the Indians were in an island, where
+the horsemen could not come at them. There he sent them word by an
+Indian to return to their town and fear nothing, and that they should
+give his men to carry burdens, as all those behind had done; for he
+would have no Indian women, seeing they were so loth to part with them.
+The Indians accepted his request, and came to the Governor to excuse
+themselves; and so all of them returned to their town. A cacique of a
+province called _Coste_, came to this town to visit the Governor. After
+he had offered himself, and passed with him some words of tendering his
+service and courtesy, the Governor asking him whether he had notice of
+any rich country? he said yea: to wit, that toward the north there was a
+province named _Chisca_:[G] and that there was a melting of copper, and
+of another metal of the same color, save that it was finer, and of a far
+more perfect color, and far better to the sight; and that they used it
+not so much, because it was softer. And the self same thing was told the
+Governor in _Cutifachiqui_, where we saw some little hatchets of copper,
+which were said to have a mixture of gold. But in that part the country
+was not well peopled, and they said there were mountains, which the
+horses could not pass: and for that cause, the Governor would not go
+from _Cutifachiqui_ directly thither: and he made account, that
+traveling through a peopled country, when his men and horses should be
+in better plight, and he were better certified of the truth of the
+thing, he would return toward it, by mountains, and a better inhabited
+country, whereby he might have better passage. He sent two Christians
+from _Chiaha_ with certain Indians which knew the country of _Chisca_,
+and the language thereof, to view it, and to make report of that which
+they should find; where he told them that he would tarry for them.
+
+When the Governor was determined to depart from _Chiaha_ to _Coste_, he
+sent for the cacique to come before him, and with gentle words took his
+leave of him, and gave him certain things, wherewith he rested much
+contented. In seven days he came to _Coste_. The second of July he
+commanded his camp to be pitched two crossbow shots from the town: and
+with eight men of his guard he went where he found the cacique, which to
+his thinking received him with great love. As he was talking with him,
+there went from the camp certain footmen to the town to seek some maize,
+and not contented with it, they ransacked and searched the houses, and
+took what they found. With this despite, the Indians began to rise and
+to take their arms: and some of them, with cudgels in their hands, ran
+upon five or six Christians, which had done them wrong, and beat them at
+their pleasure. The Governor seeing them all in an uproar, and himself
+among them with so few Christians, to escape their hands used a
+stratagem, far against his own disposition, being, as he was, very frank
+and open: and though it grieved him very much that any Indian should be
+so bold, as with reason, or without reason to despise the Christians, he
+took up a cudgel, and took their parts against his own men; which was a
+means to quiet them. And presently he sent word by a man very secretly
+to the camp, that some armed men should come toward the place where he
+was; and he took the cacique by the hand, using very mild words unto
+him, and with some principal Indians that did accompany him, he drew
+them out of the town into a plain way, and unto the sight of the camp,
+whither by little and little with good discretion the Christians began
+to come and to gather about them. Thus the Governor led the cacique and
+his chief men until he entered with them into the camp: and near unto
+his tent he commanded them to be put in safe custody; and told them that
+they should not depart without giving him a guide and Indians for
+burdens, and till certain sick Christians were come, which he had
+commanded to come down the river in canoes from _Chiaha_; and those also
+which he had sent to the province of _Chisca_: (for they were not
+returned; and he feared that the Indians had slain the one, and the
+other.) Within three days after, those which were sent to _Chisca_
+returned, and made report that the Indians had carried them through a
+country so poor of maize, and so rough, and over so high mountains, that
+it was impossible for the army to travel that way; and that seeing the
+way grew very long, and that they lingered much, they consulted to
+return from a little poor town, where they saw nothing that was of any
+profit, and brought an ox hide, which the Indians gave them, as thin as
+a calf's skin, and the hair like a soft wool, between the coarse and
+fine wool of sheep. The cacique gave a guide, and men for burdens, and
+departed with the Governor's leave. The Governor departed from _Coste_
+the ninth of July, and lodged at a town called _Tali_. The cacique came
+forth to receive him on the way, and made this speech:--
+
+"Excellent lord and prince, worthy to be served and obeyed of all the
+princes in the world; howsoever for the most part by the outward
+physiognomy the inward virtue may be judged, and that who you are, and
+of what strength, was known unto me before now: I will not infer
+hereupon how mean I am in your presence, to hope that my poor services
+will be grateful and acceptable: since whereas strength faileth, the
+will doth not cease to be praised and accepted. And for this cause I
+presume to request your lordship, that you will be pleased only to
+respect the same, and consider wherein you will command my service in
+this your country."
+
+The Governor answered him, that his good-will and offer was as
+acceptable unto him as if he had offered him all the treasures of the
+world, and that he would always entreat, favor, and esteem him as if he
+were his own brother. The cacique commanded provision necessary for two
+days, while the Governor was there, to be brought thither: and at the
+time of his departure, he gave him four women and two men, which he had
+need of to bear burdens. The Governor traveled six days through many
+towns subject to the cacique of _Coça_: and as he entered into his
+country many Indians came unto him every day from the cacique, and met
+him on the way with messages, one going, and another coming. He came to
+_Coça_ upon Friday, the 26th of July. The cacique came forth to receive
+him two crossbow shots from the town in a chair, which his principal men
+carried on their shoulders, sitting upon a cushion, and covered with a
+garment of marterns, of the fashion and bigness of a woman's huke: he
+had on his head a diadem of feathers, and round about him many Indians
+playing upon flutes, and singing. As soon as he came unto the Governor,
+he did his obeyance, and uttered these words following:--
+
+"Excellent and mighty lord, above all them of the earth, although I come
+but now to receive you, yet I have received you many days ago in my
+heart, to wit, from the day wherein I had first notice of your lordship:
+with so great desire to serve you, with so great pleasure and
+contentment, that this which I make show of, is nothing in regard of
+that which is in my heart, neither can it have any kind of comparison.
+This you may hold for certain, that to obtain the dominion of the whole
+world, would not have rejoiced me so much as your sight, neither would I
+have held it for so great a felicity. Do not look for me to offer you
+that which is your own, to wit, my person, my lands, and subjects; only
+I will busy myself in commanding my men with all diligence and due
+reverence to welcome you from hence to the town with playing and
+singing, where your lordship shall be lodged and attended upon by myself
+and them; and all that I possess your lordship shall use as it were your
+own. For your lordship shall do me a very great favor in so doing."
+
+The Governor gave him thanks, and with great joy they both went
+conferring together till they came to the town; and he commanded his
+Indians to void their houses, wherein the Governor and his men were
+lodged. There was in the barns and in the fields great store of maize
+and French beans. The country was greatly inhabited with many great
+towns, and many sown fields, which reached from the one to the other. It
+was pleasant, fat, full of good meadows upon rivers. There were in the
+fields many plum trees, as well of such as grow in _Spain_ as of the
+country; and wild tall vines, that run up the trees; and besides these
+there were other low vines with big and sweet grapes; but for want of
+digging and dressing, they had great kernels in them. The Governor used
+to set a guard over the caciques, because they should not absent
+themselves, and carried them with him till he came out of their
+countries; because that carrying them along with him, he looked to find
+people in the towns, and they gave him guides, and men to carry burdens;
+and before he went out of their countries, he gave them license to
+return to their houses, and to their porters likewise, as soon as he
+came to any other lordship where they gave him others. The men of _Coça_
+seeing their lord detained, took it in evil part, and revolted, and hid
+themselves in the woods, as well those of the town of the cacique, as
+those of the other towns of his principal subjects. The Governor sent
+out four captains, every one his way, to seek them. They took many men
+and women, which were put into chains. They seeing the hurt which they
+received, and how little they gained in absenting themselves, came
+again, promising to do whatsoever they were commanded. Of those which
+were taken prisoners, some principal men were set at liberty, whom the
+cacique demanded; and every one that had any, carried the rest in chains
+like slaves, without letting them go to their country. Neither did any
+return, but some few, whose fortune helped them with the good diligence
+which they used to file off their chains by night, or such as in their
+traveling could slip aside out of the way, seeing any negligence in them
+that kept them; some escaped away with the chains, and with the burdens
+and clothes which they carried.
+
+The Governor rested in _Coça_ twenty-five days. He departed from thence
+the twentieth of August, to seek a province called _Tascaluca_; he
+carried with him the cacique of _Coça_. He passed that day by a great
+town called _Tallimuchase_; the people were fled; he lodged half a
+league further, near a brook. The next day he came to a town called
+_Ytaua_, subject to _Coça_. He staid there six days, because of a river
+that passed by it, which at that time was very high; and as soon as the
+river suffered him to pass, he set forward, and lodged at a town named
+_Ullibahali_. There came to him on the way, of the caciques in behalf of
+that province, ten or twelve principal Indians to offer him their
+service; all of them had their plumes of feathers, and bows and arrows.
+The Governor coming to the town with twelve horsemen, and some footmen
+of his guard, leaving his people a crossbow shot from the town, entered
+into it; he found all the Indians with their weapons, and as far as he
+could guess, they seemed to have some evil meaning. It was known
+afterwards that they were determined to take the cacique of _Coça_ from
+the Governor, if he had requested it. The Governor commanded all his
+people to enter the town, which was walled about, and near unto it
+passed a small river. The wall, as well of that as of others, which
+afterwards we saw, was of great posts thrust deep into the ground, and
+very rough; and many long rails, as big as one's arm, laid across
+between them, and the wall was about the height of a lance, and it was
+daubed within and without with clay, and had loopholes. On the other
+side of the river was a town, where at that present the cacique was. The
+Governor sent to call him, and he came presently. After he had passed
+with the Governor some words of offering his services, he gave him such
+men for his carriages as he needed, and thirty women for slaves. In that
+place was a Christian lost, called _Mançano_, born in _Salamanca_, of
+noble parentage, which went astray to seek for grapes, whereof there is
+great store, and those very good. The day that the Governor departed
+from thence, he lodged at a town, subject to the lord of _Ullibahali_;
+and the next day he came to another town called _Toasi_. The Indians
+gave the Governor thirty women, and such men for his carriages as he
+needed. He traveled ordinarily five or six leagues a day, when he
+traveled through peopled countries; and going through deserts, he
+marched as fast as he could, to eschew the want of maize. From _Toasi_,
+passing through some towns subject to a cacique, which was lord of a
+province called _Tallise_, he traveled five days. He came to _Tallise_
+the 18th of September. The town was great, and situated near unto a main
+river. On the other side of the river were other towns, and many fields
+sown with maize. On both sides it was a very plentiful country, and had
+store of maize; they had voided the town. The Governor commanded to call
+the cacique; who came, and between them passed some words of love and
+offer of his services, and he presented unto him forty Indians. There
+came to the Governor in this town, a principal Indian in the behalf of
+the cacique of _Tascaluca_, and made this speech following:--
+
+"Mighty, virtuous, and esteemed lord, the great cacique of _Tascaluca_,
+my lord, sendeth by me to kiss your lordship's hands, and to let you
+understand that he hath notice how you justly ravish with your
+perfections and power, all men on the earth and that every one by whom
+your lordship passeth, doth serve and obey you, which he acknowledgeth
+to be due unto you, and desireth, as his life, to see and to serve your
+lordship. For which cause by me he offereth himself, his lands and
+subjects, that when your lordship pleaseth to go through his country,
+you may be received with all peace and love, served and obeyed; and that
+in recompense of the desire he hath to see you, you will do him the
+favor to let him know when you will come; for how much the sooner, so
+much the greater favor he shall receive."
+
+The Governor received and dispatched him graciously, giving him beads,
+which among them were not much esteemed, and some other things to carry
+to his lord. And he gave license to the Cacique of _Coça_ to return home
+to his own country. The Cacique of _Tallise_ gave him such men for
+burdens as he needed. And after he had rested there twenty days, he
+departed thence towards _Tascaluca_. That day when he went from
+_Tallise_, he lodged at a great town called _Casiste_. And the next day
+passed by another, and came to a small town of _Tascaluca_; and the next
+day he camped in a wood, two leagues from the town where the cacique
+resided, and was at that time. And he sent the master of the camp, _Luys
+de Moscoso_, with fifteen horsemen, to let him know he was coming. The
+cacique was in his lodgings under a canopy; and without doors, right
+against his lodgings, in a high place, they spread a mat for him, and
+two cushions one upon another, where he sat him down, and his Indians
+placed themselves round about him, somewhat distant from him, so that
+they made a place, and a void room where he sat; and his chiefest men
+were nearest to him, and one with a shadow of deer skin, which kept the
+sun from him, being round and of the bigness of a target, quartered with
+black and white, having a rundle in the midst; afar off it seemed to be
+of taffeta, because the colors were very perfect. It was set on a small
+staff stretched wide out. This was the device which he carried in his
+wars. He was a man of a very tall stature, of great limbs, and spare,
+and well proportioned, and was much feared of his neighbors and
+subjects. He was lord of many territories and much people. In his
+countenance he was very grave. After the master of the camp had spoken
+with him, he and those that went with him coursed their horses, prancing
+them to and fro, and now and then towards the place where the cacique
+was, who, with much gravity and dissimulation now and then lifted up his
+eyes, and beheld them, as it were, with disdain. At the Governor's
+coming, he made no offer at all to rise. The Governor took him by the
+hand, and both of them sat down together on a seat which was under the
+cloth of state. The cacique said these words unto him:--
+
+"Mighty lord, I bid your lordship right heartily welcome. I receive as
+much pleasure and contentment with your sight, as if you were my
+brother, whom I dearly loved; upon this point it is not needful to use
+many reasons; since it is no discretion to speak that in many words,
+which in few may be uttered. How much the greater the will is, so much
+more giveth it name to the works, and the works give testimony of the
+truth. Now touching my will, by it you shall know how certain and
+manifest it is, and how pure inclination I have to serve you. Concerning
+the favor which you did me, in the things which you sent me, I make as
+much account of them as is reason to esteem them, and chiefly because
+they were yours. Now see what service you will command me."
+
+The Governor satisfied him with sweet words and with great brevity. When
+he departed from thence he determined to carry him along with him for
+some cause, and at two days' journey he came to a town called _Piache_,
+by which there passed a great river. The Governor demanded canoes of the
+Indians; they said they had them not, but that they would make rafts of
+canes and dry timber, on which he might pass well enough. And they made
+them with all diligence and speed, and they governed them; and because
+the water went very slow, the Governor and his people passed very well.
+
+From the _Port de Spirito Santo_ to _Apalache_, which is about an
+hundred leagues, the Governor went from east to west; and from
+_Apalache_ to _Cutifachiqui_, which are four hundred and thirty leagues
+from the south-west to the north-east; and from _Cutifachiqui_ to
+_Xualla_, which are about two hundred and fifty leagues from the south
+to the north; and from _Xualla_ to _Tascaluca_, which are two hundred
+and fifty leagues more, an hundred and ninety of them he traveled from
+east to west, to wit, to the province of _Coça_, and the other sixty
+from _Coça_ to _Tascaluca_ from the north to the south.
+
+Having passed the river of _Piache_, a Christian went from his company
+from thence to seek a woman slave that was run away from him, and the
+Indians either took him captive, or slew him. The Governor urged the
+cacique that he should give account of him, and threatened him that if
+he were not found he would never let him loose. The cacique sent an
+Indian from thence to _Mavilla_, whither they were traveling, which was
+a town of a principal Indian and his subject, saying that he sent him to
+advise them to make ready victuals, and men for carriages. But (as
+afterwards appeared) he sent him to assemble all the men of war thither
+that he had in his country. The Governor traveled three days, and the
+third day he passed all day through a peopled country, and he came to
+_Mavilla_ upon Monday the 18th of October, 1540. He went before the camp
+with fifteen horsemen and thirty footmen. And from the town came a
+Christian, whom he had sent to the principal man, three or four days
+before, because he should not absent himself, and also to learn in what
+sort the Indians were; who told him that he thought they were in an evil
+purpose; for while he was there, there came many people into the town,
+and many weapons, and that they made great haste to fortify the walls.
+_Luys de Moscoso_ told the Governor that it would be good to lodge in
+the field, seeing the Indians were of such disposition; and he answered,
+that he would lodge in the town, for he was weary of lodging in the
+field. When he came near unto the town, the cacique came forth to
+receive him with many Indians playing upon flutes and singing. And after
+he had offered himself, he presented him with three mantles of marterns.
+The Governor, with both the caciques, and seven or eight men of his
+guard, and three or four horsemen, which alighted to accompany him,
+entered into the town, and sat him down under a cloth of state. The
+cacique of _Tascaluca_ requested him that he would let him remain in
+that town, and trouble him no more with traveling. And seeing he would
+not give him leave, in his talk he changed his purpose, and
+dissemblingly feigned that he would speak with some principal Indians,
+and rose up from the place where he sat with the Governor, and entered
+into a house, where many Indians were with their bows and arrows. The
+Governor when he saw he returned not, called him, and he answered that
+he would not come out from thence, neither would he go any farther than
+that town, and that if he would go his way in peace, he should presently
+depart, and should not seek to carry him perforce out of his country and
+territory.
+
+The Governor seeing the determination and furious answer of the cacique,
+went about to pacify him with fair words; to which he gave no answer,
+but rather with much pride and disdain, withdrew himself where the
+Governor might not see him nor speak with him. As a principal Indian
+passed that way, the Governor called him, to send him word that he might
+remain at his pleasure in his country, and that it would please him to
+give him a guide, and men for carriages, to see if he could pacify him
+with mild words. The Indians answered with great pride, that he would
+not hearken unto him. _Baltasar de Gallegos_, which stood by, took hold
+of a gown of marterns which he had on, and he cast it over his head, and
+left it in his hands: and because all of them immediately began to stir,
+_Baltasar de Gallegos_ gave him such a wound with his cutlass, that he
+opened him down the back, and presently all the Indians with a great cry
+came out of the houses shooting their arrows. The Governor considering
+that if he tarried there, he could not escape, and if he commanded his
+men to come in, which were without the town, the Indians within the
+houses might kill their horses, and do much hurt, ran out of the town,
+and before he came out, he fell twice or thrice, and those that were
+with him did help him up again; and he and those that were with him were
+sore wounded; and in a moment there were five Christians slain in the
+town. The Governor came running out of the town, crying out that every
+man should stand farther off, because from the wall they did them much
+hurt. The Indians seeing that the Christians retired, and some of them,
+or the most part, more than an ordinary pace, shot with great boldness
+at them, and struck down such as they could overtake. The Indians which
+the Christians did lead with them in chains, had laid down their burdens
+near unto the walls; and as soon as the Governor and his men were
+retired, the men of _Mavilla_ laid them on the Indians' backs again, and
+took them into the town, and loosed them presently from their chains,
+and gave them bows and arrows to fight withal. Thus they possessed
+themselves of all the clothes and pearls, and all that the Christians
+had, which their slaves carried. And because the Indians had been always
+peaceable until we came to this place, some of our men had their weapons
+in their fardels, and remained unarmed. And from others that had entered
+the town with the Governor they had taken swords and halberds, and
+fought with them. When the Governor was gotten into the field, he called
+for a horse, and with some that accompanied him, he returned and slew
+two or three Indians. All the rest retired themselves to the town, and
+shot with their bows from the wall. And those which presumed of their
+nimbleness, sallied forth to fight a stone's cast from the wall. And
+when the Christians charged them, they retired themselves at their
+leisure into the town. At the time that the broil began, there were in
+the town a friar and a priest, and a servant of the Governor, with a
+woman slave; and they had no time to come out of the town, and they took
+a house, and so remained in the town. The Indians being become masters
+of the place, they shut the door with a field gate; and among them was
+one sword which the Governor's servant had, and with it he set himself
+behind the door, thrusting at the Indians which sought to come into
+them; and the friar and the priest stood on the other side, each of them
+with a bar in their hands to beat him down that first came in. The
+Indians seeing they could not get in by the door, began to uncover the
+house top. By this time all the horsemen and footmen which were behind,
+were come to _Mavilla_. Here there were sundry opinions, whether they
+should charge the Indians to enter the town, or whether they should
+leave it, because it was hard to enter; and in the end it was resolved
+to set upon them.
+
+As soon as the battle and the rereward were come to _Mavilla_, the
+Governor commanded all those that were best armed to alight, and made
+four squadrons of footmen. The Indians, seeing how he was setting his
+men in order, concluded with the cacique, that he should go his way,
+saying unto him, as after it was known by certain women that were taken
+there, that he was but one man, and could fight but for one man, and
+that they had there among them many principal Indians, very valiant and
+expert in feats of arms, that any one of them was able to order the
+people there; and forasmuch as matters of war were subject to casualty,
+and it was uncertain which part should overcome, they wished him to save
+himself, to the end, that if it fell out that they should end their days
+there, as they determined rather than to be overcome, there might remain
+one to govern the country. For all this he would not have gone away; but
+they urged him so much, that with fifteen or twenty Indians of his own,
+he went out of the town, and carried away a scarlet cloak, and other
+things of the Christians' goods, as much as he was able to carry, and
+seemed best unto him. The Governor was informed how there went men out
+of the town, and he commanded the horsemen to beset it, and sent in
+every squadron of footmen one soldier with a firebrand to set fire on
+the houses, that the Indians might have no defence; all his men being
+set in order, he commanded an arquebuss to be shot off. The sign being
+given, the four squadrons, every one by itself with great fury, gave the
+onset, and with great hurt on both sides they entered the town. The
+friar and the priest, and those that were with them in the house were
+saved, which cost the lives of two men of account, and valiant, which
+came thither to succor them. The Indians fought with such courage, that
+many times they drove our men out of the town. The fight lasted so long,
+that for weariness and great thirst many of the Christians went to a
+pool that was near the wall, to drink, which was all stained with the
+blood of the dead, and then came again to fight. The Governor seeing
+this, entered among the footmen into the town on horseback, with certain
+that accompanied them, and was a mean that the Christians came to set
+fire on the houses, and broke and overcame the Indians, who running out
+of the town from the footmen, the horsemen without drove in at the gates
+again, where being without all hope of life, they fought valiantly, and
+after the Christians came among them to handy blows, seeing themselves
+in great distress, without any succor, many of them fled into the
+burning houses, where one upon another they were smothered and burnt in
+the fire. The whole number of the Indians that died in this town, were
+two thousand and five hundred, little more or less. Of the Christians
+there died eighteen; of which one was _Don Carlos_, brother-in-law to
+the Governor, and a nephew of his, and one _John de Gamez_, and _Men
+Rodriguez_, Portuguese, and _John Vasquez de Villanova de Barca Rota_,
+all men of honor, and of much valor; the rest were footmen. Besides
+those that were slain, there were a hundred and fifty wounded, with
+seven hundred wounds of their arrows: and it pleased God that of very
+dangerous wounds they were quickly healed. Moreover there were twelve
+horses slain, and seventy hurt. All the clothes which the Christians
+carried with them to clothe themselves withal, and the ornaments to say
+mass, and the pearls, were all burnt there; and the Christians did set
+them on fire themselves; because they held for a greater inconvenience,
+the hurt which the Indians might do them from those houses, where they
+had gathered all those goods together, than the loss of them. Here the
+Governor understood that _Francisco Maldonado_ waited for him at the
+Port of _Ochuse_, and that it was six days' journey from thence
+(_Mavilla_), and he dealt with _John Ortiz_ to keep it secret, because
+he had not accomplished that which he determined to do; and because the
+pearls were burnt there, which he meant to have sent to _Cuba_ for a
+show, that the people hearing the news, might be desirous to come to
+that country. He feared also, that if they should have news of him
+without seeing from _Florida_ neither gold nor silver, nor anything of
+value, it would get such a name, that no man would seek to go thither,
+when he should have need of people. And so he determined to send no news
+of himself until he had found some rich country.
+
+From the time that the Governor entered into _Florida_, until his
+departure from _Mavilla_, there died a hundred and two Christians, some
+of sickness, and others which the Indians slew. He stayed in _Mavilla_,
+because of the wounded men, eight-and-twenty days; all which time he lay
+in the field. It was a well inhabited and a fat country, there were some
+great and walled towns, and many houses scattered all about the fields,
+to wit, a crossbow shot or two, the one from the other. Upon Sunday, the
+eighteenth of November (1540), when the hurt men were known to be
+healed, the Governor departed from _Mavilla_. Every one furnished
+himself with maize for two days, and they traveled five days through a
+desert: they came to a province called _Pafallaya_, unto a town named
+_Taliepatava_: and from thence they went to another, called _Cabusto_:
+near unto it ran a great river. The Indians on the other side cried out,
+threatening the Christians to kill them, if they sought to pass it. The
+Governor commanded his men to make a barge within the town, because the
+Indians should not perceive it: it was finished in four days, and being
+ended, he commanded it to be carried one night upon sleds half a league
+up the river. In the morning there entered into it thirteen men well
+armed. The Indians perceived what was attempted, and those which were
+nearest, came to defend the passage. They resisted what they could, till
+the Christians came near them; and seeing that the barge came to the
+shore, they fled away into the groves of canes. The Christians mounted
+on horseback, and went up the river to make good the passage, whereby
+the Governor and his company passed the river. There were along the
+river some towns well stored with maize and French beans. From thence to
+_Chicaça_ the Governor traveled five days through a desert. He came to a
+river, where on the other side were Indians to defend the passage. He
+made another barge in two days; and when it was finished, the Governor
+sent an Indian to request the cacique to accept of his friendship, and
+peaceably to expect his coming: whom the Indians that were on the other
+side the river slew before his face, and presently making a great shout
+went their way. Having passed the river, the next day, being the 17th of
+December, the Governor came to _Chicaça_, a small town of twenty houses.
+And after they were come to _Chicaça_, they were much troubled with
+cold, because it was now winter and it snowed, while most of them were
+lodged in the field, before they had time to make themselves houses.
+This country was very well peopled, and the houses scattered like those
+of _Mavilla_, fat and plentiful of maize, and the most part of it was
+fielding: they gathered as much as sufficed to pass the winter. Some
+Indians were taken, among which was one whom the cacique esteemed
+greatly. The Governor sent an Indian to signify to the cacique that he
+desired to see him and to have his friendship. The cacique came unto
+him, to offer him his person, country and subjects, and told him that he
+would cause two other caciques to come to him in peace; who within a few
+days after came with him and with their Indians. The one was called
+_Alimamu_, the other _Nicalasa_. They gave a present unto the Governor
+of a hundred and fifty coneys, and of the country garments, to wit, of
+mantles and skins. The Cacique of _Chicaça_ came to visit him many
+times; and sometimes the Governor sent to call him, and sent him a horse
+to go and come. He complained unto him that a subject of his was risen
+against him and deprived him of his tribute, requesting his aid against
+him, for he meant to seek him in his country, and to punish him
+according to his desert. Which was nothing else but a feigned plot. For
+they determined, as soon as the Governor was gone with him, and the camp
+was divided into two parts, the one part of them to set upon the
+Governor and the other upon them that remained in _Chicaça_. He went to
+the town where he used to keep his residence, and brought with him two
+hundred Indians with their bows and arrows. The Governor took thirty
+horsemen and eighty footmen, and they went to _Saquechuma_ (for so was
+the province called of that chief man, which he said had rebelled). They
+found a walled town, without any men: and those which went with the
+cacique set fire on the houses, to dissemble their treason. But by
+reason of the great care and heedfulness, that was as well in the
+Governor's people which he carried with him, as of those which remained
+in _Chicaça_, they dare not assault them at that time. The Governor
+invited the cacique, and certain principal Indians, and gave them hog's
+flesh to eat. And though they did not commonly use it, yet they were so
+greedy of it, that every night there came Indians to certain houses a
+crossbow shot from the camp, where the hogs lay, and killed, and carried
+away as many as they could. And three Indians were taken in the manner.
+Two of them the Governor commanded to be shot to death with arrows; and
+to cut off the hands of the other; and he sent him so handled to the
+cacique. Who made as though it grieved him; yet they had offended the
+Governor, and that he was glad that he had executed that punishment on
+them. He lay in a plain country, half a league from the place where the
+Christians lodged. Four horsemen went a straggling thither, to wit,
+_Francisco Osorio_, and a servant of the Marquis of _Astorga_, called
+_Reynoso_, and two servants of the Governor, the one his page, called
+_Ribera_, and the other _Fuentes_, his chamberlain: and these had taken
+from the Indians some skins, and some mantles, wherewith they were
+offended, and forsook their houses. The Governor knew of it, and
+commanded them to be apprehended; and condemned to death _Francisco
+Osorio_, and the chamberlain as principals, and all of them to loss of
+goods. The friars and priests and other principal persons were earnest
+with him to pardon _Francisco Osorio_ his life, and to moderate his
+sentence, which he would not grant for any of them. While he was ready
+to command them to be drawn to the market-place to cut off their heads,
+there came certain Indians from the cacique to complain of them. _John
+Ortiz_, at the request of _Baltasar de Gallegos_ and other persons,
+changed their words, and told the Governor, that the cacique said, he
+had notice how his lordship held those Christians in prison for his
+sake, and that they were in no fault, neither had they done him any
+wrong, and that if he would do him any favor, he should set them free.
+And he told the Indians, that the Governor said he had them in prison,
+and that he would punish them in such sort, that they should be an
+example to others. Hereupon the Governor commanded the prisoners to be
+loosed. As soon as March was come, he determined to depart from
+_Chicaça_, and demanded of the cacique two hundred men for carriages. He
+sent him answer that he would speak with his principal men. Upon
+Tuesday, the eighth of March, 1541, the Governor went to the town where
+he was, to ask him for the men: he told him he would send them the next
+day. As soon as the Governor was come to _Chicaça_, he told _Luys de
+Moscoso_, the camp-master, that he misliked the Indians, and that he
+should keep a strong watch that night, which he remembered but a little.
+The Indians came at the second watch in four squadrons, every one by
+itself, and as soon as they were descried, they sounded a drum, and gave
+the assault with a great cry, and with so great celerity, that presently
+they entered with the scouts, that were somewhat distant from the camp.
+And when they were perceived of them which were in the town, half the
+houses were on fire, which they had kindled. That night three horsemen
+chanced to be scouts; two of them were of base calling, and the worst
+men in all the camp, and the other, which was a nephew of the Governor,
+which until then was held for a tall man, showed himself there as great
+a coward as any of them: for all of them ran away. And the Indians
+without any resistance came and set the town on fire; and tarried
+without behind the doors for the Christians, which ran out of the
+houses, not having any leisure to arm themselves; and as they ran hither
+and thither amazed with the noise, and blinded with the smoke and flame
+of the fire, they knew not which way they went, neither could they light
+upon their weapons, nor saddle their horses, neither saw they the
+Indians that shot at them. Many of the horses were burned in the
+stables, and those which could break their halters got loose. The
+disorder and flight was such that every man fled which way he could,
+without leaving any to resist the Indians. But God (which chastiseth his
+according to his pleasure, and in the greatest necessities and dangers
+sustaineth them with his hand) so blinded the Indians, that they saw not
+what they had done, and thought that the horses which ran loose, were
+men on horseback, that gathered themselves together to set upon them.
+The Governor only rode on horseback, and with him a soldier called
+_Tapia_, and set upon the Indians, and striking the first he met with
+his lance, the saddle fell with him, which with haste was evil girded,
+and so he fell from his horse. And all the people that were on foot were
+fled to a wood out of the town, and there assembled themselves together.
+And because it was night, and that the Indians thought the horses were
+men on horseback which came to set upon them, as I said before, they
+fled; and one only remained dead, and that was he whom the Governor slew
+with his lance. The town lay all burnt to ashes. There was a woman
+burned, who, after she and her husband were both gone out of their
+house, went in again for certain pearls which they had forgotten, and
+when she would have come out, the fire was so great at the door that she
+could not, neither could her husband succor her. Other three Christians
+came out of their lodgings so cruelly burned, that one of them died
+within three days, and the other two were carried many days each of them
+upon a couch between staves, which the Indians carried on their
+shoulders, for otherwise they could not travel. There died in this
+hurlyburly eleven Christians, and fifty horses; and there remained a
+hundred hogs, and four hundred were burned. If any perchance had saved
+any clothes from the fire of _Mavilla_, here they were burned, and many
+were clad in skins, for they had no leisure to take their coats. They
+endured much cold in this place, and the chiefest remedy were great
+fires. They spent all night in turnings without sleep: for if they
+warmed one side, they freezed on the other. Some invented the weaving of
+certain mats of dry ivy, and did wear one beneath, and another above:
+many laughed at this device, whom afterward necessity enforced to do the
+like. The Christians were so spoiled, and in such want of saddles and
+weapons which were burned, that if the Indians had come the second
+night, they had overcome them with little labor. They removed thence to
+the town where the cacique was wont to lie, because it was in a
+champaign country. Within eight days after, there were many lances and
+saddles made. There were ash-trees in those parts, whereof they made as
+good lances as in Biscay.
+
+Upon Wednesday, the 15th of March, 1541, after the Governor had lodged
+eight days in a plain, half a league from the place which he had
+wintered in, after he had set up a forge, and tempered the swords which
+in _Chicaça_ were burned, and made many targets, saddles, and lances; on
+Tuesday night, at the morning watch, many Indians came to assault the
+camp in three squadrons, every one by themselves. Those which watched
+gave the alarm. The Governor with great speed set his men in order in
+other three squadrons, and leaving some to defend the camp, went out to
+encounter them. The Indians were overcome and put to flight. The ground
+was champaign and fit for the Christians to take the advantage of them;
+and it was now break of day. But there happened a disorder, whereby
+there were not past thirty or forty Indians slain: and this it was: that
+a friar cried out in the camp without any just occasion, "To the camp,
+to the camp." Whereupon the Governor and all the rest repaired thither,
+and the Indians had time to save themselves. There were some taken, by
+whom the Governor informed himself of the country through which he was
+to pass. The 25th of April, he departed from _Chicaça_, and lodged at a
+small town called _Alimamu_. They had very little maize, and they were
+to pass a desert of seven days' journey. The next day, the Governor sent
+three captains, every one his way, with horsemen and footmen to seek
+provisions to pass the desert. And _John Dannusco_ the Auditor went with
+fifteen horsemen and forty footmen that way that the Governor was to go,
+and found a strong fort made, where the Indians stayed for him, and many
+of them walked on the top of it with their weapons, having their bodies,
+thighs, and arms ochred and dyed with black, white, yellow and red,
+striped like unto panes, so that they showed as though they went in hose
+and doublets: and some of them had plumes, and others had horns on their
+heads, and their faces black, and their eyes done round about with
+steaks of red, to seem more fierce. As soon as they saw that the
+Christians approached, with a great cry sounding two drums with great
+fury they sallied forth to receive them. _John Dannusco_ and those that
+were with him thought good to avoid them, and to acquaint the Governor
+therewith. They retired to a plain place, a crossbow-shot from the fort,
+in sight of it: the footmen, the crossbow-men, and targeters placed
+themselves before the horsemen, that they might not hurt the horses. The
+Indians sallied out by seven and seven, and eight and eight, to shoot
+their arrows, and retired again: and in sight of the Christians they
+made a fire, and took an Indian, some by the feet, and some by the head,
+and made as though they went to cast him into the fire, and gave him
+first many knocks on the head: signifying that they meant so to handle
+the Christians. _John Dannusco_ sent three horsemen to advertise the
+Governor hereof. He came presently: for his intent was to drive them
+from thence, saying, that if he did it not, they would be emboldened to
+charge him another time, when they might do him more harm. He made the
+horsemen to alight, and set his men in four squadrons. The sign being
+given, they set upon the Indians, which made resistance till the
+Christians came near the fort, and as soon as they saw they could not
+defend themselves, by a place where a brook passed near the fort, they
+ran away, and from the other side they shot some arrows; and because at
+that instant we knew no ford for the horses to pass, they had time
+enough to get out of our danger. Three Indians were slain there, and
+many Christians were hurt, whereof within few days, there died fifteen
+by the way. All men thought the Governor to be in fault, because he sent
+not to see the disposition of the place on the other side of the river,
+and to know the passage before he set upon them. For with the hope they
+had to save themselves by flight that way, when they saw none other
+means, they fought till they were broken, and it was an encouragement to
+defend themselves until then, and to offend the Christians without any
+danger to themselves.
+
+Three days after they had sought some maize, whereof they found but
+little store, in regard of that which was needful, and that for this
+cause, as well for their sakes that were wounded, it was needful for
+them to rest, as for the great journey they were to march to come where
+store of maize was: yet the Governor was enforced to depart presently
+toward _Quizquiz_. He traveled seven days through a desert of many
+marshes and thick woods: but it might all be traveled on horseback,
+except some lakes which they swam over. He came to a town of the
+province of _Quizquiz_ without being descried, and took all the people
+in it before they came out of their houses. The mother of the cacique
+was taken there: and he sent unto him by an Indian, that he should come
+to see him, and that he would give him his mother, and all the people
+which he had taken there. The cacique sent him answer again, that his
+lordship should loose and send them to him, and that he would come to
+visit and serve him. The Governor, because his people for want of maize
+were somewhat weak and weary, and the horses also were lean, determined
+to accomplish his request, to see if he could have peace with him, and
+so commanded to set free his mother and all the rest, and with loving
+words dismissed them and sent them to him. The next day, when the
+Governor expected the cacique, there came many Indians with their bows
+and arrows with a purpose to set upon the Christians. The Governor had
+commanded all the horsemen to be armed, and on horseback, and in
+readiness. When the Indians saw that they were ready, they stayed a
+crossbow-shot from the place where the Governor was, near a brook. And
+after half an hour that they had stood there still, there came to the
+camp six principal Indians, and said, "they came to see what people they
+were, and that long ago, they had been informed by their forefathers
+that a white people should subdue them; and that therefore they would
+return to their cacique, and bid him come presently to obey and serve
+the Governor:" and after they had presented him with six or seven skins
+and mantles which they brought, they took their leave of him, and
+returned with the others, which waited for them by the brook side. The
+cacique never came again nor sent other message. And because in the town
+where the Governor lodged, there was small store of maize, he removed to
+another half a league from _Rio Grande_,[H] where they found plenty of
+maize. And he went to see the river, and found, that near unto it was
+great store of timber to make barges, and good situation of ground to
+encamp in. Presently he removed himself thither. They made houses, and
+pitched their camp in a plain field a crossbow-shot from the river. And
+thither was gathered all the maize of the towns which they had lately
+passed. They began presently to cut and hew down timber, and to saw
+planks for barges. The Indians came presently down the river: they
+leaped on shore, and declared to the Governor, "that they were subjects
+of a great lord, whose name was _Aquixo_, who was lord of many towns,
+and governed many people on the other side of the river, and came to
+tell him on his behalf, that the next day he with all his men would come
+to see what it would please him to command him." The next day, with
+speed, the cacique came with two hundred canoes full of Indians with
+their bows and arrows, painted, and with great plumes of white feathers,
+and many other colors, with shields in their hands, wherewith they
+defended the rowers on both sides, and the men of war stood from the
+head to the stern, with their bows and arrows in their hands. The canoe
+wherein the cacique was, had a tilt over the stern, and he sat under the
+tilt; and so were other canoes of the principal Indians. And from under
+the tilt where the chief man sat, he governed and commanded the other
+people. All joined together, and came within a stone's cast of the
+shore. From thence the cacique said to the Governor, which walked along
+the river's side with others that waited on him, that he was come
+thither to visit, to honor, and to obey him; because he knew he was the
+greatest and mightiest lord on the earth: therefore he would see what he
+would command him to do. The Governor yielded him thanks, and requested
+him to come on shore, that they might the better communicate together.
+And without any answer to that point, he sent him three canoes, wherein
+was great store of fish and loaves, made of the substance of prunes like
+unto bricks. After he had received all, he thanked him, and prayed him
+again to come on shore. And because the cacique's purpose was, to see if
+with dissimulation he might do some hurt, when they saw that the
+Governor and his men were in readiness, they began to go from the shore:
+and with a great cry, the crossbow-men which were ready, shot at them,
+and slew five or six of them. They retired with great order: none did
+leave his oar, though the next to him were slain, and shielding
+themselves, they went farther off. Afterward they came many times and
+landed: and when any of us came toward them, they fled into their
+canoes, which were very pleasant to behold: for they were very great and
+well made, and had their tilts, plumes, paueses, and flags, and with the
+multitude of people that were in them, they seemed to be a fair army of
+galleys. In thirty days' space, while the Governor remained there, they
+made four barges: in three of which he commanded twelve horsemen to
+enter, in each of them four. In a morning, three hours before day, men
+which he trusted would land in despite of the Indians, and make sure the
+passage, or die, and some footmen, being crossbow-men, went with them,
+and rowers to set them on the other side. And in the other barge he
+commanded _John de Guzman_ to pass with the footmen, which was made
+captain instead of _Francisco Maldonado_. And because the stream was
+swift, they went a quarter of a league up the river along the bank, and
+crossing over, fell down with the stream, and landed right over against
+the camp. Two stones' cast before they came to land, the horsemen went
+out of the barges on horseback to a sandy plot very hard and clear
+ground, where all of them landed without any resistance. As soon as
+those that passed first were on land on the other side, the barges
+returned to the place where the Governor was: and within two hours after
+sun rising, all the people were over. The river was almost half a league
+broad. If a man stood still on the other side, it could not be discerned
+whether he was a man or no. The river was of great depth, and of a
+strong current: the water was always muddy: there came down the river
+continually many trees and timber, which the force of the water and
+stream brought down. There was great store of fish in it of sundry
+sorts, and the most of it differing from the fresh water fish of
+_Spain_, as hereafter shall be showed.
+
+Having passed _Rio Grande_, the Governor traveled a league and a half,
+and came to a great town of _Aquixo_, which was dispeopled before he
+came thither. They espied thirty Indians coming over a plain, which the
+cacique sent to discover the Christians' determination; and as soon as
+they had sight of them, they took themselves to flight. The horsemen
+pursued them, and slew ten, and took fifteen. And because the town,
+whither the Governor went, was near unto the river, he sent a captain,
+with as many men as he thought sufficient, to carry the barges up the
+river. And because in his traveling by land many times he went far from
+the river to compass the creeks that came from it, the Indians took
+occasion to set upon them of the barges, and put them in great danger,
+because that by reason of the great current, they durst not leave the
+shore, and from the bank they shot at them. As soon as the Governor was
+come to the town, he presently sent crossbow-men down the river, which
+came to rescue them and upon the coming of the barges to the town, he
+commanded them to be broken, and to save the iron for others, when it
+should be needful. He lay there one night, and the day following he set
+forward to seek a province, called _Pacaha_, which he was informed to be
+near unto _Chisca_, where the Indians told him there was gold. He passed
+through great towns of _Aquixo_, which were all abandoned for fear of
+the Christians. He understood by certain Indians that were taken that
+three days' journey from thence dwelt a great cacique, whose name was
+_Casqui_. He came to a small river, where a bridge was made, by which
+they passed; that day till sunset, they went all in water, which in some
+places came to the waist, and in some to the knees. When they saw
+themselves on dry land, they were very glad, because they feared they
+should wander up and down as forlorn men all night in the water. At noon
+they came to the first town of _Casqui_: they found the Indians
+careless, because they had no knowledge of them. There were many men and
+women taken, and store of goods, as mantles and skins, as well in the
+first town, as in another, which stood in a field half a league from
+thence in sight of it; whither the horsemen ran. This country is higher,
+drier, and more champaign, than any part bordering near the river that
+until then they had seen. There were in the fields many walnut trees,
+bearing soft-shelled walnuts in the fashion like bullets, and in the
+houses they found many of them, which the Indians had laid up in store.
+The trees differed in nothing else from those of _Spain_, nor from those
+which we had seen before, but only that they have a smaller leaf. There
+were many mulberry trees and plum trees, which bare red plums like
+those of _Spain_, and others gray, somewhat differing, but far better.
+And all the trees are all the year so fruitful, as if they were planted
+in orchards; and the woods were very thin. The Governor traveled two
+days through the country of _Casqui_, before he came to the town where
+the cacique was; and the most of the way was alway by champaign ground,
+which was full of great towns, so that from one town, you might see two
+or three. He sent an Indian to certify the cacique that he was coming to
+the place where he was, with intent to procure his friendship, and to
+hold him as his brother. Whereunto he answered, that he should be
+welcome, and that he would receive him with special good-will, and
+accomplish all that his lordship would command him. He sent him a
+present upon the way; to wit, skins, mantles, and fish: and after these
+compliments, the Governor found all the towns, as he passed, inhabited
+with people, which peaceably attended his coming, and offered him skins,
+mantles, and fish. The cacique, accompanied with many Indians, came out
+of the town, and stayed half a league on the way to receive the
+Governor, and when he came to him, he spake these words following:--
+
+"Right high, right mighty, and renowned lord, your lordship is most
+heartily welcome. As soon as I had notice of your lordship, of your
+power, and your perfections, although you came into my country killing
+and taking captives the inhabitants thereof and my subjects, yet I
+determined to conform my will unto yours, and as your own to interpret
+in good part all that your lordship did: believing that it was
+convenient it should be so for some just respect, to prevent some future
+matter revealed unto your lordship, and concealed from me. For well may
+a mischief be permitted to avoid a greater, and that good may come
+thereof: which I believe will so fall out. For it is no reason to
+presume of so excellent a prince, that the nobleness of his heart, and
+the effect of his will would permit him to suffer any unjust thing. My
+ability is so small to serve you as your lordship deserveth, that if you
+respect not mine abundant good-will, which humbly offereth all kind of
+service, I deserve but little in your presence. But if it be reason that
+this be esteemed, receive the same, myself, my country, and subjects for
+yours, and dispose of me and them at your pleasure. For if I were lord
+of all the world, with the same good-will should your lordship by me be
+received, served and obeyed."
+
+The Governor answered him to the purpose, and satisfied him in few
+words. Within a while after both of them used words of great offers and
+courtesy the one to the other, and the cacique requested him to lodge
+in his houses. The Governor, to preserve the peace the better, excused
+himself, saying that he would lodge in the fields. And because it was
+very hot, they camped near certain trees a quarter of a league from the
+town. The cacique went to his town, and came again with many Indians
+singing. As soon as they came to the Governor, all of them prostrated
+themselves upon the ground. Among these came two Indians that were
+blind. The cacique made a speech: to avoid tediousness, I will only tell
+in a few words the substance of the matter. He said, that seeing the
+Governor was the son of the Sun, and a great lord, he besought him to do
+him the favor to give sight to those two blind men. The blind men rose
+up presently, and very earnestly requested the same of the Governor. He
+answered, that in the high heavens was he that had power to give them
+health, and whatsoever they could ask of him; whose servant he was: and
+that this Lord made the heavens and the earth, and man after his own
+likeness, and that he suffered upon the cross to save mankind, and rose
+again the third day, and that he died as he was man, and as touching his
+divinity, he was, and is immortal; and that he ascended into heaven,
+where he standeth with his arms open to receive all such as turn unto
+him: and straightway he commanded him to make a very high cross of wood,
+which was set up in the highest place of the town; declaring unto him,
+that the Christians worshiped the same in resemblance and memory of that
+whereon Christ suffered. The Governor and his men kneeled down before
+it, and the Indians did the like. The Governor willed him, that from
+thenceforth he would worship the same, and should ask whatsoever they
+stood in need of, of that Lord that he told him was in heaven. Then he
+asked him how far it was from thence to _Pacaha_. He said, one day's
+journey, and that at the end of his country, there was a lake like a
+brook which falleth into _Rio Grande_, and that he would send men before
+to make a bridge whereby he might pass. The same day that the Governor
+departed thence, he lodged at a town belonging to _Casqui_; and the next
+day he passed in sight of other towns, and came to the lake, which was
+half a crossbow shot over, of a great depth and current. At the time of
+his coming, the Indians had made an end of the bridge, which was made of
+timber, laid one tree after another: and on one side it had a course of
+stakes higher than the bridge, for them that passed to take hold on. The
+Cacique of _Casqui_ came to the Governor, and brought his people with
+him. The Governor sent word by an Indian to the Cacique of _Pacaha_,
+that though he were enemy to the Cacique of _Casqui_, and though he
+were there, yet he would do him no disgrace nor hurt, if he would attend
+him peaceably, and embrace his friendship; but rather would intreat him
+as a brother. The Indian, which the Governor sent, came again, and said
+that the cacique made no account of that which he told him, but fled
+with all his men out at the other side of the town. Presently the
+Governor entered, and ran before with the horsemen, that way by which
+the Indians fled; and at another town, distant a quarter of a league
+from thence, they took many Indians; and as soon as the horsemen had
+taken them, they delivered them to the Indians of _Casqui_, whom,
+because they were their enemies, with much circumspection and rejoicing,
+they brought to the town where the Christians were: and the greatest
+grief they had was this, that they could not get leave to kill them.
+There were found in the town many mantles, and deer skins, lion skins,
+and bear skins, and many cat skins. Many came so far poorly appareled,
+and there they clothed themselves: of the mantles, they made them coats
+and cassocks, and some made gowns, and lined them with cat skins; and
+likewise their cassocks. Of the deer skins, some made them also jerkins,
+shirts, hose and shoes: and of the bear skins, they made them very good
+cloaks: for no water could pierce them. There were targets of raw ox
+hides found there; with which hides they armed their horses.
+
+Upon Wednesday, the 19th of June, 1541, the Governor entered into
+_Pacaha_. He lodged in the town, where the cacique used to reside, which
+was very great, walled, and beset with towers, and many loopholes were
+in the towers and wall. And in the town was great store of old maize,
+and great quantity of new in the fields. Within a league and half a
+league were great towns all walled. Where the Governor was lodged was a
+great lake, that came near unto the wall; and it entered into a ditch,
+that went round about the town, wanting but a little to environ it
+around. From the lake to the great river was made a wear by which the
+fish came into it; which the cacique kept for his recreation and sport.
+With nets that were found in the town, they took as much as they would;
+and took they never so much, there was no want perceived. There was also
+great store of fish in many other lakes that were thereabout, but it was
+soft, and not so good as that which came from the river, and the most of
+it was different from the fresh-water fish of _Spain_. There was a fish
+which they called bagres; the third part of it was head, and it had on
+both sides the gills, and along the sides great pricks like very sharp
+awls. Those of the kind that were in the lakes were as big as pikes; and
+in the river there were some of an hundred, and of an hundred and fifty
+pounds weight, and many of them were taken with the hook. There was
+another fish like barbilles, and another like breams, headed like a
+delicate fish, called in _Spain_ besugo, between red and gray. This was
+there of most esteem. There was another fish called peel fish; it had a
+snout of a cubit long, and at the end of the upper lip it was made like
+a peel. There was another fish called a western shad; and all of them
+had scales, except the bagres, and the peel fish. There was another fish
+which sometimes the Indians brought us, of the bigness of a hog; they
+called it the pereo fish; it had rows of teeth beneath and above. The
+Cacique of _Casqui_ sent many times great presents of fish, mantles, and
+skins. He told the Governor that he would deliver the Cacique of
+_Pacaha_ into his hands. He went to _Casqui_, and sent many canoes up
+the river, and came himself by land with many of his people. The
+Governor, with forty horsemen and sixty footmen, took him along with him
+up the river. And his Indians which were in the canoes, discovered where
+the Cacique of _Pacaha_ was, in a little island, situated between two
+arms of the river. And five Christians entered into a canoe, wherein
+_Don Antonio Osorio_ went before, to see what people the cacique had
+with him. There were in the isle five or six thousand souls. And as soon
+as they saw them, supposing that the Indians which were in the other
+canoes were also Christians, the cacique, and certain which were in
+three canoes, which they had there with them, fled in great haste to the
+other side of the river. The rest, with great fear and danger, leapt
+into the river, where many people were drowned, especially women and
+little children. Presently the Governor, who was on land, not knowing
+what had happened to _Don Antonio_ and those that went with him,
+commanded the Christians with all speed to enter with the Indians of
+_Casqui_ in the canoes, which were quickly with _Don Antonio_ in the
+little island, where they took many men and women, and much goods. Great
+store of goods, which the Indians had laid upon hurdles of canes and
+rafts of timber to carry over to the other side, drove down the river,
+wherewith the Indians of _Casqui_ filled their canoes; and for fear lest
+the Christians would take it from them, the cacique went home with them
+down the river, without taking his leave of the Governor; whereupon the
+Governor was highly offended with him, and presently returning to
+_Pacaha_, he overran the country of _Casqui_ the space of two leagues,
+where he took twenty or thirty of his men. And because his horses were
+weary, and he wanted time that day to go any farther, he returned to
+_Pacaha_, with determination within three or four days after to invade
+_Casqui_. And presently he let loose one of the Indians of _Pacaha_, and
+sent word by him to the cacique, that if he would have his friendship,
+he should repair unto him, and that both of them would make war upon
+_Casqui_. And presently came many Indians that belonged to _Pacaha_, and
+brought an Indian instead of the cacique, which was discovered by the
+cacique's brother, which was taken prisoner. The Governor wished the
+Indians that their master himself should come; for he knew very well
+that that was not he, and told them that they could do nothing which he
+knew not before they thought it. The next day the cacique came,
+accompanied with many Indians, and with a present of much fish, skins
+and mantles. He made a speech that all were glad to hear, and concluded
+saying, that though his lordship, without his giving occasion of offence
+had done him hurt in his country and subjects, yet he would not
+therefore refuse to be his, and that he would always be at his command.
+The Governor commanded his brother to be loosed, and other principal
+Indians that were taken prisoners. That day came an Indian from the
+Cacique of _Casqui_, and said that his lord would come the next day to
+excuse himself of the error which he had committed, in going away
+without license of the Governor. The Governor willed the messenger to
+signify unto him, that if he came not in his own person, he would seek
+him himself, and give him such punishment as he deserved. The next day
+with all speed came the Cacique of _Casqui_, and brought a present to
+the Governor of many mantles, skins, and fish, and gave him a daughter
+of his, saying that he greatly desired to match his blood with the blood
+of so great a lord as he was, and therefore he brought him his daughter,
+and desired him to take her to his wife. He made a long and discreet
+oration, giving him great commendations, and concluded, saying, that he
+should pardon his going away without license, for that cross's sake
+which he had left with him; protesting that he went away for shame of
+that which his men had done without his consent. The Governor answered
+him that he had chosen a good patron; and that if he had not come to
+excuse himself, he had determined to seek him, to burn his towns, to
+kill him and his people, and to destroy his country. To which he
+replied, saying:
+
+"My lord, I and mine are yours, and my country likewise is yours;
+therefore if you had done so, you should have destroyed your own
+country, and have killed your own people; whatsoever shall come unto me
+from your hand, I will receive as from my lord, as well punishment as
+reward; and know you, that the favor which you did me in leaving me the
+cross, I do acknowledge the same to be a very great one, and greater
+than I have ever deserved. For you shall understand, that with great
+droughts the fields of maize of my country were withered; and as soon as
+I and my people kneeled before the cross, and prayed for rain, presently
+our necessities were relieved."
+
+The Governor made him and the Cacique of _Pacaha_ friends; and set them
+with him at his table to dine with him; and the caciques fell at
+variance about the seats, which of them should sit on his right hand.
+The Governor pacified them; telling them that among the Christians all
+was one to sit on the one side, or on the other, willing them so to
+behave themselves, seeing they were with him, that nobody might hear
+them, and that every one should sit in the place that first he lighted
+on. From thence he sent thirty horsemen and fifty footmen to the
+province of _Caluça_, to see if from thence he might travel to _Chisca_,
+where the Indians said there was a work of gold and copper. They
+traveled seven days' journey, through a desert, and returned very weary,
+eating green plums, and stalks of maize, which they found in a poor town
+of six or seven houses. From thenceforward towards the north, the
+Indians said that the country was very ill inhabited, because it was
+very cold; and that there was such store of oxen, that they could keep
+no corn for them; and that the Indians lived upon their flesh. The
+Governor, seeing that toward that part the country was so poor of maize
+that in it they could not be sustained, demanded of the Indians which
+way it was most inhabited; and they said, they had notice of a great
+province, and a very plentiful country, which was called _Quigaute_, and
+that it was toward the south.
+
+The Governor rested in _Pacaha_ forty days; in all which time the two
+caciques served him with great store of fish, mantles, and skins, and
+strove who should do him greatest service. At the time of his departure
+the Cacique of _Pacaha_ gave him two of his sisters, saying that in sign
+of love that he might remember him, he should take them for his wives:
+the one's name was _Macanoche_, and the other's _Mochila_: they were
+well proportioned, tall of body, and well fleshed. _Macanoche_ was of a
+good countenance, and in her shape and physiognomy looked like a lady;
+the other was strongly made. The Cacique of _Casqui_ commanded the
+bridge to be repaired, and the Governor returned through his country,
+and lodged in the field near his town, whither he came with great store
+of fish, and two women, which he exchanged with two Christians for two
+shirts. He gave us a guide and men for carriages. The Governor lodged at
+a town of his, and the next day at another near a river, whither he
+caused canoes to be brought for him to pass over, and with his leave
+returned. The Governor took his journey toward _Quigaute_. The fourth
+day of August he came to the town, where the cacique used to keep his
+residence: on the way he sent him a present of many mantles and skins,
+and not daring to stay for him in the town, he absented himself. The
+town was the greatest that was seen in Florida. The Governor and his
+people lodged in the one-half of it; and within few days, seeing the
+Indians became liars, he commanded the other half to be burned, because
+it should not be a shelter for them, if they came to assault him by
+night, nor a hinderance to his horsemen for the resisting of them. There
+came an Indian very well accompanied with many Indians, saying that he
+was the cacique. He delivered him over to the men of his guard to look
+unto him. There went and came many Indians, and brought mantles and
+skins. The counterfeit cacique, seeing so little opportunity to execute
+his evil thought, as he went one day abroad talking with the Governor,
+he showed him such a pair of heels, that there was no Christian that
+could overtake him, and he leaped into the river, which was a crossbow
+shot from the town: and as soon as he was on the other side, many
+Indians that were thereabout making a great cry began to shoot. The
+Governor passed presently over to them with horsemen and footmen, but
+they durst not tarry for him. Going forward on his way, he came to a
+town where the people were fled, and a little further to a lake, where
+the horses could not pass, and on the other side were many women. The
+footmen passed, and took many of them, and much spoil. The Governor came
+to the camp, and that night was a spy of the Indians taken by them of
+the watch. The Governor asked him, whether he would bring him where the
+cacique was? he said he would. And he went presently to seek him, with
+twenty horsemen and fifty footmen; and after he had sought him a day and
+a half, he found him in a strong wood: and a soldier, not knowing him,
+gave him a wound on the head; and he cried out, that he should not kill
+him, saying that he was the cacique; so he was taken, and a hundred and
+forty of his men with him. The Governor came again to _Quigaute_, and
+willed him to cause his men to come to serve the Christians; and
+staying some days for their coming, and seeing they came not, he sent
+two captains, every one his way on both sides of the river with horsemen
+and footmen. They took many men and women. Now seeing the hurt which
+they sustained for their rebellion, they came to see what the Governor
+would command them, and passed to and fro many times, and brought
+presents of cloth and fish. The cacique and his two wives were in the
+lodging of the Governor loose, and the halberdiers of his guard did keep
+them. The Governor asked them which way the country was most inhabited?
+They said, that toward the south down the river, were great towns and
+caciques, which commanded great countries, and much people. And that
+toward the north-west, there was a province near to certain mountains,
+that was called _Coligoa_. The Governor and all the rest thought good to
+go first to _Coligoa_: saying, that peradventure the mountains would
+make some difference of soil, and that beyond them there might be some
+gold or silver. As for _Quigaute_, _Casqui_, and _Pacaha_, they were
+plain countries, fat grounds, and full of good meadows on the rivers,
+where the Indians sowed large fields of maize. From _Tascaluca_ to _Rio
+Grande_, or the Great River, is about three hundred leagues: it is a
+very low country, and hath many lakes. From _Pacaha_ to _Quigaute_ may
+be an hundred leagues. The Governor left the Cacique of _Quigaute_ in
+his own town. And an Indian, which was his guide, led him through great
+woods without any way, seven days' journey through a desert, where, at
+every lodging, they lodged in lakes and pools in very shoal water; there
+was such store of fish, that they killed them with cudgels; and the
+Indians which they carried in chains, with the mud troubled the waters,
+and the fish being therewith, as it were, astonished, came to the top of
+the water, and they took as much as they listed. The Indians of
+_Coligoa_ had no knowledge of the Christians, and when they came so near
+the town that the Indians saw them, they fled up a river which passed
+near the town, and some leaped into it; but the Christians went on both
+sides of the river, and took them. There were many men and women taken,
+and the cacique with them. And by his commandment within three days came
+many Indians with a present of mantles and deers' skins, and two ox
+hides: and they reported, that five or six leagues from thence toward
+the north, there were many of these oxen, and that because the country
+was cold, it was evil inhabited; that the best country which they knew,
+the most plentiful, and most inhabited, was a province called _Cayas_,
+lying toward the south. From _Quigaute_ to _Coligoa_ may be forty
+leagues. This town of _Coligoa_ stood at the foot of a hill, on the bank
+of a mean river, of the bigness of _Cayas_, the river that passeth by
+_Estremadura_. It was a fat soil and so plentiful of maize, that they
+cast out the old, to bring in the new. There was also great plenty of
+French beans and pompions. The French beans were greater, and better
+than those of _Spain_, and likewise the pompions, and being roasted,
+they have almost the taste of chestnuts. The Cacique of _Coligoa_ gave a
+guide to _Cayas_, and stayed behind in his own town. We traveled five
+days, and came to the province of _Palisema_. The house of the cacique
+was found covered with deers' skins, of divers colors and works drawn in
+them, and with the same in manner of carpets was the ground of the house
+covered. The cacique left it so, that the Governor might lodge in it, in
+token that he sought peace and his friendship. But he durst not tarry
+his coming. The Governor, seeing he had absented himself, sent a captain
+with horsemen and footmen to seek him. He found much people, but by
+reason of the roughness of the country, he took none save a few women
+and children. The town was little and scattering, and had very little
+maize. For which cause the Governor speedily departed from thence. He
+came to another town called _Tatalicoya_; he carried with him the
+cacique thereof, which guided him to _Cayas_. From _Tatalicoya_ are four
+days' journey to _Cayas_. When he came to _Cayas_, and saw the town
+scattered, he thought they had told him a lie, and that it was not the
+province of _Cayas_, because they had informed him that it was well
+inhabited. He threatened the cacique, charging him to tell him where he
+was: and he and other Indians which were taken near about that place,
+affirmed that this was the town of _Cayas_, and the best that was in
+that country, and that though the houses were distant the one from the
+other, yet the ground that was inhabited was great, and that there was
+great store of people, and many fields of maize. This town was called
+_Tanico_; he pitched his camp in the best part of it, near unto a river.
+The same day that the Governor came thither, he went a league farther
+with certain horsemen, and without finding any people, he found many
+skins in a pathway, which the cacique had left there, that they might be
+found, in token of peace. For so is the custom in that country.
+
+The Governor rested a month in the province of _Cayas_. In which time
+the horses fattened and thrived more, than in other places in a longer
+time, with the great plenty of maize and the leaves thereof, which I
+think was the best that has been seen, and they drank of a lake of very
+hot water, and somewhat brackish, and they drank so much, that it
+swelled in their bellies when they brought them from the watering. Until
+that time the Christians wanted salt, and there they made good store,
+which they carried along with them. The Indians do carry it to other
+places to exchange it for skins and mantles. They make it along the
+river, which when it ebbeth, leaveth it upon the upper part of the sand.
+And because they cannot make it, without much sand mingled with it, they
+throw it into certain baskets which they have for that purpose, broad at
+the mouth and narrow at the bottom, and set it in the air upon a bar,
+and throw water into it, and set a small vessel under it, wherein it
+falleth: Being strained and set to boil upon the fire, when the water is
+sodden away, the salt remaineth in the bottom of the pan. On both sides
+of the river the country was full of sown fields, and there was store of
+maize. The Indians durst not come over where we were; and when some of
+them showed themselves, the soldiers that saw them called unto them;
+then the Indians passed the river, and came with them where the Governor
+was. He asked them for the cacique. They said that he remained quiet,
+but that he durst not show himself. The Governor presently sent him
+word, that he should come unto him, and bring him a guide and an
+interpreter for his journey, if he made account of his friendship: and
+if he did not so, he would come himself to seek him, and that it would
+be the worse for him. He waited three days, and seeing he came not, he
+went to seek him, and brought him prisoner with 150 of his men. He asked
+him, whether he had notice of any great cacique, and which way the
+country was best inhabited. He answered, that the best country
+thereabout was a province toward the south, a day and a half's journey,
+which was called _Tulla_; and that he could give him a guide, but no
+interpreter, because the speech of that country was different from his,
+and because he and his ancestors had always wars with the lords of that
+province; therefore they had no commerce, nor understood one another's
+language. Immediately the Governor with certain horsemen, and fifty
+footmen, departed towards _Tulla_, to see if the country were such, as
+he might pass through it with all his company: and as soon as he arrived
+there, and was espied of the Indians, the country gathered together, and
+as soon as fifteen and twenty Indians could assemble themselves, they
+set upon the Christians: and seeing that they did handle them shrewdly,
+and that the horsemen overtook them when they fled, they got up into the
+tops of their houses, and sought to defend themselves with their
+arrows: and being beaten down from one, they got up upon another. And
+while our men pursued some, others set upon them another way. Thus the
+skirmish lasted so long, that the horses were tired, and they could not
+make them run. The Indians killed there one horse, and some were hurt.
+There were fifteen Indians slain there, and forty women and boys were
+taken prisoners. For whatsoever Indian did shoot at them, if they could
+come by him, they put him to the sword. The Governor determined to
+return toward _Cayas_, before the Indians had time to gather a head; and
+presently that evening, going part of the night to leave _Tulla_, he
+lodged by the way, and the next day came to _Cayas_: and within three
+days after he departed thence towards _Tulla_ with all his company. He
+carried the cacique along with him, and among all his men, there was not
+one found that could understand the speech of _Tulla_. He stayed three
+days by the way, and the day that he came thither, he found the town
+abandoned: for the Indians durst not tarry his coming. But as soon as
+they knew that the Governor was in _Tulla_, the first night about the
+morning watch, they came in two squadrons two several ways, with their
+bows and arrows, and long staves like pikes. As soon as they were
+descried, both horse and foot sallied out upon them, where many of the
+Indians were slain: and some Christians and horses were hurt. Some of
+the Indians were taken prisoners, whereof the Governor sent six to the
+cacique, with their right hands and noses cut off: and sent him word,
+that if he came not to him to excuse and submit himself, that he would
+come to seek him, and that he would do the like to him, and as many of
+his as he could find, as he had done to those which he had sent him: and
+gave him three days' respite for to come. And this he gave them to
+understand by signs, as well as he could, for there was no interpreter.
+At the three days' end, there came an Indian laden with ox hides. He
+came weeping with great sobs, and coming to the Governor cast himself
+down at his feet. He took him up, and he made a speech, but there was
+none that understood him. The Governor by signs commanded him to return
+to the cacique, and to will him to send him an interpreter, which could
+understand the men of _Cayas_. The next day came three Indians laden
+with ox hides: and within three days after came 20 Indians, and among
+them one that understood them of _Cayas_; who, after a long oration of
+excuses of the cacique, and praises of the Governor, concluded with
+this, that he and the other were come thither on the cacique's behalf,
+to see what his lordship would command him to do, for he was ready at
+his commandment. The Governor and all his company were very glad. For in
+nowise could they travel without an interpreter. The Governor commanded
+him to be kept safe, and bade him tell the men that came with him, that
+they should return to the cacique, and signify unto him, that he
+pardoned him for that which was past, and thanked him much for his
+presents and interpreter, which he had sent him, and that he would be
+glad to see him, and that he should come the next day to talk with him.
+After three days, the cacique came, and eighty Indians with him; and
+himself and his men came weeping into the camp, in token of obedience
+and repentance for the error passed, after the manner of that country.
+He brought a present of many ox hides: which, because the country was
+cold, were very profitable, and served for coverlets, because they were
+very soft, and wooled like sheep. Not far from thence toward the north
+were many oxen. The Christians saw them not, nor came into the country
+where they were, because those parts were evil inhabited, and had small
+store of maize where they were bred. The Cacique of _Tulla_ made an
+oration to the Governor, wherein he excused himself, and offered him his
+country, subjects, and person. As well this cacique as the others, and
+all those which came to the Governor on their behalf, delivered their
+message or speech in so good order, that no orator could utter the same
+more eloquently.
+
+The Governor informed himself of all the country round about; and
+understood, that toward the west was a scattered dwelling, and that
+toward the southeast were great towns, especially in a province called
+_Autiamque_, ten days' journey from _Tulla_; which might be about eighty
+leagues; and that it was a plentiful country of maize. And because
+winter came on, and that they could not travel two or three months in
+the year for cold, waters, and snow: and fearing, that if they should
+stay so long in the scattered dwelling, they could not be sustained; and
+also because the Indians said, that near to _Autiamque_ was a great
+water, and according to their relation, the Governor thought it was some
+arm of the sea: and because he now desired to send news of himself to
+_Cuba_, that some supply of men and horses might be sent unto him (for
+it was about three years since _Donna Isabella_, which was in _Havana_,
+or any other person in Christendom had heard of him, and by this time he
+had lost 250 men, and 150 horses), he determined to winter in
+_Autiamque_, and the next spring to go to the sea coast and make two
+brigantines, and send one of them to _Cuba_, and the other to _Nueva
+Espanna_, that that which went in safety, might give news of him:
+hoping with the goods which he had in _Cuba_, to furnish himself again,
+and to attempt the discovery and conquest toward the west: for he had
+not yet come where _Cabeça de Vaca_ had been. Thus having sent away the
+two caciques of _Cayas_ and _Tulla_, he took his journey toward
+_Autiamque_: he traveled five days over rough mountains, and came to a
+town called _Quipana_, where no Indians could be taken for the roughness
+of the country: and the town being between hills, there was an ambush
+laid, wherewith they took two Indians; which told them, that _Autiamque_
+was six days' journey from thence, and that there was another province
+toward the south, eight days' journey off, plentiful of maize, and very
+well peopled, which was called _Guahate_. But because _Autiamque_ was
+nearer, and the most of the Indians agreed of it, the Governor made his
+journey that way. In three days he came to a town called _Anoixi_. He
+sent a captain before with thirty horsemen and fifty footmen, and took
+the Indians careless; he took many men and women prisoners. Within two
+days after the Governor came to another town called _Catamaya_, and
+lodged in the fields of the town. Two Indians came with a false message
+from the cacique to know his determination. He bade them tell their
+lord, that he should come and speak with him. The Indians returned and
+came no more, nor any other message from the cacique. The next day the
+Christians went to the town, which was without people: they took as much
+maize as they needed. That day they lodged in a wood, and the next day
+they came to _Autiamque_. They found much maize laid up in store, and
+French beans, and walnuts, and prunes, great store of all sorts. They
+took some Indians which were gathering together the stuff which their
+wives had hidden. This was a champaign country, and well inhabited. The
+Governor lodged in the best part of the town, and commanded presently to
+make a fence of timber round about the camp distant from the houses,
+that the Indians might not hurt them without by fire. And measuring the
+ground by paces, he appointed every one his part to do according to the
+number of Indians which he had: presently the timber was brought by
+them; and in three days there was an inclosure made of very high and
+thick posts thrust into the ground, and many rails laid across. Hard by
+this town passed a river, that came out of the province of _Cayas_; and
+above and beneath it was very well peopled. Thither came Indians on the
+cacique's behalf with a present of mantles and skins; and an halting
+cacique, subject to the lord of _Autiamque_, lord of a town called
+_Tietiquaquo_, came many times to visit the Governor, and to bring him
+presents of such as he had. The Cacique of _Autiamque_ sent to know of
+the Governor, how long time he meant to stay in his country? And
+understanding that he meant to stay about three days, he never sent any
+more Indians, nor any other message, but conspired with the lame cacique
+to rebel. Divers inroads were made, wherein there were many men and
+women taken, and the lame cacique among the rest. The Governor
+respecting the services which he had received of him, reprehended and
+admonished him, and set him at liberty, and gave him two Indians to
+carry him in a chair upon their shoulders. The Cacique of _Autiamque_
+desiring to thrust the Governor out of his country, set spies over him.
+And an Indian coming one night to the gate of the inclosure, a soldier
+that watched espied him, and stepping behind the gate, as he came in, he
+gave him such a thrust, that he fell down; and so he carried him to the
+Governor: and as he asked him wherefore he came, not being able to
+speak, he fell down dead. The night following the Governor commanded a
+soldier to give the alarm, and to say that he had seen Indians, to see
+how ready they would be to answer the alarm. And he did so sometimes as
+well there, as in other places, when he thought that his men were
+careless, and reprehended such as were slack. And as well for this
+cause, as in regard of doing their duty, when the alarm was given, every
+one sought to be the first that should answer. They staid in _Autiamque_
+three months, with great plenty of maize, French beans, walnuts, prunes,
+and conies: which until that time they knew not how to catch. And in
+_Autiamque_ the Indians taught them how to take them; which was, with
+great springs, which lifted up their feet from the ground: and the snare
+was made with a strong string, whereunto was fastened a knot of a cane,
+which ran close about the neck of the cony, because they should not gnaw
+the string. They took many in the fields of maize, especially when it
+froze or snowed. The Christians stayed there one whole month so inclosed
+with snow, that they went not out of the town: and when they wanted
+firewood, the Governor with his horsemen going and coming many times to
+the wood, which was two crossbow shots from the town, made a pathway,
+whereby the footmen went for wood. In this mean space, some Indians
+which went loose, killed many conies with their gyves, and with arrows.
+These conies were of two sorts, some were like those of _Spain_, and the
+other of the same color and fashion, and as big as great hares, longer,
+and having greater loins.
+
+Upon Monday the 6th of March, 1542, the Governor departed from
+_Autiamque_ to seek _Nilco_, which the Indians said was near the great
+river, with determination to come to the sea, and procure some succor of
+men and horses; for he had now but three hundred men of war, and forty
+horses, and some of them lame, which did nothing but help to make up the
+number; and for want of iron they had gone above a year unshod; and
+because they were used to it in the plain country, it did them no great
+harm. _John Ortiz_ died in _Autiamque_, which grieved the Governor very
+much; because that without an interpreter he feared to enter far into
+the land, where he might be lost. From thenceforward a youth that was
+taken in _Cutifachiqui_ did serve for interpreter, which had by that
+time learned somewhat of the Christians' language. The death of _John
+Ortiz_ was so great a mischief for the discovering inward, or going out
+of the land, that to learn of the Indians, that which in four words he
+declared, they needed a whole day with the youth; and most commonly he
+understood quite contrary that which was asked him; whereby it often
+happened that the way that they went one day, and sometimes two or three
+days, they turned back, and went astray through the wood here and there.
+The Governor spent ten days in traveling from _Autiamque_ to a province
+called _Ayays_; and came to a town that stood near the river that
+passeth by _Cayas_ and _Autiamque_. There he commanded a barge to be
+made, wherewith he passed the river. When he had passed the river there
+fell out such weather, that four days he could not travel for snow. As
+soon as it gave over snowing, he went three days' journey through a
+wilderness, and a country so low, and so full of lakes and evil ways,
+that he traveled a whole day in water, sometimes knee deep, sometimes to
+the stirrup, and sometimes they swam. He came to a town called
+_Tutelpinco_, abandoned, and without maize. There passed by it a lake,
+that entered into the river, which carried a great stream and force of
+water. Five Christians passing over it in a periagua, which the Governor
+had sent with a captain, the periagua overset. Some took hold on it,
+some on the trees that were in the lake. One _Francis Sebastian_, an
+honest man of _Villa nova de Barca Rota_, was drowned there. The
+Governor went a whole day along the lake, seeking passage, and could
+find none, nor any way that did pass to the other side. Coming again at
+night to the town he found two peaceable Indians, which showed him the
+passage, and which way he was to go. There they made of canes and of the
+timber of houses thatched with cane, rafts, wherewith they passed the
+lake. They traveled three days, and came to a town of the territory of
+_Nilco_, called _Tianto_. There they took thirty Indians, and among
+them two principal men of this town. The Governor sent a captain, with
+horsemen and footmen, before to _Nilco_, because the Indians might have
+no time to carry away the provision. They passed through three or four
+great towns; and in the town where the cacique was resident, which was
+two leagues from the place where the Governor remained, they found many
+Indians with their bows and arrows, in manner as though they would have
+stayed to fight, which did compass the town; and as soon as they saw the
+Christians come near them, without misdoubting them, they set the
+cacique's house on fire, and fled over a lake that passed near the town,
+through which the horses could not pass. The next day being Wednesday,
+the 29th of March, the Governor came to _Nilco_; he lodged with all his
+men in the cacique's town, which stood in a plain field, which was
+inhabited for the space of a quarter of a league: and within a league
+and half a league were other very great towns, wherein was great store
+of maize, of French beans, of walnuts, and prunes. This was the best
+inhabited country that was seen in _Florida_, and had most store of
+maize, except _Coça_ and _Apalache_. There came to the camp an Indian
+accompanied with others, and in the cacique's name gave the Governor a
+mantle of martens' skins, and a cordon of pearls. The Governor gave him
+a few small margarites, which are certain beads much esteemed in _Peru_,
+and other things, wherewith he was very well contented. He promised to
+return within two days, but never came again: but on the contrary the
+Indians came by night in canoes, and carried away all the maize they
+could, and made them cabins on the other side of the river in the
+thickest of the wood, because they might flee if we should go to seek
+them. The Governor, seeing he came not at the time appointed, commanded
+an ambush to be laid about certain store-houses near the lake, whither
+the Indians came for maize: where they took two Indians, who told the
+Governor, that he which came to visit him, was not the cacique, but was
+sent by him under pretence to spy whether the Christians were careless,
+and whether they determined to settle in that country or to go forward.
+Presently the Governor sent a captain with footmen and horsemen over the
+river; and in their passage they were descried of the Indians, and
+therefore he could take but ten or twelve men and women, with whom he
+returned to the camp. This river, which passed by _Nilco_, was that
+which passed by _Cayas_ and _Autiamque_, and fell into _Rio Grande_, or
+the Great River, which passed by _Pachaha_ and _Aquixo_ near unto the
+province of _Guachoya_: and the lord thereof came up the river in canoes
+to make war with him of _Nilco_. On his behalf there came an Indian to
+the Governor and said unto him, that he was his servant, and prayed him
+so to hold him, and that within two days he would come to kiss his
+lordship's hands: and at the time appointed he came with some of his
+principal Indians, which accompanied him, and with words of great offers
+and courtesy he gave the Governor a present of many mantles and deers'
+skins. The Governor gave him some other things in recompense, and
+honored him much. He asked him what towns there were down the river? He
+answered that he knew none other but his own: and on the other side of
+the river the province of a cacique called _Quigalta_. So he took his
+leave of the Governor and went to his own town. Within a few days the
+Governor determined to go to _Guachoya_, to learn there whether the sea
+were near, or whether there were any habitation near, where he might
+relieve his company, while the brigantines were making, which he meant
+to send to the land of the Christians. As he passed the river of
+_Nilco_, there came in canoes Indians of _Guachoya_ up the stream, and
+when they saw him, supposing that he came to seek them to do them some
+hurt, they returned down the river, and informed the cacique thereof:
+who with all his people, spoiling the town of all that they could carry
+away, passed that night over to the other side of the _Rio Grande_, or
+the Great River. The Governor sent a captain with fifty men in six
+canoes down the river, and went himself by land with the rest: he came
+to _Guachoya_ upon Sunday, the 17th of April: he lodged in the town of
+the cacique, which was enclosed about, and seated a crossbow shot
+distant from the river. Here the river is called _Tamaliseu_, and in
+_Nilco Tapatu_, and in _Coça Mico_, and in the port or mouth _Ri_.
+
+As soon as the Governor came to _Guachoya_, he sent _John Danusco_ with
+as many men as could go in the canoes up the river. For when they came
+down from _Nilco_, they saw on the other side of the river new cabins
+made. _John Danusco_ went and brought the canoes laden with maize,
+French beans, prunes, and many loaves made of the substance of prunes.
+That day came an Indian to the Governor from the Cacique of _Guachoya_,
+and said that his lord would come the next day. They next day they saw
+many canoes come up the river, and on the other side of the Great River
+they assembled together in the space of an hour: they consulted whether
+they should come or not; and at length concluded to come, and crossed
+the river. In them came the Cacique of _Guachoya_, and brought with him
+many Indians, with great store of fish, dogs, deers' skins, and mantles:
+and as soon as they landed, they went to the lodging of the Governor,
+and presented him their gifts, and the cacique uttered these words:--
+
+"Mighty and excellent lord, I beseech your lordship to pardon me the
+error which I committed in absenting myself, and not tarrying in this
+town to have received and served your lordship; since, to obtain this
+opportunity of time, was, and is as much as a great victory to me. But I
+feared that which I needed not to have feared, and so did that which was
+not reason to do. But as haste maketh waste, and I removed without
+deliberation; so, as soon as I thought on it, I determined not to follow
+the opinion of the foolish, which is to continue in their error; but to
+imitate the wise and discreet, in changing my counsel, and so I came to
+see what your lordship will command me to do, that I may serve you in
+all things that are in my power."
+
+The Governor received him with much joy, and gave him thanks for his
+present and offer. He asked him, whether he had any notice of the sea.
+He answered no, nor of any towns down the river on that side; save that
+two leagues from thence was one town of a principal Indian, a subject of
+his; and on the other side of the river, three days' journey from thence
+down the river, was the province of _Quigalta_, which was the greatest
+lord that was in that country! The Governor thought that the cacique
+lied unto him, to rid him out of his own towns, and sent _John Danusco_
+with eight horsemen down the river, to see what habitation there was,
+and to inform himself, if there were any notice of the sea. He traveled
+eight days, and at his return he said, that in all that time he was not
+able to go above fourteen or fifteen leagues, because of the great
+creeks that came out of the river, and groves of canes, and thick woods
+that were along the banks of the river, and that he had found no
+habitation. The Governor fell into great dumps to see how hard it was to
+get to the sea; and worse, because his men and horses every day
+diminished, being without succor to sustain themselves in the country:
+and with that thought he fell sick. But before he took his bed he sent
+an Indian to the Cacique of _Quigalta_ to tell him, that he was the
+child of the sun, and that all the way that he came all men obeyed and
+served him, that he requested him to accept of his friendship, and come
+unto him; for he would be very glad to see him; and in sign of love and
+obedience to bring something with him of that which in his country was
+most esteemed. The cacique answered by the same Indian:
+
+"That whereas he said he was the child of the sun, if he would dry up
+the river he would believe him: and touching the rest, that he was wont
+to visit none; but rather that all those of whom he had notice did visit
+him, served, obeyed, and paid him tributes willingly or perforce:
+therefore, if he desired to see him, it were best he should come
+thither: that if he came in peace, he would receive him with special
+good will; and if in war, in like manner he would attend him in the town
+where he was, and that for him or any other he would not shrink one foot
+back."
+
+By that time the Indian returned with this answer, the Governor had
+betaken himself to bed, being evil handled with fevers, and was much
+aggrieved that he was not in case to pass presently the river and to
+seek him, to see if he could abate that pride of his, considering the
+river went now very strongly in those parts; for it was near half a
+league broad, and sixteen fathoms deep, and very furious, and ran with a
+great current; and on both sides there were many Indians, and his power
+was not now so great, but that he had need to help himself rather by
+slights than by force. The Indians of _Guachoya_ came every day with
+fish in such numbers, that the town was full of them. The cacique said,
+that on a certain night he of _Quigalta_ would come to give battle to
+the Governor. Which the Governor imagined that he had devised, to drive
+him out of his country, and commanded him to be put in hold: and that
+night and all the rest, there was good watch kept. He asked him
+wherefore _Quigalta_ came not? He said that he came, but that he saw him
+prepared, and therefore durst not give the attempt: and he was earnest
+with him to send his captains over the river, and that he would aid him
+with many men to set upon _Quigalta_. The Governor told him that as soon
+as he was recovered, himself would seek him out. And seeing how many
+Indians came daily to the town, and what store of people was in that
+country, fearing they should all conspire together and plot some treason
+against him; and because the town had some open gaps which were not made
+an end of inclosing, besides the gates which they went in and out by:
+because the Indians should not think he feared them, he let them all
+alone unrepaired; and commanded the horsemen to be appointed to them,
+and to the gates: and all night the horsemen went the round; and two and
+two of every squadron rode about, and visited the scouts that were
+without the town in their standings by the passages, and the
+crossbow-men that kept the canoes in the river. And because the Indians
+should stand in fear of them, he determined to send a captain to
+_Nilco_, for those of _Guachoya_ had told him that it was inhabited;
+that by using them cruelly, neither the one nor the other should
+presume to assail him; and he sent _Nuñez de Touar_ with fifteen
+horsemen, and _John de Guzman_ captain of the footmen, with his company
+in canoes up the river. The Cacique of _Guachoya_ sent for many canoes
+and many warlike Indians to go with the Christians: and the captain of
+the Christians, called _Nuñez de Touar_ went by land with his horsemen,
+and two leagues before he came to _Nilco_ he stayed for _John de
+Guzman_, and in that place they passed the river by night: the horsemen
+came first, and in the morning by break of day in sight of the town they
+lighted upon a spy; which as soon as he perceived the Christians, crying
+out amain fled to the town to give warning. _Nuñez de Touar_ and his
+company made such speed, that before the Indians of the town could fully
+come out, they were upon them: it was champaign ground that was
+inhabited, which was about a quarter of a league. There were about five
+or six thousand people in the town: and, as many people came out of the
+houses, and fled from one house to another, and many Indians came
+flocking together from all parts, there was never a horseman that was
+not alone among many. The captain had commanded that they should not
+spare the life of any male. Their disorder was so great, that there was
+no Indian that shot an arrow at any Christian. The shrieks of women and
+children were so great, that they made the ears deaf of those that
+followed them. There were slain a hundred Indians, little more or less:
+and many were wounded with great wounds, whom they suffered to escape to
+strike a terror in the rest that were not there. There were some so
+cruel and butcherlike, that they killed old and young, and all that they
+met, though they made no resistance: and those which presumed of
+themselves for their valor, and were taken for such, broke through the
+Indians, bearing down many with their stirrups and breasts of their
+horses; and some they wounded with their lances, and so let them go: and
+when they saw any youth or woman they took them, and delivered them to
+the footmen. These men's sins by God's permission, lighted on their own
+heads: who, because they would seem valiant, became cruel; showing
+themselves extreme cowards in the sight of all men when as most need of
+valor was required, and afterwards they came to a shameful death. Of the
+Indians of _Nilco_ were taken prisoners, fourscore women and children,
+and much spoil. The Indians of _Guachoya_ kept back before they came at
+the town, and stayed without, beholding the success of the Christians
+with the men of _Nilco_. And when they saw them put to flight, and the
+horsemen busy in killing of them, they hastened to the houses to rob,
+and filled their canoes with the spoil of the goods; and returned to
+_Guachoya_ before the Christians; and wondering much at the sharp
+dealing which they had seen them use toward the Indians of _Nilco_, they
+told their cacique all that had passed with great astonishment.
+
+The Governor felt in himself that the hour approached wherein he was to
+leave this present life, and called for the king's officers, captains,
+and principal persons, to whom he made a speech, saying:--
+
+"That now he was to go to give an account before the presence of God of
+all his life past: and since it pleased him to take him in such a time,
+and that the time was come that he knew his death, that he his most
+unworthy servant did yield him many thanks therefor; and desired all
+that were present and absent (whom he confessed himself to be much
+beholding unto for their singular virtues, love and loyalty, which
+himself had well tried in the travels which they had suffered, which
+always in his mind he did hope to satisfy and reward, when it should
+please God to give him rest, with more prosperity of his estate), that
+they would pray to God for him, that for his mercy he would forgive him
+his sins, and receive his soul into eternal glory: and that they would
+quit and free him of the charge which he had over them, and ought unto
+them all, and that they would pardon him for some wrongs which they
+might have received of him. And to avoid some division, which upon his
+death might fall out upon the choice of his successor, he requested them
+to elect a principal person, and able to govern, of whom all should like
+well; and when he was elected, they should swear before him to obey him:
+and that he would thank them very much in so doing; because the grief
+that he had, would somewhat be assuaged, and the pain that he felt,
+because he left them in so great confusion, to wit, in leaving them in a
+strange country, where they knew not where they were."
+
+_Baltasar de Gallegos_ answered in the name of all the rest. And first
+of all comforting him, he set before his eyes how short the life of this
+world was, and with how many troubles and miseries it is accompanied,
+and how God showed him a singular favor which soonest left it: telling
+him many other things fit for such a time. And for the last point, that
+since it pleased God to take him to himself, although his death did
+justly grieve them much, yet as well he, as all the rest, ought of
+necessity to conform themselves to the will of God. And touching the
+Governor which he commanded they should elect, he besought him, that it
+would please his lordship to name him which he thought fit, and him
+they would obey. And presently he named _Luys de Moscoso de Alvarado_,
+his captain-general. And presently he was sworn by all that were
+present, and elected for governor. The next day, being the 21st of May,
+1542, departed out of this life, the valorous, virtuous, and valiant
+Captain, _Don Fernando de Soto_, Governor of _Cuba_, and Adelantado of
+_Florida_: whom fortune advanced, as it useth to do others, that he
+might have the higher fall. He departed in such a place, and at such a
+time, as in his sickness he had but little comfort: and the danger
+wherein all his people were of perishing in that country, which appeared
+before their eyes, was cause sufficient why every one of them had need
+of comfort, and why they did not visit nor accompany him as they ought
+to have done. _Luys de Moscoso_ determined to conceal his death from the
+Indians, because _Ferdinando de Soto_ had made them believe that the
+Christians were immortal; and also because they took him to be hardy,
+wise, and valiant: and if they should know that he was dead, they would
+be bold to set upon the Christians, though they lived peaceably by them.
+In regard of their disposition, and because they were nothing constant,
+and believed all that was told them, the Adelantado made them believe,
+that he knew some things that passed in secret among themselves, without
+their knowledge, how, or in what manner he came by them: and that the
+figure which appeared in a glass, which he showed them, did tell him
+whatsoever they practiced and went about: and therefore neither in word
+nor deed durst they attempt anything that might be prejudicial unto him.
+
+As soon as he was dead, _Luys de Moscoso_ commanded to put him secretly
+in the house, where he remained three days; and removing him from
+thence, commanded him to be buried in the night at one of the gates of
+the town within the wall. And as the Indians had seen him sick, and
+missed him, so did they suspect what might be. And passing by the place
+where he was buried, seeing the earth moved, they looked and spake one
+to another. _Luys de Moscoso_ understanding of it, commanded him to be
+taken up by night, and to cast a great deal of sand into the mantles,
+wherein he was wound up, wherein he was carried in a canoe, and thrown
+into the midst of the river. The Cacique of _Guachoya_ inquired for him,
+demanding what was become of his brother and lord, the Governor: _Luys
+de Moscoso_ told him that he was gone to heaven, as many other times he
+did and because he was to stay there certain days he had left him in his
+place. The cacique thought with himself that he was dead; and commanded
+two young and well-proportioned Indians to be brought thither; and
+said, that the use of that country was, when any lord died, to kill
+Indians to wait upon him, and serve him by the way, and for that purpose
+by his commandment were those come thither: and prayed _Luys de Moscoso_
+to command them to be beheaded, that they might attend and serve his
+lord and brother. _Luys de Moscoso_ told him, that the Governor was not
+dead, but gone to heaven, and that of his own Christian soldiers, he had
+taken such as he needed to serve him, and prayed him to command those
+Indians to be loosed, and not to use any such bad custom from
+thenceforth: straightway he commanded them to be loosed, and to get them
+home to their houses. And one of them would not go; saying, that he
+would not serve him, that without desert had judged him to death, but
+that he would serve him as long as he lived, which had saved his life.
+
+_Luys de Moscoso_ caused all the goods of the Governor to be sold at an
+outcry: to wit, two men slaves and two women slaves, and three horses,
+and seven hundred hogs. For every slave or horse, they gave two or three
+thousand ducats: which were to be paid at the first melting of gold or
+silver, or at the division of their portion of inheritance. And they
+entered into bonds, though in the country there was not wherewith, to
+pay it within a year after, and put in sureties for the same. Such as in
+_Spain_ had no goods to bind, gave two hundred ducats for a hog, giving
+assurance after the same manner. Those which had any goods in _Spain_,
+bought with more fear, and bought the less. From that time forward, most
+of the company had swine, and brought them up, and fed upon them; and
+observed Fridays and Saturdays, and the evenings of feasts, which before
+they did not. For some times in two or three months they did eat no
+flesh, and whensoever they could come by it, they did eat it.
+
+Some were glad of the death of _Don Ferdinando de Soto_, holding for
+certain that _Luys de Moscoso_ (which was given to his ease), would
+rather desire to be among the Christians at rest, than to continue the
+labors of the war in subduing and discovering of countries; whereof they
+were already weary, seeing the small profit that ensued thereof. The
+Governor commanded the captains and principal persons to meet to consult
+and determine what they should do. And being informed what peopled
+habitation was round about, he understood that to the west, the country
+was most inhabited, and that down the river beyond _Quigalta_ was
+uninhabited, and had little store of food. He desired them all, that
+every one would give his opinion in writing, and set his hand to it:
+that they might resolve by general consent, whether they should go down
+the river, or enter into the main land. All were of opinion, that it was
+best to go by land toward the west, because _Nueva España_ was that way;
+holding the voyage by sea more dangerous, and of greater hazard, because
+they could make no ship of any strength to abide a storm, neither had
+they master, nor pilot, compass, nor chart, neither knew they how far
+the sea was off, nor had any notice of it; nor whether the river did
+make any great turning into the land, or had any great fall from the
+rocks, where all of them might be cast away. And some which had seen the
+sea-chart, did find, that from the place where they were by the
+sea-coast to _Nueva España_, might be four hundred leagues, little more
+or less; and said, that though they went somewhat about by land in
+seeking a peopled country, if some great wilderness which they could not
+pass did hinder them, by spending that summer in travel, finding
+provision to pass the winter in some peopled country, that the next
+summer after they might come to some Christian land, and that it might
+fortune in their travel by land to find some rich country, where they
+might do themselves good. The Governor, although he desired to get out
+of _Florida_ in shorter time, seeing the inconveniences they laid before
+him, in traveling by sea, determined to follow that which seemed good to
+them all. On Monday, the fifth day of June, he departed from _Guachoya_.
+The cacique gave him a guide to _Chaguate_, and stayed at home in his
+own town. They passed through a province called _Catalte_: and having
+passed a wilderness of six days' journey, the twentieth day of the month
+he came to _Chaguate_. The cacique of this province had visited the
+Governor _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ at _Autiamque_, whither he brought him
+presents of skins, and mantles, and salt. And a day before _Luys de
+Moscoso_ came to his town, we lost a Christian that was sick; which he
+suspected that the Indians had slain. He sent the cacique word, that he
+should command his people to seek him up, and send him unto him, and
+that he would hold him, as he did, for his friend; and if he did not,
+that neither he, nor his, should escape his hands, and that he would set
+his country on fire. Presently the cacique came unto him, and brought a
+great present of mantles and skins, and the Christian that was lost, and
+made this speech following:
+
+"Right excellent lord, I would not deserve that conceit which you had of
+me, for all the treasure of the world. What enforced me to go to visit
+and serve the excellent Lord Governor your father in _Autiamque_, which
+you should have remembered, where I offered myself with all loyalty,
+faith and love, during my life to serve and obey him? What then could be
+the cause, I having received favors of him, and neither you nor he
+having done me any wrong, that should move me to do the thing which I
+ought not? Believe this of me, that neither wrong, nor any worldly
+interest, was able to make me to have done it, nor shall be able to
+blind me. But as in this life it is a natural course, that after one
+pleasure many sorrows do follow: so by your indignation, fortune would
+moderate the joy, which my heart conceiveth with your presence; and that
+I should err, where I thought surest to have hit the mark; in harboring
+this Christian which was lost, and using him in such manner, as he may
+tell himself, thinking that herein I did you service, with purpose to
+deliver him unto you in _Chaguate_, and to serve you to the uttermost of
+my power. If I deserve punishment for this, I will receive it at your
+hands, as from my lord, as if it were a favor. For the love which I did
+bear to the excellent Governor, and which I bear to you hath no limit.
+And like as you give me chastisement, so will you also show me favor.
+And that which now I crave of you is this, to declare your will unto me,
+and those things wherein I may be able to do you the most and best
+service."
+
+The Governor answered him, that because he did not find him in that
+town, he was incensed against him, thinking he had absented himself, as
+others had done: but seeing he now knew his loyalty and love, he would
+always hold him as a brother, and favor him in all his affairs. The
+cacique went with him to the town where he resided, which was a day's
+journey from thence. They passed through a small town, where there was a
+lake, where the Indians made salt: and the Christians made some one day
+while they rested there, of a brackish water, which sprang near the town
+in ponds like fountains. The Governor stayed in _Chaguate_ six days.
+There he was informed of the habitation towards the west. They told him,
+that three days' journey from thence was a province called _Aguacay_.
+The day that he departed from _Chaguate_, a Christian, called _Francisco
+de Guzman_, the base son of a gentleman of _Seville_, stayed behind, and
+went to the Indians, with an Indian woman which he kept as his
+concubine, for fear he should be punished for gaming debts that he did
+owe. The Governor had traveled two days before he missed him; he sent
+the cacique word to seek him up, and to send him to _Aguacay_, whither
+he traveled: which he did not perform. From the Cacique of _Aguacay_,
+before they came into the country, there met him on the way fifteen
+Indians with a present of skins, fish, and roasted venison. The
+Governor came to this town on Wednesday, the fourth of July. He found
+the town without people, and lodged in it: he stayed there about a day;
+during which, he made some roads, and took many men and women. There
+they had knowledge of the _South Sea_. Here there was great store of
+salt made of sand, which they gather in a vein of ground like pebble
+stones. And it was made as they made salt in _Cayas_.
+
+The same day that the Governor departed from _Aguacay_, he lodged in a
+small town subject to the lord of that province. The camp was pitched
+hard by a lake of salt water; and that evening they made some salt
+there. The day following he lodged between two mountains in a thin grove
+of wood. The next day he came to a small town called _Pato_. The fourth
+day after his departure from _Aguacay_ he came to the first habitation
+of a province called _Amaye_. There an Indian was taken, which said that
+from thence to _Naguatex_ was a day and a half's journey; which they
+traveled, finding all the way inhabited places. Having passed the
+peopled country of _Amaye_, on Saturday, the twentieth of July, they
+pitched their camp at noon between _Amaye_ and _Naguatex_ along the
+corner of a grove of very fair trees. In the same place certain Indians
+were discovered, that came to view them. The horsemen went out to them,
+and killed six, and took two, whom the Governor asked, wherefore they
+came? They said, to know what people he had, and what order they kept;
+and that the Cacique of _Naguatex_, their lord, had sent them, and that
+he, with other caciques which came to aid him, determined that day to
+bid him battle. While they were occupied in these questions and answers,
+there came many Indians by two ways in two squadrons: and when they saw
+they were descried, giving a great cry they assaulted the Christians
+each squadron by itself; but seeing what resistance the Christians made
+them, they turned their backs and betook themselves to flight, in which
+many of them lost their lives; and most of the horsemen following them
+in chase, careless of the camp, other two squadrons of Indians, which
+lay in ambush, set upon the Christians that were in the camp, which also
+they resisted, who also had their reward as the first. After the flight
+of the Indians, and that the Christians were retired, they heard a great
+noise a crossbow shot from the place where they were. The Governor sent
+twelve horsemen to see what it was. They found six Christians, four
+footmen and two horsemen, among many Indians; the horsemen defending the
+footmen with great labor. These being of them that chased the first two
+squadrons, had lost themselves, and coming to recover the camp fell
+among those with whom they were fighting: and so they, and those that
+came to succor them, slew many of the Indians, and brought one alive to
+the camp: whom the Governor examined, who they were that came to bid him
+battle. He told him, that they were the Cacique of _Naguatex_, and of
+_Amaye_, and another of a province called _Hacanac_, a lord of great
+countries and many subjects; and that the Cacique of _Naguatex_ came for
+captain and chief of them all. The Governor commanded his right arm and
+nose to be cut off, and sent him to the Cacique of _Naguatex_, charging
+him to tell him, that the next day he would be in his country to destroy
+him; and if he would withstand his entrance, he should stay for him.
+That night he lodged there; and the next day he came to the habitation
+of _Naguatex_, which was very scattering: he inquired where the
+cacique's chief town was? They told him that it was on the other side of
+a river, that passed thereby: he traveled thitherward, and came unto it:
+and on the other side he saw many Indians, that tarried for him, making
+show as though they would defend the passage. And because he knew not
+whether it could be waded, nor where the passage was, and that some
+Christians and horses were hurt, that they might have time to recover,
+he determined to rest certain days in the town where he was. So he
+pitched his camp a quarter of a league from the river, because the
+weather was very hot, near unto the town, in a thin grove of very fair
+and high trees near a brook's side: and in that place were certain
+Indians taken; whom he examined, whether the river were wadeable or no?
+They said yea, at some times, and in some places. Within ten days after
+he sent two captains with fifteen horsemen a piece upward and down the
+river with Indians to show them where they should go over, to see what
+habitation was on the other side. And the Indians withstood them both,
+defending the passage of the river as far as they were able, but they
+passed in despite of them: and on the other side of the river they saw
+great habitation, and great store of victuals; and with these news
+returned to the camp.
+
+The Governor sent an Indian from _Naguatex_ where he lay, to command the
+cacique to come to serve and obey him, and that he would forgive him all
+that was past; that if he came not, that he would seek him, and give him
+such punishment as he had deserved for that which he had done against
+him. Within two days the Indian returned, and said that the cacique
+would come the next day; which, the same day when he came, sent many
+Indians before him, among whom there were some principal men: he sent
+them to see what countenance they found in the Governor, to resolve with
+himself whether he should go or not. The Indians let him understand,
+that he was coming, and went away presently: and the cacique came
+within two hours accompanied with many of his men: they came all in a
+rank one before another on both sides, leaving a lane in the midst where
+he came. They came where the Governor was, all of them weeping after the
+manner of _Tulla_, which was not far from thence toward the east. The
+cacique made his due obedience, and the speech following:
+
+"Right high and mighty lord, whom all the world ought to serve and obey,
+I was bold to appear before your lordship, having committed so heinous
+and abominable an act, as only for me to have imagined, deserved to be
+punished; trusting in your greatness, that although I deserve to obtain
+no pardon, yet for your own sake only you will use clemency toward me,
+considering how small I am in comparison of your lordship; and not to
+think upon my weaknesses, which, to my grief and for my greater good, I
+have known. And I believe that you and yours are immortal; and that your
+lordship is lord of the land of nature, seeing that you subdue all
+things, and they obey you, even the very hearts of men. For when I
+beheld the slaughter and destruction of my men in the battle, which,
+through mine ignorance, and the counsel of a brother of mine, which died
+in the same, I gave your lordship, presently I repented me in my heart
+of the error, which I had committed; and desired to serve and obey you:
+and to this end I come, that your lordship may chastise and command me
+as your own."
+
+The Governor answered him, that he forgave him all which was past, that
+from thenceforth he should do his duty, and that he would hold him for
+his friend, and that he would favor him in all things. Within four days
+he departed thence, and coming to the river he could not pass, because
+it was grown very big; which seemed to him a thing of admiration, being
+at that time that it was, and since it had not rained a month before.
+The Indians said, that it increased many times after that manner without
+raining in all the country. It was supposed, that it might be the tide
+that came into it. It was learned that the flood came alway from above,
+and that the Indians of all that country had no knowledge of the sea.
+The Governor returned unto the place where he had lodged before: and
+understanding within eight days after that the river was passable, he
+departed. He passed over and found the town without people: he lodged in
+the field, and sent the cacique word to come unto him, and to bring him
+a guide to go forward. And some days being past, seeing the cacique came
+not, nor sent anybody, he sent two captains sundry ways to burn the
+towns, and to take such Indians as they could find. They burnt great
+store of victuals, and took many Indians. The cacique seeing the hurt
+that he received in his country, sent six principal Indians with three
+men for guides, which knew the language of the country through which the
+Governor was to pass. He departed presently from _Naguatex_, and within
+three days' journey came to a town of four or five houses, which
+belonged to the cacique of that province, which is called _Nissoone_: it
+was evil inhabited, and had little maize. Two days' journey forward the
+guides which guided the Governor, if they were to go westward, guided
+him to the east; and sometimes went up and down through very great woods
+out of the way. The Governor commanded them to be hanged upon a tree:
+and a woman that they took in _Nissoone_ guided him, and went back again
+to seek the way. In two days he came to another miserable town called
+_Lacane_: an Indian was taken in that place, that said, that the country
+of _Nondacao_ was a country of great habitation, and the houses
+scattering the one from the other, as they used to be in mountains, and
+had great store of maize. The cacique came with his men weeping, like
+them of _Naguatex_: for this is their use in token of obedience: he made
+him a present of much fish, and offered to do what he would command him.
+He took his leave, and gave him a guide to the province of _Soacatino_.
+
+The Governor departed from _Nondacao_ towards _Soacatino_, and in five
+days' journey came to a province called _Aays_. The Indians which
+inhabited it had no notice of the Christians: but as soon as they saw
+that they entered into their country, they assembled themselves: and as
+they came together fifty or a hundred, they came forth to fight. While
+some fought, others came and charged our men another way, and while they
+followed some, others followed them. The fight lasted the greatest part
+of the day, till they came to their town. Some horses and men were
+wounded, but not to any hurt of their traveling: for there was no wound
+that was dangerous. There was a great spoil made of the Indians. That
+day that the Governor departed from thence, the Indian that guided him
+said that in _Nondacao_ he had heard say, that the Indians of
+_Soacatino_ had seen other Christians, whereof they all were very glad:
+thinking it might be true, and that they might have entered into those
+parts by _Nueva España_; and that if it were so, it was in their own
+hand to go out of _Florida_, if they found nothing of profit: for they
+feared they should lose themselves in some wilderness. This Indian led
+him two days out of the way. The Governor commanded to torture him. He
+said, that the Cacique of _Nondacao_, his lord, had commanded him to
+guide them so because they were his enemies, and that he was to do as
+his lord commanded him. The Governor commanded him to be cast to the
+dogs: and another guided him to _Soacatino_, whither he came the day
+following. It was a very poor country: there was great want of maize in
+that place. He asked the Indians whether they knew of any other
+Christians. They said that a little from thence toward the south they
+heard they were. He traveled twenty days through a country evil
+inhabited, where they suffered great scarcity and trouble; for that
+little maize which the Indians had, they had hidden and buried in the
+woods, where the Christians, after they were well wearied with their
+travel, at the end of their journey went to seek by digging what they
+should eat. At last, coming to a province that was called _Guasco_, they
+found maize, wherewith they loaded their horses and the Indians that
+they had. From thence they went to another town called _Naquiscoça_. The
+Indians said they had no notice of any other Christians. The Governor
+commanded to torment them. They said, that they came first to another
+lordship which was called _Naçacahoz_, and from thence returned again to
+the west from whence they came. The Governor came in two days to
+_Naçacahoz_. Some women were taken there: among whom there was one which
+said that she had seen Christians and had been taken by them, and had
+run away. The Governor sent a captain with fifteen horsemen to the place
+where the woman said she had seen them, to see if there was any sign of
+horses, or any token of their being there. After they had gone three or
+four leagues, the woman that guided them said that all that she had told
+them was untrue. And so they held all the rest that the Indians had said
+of seeing Christians in the land of _Florida_. And, because the country
+that way was poor of maize, and toward the west there was no notice of
+any habitation, they returned to _Guasco_. The Indians told them there,
+that ten days' journey from thence toward the west, was a river called
+_Daycao_, whither they went sometimes a hunting and killing of deer: and
+that they had seen people on the other side, but knew not what
+habitation was there. There the Christians took such maize as they found
+and could carry, and going ten days' journey through a wilderness, they
+came to the river which the Indians had told them of. Ten horsemen,
+which the Governor had sent before, passed over the same and went in a
+way that led to the river, and lighted upon a company of Indians that
+dwelt in very little cabins: who as soon as they saw them took
+themselves to flight, leaving that which they had; all which was nothing
+but misery and poverty. The country was so poor, that among them all
+there was not found half a peck of maize. The horsemen took two Indians,
+and returned with them to the river, where the Governor stayed for them.
+He sought to learn of them what habitation was toward the west. There
+was none in the camp that could understand their language. The Governor
+assembled the captains and principal persons to determine with their
+advice what they should do. And the most part said that they thought it
+best to return back to _Rio Grande_, or the Great River of _Guachoya_;
+because that in _Nilco_ and thereabout was store of maize; saying, that
+they would make pinnaces that winter, and the next summer pass down the
+river to the seaward in them, and coming to the sea they would go along
+the coast to _Nueva España_. For though it seemed a doubtful thing and
+difficult, by that which they had already alleged, yet it was the last
+remedy they had. For by land they could not go for want of an
+interpreter. And they held, that the country beyond the River of
+_Daycao_, where they were, was that which _Cabeça de Vaca_ mentioned in
+his relation that he passed _of the Indians which lived like the
+Alarbes, having no settled place_, and fed upon _Tunas_ and roots of the
+fields, and wild beasts that they killed. Which if it were so, if they
+should enter into it and find no victuals to pass the winter, they could
+not choose but perish, for they were entered already into the beginning
+of October: and if they stayed any longer they were not able to return
+for rain and snows, nor to sustain themselves in so poor a country. The
+Governor (that desired long to see himself in a place where he might
+sleep his full sleep, rather than to conquer and govern a country where
+so many troubles presented themselves) presently returned back that same
+way that he came.
+
+When that which was determined was published in the camp, there were
+many that were greatly grieved at it: for they held the sea voyage as
+doubtful, for the evil means they had, and of as great danger the
+traveling by land: and they hoped to find some rich country before they
+came to the land of the Christians, by that which _Cabeça de Vaca_ had
+told the Emperor: and that was this: That after he had found clothes
+made of cotton wool, he saw gold and silver, and stones of great value.
+And they had not yet come where he had been. For until that place he
+always traveled by the sea-coast: and they traveled far within the land;
+and that going towards the west, of necessity they should come where he
+had been. For he said that in a certain place he traveled many days, and
+entered into the land toward the north. And in _Guasco_ they had already
+found some Turkey stones, and mantles of cotton wool: which the Indians
+signified by signs that they had from the west: and that holding that
+course they should draw near to the land of the Christians. But though
+they were much discontented with it, and it grieved many to go backward,
+which would rather have adventured their lives and have died in the land
+of _Florida_, than to have gone poor out of it; yet were they not a
+sufficient part to hinder that which was determined, because the
+principal men agreed with the Governor. And afterward there was one that
+said, he would put out one of his own eyes, to put out another of _Luys
+de Moscoso_; because it would grieve him much to see him prosper:
+because as well himself as others of his friends had crossed that which
+he durst not have done, seeing that within two days he should leave the
+government. From _Daycao_, where now they were, to _Rio Grande_, or the
+Great River, was one hundred and fifty leagues: which unto that place
+they had gone westward. And by the way as they returned back they had
+much ado to find maize to eat: for where they had passed the country was
+destroyed; and some little maize that was left the Indians had hidden.
+The towns which in _Naguatex_ they had burned (whereof it repented them)
+were repaired again, and the houses full of maize. This country is well
+inhabited and plentiful. In that place are vessels made of clay, which
+differ very little from those of _Estremoz_, or _Montemor_. In
+_Chaguate_ the Indians by commandment of the cacique came peaceably, and
+said, that the Christian which remained there would not come. The
+Governor wrote unto him, and sent him ink and paper that he might
+answer. The substance of the words of the letter was to declare unto him
+his determination, which was to go out of the land of _Florida_, and to
+put him in remembrance that he was a Christian, that he would not remain
+in the subjection of infidels, that he pardoned him the fault which he
+had done in going away to the Indians, that he should come unto him: and
+if they did stay him, that he would advertise him thereof by writing.
+The Indian went with the letter, and came again without any more answer,
+than, on the back side, his name and seal, that they might know he was
+alive. The Governor sent twelve horsemen to seek him: but he, which had
+his spies, so hid himself, that they could not find him. For want of
+maize the Governor could not stay any longer to seek him. He departed
+from _Chaguate_, and passed the river by _Aays_; going down by it he
+found a town called _Chilano_, which as yet they had not seen. They came
+to _Nilco_, and found so little maize, as could not suffice till they
+made their ships; because the Christians, being in _Guachoya_ in the
+seed time, the Indians for fear of them durst not come to sow the
+grounds of _Nilco_: and they knew not thereabout any other country where
+any maize was: and that was the most fruitful soil that was thereaway,
+and where they had most hope to find it. Every one was confounded, and
+the most part thought it bad counsel to come back from the river of
+_Daycao_, and not to have followed their fortune, going that way that
+went over land. For by sea it seemed impossible to save themselves,
+unless God would work a miracle for them: for there was neither pilot,
+nor sea-chart, neither did they know where the river entered into the
+sea, neither had they notice of it, neither had they anything wherewith
+to make sails, nor any store of enequem, which is a grass whereof they
+make oakum, which grew there; and that which they found they saved to
+caulk the pinnaces withal; neither had they anything to pitch them
+withal; neither could they make ships of such substance, but that any
+storm would put them in great danger: and they feared much it would fall
+out with them, as it did with _Pamphilo de Narvaez_, which was cast away
+upon that coast. And above all other it troubled them most, that they
+could find no maize: for without it they could not be sustained, nor
+could do anything that they had need of. All of them were put to great
+confusion. Their chief remedy was to commit themselves to God, and to
+beseech him that he would direct them the way that they might save their
+lives. And it pleased him of his goodness, that the Indians of _Nilco_
+came peaceably, and told them, that two days' journey from thence, near
+unto the Great River, were two towns, whereof the Christians had no
+notice, and that the province was called _Minoya_, and was a fruitful
+soil: that, whether at this present there was any maize or no, they knew
+not, because they had war with them: but that they would be very glad
+with the favor of the Christians to go and spoil them. The Governor sent
+a captain thither with horsemen and footmen, and the Indians of _Nilco_
+with him. He came to _Minoya_, and found two great towns seated in a
+plain and open soil, half a league distant, one in sight of another, and
+in them he took many Indians, and found great store of maize. Presently
+he lodged in one of them, and sent word to the Governor what he had
+found: wherewith they were all exceeding glad. They departed from
+_Nilco_ in the beginning of December; and all that way, and before from
+_Chilano_, they endured much trouble: for they passed through many
+waters, and many times it rained, with a northern wind, and was
+exceeding cold, so that they were in the open field with water over and
+underneath them: and when at the end of their day's journey, they found
+dry ground to rest upon, they gave great thanks to God. With this
+trouble almost all the Indians that served them died. And after they
+were in _Minoya_, many Christians also died: and the most part were sick
+of great and dangerous diseases, which had a spice of the lethargy. At
+this place died _Andrew de Vasconcelos_, and two Portuguese of _Elvas_,
+which were very near him: which were brethren, and by their surname
+called _Sotis_. The Christians lodged in one of the towns which they
+liked best, which was fenced about, and distant a quarter of a league
+from the Great River. The maize that was in the other town was brought
+thither; and in all it was esteemed to be six thousand hanegs or
+bushels. And there was the best timber to make ships that they had seen
+in all the land of _Florida_; wherefore all of them gave God great
+thanks for so singular a favor, and hoped that that which they desired
+would take effect, which was, that they might safely be conducted into
+the land of the Christians.
+
+As soon as they came to _Minoya_, the Governor commanded them to gather
+all the chains together, which every one had to lead Indians in; and to
+gather all the iron which they had for their provision, and all the rest
+that was in the camp: and to set up a forge to make nails, and commanded
+them to cut down timber for the brigantines. And a Portuguese of
+_Ceuta_, who having been a prisoner in _Fez_, had learned to saw timber
+with a long saw, which for such purposes they had carried with them, did
+teach others, which helped him to saw timber. And a _Genevese_, whom it
+pleased God to preserve (for without him they had never come out of the
+country, for there was never another that could make ships but he), with
+four or five other _Biscayan_ carpenters, which hewed his planks and
+other timbers, made the brigantines: and two calkers, the one of
+_Geneva_, the other of _Sardinia_, did calk them with the tow of an herb
+like hemp, whereof before I have made mention, which there is named
+enequen. And because there was not enough of it, they calked them with
+the flax of the country, and with the mantles, which they raveled for
+that purpose. A cooper which they had among them fell sick, and was at
+the point of death: and there was none other that had any skill in that
+trade: it pleased God to send him his health. And albeit he was very
+weak, and could not labor, yet fifteen days before they departed, he
+made for every brigantine two half hogsheads, which the mariners call
+quarterets, because four of them hold a pipe of water. The Indians which
+dwelt two days' journey above the river in a province called
+_Taguanate_, and likewise those of _Nilco_ and _Guachoya_, and others
+their neighbors seeing the brigantines in making, thinking, because
+their places of refuge are in the water, that they were to go to seek
+them, and because the Governor demanded mantles of them, as necessary
+for sails, came many times, and brought many mantles, and great store of
+fish. And for certain it seemed that God was willing to favor them in so
+great necessity, moving the minds of the Indians to bring them: for to
+go to take them, they were never able. For in the town where they were,
+as soon as winter came, they were so enclosed and compassed with water,
+that they could go no farther by land, than a league, and a league and a
+half. And if they would go farther, they could carry no horses, and
+without them they were not able to fight with the Indians, because they
+were many: and so many for so many on foot they had the advantage of
+them by water and by land, because they were more apt and lighter, and
+by reason of the disposition of the country, which was according to
+their desire for the use of their war. They brought also some cords, and
+those which wanted for cables were made of the barks of mulberry trees.
+They made stirrups of wood, and made anchors of their stirrups. In the
+month of March, when it had rained a month before, the river grew so big
+that it came to _Nilco_, which was nine leagues of: and on the other
+side, the Indians said, that it reached other nine leagues into the
+land. In the town where the Christians were, which was somewhat high
+ground, where they could best go, the water reached to the stirrups.
+They made certain rafts of timber, and laid many boughs upon them,
+whereon they set their horses, and in the houses they did the like. But
+seeing that nothing prevailed, they went up to the lofts: and if they
+went out of the houses, it was in canoes, or on horseback in those
+places where the ground was highest. So they were two months, and could
+do nothing, during which time the river decreased not. The Indians
+ceased not to come unto the brigantines as they were wont, and came in
+canoes. At that time the Governor feared they would set upon him. He
+commanded his men to take an Indian secretly of those that came to the
+town, and to stay him till the rest were gone: and they took one. The
+Governor commanded him to be put to torture, to make him confess whether
+the Indians did practice any treason or no. He confessed that the
+caciques of _Nilco_, _Guachoya_, and _Taguanate_, and others, which in
+all were about twenty caciques, with a great number of people,
+determined to come upon him; and that three days before, they would send
+a great present of fish to cover their great treason and malice, and on
+the very day they would send some Indians before with another present.
+And these, with those which were our slaves, which were of their
+conspiracy also, should set the houses on fire, and first of all possess
+themselves of the lances which stood at the doors of the houses; and the
+caciques, with all their men, should be near the town in ambush in the
+wood, and when they saw the fire kindled, should come, and make an end
+of the conquest. The Governor commanded the Indian to be kept in a
+chain, and the selfsame day that he spoke of, there came thirty Indians
+with fish. He commanded their right hands to be cut off, and sent them
+so back to the Cacique of _Guachoya_, whose men they were. He sent him
+word that he and the rest should come when they would, for he desired
+nothing more, and that he should know, that they thought not anything
+which he knew not before they thought of it. Hereupon they all were put
+in a very great fear: and the caciques of _Nilco_ and _Taguanate_ came
+to excuse themselves: and a few days after came he of _Guachoya_, and a
+principal Indian, and his subject, said, he knew by certain information,
+that the caciques of _Nilco_ and _Taguanate_ were agreed to come and
+make war upon the Christians. As soon as the Indians came from _Nilco_,
+the Governor examined them, and they confessed it was true. He delivered
+them presently to the principal men of _Guachoya_, which drew them out
+of the town and killed them. Another day came some from _Taguanate_, and
+confessed it likewise. The Governor commanded their right hands and
+noses to be cut off, and sent them to the cacique, wherewith they of
+_Guachoya_ remained very well contented: and they came oftentimes with
+presents of mantles and fish, and hogs, which bred in the country of
+some swine that were lost by the way the last year. As soon as the
+waters were slaked, they persuaded the Governor to send to _Taguanate_.
+They came and brought canoes, wherein the footmen were conveyed down the
+river, and a captain with horsemen went by land; and the Indians of
+_Guachoya_, which guided him till they came to _Taguanate_, assaulted
+the town, and took many men and women, and mantles, which with those
+that they had already were sufficient to supply their want. The
+brigantines being finished in the month of June, the Indians having told
+us that the river increased but once a year, when the snows did melt, in
+the time wherein I mentioned it had already increased, being now in
+summer, and having not rained a long time, it pleased God that the flood
+came up to the town to seek the brigantines, from whence they carried
+them by water to the river. Which, if they had gone by land, had been in
+danger of breaking and splitting their keels, and to be all undone;
+because that for want of iron, the spikes were short, and the planks
+and timber were very weak. The Indians of _Minoya_, during the time that
+they were there came to serve them (being driven thereunto by necessity)
+that of the maize which they had taken from them, they would bestow some
+crumbs upon them, and because the country was fertile, and the people
+used to feed of maize, and the Christians had gotten all from them that
+they had, and the people were many, they were not able to sustain
+themselves. Those which came to the town were so weak and feeble, that
+they had no flesh left on their bones: and many came and died near the
+town for pure hunger and weakness. The Governor commanded upon grievous
+punishments to give them no maize. Yet, when they saw that the hogs
+wanted it not, and that they had yielded themselves to serve them, and
+considering their misery and wretchedness, having pity of them, they
+gave them part of the maize which they had. And when the time of their
+embarkment came, there was not sufficient to serve their own turns. That
+which there was, they put into the brigantines, and into great canoes
+tied two and two together. They shipped twenty-two of the best horses
+that were in the camp, the rest they made dried flesh of; and dressed
+the hogs which they had in like manner. They departed from _Minoya_ the
+second day of July, 1543.
+
+The day before they departed from _Minoya_, they determined to dismiss
+all the men and women of the country, which they had detained as slaves
+to serve them, save some hundred, little more or less, which the
+Governor embarked, and others whom it pleased him to permit. And because
+there were many men of quality, whom he could not deny that which he
+granted to others, he used a policy, saying, that they might serve them
+as long as they were in the river, but when they came to the sea, they
+must send them away for want of water, because they had but few vessels.
+He told his friends in secret, that they should carry theirs to _Nueva
+España_: and all those whom he bare no good-will unto (which were the
+greater number) ignorant of that which was hidden from them, which
+afterward time discovered, thinking it inhumanity for so little time of
+service, in reward of the great service that they had done them, to
+carry them with them, to leave them slaves to other men out of their own
+countries, left five hundred men and women; among whom were many boys
+and girls, which spake and understood the Spanish tongue. The most of
+them did nothing but weep; which moved great compassion; seeing that all
+of them with good-will would have become Christians, and were left in
+state of perdition. There went from _Minoya_ three hundred and
+twenty-two Spaniards in seven brigantines, well made, save that the
+planks were thin, because the nails were short, and were not pitched,
+nor had any decks to keep the water from coming in. Instead of decks
+they laid planks, whereon the mariners might run to trim their sails,
+and the people might refresh themselves above and below. The Governor
+made his captains, and gave to every one his brigantine, and took their
+oath and their word, that they would obey him, until they came to the
+land of the Christians. The Governor took one of the brigantines for
+himself, which he best liked. The same day that they departed from
+_Minoya_, they passed by _Guachoya_, where the Indians tarried for them
+in canoes by the river. And on the shore, they had made a great arbor
+with boughs. They desired him to come on shore; but he excused himself,
+and so went along. The Indians in their canoes accompanied him; and
+coming where an arm of the river declined on the right hand, they said
+that the Province of _Quigalta_ was near unto that place, and importuned
+the Governor to set upon him, and that they would aid him. And because
+they had said that he dwelt three days' journey down the river, the
+Governor supposed that they had plotted some treason against him, and
+there left them; and went down with the greatest force of the water. The
+current was very strong, and with the help of oars, they went very
+swiftly. The first day they landed in a wood on the left hand of the
+river, and at night they withdrew themselves to the brigantines. The
+next day they came to a town where they went on shore, and the people
+that was in it durst not tarry. A woman that they took there being
+examined, said, that the town belonged to a cacique named _Huasene_,
+subject to _Quigalta_, and that _Quigalta_ tarried for them below in the
+river with many men. Certain horsemen went thither, and found some
+houses, wherein was much maize. Immediately more of them went thither
+and tarried there one day, and which they did beat out, and took as much
+maize as they needed. While they were there, many Indians came from the
+nether part of the river, and on the other side right against them
+somewhat carelessly set themselves in order to fight. The Governor sent
+in two canoes the crossbow-men that he had, and as many more as could go
+in them. They ran away, and seeing the Spaniards could not overtake
+them, they returned back, and took courage; and coming nearer, making an
+outcry, they threatened them: and as soon as they departed thence, they
+went after them, some in canoes and some by land along the river; and
+getting before, coming to a town that stood by the river's side, they
+joined altogether, making a show that they would tarry there. Every
+brigantine towed a canoe fastened to their sterns for their particular
+service. Presently there entered men into every one of them, which made
+the Indians to fly, and burned the town. The same day they presently
+landed in a great field, where the Indians durst not tarry. The next day
+there were gathered together an hundred canoes, among which were some
+that carried sixty and seventy men, and the principal men's canoes had
+their tilts, and plumes of white and red feathers for their ensigns: and
+they came within two crossbow shots of the brigantines, and sent three
+Indians in a small canoe with a feigned message to view the manner of
+the brigantines, and what weapons they had. And coming to the side of
+the Governor's brigantine, one of the Indians entered, and said:
+
+"That the Cacique of _Quigalta_, his lord, sent him his commendations,
+and did let him understand, that all that the Indians of _Guachoya_ had
+told him concerning himself, was false, and that they had incensed him,
+because they were his enemies; that he was his servant, and should find
+him so."
+
+The Governor answered him, that he believed all that he said was true,
+and willed him to tell him that he esteemed his friendship very much.
+With this answer they returned to the place where the rest in their
+canoes were waiting for them, and from thence all of them fell down, and
+came near the Spaniards, shouting aloud, and threatening of them. The
+Governor sent _John de Guzman_, which had been a captain of footmen in
+_Florida_, with fifteen armed men in canoes to make them give way. As
+soon as the Indians saw them come towards them, they divided themselves
+into two parts, and stood still till the Spaniards came nigh them, and
+when they were came near them, they joined together on both sides,
+taking _John de Guzman_ in the middle, and them that came first with
+him, and with great fury boarded them: and as their canoes were bigger,
+and many of them leaped into the water to stay them, and to lay hold on
+the canoes of the Spaniards, and overwhelm them; so presently they
+overwhelmed them. The Christians fell into the water, and with the
+weight of their armor sunk down to the bottom; and some few, that by
+swimming or holding by the canoe could have saved themselves, with oars
+and staves which they had, they struck them on the head and make them
+sink. When they of the brigantines saw the overthrow, though they went
+about to succor them, yet through the current of the river they could
+not go back. Four Spaniards fled to the brigantine that was nearest to
+the canoes; and only these escaped of those that came among the Indians.
+There were eleven that died there: among whom _John de Guzman_ was one,
+and a son of _Don Carlos_, called _John de Vargas_: the rest also were
+persons of account and men of great courage. Those that escaped by
+swimming said that they saw the Indians enter the canoe of _John de
+Guzman_ at the stern of one of their canoes, and whether they carried
+him away dead or alive they could not certainly tell.
+
+The Indians, seeing that they had got the victory, took such courage,
+that they assaulted them in the brigantines, which they durst not do
+before. They came first to that brigantine wherein _Calderon_ went for
+captain, and was in the rearward: and at the first volley of arrows they
+wounded twenty-five men. There were only four armed men in this
+brigantine; these did stand at the brigantine's side to defend it. Those
+that were unarmed, seeing how they hurt them, left their oars and went
+under the deck: whereupon the brigantine began to cross, and to go where
+the current of the stream carried it. One of the armed men seeing this,
+without the commandment of the captain, made a footman to take an oar
+and steer the brigantine, he standing before him and defending him with
+his target. The Indians came no nearer than a bowshot, from whence they
+offended and were not offended, receiving no hurt: for in every
+brigantine was but one crossbow, and those which we had were very much
+out of order. So that the Christians did nothing else but stand for a
+butt to receive their arrows. Having left this brigantine they went to
+another, and fought with it half an hour; and so from one to another
+they fought with them all. The Christians had mats to lay under them,
+which were double, and so close and strong, that no arrow went through
+them. And as soon as the Indians gave them leisure, they fenced the
+brigantines with them. And the Indians seeing that they could not shoot
+level, shot their arrows at random up in the air, which fell into the
+brigantines, and hurt some of the men: and not therewith contented, they
+sought to get to them which were in the canoes with the horses. Those of
+the brigantines environed them to defend them, and took them among them.
+Thus seeing themselves much vexed by them, and so wearied that they
+could no longer endure it, they determined to travel all the night
+following, thinking to get beyond the country of _Quigalta_, and that
+they would leave them: but when they thought least of it, supposing that
+they had now left them, they heard very near them so great outcries,
+that they made them deaf, and so they followed us all that night, and
+the next day till noon, by which time we were come into the country of
+others, whom they desired to use us after the same manner; and so they
+did. The men of _Quigalta_ returned home; and the other in fifty canoes
+fought with us a whole day and a night; and they entered one of the
+brigantines, that came in the rearward, by the canoe which she had at
+her stern, and took away a woman which they found in it, and afterwards
+hurt some of the men in the brigantines. Those which came with the
+horses in the canoes, being wearied with rowing night and day, lingered
+behind; and presently the Indians came upon them, and they of the
+brigantines tarried for them. The Governor resolved to go on shore and
+kill the horses, because of the slow way which they made because of
+them. As soon as they saw a place convenient for it, they went thither
+and killed the horses, and brought the flesh of them to dry it on board.
+Four or five of them remained on shore alive; the Indians went unto
+them, after the Spaniards were embarked. The horses were not acquainted
+with them, and began to neigh, and run up and down in such sort, that
+the Indians, for fear of them, leaped into the water; and getting into
+their canoes went after the brigantines, shooting cruelly at them. They
+followed us that evening and the night following till the next day at
+ten of the clock, and then returned up the river. Presently from a small
+town that stood upon the river came seven canoes, and followed us a
+little way down the river, shooting at us: but seeing they were so few
+that they could do us but little harm, they returned to their town. From
+thence forward, until they came to the sea, they had no encounter. They
+sailed down the river seventeen days: which may be two hundred and fifty
+leagues' journey, little more or less: and near unto the sea, the river
+is divided into two arms; each of them is a league and a half broad.
+
+Half a league before they came to the sea, they came to anchor to rest
+themselves there about a day; for they were very weary with rowing, and
+out of heart. For by the space of many days they had eaten nothing but
+parched and sodden maize; which they had by allowance every day an
+headpiece full by strike for every three men. While they rode there at
+anchor seven canoes of Indians came to set upon those which they brought
+with them. The Governor commanded armed men to go aboard them, and to
+drive them farther off. They came also against them by land through a
+thick wood, and a moorish ground, and had staves with very sharp forked
+heads made of the bones of fishes, and fought very valiantly with us,
+which went out to encounter them. And the other that came in canoes with
+their arrows staid for them that came against them, and at their coming
+both those that were on land, and those in the canoes wounded some of
+us: and seeing us come near them, they turned their backs, and like
+swift horses among footmen got away from us; making some returns, and
+reuniting themselves together, going not past a bow shot off: for in so
+retiring they shot, without receiving any hurt of the Christians. For
+though they had some bows, yet they could not use them; and brake their
+arms with rowing to overtake them. And the Indians easily in their
+compass went with their canoes, staying and wheeling about as it had
+been in a skirmish, perceiving that those that came against them could
+not offend them. And the more they strove to come near them, the more
+hurt they received. As soon as they had driven them farther off, they
+returned to the brigantines. They stayed two days there: and departed
+from thence unto the place where the arm of the river entereth into the
+sea. They sounded in the river near unto the sea, and found forty
+fathoms water. They staid there. And the Governor commanded all and
+singular persons to speak their minds touching their voyage, whether it
+were best to cross over to _Nueva España_, committing themselves to the
+high sea, or whether they should keep along the coast. There were sundry
+opinions touching this matter: wherein _John Danusco_, which presumed
+much, and took much upon him in the knowledge of navigation, and matters
+of the sea, although he had but little experience, moved the Governor
+with his talk: and his opinion was seconded by some others. And they
+affirmed, that it was much better to pass by the high sea, and cross the
+gulf, which was three of four parts the lesser travel, because in going
+along the coast, they went a great way about, by reason of the compass
+which the land did make. _John Danusco_ said, that he had seen the
+sea-card, and that from the place where they were, the coast ran east
+and west unto _Rio de las Palmas_; and from _Rio de las Palmas_ to
+_Nueva España_ from north to south: and therefore in sailing always in
+sight of land would be a great compassing about and spending of much
+time; and that they would be in great danger to be overtaken with winter
+before they should get to the land of the Christians: and that in ten or
+twelve days' space, having good weather, they might be there in crossing
+over. The most part were against this opinion, and said that it was more
+safe to go along the coast, though they staid the longer: because their
+ships were very weak and without decks, so that a very little storm was
+enough to cast them away: and if they should be hindered with calms, or
+contrary weather, through the small store of vessels which they had to
+carry water in, they should likewise fall into great danger: and that
+although the ships were such as they might venture in them, yet having
+neither pilot nor sea-card to guide themselves, it was no good counsel
+to cross the gulf. This opinion was confirmed by the greatest part: and
+they agreed to go along the coast. At the time wherein they sought to
+depart from thence, the cable of the anchor of the Governor's brigantine
+brake, and the anchor remained in the river. And albeit they were near
+the shore, yet it was so deep, that the divers diving many times could
+never find it; which caused great sadness in the Governor, and in all
+those that went with him in his brigantine: but with a grindstone which
+they had, and certain bridles which remained to some of the gentlemen,
+and men of worship which had horses, they made a weight which served
+instead of an anchor. The 18th of July (1543) they went forth to sea
+with fair and prosperous weather for their voyage. And seeing that they
+were gone two or three leagues from the shore, the captains of the other
+brigantines overtook them, and asked the Governor, wherefore he did put
+off from the shore? and that if he would leave the coast, he should say
+so; and he should not do it without the consent of all: and that if he
+did otherwise, they would not follow him, but that every one would do
+what seemed best unto himself. The Governor answered, that he would do
+nothing without their counsel, but that he did bear off from the land to
+sail the better and safer by night; and that the next day when time
+served, he would return to the sight of land again. They sailed with a
+reasonable good wind that day and the night following, and the next day
+till evening song, always in fresh water; whereat they wondered much:
+for they were very far from land. But the force of the current of the
+river is so great, and the coast there is so shallow and gentle, that
+the fresh water enters far into the sea. That evening on their right
+hand they saw certain creeks, whither they went, and rested there that
+night: where _John Danusco_ with his reasons won them at last, that all
+consented and agreed to commit themselves to the main sea, alleging, as
+he had done before, that it was a great advantage, and that their voyage
+would be much shorter. They sailed two days, and when they would have
+come to sight of land they could not, for the wind blew from the shore.
+On the fourth day, seeing their fresh water began to fail, fearing
+necessity and danger, they all complained of _John Danusco_, and of the
+Governor that followed his counsel: and every one of the captains said,
+that they would no more go from the shore, though the Governor went
+whither he would. It pleased God that the wind changed, though but a
+little: and at the end of four days after they had put to sea, being
+already destitute of water, by force of rowing they got within sight of
+land, and with great trouble recovered it, in an open road. That evening
+the wind came to the south, which on that coast is a cross wind, and
+drove the brigantines against the shore, because it blew very hard, and
+the anchors were so weak, that they yielded and began to bend. The
+Governor commanded all men to leap into the water, and going between
+them and the shore, and thrusting the brigantines into the sea as soon
+as the wave was past, they saved them till the wind ceased.
+
+In the bay where they rode, after the tempest was passed, they went on
+shore, and with mattocks, which they had, they digged certain pits,
+which grew full of fresh water, where they filled all the casks they
+had. The next day they departed thence, and sailed two days, and entered
+into a creek like unto a pool, fenced from the south wind, which then
+did blow, and was against them; and there they stayed four days, not
+being able to get out; and when the sea was calm they rowed out. They
+sailed that day, and towards evening the wind grew so strong that it
+drove them on the shore, and they were sorry that they had put forth
+from the former harbor; for as soon as night approached, a storm began
+to rise in the sea, and the wind still waxed more violent with a
+tempest. The brigantines lost one another. Two of them, which bare more
+into the sea, entered into an arm of the sea, which pierced into the
+land two leagues beyond the place where the others were that night. The
+five which stayed behind, being always a league and half a league the
+one from the other, met together, without any knowledge the one of the
+other, in a wild road, where the wind and the waves drove them on shore;
+for their anchors did straighten and came home, and they could not use
+their oars, putting seven or eight men to every one, which rowed to
+seaward; and all the rest leaped into the water, and when the wave was
+passed that drave the brigantine on shore, they thrust it again into the
+sea with all the diligence and might that they had. Others, while
+another wave was incoming, with bowls laved out the water that came in
+overboard. While they were in this tempest, in great fear of being cast
+away in that place, from midnight forward they endured an intolerable
+torment of an infinite swarm of mosquitoes which fell upon them, which
+as soon as they had stung the flesh, it so infected it, as though they
+had been venomous. In the morning the sea was assuaged and the wind
+slacked, but not the mosquitoes; for the sails, which were white, seemed
+black with them in the morning. Those which rowed, unless others kept
+them away, were not able to row. Having passed the fear and danger of
+the storm, beholding the deformities of their faces, and the blows which
+they gave themselves to drive them away, one of them laughed at another.
+They met all together in the creek where the two brigantines were which
+outwent their fellows. There was found a scum which they call copee,
+which the sea casteth up, and it is like pitch, wherewith in some
+places, where pitch is wanting, they pitch their ships; there they
+pitched their brigantines. They rested two days, and then eftsoons
+proceeded on their voyage. They sailed two days more, and landed in a
+bay or arm of the sea, where they stayed two days. The same day that
+they went from thence six men went up in a canoe toward the head of it,
+and could not see the end of it. They put out from thence with a south
+wind, which was against them; but because it was little, and for the
+great desire they had to shorten their voyage, they put out to sea by
+the force of oars, and for all that made very little way, with great
+labor, in two days, and went under the lee of a small island into an arm
+of the sea, which compassed it about. While they were there, there fell
+out such weather, that they gave God many thanks that they found out
+such an harbor. There was great store of fish in that place, which they
+took with nets, which they had, and hooks. Here a man cast an hook and a
+line into the sea, and tied the end of it to his arm, and a fish caught
+it, and drew him into the water unto the neck; and it pleased God that
+he remembered himself of a knife that he had, and cut the line with it.
+There they abode fourteen days; and at the end of them it pleased God to
+send them fair weather, for which, with great devotion, they appointed a
+procession, and went in procession along the strand, beseeching God to
+bring them to a land where they might serve him in better sort.
+
+In all the coast wheresoever they digged they found fresh water; there
+they filled their vessels, and the procession being ended, embarked
+themselves, and going always in sight of the shore they sailed six days.
+_John Danusco_ said that it would do well to bear out to seaward; for he
+had seen the sea-card, and remembered that from _Rio de las Palmas_
+forward, the coast did run from north to south, and thitherto they had
+run from east to west, and in his opinion, by his reckoning, _Rio de las
+Palmas_ could not be far off from where they were. That same night they
+put to sea, and in the morning they saw palm leaves floating, and the
+coast which ran north and south. From midday forward they saw great
+mountains, which until then they had not seen; for from this place to
+_Puerto de Spiritu Santo_, where they first landed in _Florida_, was a
+very plain and low country; and therefore it cannot be descried, unless
+a man comes very near it. By that which they saw, they thought they had
+overshot _Rio de Palmas_ that night, which is sixty leagues from the
+river _Panuco_, which is in _Nueva España_. They assembled all together,
+and some said it was not good to sail by night, lest they should
+overshoot the river of _Panuco_; and others said, it was not well to
+lose time while it was favorable, and that it could not be so near that
+they should pass it that night; and they agreed to take away half the
+sails, and so sail all night. Two of the brigantines, which sailed that
+night with all their sails, by break of day had overshot the river of
+_Panuco_ without seeing it. Of the five that came behind, the first that
+came unto it was that wherein _Calderan_ was captain. A quarter of a
+league before they came at it, and before they did see it, they saw the
+water muddy, and knew it to be fresh water; and coming right against the
+river, they saw where it entered into the sea, that the water broke upon
+a shoal. And because there was no man there that knew it, they were in
+doubt whether they should go in, or go along; and they resolved to go
+in; and before they came into the current, they went close to the shore,
+and entered into the port. And as soon as they were come in, they saw
+Indian men and women appareled like Spaniards, whom they asked in what
+country they were? They answered in Spanish, that it was the river of
+_Panuco_, and that the town of the Christians was fifteen leagues up
+within the land. The joy that all of them received upon this news cannot
+sufficiently be expressed; for it seemed unto them that at that instant
+they were born again. And many went on shore and kissed the ground, and
+kneeling on their knees, with lifting up their hands and eyes to Heaven,
+they all ceased not to give God thanks. Those which came after, as soon
+as they saw _Calderan_ come to an anchor with his brigantine in the
+river, presently went thither, and came into the haven. The other two
+brigantines which had overshot the place, put to sea to return back to
+seek the rest, and could not do it, because the wind was contrary and
+the sea grown; they were afraid of being cast away, and recovering the
+shore they cast anchor. While they rode there a storm arose, and seeing
+that they could not abide there, much less endure at sea, they resolved
+to run on shore; and as the brigantines were but small, so did they draw
+but little water; and where they were it was a sandy coast. By which
+occasion the force of their sails drove them on shore, without any hurt
+of them that were in them. As those that were in the port of _Panuco_ at
+this time were in great joy; so these felt a double grief in their
+hearts, for they knew not what was become of their fellows, nor in what
+country they were, and feared it was a country of Indian enemies. They
+landed two leagues below the port; and when they saw themselves out of
+the danger of the sea, every one took of that which he had, as much as
+he could carry on his back, and they traveled up into the country, and
+found Indians, which told them where their fellows were, and gave them
+good entertainment; wherewith their sadness was turned into joy, and
+they thanked God most humbly for their deliverance out of so many
+dangers.
+
+From the time that they put out of _Rio Grande_ to the sea, at their
+departure from _Florida_, until they arrived in the river of _Panuco_,
+was fifty-two days. They came into the river of _Panuco_ the tenth of
+September, 1543. They went up the river with their brigantines. They
+traveled four days; and because the wind was but little, and many times
+it served them not because of the many turnings which the river maketh,
+and the great current drawing them up by towing, and that in many
+places; for this cause they made very little way and with great labor;
+and seeing the execution of their desire to be deferred, which was to
+come among Christians, and to see the celebration of divine service,
+which so long time they had not seen, they left the brigantines with the
+mariners, and went by land to _Panuco_. All of them were appareled in
+deers' skins tanned and dyed black, to wit, coats, hose, and shoes. When
+they came to _Panuco_, presently they went to the church to pray and
+give God thanks that so miraculously had saved them. The townsmen which
+before were advertised by the Indians, and knew of their arrival,
+carried some of them to their houses, and entertained them whom they
+knew and had acquaintance of, or because they were their countrymen. The
+Alcalde Mayor took the Governor home to his house: and commanded all the
+rest, as soon as they came, to be lodged six and six and ten and ten,
+according to the ability of every townsman. And all of them were
+provided for by their hosts of many hens, and bread of maize, and fruits
+of the country, which are such as be in the Isle of _Cuba_, whereof
+before I have spoken. The town of _Panuco_ may contain about seventy
+families; the most of their houses are of lime and stone, and some made
+of timber, and all of them are thatched. It is a poor country, and there
+is neither gold nor silver in it. The inhabitants live there in great
+abundance of victuals and servants. The richest have not above five
+hundred crowns rent a year, and that is in cotton cloths, hens, and
+maize, which the Indians their servants do give them for tribute. There
+arrived there of those that came out of _Florida_, three hundred and
+eleven Christians. Presently the Alcalde Mayor sent one of the townsmen
+in post to advertise the Viceroy, _Don Antonio de Mendoça_, which was
+resident in _Mexico_, that of the people that went with _Don Ferdinando
+de Soto_ to discover and conquer _Florida_ three hundred and eleven men
+were arrived there, that seeing that they were employed in his majesty's
+service he would take some order to provide for them. Whereat the
+Viceroy, and all the inhabitants of _Mexico_ wondered; for they thought
+they were miscarried because they had traveled so far within the main
+land of _Florida_, and had no news of them for so long a time: and it
+seemed a wonderful thing unto them, how they could save themselves so
+long among infidels, without any fort, wherein they might fortify
+themselves, and without any other succor at all. Presently the Viceroy
+sent a warrant wherein he commanded, that whithersoever they sent they
+should give them victuals, and as many Indians for their carriages as
+they needed: and where they would not furnish them, they might take
+those things that were necessary perforce without incurring any danger
+of law. This warrant was so readily obeyed that by the way before they
+came to the towns they came to receive them with hens and victuals.
+
+From _Panuco_ to the great city of _Temistitan, Mexico_, is sixty
+leagues; and other sixty from _Panuco_ to the port de _Vera Cruz_, where
+they take shipping for _Spain_, and those that come from _Spain_ do land
+to go for _Nueva España_. These three towns stand in a triangle: to wit,
+_Vera Cruz_ to the south, _Panuco_ to the north, and _Mexico_ to the
+west sixty leagues asunder. The country is so inhabited with Indians
+that from town to town those which are farthest are but a league and
+half a league asunder. Some of them that came from _Florida_ stayed a
+month in _Panuco_ to rest themselves, others fifteen days, and every one
+as long as he listed: for there was none that showed a sour countenance
+to his guests, but rather gave them anything that they had, and seemed
+to be grieved when they took their leave. Which was to be believed; for
+the victuals which the Indians do pay them for tribute, are more than
+they can spend: and in that town is no commerce; and there dwelt but few
+Spaniards there, and they were glad of their company. The Alcalde Mayor
+divided all the Emperor's clothes which he had (which there they pay him
+for his tribute) among those that would come to receive them. Those
+which had shirts of mail left were glad men; for they had a horse for
+one shirt of mail. Some horsed themselves; and such as could not (which
+were the greatest part) took their journey on foot: in which they were
+well received of the Indians that were in the towns, and better served
+than they could have been in their own houses, though they had been well
+to live. For if they asked one hen of an Indian, they brought them four:
+and if they asked any of the country fruit though it were a league off,
+they ran presently for it. And if any Christian found himself evil at
+ease, they carried him in a chair from one town to another. In
+whatsoever town they came, the cacique, by an Indian which carried a rod
+of justice in his hand, whom they call Tapile, that is to say a
+sergeant, commanded them to provide victuals for them, and Indians to
+bear burdens of such things as they had, and such as were needful to
+carry them that were sick. The Viceroy sent a Portuguese twenty leagues
+from _Mexico_, with great store of sugar, raisins of the sun, conserves,
+and other things fit for sick folks, for such as had need of them: and
+had given order to clothe them all at the Emperor's charge. And their
+approach being known by the citizens of _Mexico_, they went out of the
+town to receive them: and with great courtesy, requesting them in favor
+to come to their houses, every one carried such as he met home with him,
+and clothed them every one the best they could: so that he that had the
+meanest apparel, it cost about thirty ducats. As many as were willing to
+come to the Viceroy's house he commanded to be appareled, and such as
+were persons of quality sate at his table: and there was a table in his
+house for as many of the meaner sort as would come to it: and he was
+presently informed who every one was, to show him the courtesy that he
+deserved. Some of the conquerors did set both gentlemen and clowns at
+their own table, and many times made the servant sit cheek by cheek by
+his master: and chiefly the officers and men of base condition did so:
+for those which had better education did inquire who every one was, and
+made difference of persons: but all did what they could with a good
+will: and every one told them whom they had in their houses, that they
+should not trouble themselves, nor think themselves the worse, to take
+that which they gave them: for they had been in the like case, and had
+been relieved of others, and that this was the custom of that country.
+God reward them all: and God grant that those which it pleased him to
+deliver out of _Florida_, and to bring again into Christendom, may
+serve him: and unto those that died in that country, and unto all that
+believe in Him and confess his holy faith, God for his mercy's sake
+grant the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
+
+From the _Port de Spiritu Santo_, where they landed when they entered
+into _Florida_, to the Province of Ocute, which may be 400 leagues,
+little more or less, is a very plain country, and has many lakes and
+thick woods, and in some places they are of wild pine-trees; and is a
+weak soil. There is in it neither mountain nor hill. The country of
+_Ocute_ is more fat and fruitful; it has thinner woods, and very goodly
+meadows upon the rivers. From _Ocute_ to _Cutifachiqui_ may be 130
+leagues: 80 leagues thereof are desert, and have many groves of wild
+pine trees. Through the wilderness great rivers do pass. From
+_Cutifachiqui_ to _Xuala_, may be 250 leagues: it is all an hilly
+country. _Cutifachiqui_ and _Xuala_ stand both in plain ground, high,
+and have goodly meadows on the rivers. From thence forward to _Chiaha_,
+_Coça_, and _Talise_, is plain ground, dry and fat, and very plentiful
+of maize. From _Xuala_ to _Tascaluça_ may be 250 leagues. From
+_Tascaluça_ to _Rio Grande_, or the Great River, may be 300 leagues: the
+country is low, and full of lakes. From _Rio Grande_ forward, the
+country is higher and more champaign, and best peopled of all the land
+of _Florida_. And along this river from _Aquixo_ to _Pacaha_, and
+_Coligoa_, are 150 leagues: the country is plain, and the woods thin,
+and in some places champaign, very fruitful and pleasant. From _Coligoa_
+to _Autiamque_ are 250 leagues of hilly country. From _Autiamque_ to
+_Aguacay_, may be 230 leagues of plain ground. From _Aguacay_ to the
+river of _Daycao_ 120 leagues, all hilly country.
+
+From the _Port de Spiritu Santo_ unto _Apalache_, they traveled from
+east to west, and north-west. From _Cutifachiqui_ to _Xuala_ from south
+to north. From _Xuala_ to _Coça_ from east to west. From _Coça_ to
+_Tascaluça_, and to _Rio Grande_, as far as the provinces of _Quizquiz_
+and _Aquixo_, from east to west. From _Aquixo_ to _Pacaha_ to the north.
+From _Pacaha_ to _Tulla_ from east to west: from _Tulla_ to _Autiamque_
+from north to south, to the province of _Guachoya_ and _Daycao_.
+
+The bread which they ate in all the land of _Florida_ is of maize, which
+is like coarse millet. And this maize is common in all the islands, and
+from the Antilles forward. There are also in _Florida_ great store of
+walnuts, plums, mulberries, and grapes. They sow and gather their maize
+every one their several crop. The fruits are common to all, for they
+grow abroad in the open fields in great abundance, without any need of
+planting or dressing. Where there be mountains, there be chestnuts; they
+are somewhat smaller than the chestnuts of _Spain_. From _Rio Grande_
+westward, the walnuts differ from those that grow more eastward; for
+they are soft, and like unto acorns; and those which grow from _Rio
+Grande_ to _Puerto del Spiritu Santo_ for the most part are hard; and
+the trees and walnuts in show like those of _Spain_. There is a fruit
+through all the country which groweth on a plant like Ligoacan, which
+the Indians do plant. The fruit is like unto Peares Riall; it has a very
+good smell, and an excellent taste. There groweth another plant in the
+open field, which beareth a fruit like unto strawberries, close to the
+ground, which has a very good taste. The plums are of two kinds, red and
+gray, of the making and bigness of nuts, and have three or four stones
+in them. These are better than all the plums of _Spain_, and they make
+far better prunes of them. In the grapes there is only want of dressing;
+for though they be big, they have a great kernel. All other fruits are
+very perfect, and less hurtful than those of _Spain_.
+
+There are in _Florida_ many bears and lions, wolves, deer, dogs, cats,
+martens, and conies. There be many wild hens as big as turkeys,
+partridges small, like those of _Africa_, cranes, ducks, pigeons,
+thrushes, and sparrows. There are certain black birds bigger than
+sparrows, and lesser than stares. There are goshawks, falcons,
+gerfalcons, and all fowls of prey that are in _Spain_.
+
+The Indians are well proportioned. Those of the plain countries are
+taller of body, and better shapen, than those of the mountains. Those of
+the inland have greater store of maize, and commodities of the country,
+than those that dwell upon the sea-coast. The country along the
+sea-coast is barren and poor, and the people more warlike. The coast
+runneth from _Puerto del Spiritu Santo_ to _Apalache_, east and west;
+and from _Apalache_ to _Rio de las Palmas_ from east to west; from _Rio
+de las Palmas_ unto _Nueva España_ from north to south. It is a gentle
+coast, but it hath many shoals, and great shelves of sand.
+
+_Deo gratias._
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[A] Elvas is a city in Portugal.
+
+[B] Cabeça de Vaca was the Governor of the River of Plate.
+
+[C] The Cassavi root.
+
+[D] Tampa Bay, on the west side of Florida.
+
+[E] From Spirito Santo or Tampa Bay.
+
+[F] Twelve days from St. Helena, and Coste seven days' journey from
+Chiaha.
+
+[G] Chisca is directly north from Cutifachiqui, which is within two days
+of St. Helena.
+
+[H] Rio Grande, or Rio de Espiritu Santo.
+
+
+Corrections made to the text by the etext transcriber:
+
+Timoco=>Tinoco
+
+Vasconcellos=>Vasconcelos
+
+northwest=>north-west
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Narrative of the expedition of
+Hernando de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557, by A Gentleman of Elvas
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION ***
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+<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN"
+"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd">
+
+<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en" xml:lang="en">
+  <head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" />
+<title>
+  The Project Gutenberg eBook of
+A Narrative of the Expedition of Hernando de Soto
+Into Florida,
+By A Gentleman of Elvas.
+</title>
+<style type="text/css">
+ p {margin-top:.75em;text-align:justify;margin-bottom:.75em;text-indent:2%;}
+
+.c {text-align:center;text-indent:0%;}
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+ body{margin-left:2%;margin-right:2%;background:#fdfdfd;color:black;font-family:"Times New Roman", serif;font-size:medium;}
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+a:hover {background-color:#ffffff;color:#FF0000;text-decoration:underline;}
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+  </head>
+<body>
+
+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Narrative of the expedition of Hernando
+de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557, by A Gentleman of Elvas
+
+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: A Narrative of the expedition of Hernando de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557
+
+Author: A Gentleman of Elvas
+
+Translator: Richard Hackluyt
+
+Release Date: January 18, 2011 [EBook #34997]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chuck Greif, Library of Congress; France in
+America and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<p class="head">HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS<br /><br />
+<small><small>OF</small></small><br /><br />
+L O U I S I A N A,<br /><br />
+<small><small>EMBRACING TRANSLATIONS OF</small></small><br /><br />
+<small>MANY RARE AND VALUABLE DOCUMENTS</small><br /><br />
+<small><small>RELATING TO THE</small></small><br /><br />
+<small>NATURAL, CIVIL AND POLITICAL</small><br /><br />
+<small>HISTORY OF THAT STATE.</small><br /><br />
+<small><small>COMPILED WITH</small></small><br /><br />
+<small>HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES,</small><br /><br />
+<small><small>AND AN</small></small><br /><br />
+<small>INTRODUCTION,</small><br /><br />
+<small><small>BY</small></small><br /><br />
+B. F. FRENCH,</p>
+
+<p class="c"><i>Member of the Louisiana Historical Society; of the American Association for the<br />
+Advancement of Science; Honorary Member of the Historical Society of<br />
+Pennsylvania; Corresponding Member of the Academy of<br />
+Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, etc., etc.</i></p>
+
+<p class="c">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="c">PART II.</p>
+
+<p class="c">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="c">PHILADELPHIA:<br />
+DANIELS AND SMITH.</p>
+
+<p class="c"><i>New York</i>, G. P. P<small>UTNAM</small>; <i>Boston</i>, L<small>ITTLE AND</small> B<small>ROWN</small>; <i>New Orleans</i>, B. M.<br />
+N<small>ORMAN</small>; <i>London</i>, J<small>OHN</small> C<small>HAPMAN</small>; <i>Paris</i>, G<small>ALIGNANI AND</small> C<small>O</small>.<br />
+1850.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br /></p>
+
+<p class="c">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p class="c">Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1850, by</p>
+
+<p class="c">B. F. FRENCH,</p>
+
+<p class="c">in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.</p>
+
+<p class="c">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br /></p>
+
+<p class="c">PHILADELPHIA:<br />
+PRINTED BY T. K. &amp; P. G. COLLINS.</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br /></p>
+
+<p class="c">
+TO THE<br />
+<br />
+MEMBERS OF THE LOUISIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY<br />
+<br />
+THIS VOLUME<br />
+<br />
+IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED<br />
+<br />
+BY<br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 50%;">BENJAMIN F. FRENCH.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br /></p>
+
+<p class="c">[The following is an excerpt from this volume. (note of
+etext transcriber.)]</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br />
+<br /></p>
+
+<p class="head">
+A NARRATIVE<br />
+<br />
+<small><small>OF THE</small></small><br />
+<br />
+EXPEDITION OF HERNANDO DE SOTO<br />
+<br />
+<small><small>INTO</small></small><br />
+<br />
+FLORIDA.<br />
+<br />
+<small>BY A GENTLEMAN OF ELVAS.</small><br />
+<br />
+<small>PUBLISHED AT EVORA 1557.</small><br />
+<br />
+<small>TRANSLATED FROM THE PORTUGUESE</small><br />
+<br />
+<small><small>BY</small></small><br />
+<br />
+<small>RICHARD HACKLUYT.</small><br />
+<br />
+<small>LONDON, 1609.</small><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<br />
+<br /></p>
+
+<p><a name="page_113" id="page_113"></a></p>
+
+<p>C<small>APTAIN</small> S<small>OTO</small> was the son of a squire of <i>Xerez of Badajoz</i>.
+He went into the Spanish <i>Indies</i>, when <i>Peter Arias</i> of <i>Avila</i> was
+Governor of the <i>West Indies</i>. And there he was without anything
+else of his own, save his sword and target: and for his good qualities
+and valor, <i>Peter Arias</i> made him captain of a troop of horsemen,
+and by his commandment he went with <i>Fernando Pizarro</i> to the
+conquest of <i>Peru</i>: where (as many persons of credit reported, which
+were there present) as well at the taking of <i>Atabalipa</i>, Lord of <i>Peru</i>,
+as at the assault of the city of <i>Cusco</i>, and in all other places where
+they found resistance, wheresoever he was present, he passed all other
+captains and principal persons. For which cause, besides his part of
+the treasure of <i>Atabalipa</i>, he had a good share; whereby in time he
+gathered a hundred and four score thousand ducats together, with
+that which fell to his part; which he brought into Spain; whereof
+the Emperor borrowed a certain part, which he repaid again with
+60,000 rials of plate in the rent of the silks of <i>Granada</i>, and all the
+rest was delivered him in the contractation house of <i>Seville</i>. He took
+servants to wit, a steward, a gentleman usher, pages, a gentleman of
+the horse, a chamberlain, lackeys, and all other officers that the house of
+a noble may require. From <i>Seville</i> he went to the court, and in the
+court, there accompanied him <i>John Danusco</i> of <i>Seville</i>, and <i>Lewis
+Moscoso D'Alvarado</i>, <i>Nuño de Touar</i>, and <i>John Rodriguez Lobillo</i>.<a name="page_114" id="page_114"></a>
+Except <i>John Danusco</i>, all the rest came with him from <i>Peru</i>: and
+every one of them brought fourteen or fifteen thousand ducats: all
+of them went well and costly appareled. And although <i>Soto</i> of his
+own nature was not liberal, yet because that was the first time that
+he was to show himself in the court, he spent frankly, and went
+accompanied with those which I have named, and with his servants,
+and many others which resorted unto him. He married with <i>Donna
+Isabella de Bobadilla</i>, daughter of <i>Peter Arias</i> of <i>Avila</i>, Earl of
+<i>Punno en Rostro</i>. The Emperor made him the Governor of the Isle
+of <i>Cuba</i>, and Adelantado or President of <i>Florida</i>; with a title of
+Marquis of certain part of the lands that he should conquer.</p>
+
+<p>When <i>Don Ferdinando</i> had obtained the government, there
+came a gentleman from the <i>Indies</i> to the court, named <i>Cabeça de
+Vaca</i>, which had been with the Governor <i>Pamphilo de Narvaez</i>
+which died in <i>Florida</i>, who reported that <i>Narvaez</i> was cast away at
+sea with all the company that went with him. And how he with
+four more escaped and arrived in <i>Nueva España</i>. Also he brought
+a relation in writing, of that which he had seen in <i>Florida</i>; which
+said in some places: In such a place I have seen this; and the rest
+which here I saw, I leave to confer of between his Majesty and myself.
+Generally he reported the misery of the country, and the
+troubles which he passed: and he told some of his kinsfolk, which
+were desirous to go into the <i>Indies</i>, and urged him very much to tell
+them whether he had seen any rich country in <i>Florida</i>, that he
+might not tell them, because he and another, whose name was <i>Orantes</i>,
+(who remained in <i>Nueva España</i> with purpose to return into
+<i>Florida</i>: for which intent he came into <i>Spain</i> to beg the government
+thereof of the Emperor) had sworn not to discover some of
+those things which they had seen, because no man should prevent
+them in begging the same. And he informed them <i>that it was the
+richest country of the world</i>. <i>Don Ferdinando de Soto</i> was very
+desirous to have him with him, and made him a favorable offer: and
+after they were agreed, because <i>Soto</i> gave him not a sum of money
+which he demanded to buy a ship, they broke off again. <i>Baltasar de
+Gallegos</i>, and <i>Christopher de Spindola</i>, the kinsmen of <i>Cabeça de
+Vaca</i>, told him, that for that which he had imparted to them, they
+were resolved to pass with <i>Soto</i> into <i>Florida</i>, and therefore they
+prayed him to advise them what they were best to do. <i>Cabeça de
+Vaca</i> told them, that the cause why he went not with <i>Soto</i>, was because
+he hoped to beg another government, and that he was loth to
+go under the command of another: and that he came to beg the conquest<a name="page_115" id="page_115"></a>
+of <i>Florida</i>: but seeing <i>Don Ferdinando de Soto</i> had gotten it
+already, for his oath's sake he might tell them nothing of that which
+they would know: but he counseled them to sell their goods and go
+with him, and that in so doing they should do well. As soon as he
+had opportunity, he spake with the Emperor, and related unto him
+whatsoever he had passed and seen, and come to understand. Of this
+relation, made by word of mouth to the Emperor, the Marquis of
+<i>Astorya</i> had notice, and forthwith determined to send with <i>Don Ferdinando
+de Soto</i> his brother <i>Don Antonio Osorio</i>: and with him two
+kinsmen of his prepared themselves, to wit, <i>Francis Osorio</i>, and
+<i>Garcia Osorio</i>. <i>Don Antonio</i> dispossessed himself of 60,000 rials
+of rent which he held by the church; and <i>Francis Osorio</i> of a town
+of vassals, which he had in the country <i>de Campos</i>. And they
+made their rendezvous with the Adelantado in <i>Seville</i>. The like did
+<i>Nuñez de Touar</i>, and <i>Lewis de Moscoso</i>, and <i>John Rodriguez Lobillo</i>,
+each of whom had brought from <i>Peru</i> fourteen or fifteen thousand
+ducats. <i>Lewis de Moscoso</i> carried with him two brethren; there went
+also <i>Don Carlos</i>, which had married the governor's niece, and took
+her with him. From <i>Badajoz</i> there went <i>Peter Calderan</i>, and three
+kinsmen of the Adelantado, to wit, <i>Arias Tinoco</i>, <i>Alfonso Romo</i>, and
+<i>Diego Tinoco</i>. And as <i>Lewis de Moscoso</i> passed through <i>Elvas</i><a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a>
+<i>Andrew de Vasconcelos</i> spake with him, and requested him to speak
+to <i>Don Ferdinando de Soto</i> concerning him, and delivered him certain
+warrants which he had received from the Marquis of <i>Villa Real</i>,
+wherein he gave him the captainship of <i>Ceuta</i> in <i>Barbarie</i>, that he
+might show them unto him. And the Adelantado saw them; and was
+informed who he was, and wrote unto him, that he would favor him
+in all things, and by all means, and would give him a charge of men
+in <i>Florida</i>. And from <i>Elvas</i> went <i>Andrew de Vasconcelos</i>, and <i>Fernan
+Pegado</i>, <i>Antonio Martinez Segurado</i>, <i>Men Roiz Pereira</i>, <i>John
+Cordero</i>, <i>Stephen Pegado</i>, <i>Benedict Fernandez</i>, and <i>Alvaro Fernandez</i>.
+And out of <i>Salamanca</i>, and <i>Jaen</i>, and <i>Valencia</i>, and <i>Albuquerque</i>,
+and from other parts of <i>Spain</i>, many people of noble birth, assembled
+at <i>Seville</i>, insomuch that in Saint <i>Lucar</i> many men of good
+account, which had sold their goods, remained behind for want of
+shipping, whereas for other known and rich countries, they are wont
+to want men: and this fell out by occasion of that which <i>Cabeça de
+Vaca</i><a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a> told the Emperor, and informed such persons as he had conference<a name="page_116" id="page_116"></a>
+withal touching the state of that country. <i>Soto</i> made him
+great offers, and being agreed to go with him (as I have said before)
+because he would not give him money to pay for a ship, which he had
+bought, they brake off, and he went for governor to the river of <i>Plate</i>.
+His kinsmen, <i>Christopher de Spindola</i> and <i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i>, went
+with <i>Soto</i>. <i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i> sold houses and vineyards, and rent
+corn, and ninety ranks of olive trees in the <i>Xarafe of Seville</i>. He had
+the office of <i>Alcalde Mayor</i>, and took his wife with him. And there
+went also many other persons of account with the President, and had
+the offices following by great friendship, because they were offices
+desired of many, to wit, <i>Antonie de Biedma</i> was factor, <i>John
+Danusco</i> was auditor, and <i>John Gaytan</i>, nephew to the Cardinal of
+<i>Ciguenza</i>, had the office of treasurer.</p>
+
+<p>The Portuguese departed from <i>Elvas</i> the 15th of January, and
+came to <i>Seville</i> the 19th of the same month, and went to the lodging
+of the Governor, and entered into a court, over the which were certain
+galleries where he was, who came down and received them at the
+stairs, whereby they went up into the galleries. When he was come
+up, he commanded chairs to be given them to sit on. And <i>Andrew
+de Vasconcelos</i> told him who he and the other Portuguese were, and
+how they all were come to accompany him, and serve him in his
+voyage. He gave him thanks, and made show of great contentment
+for his coming and offer. And the table being already laid, he invited
+them to dinner. And being at dinner, he commanded his
+steward to seek a lodging for them near unto his own, where they
+might be lodged. The Adelantado departed from <i>Seville</i> to <i>Saint
+Lucar</i> with all the people which were to go with him. And he commanded
+a muster to be made, at the which the Portuguese showed themselves
+armed in very bright armor, and the Castellans very gallant
+with silk upon silk, with many pinkings and cuts. The Governor, because
+these braveries in such an action did not like him, commanded that
+they should muster another day, and every one should come forth
+with his armor; at the which the Portuguese came as at the first armed
+with very good armor. The Governor placed them in order near
+unto the standard, which the ensign bearer carried. The Castellans,
+for the most part, did wear very bad and rusty shirts of mail, and all
+of them head-pieces and steel caps, and very bad lances. Some of
+them sought to come among the Portuguese. So those passed and
+were counted and enrolled which <i>Soto</i> liked and accepted of, and did
+accompany him into <i>Florida</i>; which were in all six hundred men.
+He had already bought seven ships, and had all necessary provision<a name="page_117" id="page_117"></a>
+aboard them. He appointed captains, and delivered to every one his
+ship, and gave them in a roll what people every one should carry with
+them.</p>
+
+<p>In the year of our Lord 1538, in the month of April, the Adelantado
+delivered his ships to the captains which were to go in them;
+and took for himself a new ship, and good of sail, and gave another
+to <i>Andrew de Vasconcelos</i>, in which the Portuguese went; he went
+over the bar of <i>St. Lucar</i> on Sunday, being <i>St. Lazarus</i> day, in the
+morning of the month and year aforesaid, with great joy, commanding
+his trumpets to be sounded, and many shots of the ordnance to be
+discharged. He sailed four days with a prosperous wind, and suddenly
+it calmed; the calms continued eight days with swelling seas, in such
+wise that we made no way. The fifteenth day after his departure from
+<i>St. Lucar</i>, he came to <i>Gomera</i>, one of the <i>Canaries</i>, on Easter day
+in the morning. The Earl of that island was appareled all in white,
+cloak, jerkin, hose, shoes and cap, so that he seemed a Lord of the
+Gipsies. He received the Governor with much joy; he was well
+lodged, and all the rest had their lodgings gratis, and got great store
+of victuals for their money, as bread, wine, and flesh; and they took
+what was needful for their ships, and the Sunday following, eight days
+after their arrival, they departed from the Isle of <i>Gomera</i>. The Earl
+gave to <i>Donna Isabella</i>, the Adelantado's wife, a bastard daughter
+that he had, to be her waiting-maid. They arrived at the <i>Antilles</i>, in
+the Isle of <i>Cuba</i>, at the port of the city of <i>St. Jago</i>, upon Whit-sunday.
+As soon as they came thither, a gentleman of the city sent to the sea-side
+a very fair roan horse, and well furnished, for the Governor, and a mule
+for <i>Donna Isabella</i>, and all the horsemen and footmen that were in
+the town came to receive him at the sea-side. The Governor was well
+lodged, visited, and served of all the inhabitants of the city, and all
+his company had their lodgings freely: those which desired to go into
+the country, were divided by four and four, and six and six, in the
+farms or granges, according to the ability of the owners of the farms,
+and were furnished by them with all things necessary.</p>
+
+<p>The city of <i>St. Jago</i> hath fourscore houses, which are great and well
+contrived. The most part have their walls made of boards, and are
+covered with thatch; it hath some houses built with lime and stones,
+and covered with tiles. It hath great orchards and many trees in them,
+differing from those of Spain: there be fig trees which bear figs as big
+as one's fist, yellow within, and of small taste; and other trees which
+bear a fruit which they call Ananes, in making and bigness like to a
+small pineapple: it is a fruit very sweet in taste: the shell being taken<a name="page_118" id="page_118"></a>
+away, the kernel is like a piece of fresh cheese. In the granges
+abroad in the country there are other great pineapples, which grow
+on low trees, and are like the Aloe tree: they are of a very good smell
+and exceeding good taste. Other trees do bear a fruit which they call
+Mameis, of the bigness of peaches. This the islanders do hold for
+the best fruit of the country. There is another fruit which they call
+Guayabas, like filberts, as big as figs. There are other trees as high
+as a javelin, having one only stock without any bough, and the leaves
+as long as a casting dart; and the fruit is of the bigness and fashion
+of a cucumber; one bunch beareth twenty or thirty, and as they ripen
+the tree bendeth downward with them: they are called in this country
+Plantanos, and are of a good taste, and ripen after they be gathered;
+but those are the better which ripen upon the tree itself; they bear
+fruit but once, and the tree being cut down, there spring up others
+out of the but, which bear fruit the next year. There is another fruit,
+whereby many people are sustained, and chiefly the slaves, which are
+called Batatas. These grow now in the Isle of <i>Terçera</i>, belonging to
+the kingdom of <i>Portugal</i>, and they grow within the earth, and are
+like a fruit called Iname; they have almost the taste of a chestnut.
+The bread of this country is also made of roots which are like the
+Batatas.<a name="FNanchor_C_3" id="FNanchor_C_3"></a><a href="#Footnote_C_3" class="fnanchor">[C]</a> And the stock whereon those roots do grow is like an elder
+tree: they make their ground in little hillocks, and in each of them
+they thrust four or five stakes; and they gather the roots a year and
+a half after they set them. If any one, thinking it is a batata or
+potato root, chance to eat of it never so little, he is in great danger of
+death: which was seen by experience in a soldier, which as soon as
+he had eaten a very little of one of those roots, he died quickly. They
+pare these roots and stamp them, and squeeze them in a thing like a
+press: the juice that cometh from them is of an evil smell. The
+bread is of little taste and less substance. Of the fruits of <i>Spain</i>,
+there are figs and oranges, and they bear fruit all the year, because the
+soil is very rank and fruitful. In this country are many good horses,
+and there is green grass all the year. There be many wild oxen and
+hogs, whereby the people of the island are well furnished with flesh.
+Without the towns abroad in the country are many fruits. And it
+happeneth sometimes that a Christian goeth out of the way and is
+lost fifteen or twenty days, because of the many paths in the thick
+groves that cross to and fro made by the oxen; and being thus lost
+they sustain themselves with fruits and palmîtos&mdash;for there be many<a name="page_119" id="page_119"></a>
+great groves of palm trees through all the island&mdash;they yield no other
+fruit that is of any profit. The Isle of <i>Cuba</i> is three hundred leagues
+long from the east to the west, and is in some places thirty, in others
+forty leagues from north to south. It hath six towns of Christians,
+to wit, <i>St. Jago</i>, <i>Baracôa</i>, <i>Bayamo</i>, <i>Puerto de Principes</i>, <i>S. Espirito</i>,
+and <i>Havana</i>. Every one hath between thirty and forty households,
+except <i>St. Jago</i> and <i>Havana</i>, which have about sixty or eighty houses.
+They have churches in each of them, and a chaplain which confesseth
+them and saith mass. In <i>St. Jago</i> is a monastery of Franciscan
+friars; it hath but few friars, and is well provided of alms, because
+the country is rich. The Church of <i>St. Jago</i> hath honest revenue,
+and there is a curate and prebends, and many priests, as the church of
+that city, which is the chief of all the island. There is in this country
+much gold and few slaves to get it; for many have made away
+themselves, because of the Christians' evil usage of them in the mines.
+A steward of <i>Vasquez Porcallo</i>, which was an inhabitor in that island,
+understanding that his slaves would make away themselves, stayed for
+them with a cudgel in his hand at the place where they were to meet,
+and told them that they could neither do nor think anything that he
+did not know before, and that he came thither to kill himself, with
+them, to the end, that if he had used them badly in this world, he
+might use them worse in the world to come: and this was a means
+that they changed their purpose, and turned home again to do that
+which he commanded them.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor sent from <i>St. Jago</i> his nephew <i>Don Carlos</i>, with the
+ships in company of <i>Donna Isabella</i> to tarry for him at <i>Havana</i>,
+which is a haven in the west part toward the head of the island,
+one hundred and eighty leagues from the city of <i>St. Jago</i>. The
+Governor, and those which stayed with him, bought horses and proceeded
+on their journey. The first town they came unto was <i>Bayamo</i>:
+they were lodged four and four, and six and six, as they went in company,
+and where they lodged, they took nothing for their diet, for
+nothing cost them aught save the maize or corn for their horses, because
+the Governor went to visit them from town to town, and seized
+them in the tribute and service of the Indians. <i>Bayamo</i> is twenty-five
+leagues from the city of <i>St. Jago</i>. Near unto the town passeth
+a great river which is called <i>Tanto</i>; it is greater than <i>Guadiana</i>, and
+in it be very great crocodiles, which sometimes hurt the Indians, or
+the cattle which passeth the river. In all the country are neither
+wolf, fox, bear, lion, nor tiger. There are wild dogs which go from
+the houses into the woods and feed upon swine. There be certain<a name="page_120" id="page_120"></a>
+snakes as big as a man's thigh or bigger; they are very slow, they do
+no kind of hurt. From <i>Bayamo</i> to <i>Puerto de los Principes</i> are fifty
+leagues. In all the island from town to town, the way is made by
+stubbing up the underwood; and if it be left but one year undone,
+the wood groweth so much that the way cannot be seen, and the paths
+of the oxen are so many, that none can travel without an Indian of
+the country for a guide: for all the rest is very high and thick woods.
+From <i>Puerto de los Principes</i> the Governor went to the house of <i>Vasquez
+Porcallo</i> by sea in a boat (for it was near the sea) to know there
+some news of <i>Donna Isabella</i>, which at that instant (as afterwards
+was known) was in great distress, insomuch that the ships lost one
+another, and two of them fell on the coast of <i>Florida</i>, and all of them
+endured great want of water and victuals. When the storm was over,
+they met together without knowing where they were: in the end they
+descried the Cape of <i>St. Anton</i>, a country not inhabited of the island
+of <i>Cuba</i>; there they watered, and at the end of forty days, which
+were passed since their departure from the city of <i>St. Jago</i>, they arrived
+at <i>Havana</i>. The Governor was presently informed thereof, and
+went to <i>Donna Isabella</i>. And those which went by land, which were
+one hundred and fifty horsemen, being divided into two parts, because
+they would not oppress the inhabitants, traveled by <i>St. Espirito</i>, which
+is sixty leagues from <i>Puerto de los Principes</i>. The food which they
+carried with them was <i>Caçabe</i> bread, which is that whereof I made
+mention before: and it is of such a quality that if it be wet it breaketh
+presently, whereby it happened to some to eat flesh without bread for
+many days. They carried dogs with them, and a man of the country,
+which did hunt; and by the way, or where they were to lodge that
+night, they killed as many hogs as they needed. In this journey
+they were well provided of beef and pork, and they were greatly
+troubled with musquitoes, especially in a lake, which is called the
+mere of <i>Pia</i>, which they had much ado to pass from noon till night.
+The water might be some half league over, and to be swam about a
+crossbow shot; the rest came to the waist, and they waded up to the
+knees in the mire, and in the bottom were cockle shells, which cut
+their feet very sore, in such sort that there was neither boot nor
+shoe sole that was whole at half way. Their clothes and saddles
+were passed in baskets of palm trees. Passing this lake, stripped out
+of their clothes, there came many mosquitoes, upon whose biting
+there arose a wheal that smarted very much; they struck them with
+their hands, and with the blow which they gave they killed so many
+that the blood did run down the arms and bodies of the men. That<a name="page_121" id="page_121"></a>
+night they rested very little for them, and other nights also in the
+like places and times. They came to <i>Santo Espirito</i>, which is a town
+of thirty houses; there passeth by it a little river; it is very pleasant
+and fruitful, having great store of oranges and citrons, and fruits of
+the country. One-half of the company were lodged here, and the
+rest passed forward twenty-five leagues to another town called la
+<i>Trinidad</i>, of fifteen or twenty households. Here is an hospital for
+the poor, and there is none other in all the island. And they say
+that this town was the greatest in all the country, and that before the
+Christians came into this land, as a ship passed along the coast
+there came in it a very sick man, which desired the captain to set
+him on shore, and the captain did so, and the ship went her way.
+The sick man remained set on shore in that country, which until then
+had not been haunted by Christians; whereupon the Indians found
+him, carried him home, and looked unto him till he was whole; and
+the lord of that town married him unto a daughter of his, and had
+war with all the inhabitants round about, and by the industry and
+valor of the Christian, he subdued and brought under his command
+all the people of that island. A great while after, the Governor
+<i>Diego Velasques</i> went to conquer it, and from thence discovered <i>New
+Spain</i>. And this Christian which was with the Indians did pacify
+them, and brought them to the obedience and subjection of the governor.
+From this town <i>de la Trinidad</i> unto <i>Havana</i> are eighty
+leagues, without any habitation, which they traveled. They came
+to <i>Havana</i> in the end of March, where they found the Governor, and
+the rest of the people which came with him from <i>Spain</i>. The Governor
+sent from <i>Havana John Dannusco</i> with a caravele and two
+brigantines with fifty men to discover the haven of <i>Florida</i>, and from
+thence he brought two Indians which he took upon the coast, wherewith
+(as well because they might be necessary for guides and for interpreters,
+as because they said by signs that there was much gold in
+<i>Florida</i>) the Governor and all the company received much contentment,
+and longed for the hour of their departure, thinking in himself
+that this was the richest country that unto that day had been discovered.</p>
+
+<p>Before our departure the Governor deprived <i>Nuño de Touar</i> of
+the office of Captain-general, and gave it to <i>Porcallo de Figueroa</i>, an
+inhabitant of <i>Cuba</i>, which was a mean that the ship was well furnished
+with victuals; for he gave a great many loads of <i>Casabe</i> bread
+and many hogs. The Governor took away this office from <i>Nuño de
+Touar</i>, because he had fallen in love with the daughter of the Earl<a name="page_122" id="page_122"></a>
+of <i>Gomera</i>, <i>Donna Isabella's</i> waiting-maid, who, though his office
+were taken from him (to return again to the Governor's favor), though
+she were with child by him, yet took her to his wife, and went with
+<i>Soto</i> into <i>Florida</i>. The Governor left <i>Donna Isabella</i> in <i>Havana</i>,
+and with her remained the wife of <i>Don Carlos</i>, and the wives of <i>Baltasar
+de Gallegos</i>, and of <i>Nuño de Touar</i>. And he left for his lieutenant
+a gentleman of <i>Havana</i>, called <i>John de Roias</i>, for the government
+of the island.</p>
+
+<p>On Sunday the 18th of May, in the year of our Lord 1539, the
+Adelantado or president departed from <i>Havana</i> in <i>Cuba</i> with his
+fleet, which were nine vessels, five great ships, two caravels, and two
+brigantines. They sailed seven days with a prosperous wind. The
+25th day of May, the day <i>de Pasca de Spirito Santo</i><a name="FNanchor_D_4" id="FNanchor_D_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_D_4" class="fnanchor">[D]</a> (which we
+call Whitson Sunday), they saw the land of <i>Florida</i>, and because of
+the shoals, they came to an anchor a league from the shore. On
+Friday the 30th of May they landed in <i>Florida</i>, two leagues from a
+town of an Indian lord called <i>Ucita</i>. They set on land two hundred
+and thirteen horses, which they brought with them to unburden the
+ships, that they might draw the less water. He landed all his men,
+and only the seamen remained in the ships, which in eight days,
+going up with the tide every day a little, brought them up unto the
+town. As soon as the people were come on shore, he pitched his
+camp on the sea-side, hard upon the bay which went up unto the
+town. And presently the Captain-general, <i>Vasquez Porcallo</i>, with
+other seven horsemen foraged the country half a league round about,
+and found six Indians, which resisted him with their arrows, which
+are the weapons which they used to fight withal. The horsemen killed
+two of them, and the other four escaped; because the country is cumbersome
+with woods and bogs, where the horses stuck fast, and fell
+with their riders, because they were weak with traveling upon the
+sea. The same night following, the Governor with an hundred men
+in the brigantines lighted upon a town, which he found without
+people, because that as soon as the Christians had sight of land, they
+were descried, and saw along the coast many smokes, which the Indians
+had made to give advice the one to the other. The next day
+<i>Luys de Moscoso</i>, master of the camp, set the men in order, the horsemen
+in three squadrons, the vanguard, the battalion, and the rereward;
+and so they marched that day and the day following, compassing great
+creeks which came out of the bay. They came to the town of <i>Ucita</i>,<a name="page_123" id="page_123"></a>
+where the Governor was on Sunday the first of June, being Trinity
+Sunday. The town was of seven or eight houses. The lord's house
+stood near the shore upon a very high mount, made by hand for
+strength. At another end of the town stood the church, and on the
+top of it stood a fowl made of wood with gilded eyes. Here were
+found some pearls of small value, spoiled with the fire, which the Indians
+do pierce and string them like beads, and wear them about their
+necks and handwrists, and they esteem them very much. The houses
+were made of timber, and covered with palm leaves. The Governor
+lodged himself in the lord's houses, and with him <i>Vasquez Porcallo</i>,
+and <i>Luys de Moscoso</i>; and in others that were in the midst of the
+town, was the chief Alcalde or justice, <i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i> lodged;
+and in the same houses was set in a place by itself all the provision
+that came in the ships; the other houses and the church were broken
+down, and every three or four soldiers made a little cabin wherein
+they lodged. The country round about was very fenny, and encumbered
+with great and high trees. The Governor commanded to fell the
+woods a crossbow shot round about the town, that the horses might
+run, and the Christians might have the advantage of the Indians, if
+by chance they should set upon them by night. In the ways and
+places convenient they had their sentinels of footmen by two and two
+in every stand, which did watch by turns, and the horsemen did visit
+them, and were ready to assist them if there were any alarm. The
+Governor made four captains of the horsemen and two of the footmen.
+The captains of the horsemen were one of them <i>Andrew de Masconcelos</i>,
+and another <i>Pedro Calderan de Badajoz</i>; and the other two were his
+kinsmen, to wit, <i>Arias Tinoco</i>, and <i>Alfonso Romo</i>, born likewise in
+<i>Badajoz</i>. The captains of the footmen, the one was <i>Francisco
+Maldonado of Salamanca</i>, and the other <i>Juan Rodriguez Lobillo</i>.
+While we were in this town of <i>Ucita</i>, the two Indians which <i>John
+Danusco</i> had taken on that coast, and the Governor carried along with
+him for guides and interpreters, through carelessness of two men
+which had the charge of them escaped away one night; for which the
+Governor and all the rest were very sorry, for they had already made
+some roads, and no Indians could be taken, because the country was
+full of marsh grounds, and in some places full of very high and thick
+woods.</p>
+
+<p>From the town of <i>Ucita</i> the Governor sent the Alcalde mayor,
+<i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i>, with forty horsemen and eighty footmen into
+the country to see if they could take any Indians; and the Captain
+<i>John Rodriguez Lobillo</i> another way with fifty footmen: the most of<a name="page_124" id="page_124"></a>
+them were swordsmen and targeters, and the rest were shot and crossbow-men.
+They passed through a country full of bogs, where horses
+could not travel. Half a league from the camp they lighted upon,
+certain cabins of Indians near a river. The people that were in them
+leaped into the river, yet they took four Indian women. And twenty
+Indians charged us and so distressed us, that we were forced to retire
+to our camp, being, as they are, exceeding ready with their weapons.
+It is a people so warlike and so nimble, that they care not a whit for
+any footmen. For if their enemies charge them they run away, and if
+they turn their backs they are presently upon them. And the thing
+that they most flee is the shot of an arrow. They never stand still,
+but are always running and traversing from one place to another, by
+reason whereof neither crossbow nor arquebuss can aim at them; and
+before one crossbowman can make one shot an Indian will discharge
+three or four arrows, and he seldom misseth what he shooteth at. An
+arrow where it findeth no armor, pierceth as deeply as a crossbow.
+Their bows are very long, and their arrows are made of certain canes
+like reeds, very heavy, and so strong that a sharp cane passeth through
+a target. Some they arm in the point with a sharp bone of a fish
+like a chisel, and in others they fasten certain stones like points of
+diamonds. For the most part when they light upon an armor they
+break in the place where they are bound together. Those of cane do
+split and pierce a coat of mail, and are more hurtful than the other.
+<i>John Rodriguez Lobillo</i> returned to the camp with six men wounded,
+whereof one died; and brought the four Indian women which <i>Baltasar
+Gallegos</i> had taken in the cabins or cottages. Two leagues
+from the town, coming into the plain field, he espied ten or eleven
+Indians, among whom was a Christian, which was naked and scorched
+with the sun, and had his arms razed after the manner of the Indians,
+and differed nothing at all from them. And as soon as the horsemen
+saw them they ran toward them. The Indians fled, and some of them
+hid themselves in a wood, and they overtook two or three of them
+which were wounded; and the Christian seeing a horseman run upon
+him with his lance, began to cry out, "Sirs, I am a Christian, slay me
+not, nor these Indians, for they have saved my life." And straightway
+he called them and put them out of fear, and they came forth of
+the wood unto them. The horsemen took both the Christian and
+the Indians up behind them, and toward night came into the camp
+with much joy; which thing being known by the Governor, and them
+that remained in the camp, they were received with the like.</p>
+
+<p>This Christian's name was <i>John Ortiz</i>, and he was born in <i>Seville</i>,<a name="page_125" id="page_125"></a>
+of worshipful parentage. He was twelve years in the hands of the
+Indians. He came into this country with <i>Pamphilo de Narvaez</i>, and
+returned in the ships to the Island of <i>Cuba</i>, where the wife of the
+Governor <i>Pamphilo de Narvaez</i> was, and by his commandment with
+twenty or thirty others in a brigantine returned back again to <i>Florida</i>,
+and coming to the port in the sight of the town, on the shore they
+saw a cane sticking in the ground, and riven at the top, and a letter
+in it; and they believed that the governor had left it there to give
+advertisement of himself when he resolved to go up into the land,
+and they demanded it of four or five Indians which walked along the
+sea-shore, and they bade them by signs to come on shore for it,
+which against the will of the rest <i>John Ortiz</i> and another did. And
+as soon as they were on land, from the houses of the town issued a
+great number of Indians, which compassed them about and took them
+in a place where they could not flee; and the other, which sought to
+defend himself, they presently killed upon the place, and took John
+<i>Ortiz</i> alive, and carried him to <i>Ucita</i> their lord. And those of
+the brigantine sought not to land, but put themselves to sea, and returned
+to the Island of <i>Cuba</i>. <i>Ucita</i> commanded to bind <i>John Ortiz</i>
+hand and foot upon four stakes aloft upon a raft, and to make a fire
+under him, that there he might be burned. But a daughter of his
+desired him that he would not put him to death, alleging that one only
+Christian could do him neither hurt nor good, telling him that it was
+more for his honor to keep him as a captive. And <i>Ucita</i> granted her
+request, and commanded him to be cured of his wounds; and as soon
+as he was whole he gave him the charge of the keeping of the temple,
+because that by night the wolves did carry away the dead corpses
+out of the same&mdash;who commended himself to God and took upon him
+the charge of his temple. One night the wolves got from him the
+corpse of a little child, the son of a principal Indian, and going after
+them he threw a dart at one of the wolves, and struck him that carried
+away the corpse, who, feeling himself wounded left it, and fell
+down dead near the place; and he not woting what he had done, because
+it was night, went back again to the temple; the morning being
+come and finding not the body of the child, he was very sad. As
+soon as <i>Ucita</i> knew thereof he resolved to put him to death, and sent
+by the track which he said the wolves went, and found the body of
+the child, and the wolf dead a little beyond, whereat <i>Ucita</i> was much
+contented with the Christian, and with the watch which he kept in
+the temple, and from thenceforward esteemed him much. Three
+years after he fell into his hands there came another lord called<a name="page_126" id="page_126"></a>
+<i>Mocoço</i>, who dwelleth two days' journey from the port, and burnt his
+town. <i>Ucita</i> fled to another town that he had in another sea-port.
+Thus <i>John Ortiz</i> lost his office and favor that he had with him.
+These people being worshipers of the devil, are wont to offer up unto
+him the lives and blood of their Indians, or of any other people they
+can come by; and they report that when he will have them do that
+sacrifice unto him, he speaketh with them, and telleth them that he
+is athirst, and willeth them to sacrifice unto him. <i>John Ortiz</i> had
+notice by the damsel that had delivered him from the fire, how her
+father was determined to sacrifice him the day following, who willed
+him to flee to <i>Mocoço</i>, for she knew that he would use him well; for
+she heard say that he had asked for him and said he would be glad to
+see him, and because he knew not the way she went with him half a
+league out of the town by night and set him in the way, and returned
+because she would not be discovered. <i>John Ortiz</i> traveled all
+that night, and by the morning came to a river which is the territory
+of <i>Mocoço</i>, and there he saw two Indians fishing; and because they
+were in war with the people of <i>Ucita</i>, and their languages were different,
+and he knew not the language of <i>Mocoço</i>, he was afraid, because
+he could not tell them who he was, nor how he came thither, nor was
+able to answer anything for himself, that they would kill him, taking
+him for one of the Indians of <i>Ucita</i>, and before they espied him he
+came to the place where they had laid their weapons; and as soon as
+they saw him they fled toward the town, and although he willed them
+to stay, because he meant to do them no hurt, yet they understood
+him not, and ran away as fast as ever they could. And as soon as
+they came to the town with great outcries, many Indians came forth
+against him, and began to compass him to shoot at him. <i>John Ortiz</i>
+seeing himself in so great danger, shielded himself with certain trees,
+and begun to shriek out and cry very loud, and to tell them that he
+was a Christian, and that he was fled from <i>Ucita</i>, and was come to see
+and serve <i>Mocoço</i> his lord. It pleased God that at that very instant
+there came thither an Indian that could speak the language and understood
+him, and pacified the rest, who told them what he said.
+Then ran from thence three or four Indians to bear the news to their
+lord, who came forth a quarter of a league from the town to receive
+him, and was very glad of him. He caused him presently to swear
+according to the custom of the Christians, that he would not run
+away from him to any other lord, and promised him to entreat him
+very well; and that if at any time there came any Christians into
+that country, he would freely let him go, and give him leave to go to<a name="page_127" id="page_127"></a>
+them; and likewise took his oath to perform the same according to
+the Indian custom. About three years after certain Indians, which
+were fishing at sea two leagues from the town, brought news to
+<i>Mocoço</i> that they had seen ships, and he called <i>John Ortiz</i> and gave
+him leave to go his way, who taking his leave of him, with all the
+haste he could came to the sea, and finding no ships he thought it to
+be some deceit, and that the cacique had done the same to learn his
+mind. So he dwelt with <i>Mocoço</i> nine years, with small hope of seeing
+any Christians. As soon as our Governor arrived in <i>Florida</i>, it
+was known to <i>Mocoço</i>, and straightway he signified to <i>John Ortiz</i> that
+Christians were lodged in the town of <i>Ucita</i>; and he thought he had
+jested with him as he had done before, and told him that by this time
+he had forgotten the Christians, and thought of nothing else but to
+serve him. But he assured him that it was so, and gave him license
+to go unto them, saying unto him that if he would not do it, and if
+the Christians should go their way, he should not blame him, for he
+had fulfilled that which he had promised him. The joy of <i>John Ortiz</i>
+was so great, that he could not believe that it was true; notwithstanding
+he gave him thanks, and took his leave of him, and <i>Mocoço</i> gave
+him ten or eleven principal Indians to bear him company; and as they
+went to the port where the Governor was, they met with <i>Baltasar de
+Gallegos</i>, as I have declared before. As soon as he was come to the
+camp, the Governor commanded to give him a suit of apparel, and
+very good armor, and a fair horse; and inquired of him whether he
+had notice of any country where there was any gold or silver. He
+answered, No, because he never went ten leagues compass from the
+place where he dwelt; but that thirty leagues from thence<a name="FNanchor_E_5" id="FNanchor_E_5"></a><a href="#Footnote_E_5" class="fnanchor">[E]</a> dwelt an
+Indian lord, which was called <i>Paracossi</i>, to whom <i>Mocoço</i> and <i>Ucita</i>,
+with all the rest of that coast paid tribute, and that he peradventure
+might have notice of some good country, and that his land was better
+than that of the sea-coast, and more fruitful and plentiful of maize.
+Whereof the Governor received great contentment, and said that he
+desired no more than to find victuals, that he might go into the main
+land, for the land of <i>Florida</i> was so large, that in one place or other
+there could not choose but be some rich country. The <i>Cacique
+Mocoço</i> came to the port to visit the Governor, and made this speech
+following.</p>
+
+<p>"Right high and mighty lord, I being lesser in mine own conceit
+for to obey you, than any of those which you have under your command,<a name="page_128" id="page_128"></a>
+and greater in desire to do you greater services, do appear before
+your lordship with so much confidence of receiving favor, as if in
+effect this my good will were manifested unto you in works; not for
+the small service I did unto you touching the Christian which I had
+in my power, in giving him freely his liberty (for I was bound to do
+it to preserve mine honor, and that which I had promised him), but
+because it is the part of great men to use great magnificences. And
+I am persuaded that as in bodily perfections, and commanding of good
+people, you do exceed all men in the world, so likewise you do in the
+parts of the mind, in which you may boast of the bounty of nature.
+The favor which I hope for of your lordship is, that you would hold me
+for yours, and bethink yourself to command me anything wherein I
+may do you service."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor answered him, "That although in freeing and sending
+him the Christian, he had preserved his honor and promise, yet
+he thanked him, and held it in such esteem as it had no comparison;
+and that he would always hold him as his brother, and would favor all
+things to the utmost of his power." Then he commanded a shirt to
+be given him, and other things, wherewith the cacique being very
+well contented, took his leave of him, and departed to his own town.</p>
+
+<p>From the Port <i>de Spirito Santo</i> where the Governor lay, he sent
+the Alcalde Mayor <i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i> with fifty horsemen, and
+thirty or forty footmen to the province of <i>Paracossi</i>, to view the disposition
+of the country, and inform himself of the land farther inward,
+and to send him word of such things as he found. Likewise
+he sent his ships back to the Island of <i>Cuba</i>, that they might return
+within a certain time with victuals. <i>Vasquez Porcallo de Figueroa</i>,
+which went with the Governor as Captain-general, (whose principal
+intent was to send slaves from <i>Florida</i> to the Island of <i>Cuba</i>, where
+he had his goods and mines,) having made some inroads, and seeing
+no Indians were to be got, because of the great bogs and woods that
+were in the country, considering the disposition of the same, determined
+to return to <i>Cuba</i>. And though there was some difference between
+him and the Governor, whereupon they neither dealt nor conversed
+together with good countenance, yet notwithstanding with
+loving words he asked him leave and departed from him. <i>Baltasar
+de Gallegos</i> came to the <i>Paracossi</i>. There came to him thirty Indians
+from the cacique, which was absent from his town, and one of them
+made this speech:</p>
+
+<p>"Paracossi, the lord of this province, whose vassals we are, sendeth<a name="page_129" id="page_129"></a>
+us unto your worship, to know what it is that you seek in this his
+country, and wherein he may do you service."</p>
+
+<p><i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i> said unto him that he thanked them very
+much for their offer, willing them to warn their lord to come to his
+town, and that there they would talk and confirm their peace and
+friendship, which he much desired. The Indians went their way and
+returned next day, and said that their lord was ill at ease, and therefore
+could not come; but that they came on his behalf to see what he
+demanded. He asked them if they knew or had notice of any rich
+country where there was gold or silver. They told him they did,
+and that towards the west there was a province which was called
+<i>Cale</i>; and that others that inhabited other countries had war with the
+people of that country, where the most part of the year was summer,
+and that there was much gold; and that when those their enemies
+came to make war with them of <i>Cale</i>, these inhabitants of <i>Cale</i> did
+wear hats of gold, in manner of head-pieces. <i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i>
+seeing that the cacique came not, thinking all that they said was
+feigned, with intent that in the meantime they might set themselves
+in safety, fearing that if he did let them go, they would return
+no more, commanded the thirty Indians to be chained, and sent
+word to the Governor by eight horsemen what had passed; whereof
+the Governor with all that were with him at the Port <i>de Spirito
+Santo</i> received great comfort, supposing that that which the Indians
+reported might be true. He left Captain <i>Calderan</i> at the port, with
+thirty horsemen and seventy footmen, with provision for two years,
+and himself with all the rest marched into the main land, and came
+to the <i>Paracossi</i>, at whose town <i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i> was; and from
+thence with all his men took the way to <i>Cale</i>. He passed by a little
+town called <i>Acela</i>, and came to another called <i>Tocaste</i>; and from
+thence he went before with thirty horsemen and fifty footmen towards
+<i>Cale</i>. And passing by a town whence the people were fled, they saw
+Indians a little distance from thence in a lake, to whom the interpreter
+spoke. They came unto them and gave them an Indian for a guide;
+and he came to a river with a great current, and upon a tree which
+was in the midst of it, was made a bridge, whereon the men passed;
+the horses swam over by a hawser, that they were pulled by from the
+other side; for one, which they drove in at the first without it, was
+drowned. From thence the Governor sent two horsemen to his people
+that were behind, to make haste after him; because the way grew
+long, and their victuals short. He came to <i>Cale</i>, and found the town
+without people. He took three Indians which were spies, and tarried<a name="page_130" id="page_130"></a>
+there for his people that came after, which were sore vexed with hunger
+and evil ways, because the country was very barren of maize,
+low, and full of water, bogs, and thick woods; and the victuals which
+they brought with them from the <i>Port de Spirito Santo</i>, were spent.
+Wheresoever any town was found, there were some beets, and he that
+came first gathered them, and sodden with water and salt, did eat them
+without any other thing; and such as could not get them, gathered
+the stalks of maize and eat them, which because they were young had
+no maize in them. When they came to the river which the Governor
+had passed, they found palmîtos upon low palm trees like those of
+<i>Andalusia</i>. There they met with the two horsemen which the Governor
+sent unto them, and they brought news that in <i>Cale</i> there was
+plenty of maize, at which news they all rejoiced. As soon as they
+came to <i>Cale</i>, the Governor commanded them to gather all the maize
+that was ripe in the field, which was sufficient for three months. At
+the gathering of it the Indians killed three Christians, and one of them
+which were taken told the Governor, that within seven days' journey
+there was a very great province, and plentiful of maize, which was
+called <i>Apalache</i>. And presently he departed from <i>Cale</i> with fifty
+horsemen, and sixty footmen. He left the master of the camp, <i>Luys
+de Moscoso</i>, with all the rest of the people there, with charge that he
+should not depart thence until he had word from him. And because
+hitherto none had gotten any slaves, the bread that every one was to
+eat he was fain himself to beat in a mortar made in a piece of timber,
+with a pestle, and some of them did sift the flour through their shirts
+of mail. They baked their bread upon certain tileshares which they
+set over the fire, in such sort as heretofore I have said they used to do
+in <i>Cuba</i>. It is so troublesome to grind their maize, that there were
+many that would rather not eat it than grind it; and did eat the
+maize parched and sodden.</p>
+
+<p>The second day of August, 1539, the Governor departed from
+<i>Cale</i>; he lodged in a little town called <i>Ytara</i>, and the next day in another
+called <i>Potano</i>, and the third day at <i>Utinama</i>, and came to another
+town which they named the town of <i>Evil peace</i>; because an Indian
+came in peace, saying, that he was the cacique, and that he
+with his people would serve the Governor, and that if he would set
+free twenty-eight persons, men and women, which his men had taken
+the night before, he would command provision to be brought him, and
+would give him a guide to instruct him in his way. The Governor
+commanded them to be set at liberty, and to keep him in safeguard.
+The next day in the morning there came many Indians, and set themselves<a name="page_131" id="page_131"></a>
+round about the town near to a wood. The Indian wished
+them to carry him near them, and that he would speak unto them, and
+assure them, and that they would do whatsoever he commanded them.
+And when he saw himself near unto them he broke from them, and
+ran away so swiftly from the Christians that there was none that
+could overtake him, and all of them fled into the woods. The Governor
+commanded to loose a greyhound, which was already fleshed
+on them, which passing by many other Indians, caught the counterfeit
+cacique which had escaped from the Christians, and held him till they
+came to take him. From thence the Governor lodged at a town called
+<i>Cholupaha</i>, and because it had store of maize in it, they named it
+<i>Villa farta</i>. Beyond the same there was a river, on which he made
+a bridge of timber, and traveled two days through a desert. The
+17th of August he came to <i>Caliquen</i>, where he was informed of the
+province of <i>Apalache</i>. They told him that <i>Pamphilo de Narvaez</i> had
+been there, and that there he took shipping, because he could find no
+way to go forward. That there was none other town at all; but that
+on both sides was all water. The whole company were very sad for
+this news, and counseled the Governor to go back to the <i>Port de
+Spirito Santo</i>, and to abandon the country of <i>Florida</i>, lest he should
+perish as <i>Narvaez</i> had done; declaring that if he went forward, he
+could not return back when he would, and that the Indians would
+gather up that small quantity of maize which was left. Whereunto
+the Governor answered that he would not go back, till he had seen
+with his eyes that which they reported; saying that he could not
+believe it, and that we should be put out of doubt before it were
+long. And he sent to <i>Luys de Moscoso</i> to come presently from
+<i>Cale</i>, and that he tarried for him there. <i>Luys de Moscoso</i> and
+many others thought that from <i>Apalache</i> they should return back;
+and in <i>Cale</i> they buried their iron tools, and divers other things.
+They came to <i>Caliquen</i> with great trouble; because the country
+which the Governor had passed by, was spoiled and destitute of
+maize. After all the people were come together, he commanded a
+bridge to be made over a river that passed near the town. He
+departed from <i>Caliquen</i> the 10th of September, and carried the cacique
+with him. After he had traveled three days, there came Indians
+peaceably to visit their lord, and every day met us on the way
+playing upon flutes; which is a token that they use, that men may
+know that they come in peace. They said that in our way before
+there was a cacique whose name was <i>Uzachil</i>, a kinsman of the cacique
+of <i>Caliquen</i> their lord, waiting for him with many presents, and they<a name="page_132" id="page_132"></a>
+desired the Governor that he would loose the cacique. But he would
+not, fearing that they would rise, and would not give him any guides,
+and sent them away from day to day with good words. He traveled
+five days; he passed by some small towns; he came to a town called
+<i>Napetuca</i>, the 15th day of September. Thither came fourteen or fifteen
+Indians, and besought the Governor to let loose the cacique of
+<i>Caliquen</i>, their lord. He answered them that he held him not in
+prison, but that he would have him to accompany him to Uzachil.
+The Governor had notice by <i>John Ortiz</i>, that an Indian told him how
+they determined to gather themselves together, and come upon him,
+and give him battle, and take away the cacique from him. The day
+that it was agreed upon, the Governor commanded his men to be in
+readiness, and that the horsemen should be ready armed and on horseback
+every one in his lodging, because the Indians might not see
+them, and so more confidently come to the town. There came four
+hundred Indians in sight of the camp with their bows and arrows,
+and placed themselves in a wood, and sent two Indians to bid the Governor
+to deliver them the cacique. The Governor with six footmen
+leading the cacique by the hand, and talking with him, to secure the
+Indians, went toward the place where they were. And seeing a fit
+time, commanded to sound a trumpet; and presently those that were
+in the town in the houses, both horse and foot, set upon the Indians,
+which were so suddenly assaulted, that the greatest care they had was
+which way they should flee. They killed two horses; one was the
+Governor's, and he was presently horsed again upon another. There
+were thirty or forty Indians slain. The rest fled to two very great
+lakes, that were somewhat distant the one from the other. There they
+were swimming, and the Christians round about them. The calivermen
+and crossbow-men shot at them from the bank; but the distance
+being great, and shooting afar off, they did them no hurt. The Governor
+commanded that the same night they should compass one of
+the lakes, because they were so great, that there were not men enough
+to compass them both; being beset, as soon as night shut in, the Indians,
+with determination to run away, came swimming very softly to
+the bank; and to hide themselves they put a water lily leaf on their
+heads. The horsemen, as soon as they perceived it to stir, ran into
+the water to the horses' breasts, and the Indians fled again into the
+lake. So this night passed without any rest on both sides. <i>John Ortiz</i>
+persuaded them that seeing they could not escape, they should yield
+themselves to the Governor; which they did, enforced thereunto by the
+coldness of the water; and one by one, he first whom the cold did<a name="page_133" id="page_133"></a>
+first overcome, cried to <i>John Ortiz</i>, desiring that they would not kill
+him, for he came to put himself into the hands of the Governor. By
+the morning watch they made an end of yielding themselves; only
+twelve principal men, being more honorable and valorous than the
+rest, resolved rather to die than to come into his hands. And the
+Indians of <i>Paracossi</i>, which were now loosed out of chains, went
+swimming to them, and pulled them out by the hair of their heads,
+and they were all put in chains, and the next day were divided among
+the Christians for their service. Being thus in captivity, they determined
+to rebel; and gave in charge to an Indian which was interpreter,
+and held to be valiant, that as soon as the Governor did come
+to speak with him, he should cast his hands about his neck, and
+choke him: who, when he saw opportunity, laid hands on the Governor,
+and before he cast his hands about his neck, he gave him
+such a blow on the nostrils, that he made them gush out with
+blood, and presently all the rest did rise. He that could get any
+weapons at hand, or the handle wherewith he did grind the maize,
+sought to kill his master, or the first he met before him; and he that
+could get a lance or sword at hand, bestirred himself in such sort with
+it, as though he had used it all his lifetime. One Indian in the market-place
+enclosed between fifteen or twenty footmen, made a way like
+a bull, with a sword in his hand, till certain halbardiers of the Governor
+came, which killed him. Another got up with a lance to a loft made
+of canes, which they build to keep their maize in, which they call a
+barbacoa, and there he made such a noise as though ten men had
+been there defending the door; they slew him with a partizan. The
+Indians were in all about two hundred men. They were all subdued.
+And some of the youngest the Governor gave to them which had
+good chains, and were careful to look to them that they got not
+away. All the rest he commanded to be put to death, being tied
+to a stake in the midst of the market-place; and the Indians of
+the <i>Paracossi</i> did shoot them to death.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor departed from <i>Napetuca</i> the 23d of September; he
+lodged by a river, where two Indians brought him a buck from the
+cacique of <i>Uzachil</i>. The next day he passed by a great town called
+<i>Hapaluya</i>, and lodged at <i>Uzachil</i>, and found no people in it, because
+they durst not tarry for the notice the Indians had of the
+slaughter of <i>Napetuca</i>. He found in that town great store of maize,
+French beans, and pompions, which is their food, and that wherewith
+the Christians there sustained themselves. The maize is like coarse
+millet, and the pompions are better and more savory than those of<a name="page_134" id="page_134"></a>
+<i>Spain</i>. From thence the Governor sent two captains each a sundry
+way to seek the Indians. They took an hundred men and women;
+of which as well there as in other place where they made any inroads,
+the captain chose one or two for the Governor, and divided the
+rest to himself, and those that went with him. They led these Indians
+in chains with iron collars about their necks; and they served
+to carry their stuff, and to grind their maize, and for other services
+that such captives could do. Sometimes it happened that going for
+wood or maize with them, they killed the Christian that led them,
+and ran away with the chain; others filed their chains by night with
+a piece of stone, wherewith they cut them, and use it instead of iron.
+Those that were perceived paid for themselves, and for the rest, because
+they should not dare to do the like another time. The women
+and young boys, when they were once an hundred leagues from their
+country, and had forgotten things, they let go loose, and so they
+served; and in a very short space they understood the language of
+the Christians. From <i>Uzachil</i> the Governor departed toward <i>Apalache</i>,
+and in two days' journey he came to a town called <i>Axille</i>, and from
+thence forward the Indians were careless, because they had as yet no
+notice of the Christians. The next day in the morning, the first of
+October, he departed from thence, and commanded a bridge to be
+made over a river which he was to pass. The depth of the river
+where the bridge was made, was a stone's cast, and forward a crossbow
+shot the water came to the waist; and the wood whereby the
+Indians came to see if they could defend the passage, and disturb
+those which made the bridge, was very high and thick. The crossbow-men
+so bestirred themselves that they made them give back; and
+certain planks were cast into the river, whereon the men passed,
+which made good the passage. The Governor passed upon Wednesday,
+which was <i>St. Francis</i>' day, and lodged at a town which was
+called <i>Vitachuco</i>, subject to <i>Apalache</i>: he found it burning, for the
+Indians had set it on fire. From thence forward the country was
+much inhabited, and had great store of maize. He passed by many
+granges like hamlets. On Sunday, the 25th of October, he came to
+a town which is called <i>Uzela</i>, and upon Tuesday to <i>Anaica Apalache</i>,
+where the lord of all that country and province was resident; in
+which town the camp master, whose office is to quarter out, and lodge
+men, did lodge all the company round about within a league, and half
+a league of it. There were other towns, where was great store of
+maize, pompions, French beans, and plums of the country, which are
+better than those of <i>Spain</i>, and they grow in the fields without planting.<a name="page_135" id="page_135"></a>
+The victuals that were thought necessary to pass the winter,
+were gathered from these towns to <i>Anaica Apalache</i>. The Governor
+was informed that the sea was ten leagues from thence. He presently
+sent a captain thither with horsemen and footmen. And six
+leagues on the way he found a town which was named <i>Ochete</i>, and so
+came to the sea; and found a great tree felled, and cut into pieces,
+with stakes set up like mangers, and saw the skulls of horses. He
+returned with this news. And that was held for certain, which was
+reported of <i>Pamphilo de Narvaez</i>, that there he had built the barks
+wherewith he went out of the land of <i>Florida</i>, and was cast away at
+sea. Presently the Governor sent <i>John Danusco</i> with thirty horsemen
+to the <i>Port de Spirito Santo</i> where <i>Calderan</i> was, with order
+that they should abandon the port, and all of them come to <i>Apalache</i>.
+He departed on Saturday the 17th of November. In <i>Uzachil</i> and
+other towns that stood in the way he found great store of people
+already careless. He would take none of the Indians, for not hindering
+himself, because it behooved him to give them no leisure to gather
+themselves together. He passed through the towns by night, and
+rested without the towns three or four hours. In ten days he came
+to the <i>Port de Spirito Santo</i>. He carried with him twenty Indian
+women, which he took in <i>Ytara</i>, and <i>Potano</i>, near unto <i>Cale</i>, and
+sent them to <i>Donna Isabella</i> in the two caravels, which he sent from
+the <i>Port de Spirito Santo</i> to <i>Cuba</i>. And he carried all the footmen
+in the brigantines, and coasting along the shore came to <i>Apalache</i>.
+And <i>Calderan</i>, with the horsemen, and some crossbow-men on foot,
+went by land; and in some places the Indians set upon him, and
+wounded some of his men. As soon as he came to <i>Apalache</i>, presently
+the Governor sent sawed planks and spikes to the sea-side,
+wherewith was made a piragua or bark, wherein were embarked thirty
+men well armed, which went out of the bay to the sea, looking for
+the brigantines. Sometimes they fought with the Indians, which
+passed along the harbor in their canoes. Upon Saturday, the 29th of
+November, there came an Indian through the watch undiscovered,
+and sat the town on fire, and with the great wind that blew two
+parts of it were consumed in a short time. On Sunday the 28th
+of December, came <i>John Danusco</i> with the brigantines. The Governor
+sent <i>Francisco Maldonado</i>, a captain of footmen, with fifty
+men to discover the coast westward, and to seek some port, because
+he had determined to go by land, and discover that part. That day
+there went out eight horsemen by commandment of the Governor into
+the field, two leagues about the town, to seek Indians; for they were<a name="page_136" id="page_136"></a>
+now so emboldened, that within two crossbow shot of the camp, they
+came and slew men. They found two men and a woman gathering
+French beans; the men, though they might have fled, yet because
+they would not leave the woman, which was one of their wives, they
+resolved to die fighting; and before they were slain, they wounded
+three horses, whereof one died within a few days after. <i>Calderan</i>
+going with his men by the sea-coast, from a wood that was near the
+place, the Indians set upon him, and made him forsake his way, and
+many of them that went with him forsook some necessary victuals,
+which they carried with them. Three or four days after the limited
+time given by the Governor to <i>Maldonado</i> for his going and coming,
+being already determined and resolved, if within eight days he did
+not come, to tarry no longer for him, he came, and brought an Indian
+from a province which was called <i>Ochus</i>, sixty leagues westward
+from <i>Apalache</i>; where he had found a port of good depth, and defence
+against weather. And because the Governor hoped to find a
+good country forward, he was very well contented. And he sent
+<i>Maldonado</i> for victuals to <i>Havana</i>, with order that he should tarry
+for him at the port of <i>Ochus</i>, which he had discovered, for he would
+go seek it by land; and if he should chance to stay, and not come
+thither that summer, that then he should return to <i>Havana</i>, and
+should come again the next summer after, and tarry for him at that
+port; for he said he would do none other thing but go to seek <i>Ochus</i>.
+<i>Francisco Maldonado</i> departed, and in his place for captain of the
+footmen remained <i>John de Guzman</i>. Of those Indians which were
+taken in <i>Napetuca</i>, the Treasurer <i>John Gaytan</i> had a young man,
+which said that he was not of that country, but of another far off
+toward the sun rising, and that it was long since he had traveled to
+see countries; and that his country was called <i>Yupaha</i>, and that a
+woman did govern it; and that the town where she was resident was
+of a wonderful bigness, and that many lords round about were tributaries
+to her; and some gave her clothes, and others gold in abundance;
+and he told how it was taken out of the mines, and was molten
+and refined, as if he had seen it done, or the devil had taught it
+him. So that all those which knew anything concerning the same,
+said that it was impossible to give so good a relation, without having
+seen it; and all of them, as if they had seen it, by the signs that he
+gave, believed all that he said to be true.</p>
+
+<p>On Wednesday, the third of March, of the year 1540, the Governor
+departed from <i>Anaica Apalache</i> to seek <i>Yupaha</i>. He commanded
+his men to go provided with maize for sixty leagues of desert.<a name="page_137" id="page_137"></a>
+The horsemen carried their maize on their horses, and the footmen at
+their sides; because the Indians that were for service, with their
+miserable life that they led that winter, being naked and in chains,
+died for the most part. Within four days' journey they came to a great
+river; and they made a piragua or ferry boat, and because of the
+great current, they made a cable with chains, which they fastened on
+both sides of the river; and the ferry boat went along by it, and the
+horses swam over, being drawn with capstans. Having passed the
+river in a day and a half, they came to a town called <i>Capachiqui</i>.
+Upon Friday the 11th of March, they found Indians in arms. The
+next day five Christians went to seek mortars, which the Indians
+have to beat their maize, and they went to certain houses on the back
+side of the camp environed with a wood. And within the wood were
+many Indians which came to spy us; of the which came other five
+and set upon us. One of the Christians came running away, giving
+an alarm unto the camp. Those which were most ready answered
+the alarm. They found one Christian dead, and three sore wounded.
+The Indians fled unto a lake adjoining near a very thick wood, where
+the horses could not enter. The Governor departed from <i>Capachiqui</i>
+and passed through a desert. On Wednesday, the twenty-first of the
+month, he came to a town called <i>Toalli</i>; and from thence forward
+there was a difference in the houses. For those which were behind
+us were thatched with straw, and those of <i>Toalli</i> were covered with
+reeds, in manner of tiles. These houses are very cleanly. Some of
+them had walls daubed with clay, which showed like a mud-wall. In
+all the cold country the Indians have every one a house for the winter
+daubed with clay within and without, and the door is very little; they
+shut it by night, and make fire within; so that they are in it as warm
+as in a stove, and so it continueth all night that they need not clothes;
+and besides these they have others for summer; and their kitchens
+near them, where they make fire and bake their bread; and they have
+barbacoas wherein they keep their maize; which is a house set up
+in the air upon four stakes, boarded about like a chamber, and the
+floor of it is of cane hurdles. The difference which lords or principal
+men's houses have from the rest, besides they be greater, is, that
+they have great galleries in their fronts, and under them seats made
+of canes in manner of benches; and round about them they have
+many lofts, wherein they lay up that which the Indians do give them
+for tribute, which is maize, deers' skins, and mantles of the country,
+which are like blankets; they make them of the inner rind of the barks
+of trees, and some of a kind of grass like unto nettles, which being<a name="page_138" id="page_138"></a>
+beaten, is like unto flax. The women cover themselves with these
+mantles; they put one about them from the waist downward, and
+another over their shoulder, with their right arm out, like unto the
+Egyptians. The men wear but one mantle upon their shoulders after
+the same manner; and have their secrets hid with a deer's skin, made
+like a linen breech, which was wont to be used in <i>Spain</i>. The skins
+are well curried, and they give them what color they list, so perfect,
+that if it be red, it seemeth a very fine cloth in grain, and the black
+is most fine, and of the same leather they make shoes; and they dye
+their mantles in the same colors. The Governor departed from <i>Toalli</i>
+the 24th of March; he came on Thursday at evening to a small
+river, where a bridge was made whereon the people passed, and <i>Benit</i>
+<i>Fernandez</i>, a Portuguese, fell off from it, and was drowned. As soon
+as the Governor had passed the river, a little distance thence he found
+a town called <i>Achese</i>. The Indians had no notice of the Christians:
+they leaped into a river: some men and women were taken, among
+which was one that understood the youth which guided the Governor
+to <i>Yupaha</i>; whereby that which he had reported was more confirmed.
+For they had passed through countries of divers languages, and some
+which he understood not. The Governor sent by one of the Indians
+that were taken to call the cacique, which was on the other side of
+the river. He came, and made this speech following:</p>
+
+<p>"Right high, right mighty, and excellent lord, those things which
+seldom happen do cause admiration. What then may the sight of
+your lordship and your people do to me and mine, whom we never
+saw? especially being mounted on such fierce beasts as your horses
+are, entering with such violence and fury into my country, without
+my knowledge of your coming. It was a thing so strange, and caused
+such fear and terror in our minds, that it was not in our power to
+stay and receive your lordship with the solemnity due to so high and
+renowned a prince as your lordship is. And trusting in your greatness
+and singular virtues, I do not only hope to be freed from blame,
+but also to receive favors; and the first which I demand of your lordship
+is, that you will use me, my country, and subjects as your own;
+and the second, that you will tell me who you are, and whence you
+come, and whither you go, and what you seek, that I the better may
+serve you therein."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor answered him, that he thanked him as much for his
+offer and good-will as if he had received it, and as if he had offered
+him a great treasure; and told him that he was the son of the Sun,
+and came from those parts where he dwelt, and traveled through that<a name="page_139" id="page_139"></a>
+country, and sought the greatest lord and richest province that was in
+it. The cacique told him that farther forward dwelt a great lord, and
+that his dominion was called <i>Ocute</i>. He gave him a guide and an
+interpreter for that province. The Governor commanded his Indians
+to be set free, and traveled through his country up a river very well
+inhabited. He departed from his town the first of April; and left a
+very high cross of wood set up in the midst of the market-place;
+and because the time gave no more leisure, he declared to him only
+that that cross was a memory of the same whereon Christ, which was
+God and man, and created the heavens and the earth, suffered for our
+salvation; therefore he exhorted them that they should reverence it,
+and they made show as though they would do so. The fourth of April
+the Governor passed by a town called <i>Altamaca</i>, and the tenth of the
+month he came to <i>Ocute</i>. The cacique sent him two thousand Indians
+with a present, to wit, many conies and partridges, bread of maize,
+two hens, and many dogs; which among the Christians were esteemed
+as if they had been fat wethers, because of the great want of flesh
+meat and salt, and hereof in many places, and many times was great
+need; and they were so scarce, that if a man fell sick, there was
+nothing to cherish him withal; and with a sickness, that in another
+place easily might have been remedied, he consumed away till nothing
+but skin and bones were left; and they died of pure weakness, some
+of them saying, "If I had a slice of meat or a few corns of salt, I
+should not die. The Indians want no flesh meat; for they kill with
+their arrows many deer, hens, conies, and other wild fowl, for they
+are very cunning at it, which skill the Christians had not; and
+though they had it, they had no leisure to use it; for the most of the
+time they spent in travel, and durst not presume to straggle aside.
+And because they were thus scanted of flesh, when six hundred men
+that went with <i>Soto</i> came to any town, and found thirty or forty
+dogs, he that could get one and kill it thought himself no small man;
+and he that killed it and gave not his captain one quarter, if he knew
+it he frowned on him, and made him feel it in the watches, or in any
+other matter of labor that was offered, wherein he might do him a
+displeasure. On Monday, the twelfth of April, 1540, the Governor departed
+from <i>Ocute</i>. The cacique gave him two hundred <i>Tamenes</i>, to
+wit, Indians to carry burdens; he passed through a town, the lord
+whereof was named <i>Cofaqui</i>, and came to a province of an Indian
+lord called <i>Patofa</i>, who because he was in peace with the lord of
+<i>Ocute</i>, and with the other bordering lords, had many days before
+notice of the Governor, and desired to see him. He came to visit
+him, and made this speech following.<a name="page_140" id="page_140"></a></p>
+
+<p>"Mighty lord, now with good reason I will crave of fortune to requite
+this my so great prosperity with some small adversity; and I will
+count myself very rich, seeing that I have obtained that which in this
+world I most desired, which is to see and be able to do your lordship
+some service. And although the tongue be the image of that which
+is in the heart, and that the contentment which I feel in my heart I
+cannot dissemble, yet is it not sufficient wholly to manifest the
+same. Where did this your country, which I do govern, deserve to
+be visited of so sovereign and so excellent a prince, whom all the rest
+of the world ought to obey and serve? And those which inhabit it
+being so base, what shall be the issue of such happiness, if their
+memory do not represent unto them some adversity that may betide
+them, according to the order of fortune? If from this day forward
+we may be capable of this benefit, that your lordship will hold us for
+your own, we cannot fail to be favored and maintained in true justice
+and reason, and to have the name of men. For such as are void of
+reason and justice, may be compared to brute beasts. For mine own
+part, from my very heart with reverence due to such a prince, I offer
+myself unto your lordship, and beseech you, that in reward of this
+my true good will, you will vouchsafe to make use of mine own person,
+my country, and subjects."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor answered him, that his offers and good-will declared
+by the effect, did highly please him, whereof he would always be
+mindful to honor and favor him as his brother. This country, from
+the first peaceable cacique, unto the province of <i>Patofa</i>, which were
+fifty leagues, is a fat country, beautiful, and very fruitful, and very
+well watered, and full of good rivers. And from thence to the <i>Port
+de Spirito Santo</i>, where we first arrived in the land of <i>Florida</i> (which
+may be three hundred and fifty leagues, little more or less), is a barren
+land, and the most of it groves of wild pine trees, low and full of
+lakes, and in some places very high and thick groves, whither the Indians
+that were in arms fled, so that no man could find them, neither
+could any horses enter into them, which was an inconvenience to the
+Christians, in regard of the victuals which they found conveyed away;
+and of the troubles which they had in seeking of Indians to be their
+guides.</p>
+
+<p>In the town of <i>Patofa</i> the youth which the Governor carried with
+him for an interpreter and a guide, began to foam at the mouth, and
+tumble on the ground, as one possessed with the devil: they said a
+gospel over him, and the fit left him. And he said, that four days'
+journey from thence toward the sun rising, was the province that he<a name="page_141" id="page_141"></a>
+spoke of. The Indians of <i>Patofa</i> said, that toward that part they
+knew no habitation; but that toward the north-west, they knew a
+province which was called <i>Coça</i>, a very plentiful country, which had
+very great towns in it. The cacique told the Governor that if he would
+go thither, he would give him guides and Indians for burdens; and if
+he would go whither the youth spake of, that he would likewise give
+him those that he needed; and so with loving words and offers of courtesy,
+they took their leaves the one of the other. He gave him seven
+hundred Indians to bear burdens. He took maize for four days' journey.
+He traveled six days by a path which grew narrow more and
+more, till it was lost altogether. He went where the youth did lead
+him, and passed two rivers, which were waded: each of them was two
+crossbow shots over; the water came to the stirrups, and had so great
+a current, that it was needful for the horsemen to stand one before
+another, that the footmen might pass above them, leaning unto them.
+He came to another river of a great current and largeness, which was
+passed with more trouble, because the horses did swim at the coming
+out, about a lance's length. Having passed this river, the Governor
+came to a grove of pine trees, and threatened the youth, and made
+as though he would have cast him to the dogs, because he had told
+him a lie, saying, it was but four days' journey, and they had traveled
+nine, and every day seven or eight leagues, and the men by this time
+were grown weary and weak, and the horses lean through the great
+scanting of the maize. The youth said that he knew not where he
+was. It saved him that he was not cast to the dogs, that there was
+never another whom <i>John Ortiz</i> did understand. The Governor, with
+them two, and with some horsemen and footmen, leaving the camp in
+a grove of pine trees, traveled that day five or six leagues to seek a
+way, and returned at night very comfortless, and without finding any
+sign of way or town. The next day there were sundry opinions delivered,
+whether they should go back, or what they should do; and
+because backward the country whereby they had passed was greatly
+spoiled, and destitute of maize, and that which they brought with
+them was spent, and the men were very weak, and the horses likewise,
+they doubted much whether they might come to any place where they
+might help themselves. And besides this, they were of opinion, that
+going in that sort out of order, that any Indians would presume to set
+upon them, so that with hunger or with war, they could not escape.
+The Governor determined to send horsemen from thence every way to
+seek habitation; and the next day he sent four captains, every one a
+<a name="page_142" id="page_142"></a>sundry way with eight horsemen. At night they came again, leading
+their horses, or driving them with a stick before; for they were weary,
+that they could not lead them, neither found they any way or sign of
+habitation. The next day the Governor sent other four with as many
+horsemen that could swim, to pass the swamps and rivers which they
+should find, and they had choice horses, the best that were in the
+camp. The captains were <i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i>, which went up the
+river; and <i>John Danusco</i> down the river; <i>Alfonso Romo</i> and <i>John
+Rodriguez Lobillo</i> went into the inward parts of the land. The Governor
+brought with him into <i>Florida</i> thirteen sows, and had by this
+time three hundred swine. He commanded every man should have
+half a pound of hog's flesh every day, and this he did three or four
+days after the maize was all spent. With this small quantity of flesh,
+and some sodden herbs, with much trouble the people were sustained.
+The Governor dismissed the Indians of <i>Patofa</i>, because he had no
+food to give them; who desiring to accompany and serve the Christians
+in their necessity, making show that it grieved them very much
+to return until they had left them in a peopled country, returned to
+their own home. <i>John Danusco</i> came on Sunday late in the evening,
+and brought news that he had found a little town twelve or thirteen
+leagues from thence: he brought a woman and a boy that he took there.
+With his coming and with those news, the Governor and all the rest were
+so glad that they seemed at that instant to have returned from death to
+life. Upon Monday, the twenty-sixth of April, the Governor departed
+to go to the town, which was called <i>Aymay</i>; and the Christians named
+it the town of <i>Relief</i>. He left where the camp had lain at the foot
+of a pine tree, a letter buried, and letters carved in the bark of the
+pine, the contents whereof was this: Dig here at the foot of this pine,
+and you shall find a letter. And this he did, because when the captains
+came, which were sent to seek some habitation, they might
+see the letter, and know what was become of the Governor, and
+which way he was gone. There was no other way to the town, but
+the marks that <i>John Danusco</i> left made upon the trees. The Governor,
+with some of them that had the best horses, came to it on the Monday;
+and all the rest inforcing themselves the best way they could,
+some of them lodged within two leagues of the town, some within
+three and four, every one as he was able to go, and his strength served
+him. There was found in the town a store-house full of the flour
+of parched maize; and some maize, which was distributed by allowance.
+Here were four Indians taken, and none of them would confess
+any other thing, but that they knew of none other habitation.
+The Governor commanded one of them to be burned, and presently<a name="page_143" id="page_143"></a>
+another confessed that two days' journey from thence, there was a
+province that was called <i>Cutifachiqui</i>. Upon Wednesday came the
+captains <i>Baltasar de Gallegos, Alfonso Romo</i>, and <i>John Rodriguez
+Lobillo</i>, for they had found the letter, and followed the way which the
+Governor had taken toward the town. Two men of <i>John Rodriguez's</i>
+company were lost, because their horses tired; the Governor checked
+him very sore for leaving them behind, and sent to seek them; and
+as soon as they came he departed toward <i>Cutifachiqui</i>. In the way
+three Indians were taken, which said that the lady of that country
+had notice already of the Christians, and stayed for them in a town
+of hers. The Governor sent by one of them to offer her his friendship,
+and to advertise her how he was coming thither. The Governor
+came unto the town, and presently there came four canoes to him; in
+one of them came a sister of the lady, and approaching to the Governor
+she said these words:</p>
+
+<p>"Excellent lord, my sister sendeth unto you by me to kiss your
+lordship's hands, and to signify unto you that the cause why she came
+not in person, is, that she thinketh to do you greater service staying
+behind, as she doth, giving order that with all speed all her canoes
+be ready, that your lordship may pass the river, and take your rest,
+which shall presently be performed."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor gave her thanks, and she returned to the other side
+of the river. Within a little while the lady (Cutifachiqui) came out
+of the town in a chair, whereon certain of the principal Indians
+brought her to the river. She entered into a barge which had the
+stern tilted over, and on the floor her mat ready laid with two cushions
+upon it one upon another, where she sat her down; and with her
+came her principal Indians in other barges, which did wait upon her.
+She went to the place where the Governor was, and at her coming she
+made this speech following:</p>
+
+<p>"Excellent lord, I wish this coming of your lordship into these
+your countries to be most happy; although my power be not answerable
+to my will, and my services be not according to my desire, nor
+such as so high a prince as your lordship deserveth; yet since the
+good-will is rather to be accepted than all the treasures of the world,
+that without it are offered with most unfailable and manifest affection,
+I offer you my person, lands, and subjects, and this small service."</p>
+
+<p>And therewithal she presented unto him great store of clothes of
+the country, which she brought in other canoes, to wit, mantles and
+skins; and took from her own neck a great cordon of pearls, and cast
+it about the neck of the Governor, entertaining him with very gracious<a name="page_144" id="page_144"></a>
+speeches of love and courtesy, and commanded canoes to be brought
+thither, wherein the Governor and his people passed the river. As
+soon as he was lodged in the town, she (Cutifachiqui) sent him another
+present of many hens. This country was very pleasant, fat, and
+hath goodly meadows by the rivers. Their woods are thin, and full
+of walnut trees and mulberry trees. They said the sea was two days'
+journey from thence. Within a league and half a league about this
+town were great towns dispeopled, and overgrown with grass; which
+showed that they had been long without inhabitants. The Indians
+said that two years before there was a plague in that country, and that
+they removed to other towns. There was in their store-houses great
+quantity of clothes, mantles of yarn made of the barks of trees, and
+others made of feathers, white, green, red, and yellow, very fine after
+their use, and profitable for winter. There were also many deer's
+skins, with many compartments traced in them, and some of them
+made into hose, stockings, and shoes. And the lady perceiving that
+the Christians esteemed the pearls, advised the Governor to send to
+search certain graves that were in that town, and that he should find
+many; and that if he would send to the dispeopled towns he might load
+all his horses. They sought the graves of that town, and there found
+fourteen rows of pearls (three hundred and ninety-two pounds), and little
+babies and birds made of them. The people were brown, well made,
+and well proportioned, and more civil than any others that were seen
+in all the country of <i>Florida</i>, and all of them went shod and clothed.
+The youth told the Governor that he began now to enter into the
+land which he spoke of; and some credit was given him that it was
+so, because he understood the language of the Indians; and he requested
+that he might be christened, for he said he desired to become
+a Christian. He was christened, and named <i>Peter</i>; and the
+Governor commanded him to be loosed from a chain, in which until
+that time he had gone. This country, as the Indians reported, had
+been much inhabited, and had the fame of a good country. And as
+it seemeth, the youth, which was the Governor's guide, had heard of
+it, and that which he knew by hearsay, he affirmed that he had seen,
+and augmented at his pleasure. In this town was found a dagger,
+and beads that belonged to Christians. The Indians reported that
+Christians had been in the haven (St. Helena), which was two days'
+journey from this town, many years ago. He that came thither was
+the Governor, the <i>Licentiate Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon</i>, which went to
+conquer this country, and at his coming to the port he died (1525);<a name="page_145" id="page_145"></a>
+and there was a division, quarrels and slaughters between some principal
+men which went with him, for the principal government. And
+without knowing anything of the country, they returned home to <i>Hispaniola</i>.
+All the company thought it good to inhabit that country,
+because it was in a temperate climate (32° 30'). And that if it were
+inhabited, all the ships of New Spain, of <i>Peru</i>, <i>Santa Martha</i>, and
+<i>Terra Firma</i>, in their return for <i>Spain</i> might well touch there, because
+it was in their way, and because it was a good country, and sited fit
+to raise commodity. The Governor, since his intent was to seek another
+treasure, like that of <i>Atabalipa</i>, Lord of <i>Peru</i>, was not contented
+with a good country, nor with pearls, though many of them were
+worth their weight in gold. And if the country had been divided
+among the Christians, those which the Indians had fished for afterwards
+would have been of more value; for those which they had, because
+they burned them in the fire, did lessen their color. The Governor
+answered them that urged him to inhabit, that in all the country
+there were not victuals to sustain his men one month; and that
+it was needful to resort to the Port of <i>Ocus</i>, where <i>Maldonado</i> was
+to stay for them: and that if no richer country were found, they
+might return again to that whensoever they would; and in the meantime
+the Indians would sow their fields, and it would be better furnished
+with maize. He inquired of the Indians whether they had
+notice of any great lord farther into the land. They told him that
+twelve days' journey from thence<a name="FNanchor_F_6" id="FNanchor_F_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_F_6" class="fnanchor">[F]</a> there was a province called <i>Chiaha</i>,
+subject to the Lord of <i>Coça</i>. Presently the Governor determined to
+seek that land. And being a stern man, and of few words, though
+he was glad to sift and know the opinion of all men, yet after he had
+delivered his own, he would not be contraried, and always did what
+liked himself, and so all men did condescend unto his will. And
+though it seemed an error to leave that country (for others might
+have been sought round about, where the people might have been
+sustained until the harvest had been ready there, and the maize
+gathered), yet there was none that would say anything against him,
+after they knew his resolution.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor departed from <i>Cutifachiqui</i> the third day of May.
+And because the Indians had revolted, and the will of the lady was
+perceived, that if she could, she would depart without giving any
+guides or men for burden, for the wrongs which the Christians had
+done to the Indians (for there never want some among many of a<a name="page_146" id="page_146"></a>
+base sort, that for a little gain do put themselves and others in danger
+of undoing), the Governor commanded her to be kept in safeguard,
+and carried with him, not with so good usage as she deserved for the
+good-will she showed, and good entertainment that she had made him.
+And he verified that old proverb which saith: "For well-doing I receive
+evil." And so he carried her on foot with his bondwomen to
+look unto her. In all the towns where the Governor passed, the lady
+commanded the Indians to come and carry the burdens from one town
+to another. We passed through her country an hundred leagues, in
+which, as we saw, she was much obeyed, for the Indians did all that she
+commanded them with great efficacy and diligence. <i>Peter</i>, the youth
+that was our guide, said that she was not the lady herself, but a niece
+of hers, which came to that town to execute certain principal men by
+commandment of the lady, which had withheld her tribute; which
+words were not believed, because of the lies which they had found in
+him before; but they bare with all things because of the need which
+they had of him to declare what the Indians said. In seven days'
+space the Governor came to a province called <i>Ohalaque</i>, the poorest
+country of maize that was seen in <i>Florida</i>. The Indians feed upon
+roots and herbs, which they seek in the fields, and upon wild beasts,
+which they kill with their bows and arrows, and are a very gentle
+people. All of them go naked, and are very lean. There was a
+Lord (Cutifachiqui), which for a great present, brought the Governor
+two deer skins; and there were in that country many wild hens. In one
+town they made him a present of seven hundred hens, and so in
+other towns they sent him those which they had or could get. From
+this province to another, which is called <i>Xualla</i>, he spent five days.
+Here he found very little maize, and for this cause, though the people
+were wearied, and the horses very weak, he staid no more but two
+days. From <i>Ocute</i> to <i>Cutifachiqui</i>, may be some hundred and thirty
+leagues, whereof eighty are wilderness. From <i>Cutifachiqui</i> to <i>Xualla</i>
+two hundred and fifty, and it is a hilly country. The Governor departed
+from <i>Xualla</i> towards <i>Guaxule</i>&mdash;he passed very rough and
+high hills. In that journey, the lady of <i>Cutifachiqui</i> (whom the
+Governor carried with him, as is aforesaid, with purpose to carry her
+to <i>Guaxule</i>, because her territory reached thither), going on a day
+with the bondwomen which led her, went out of the way, and entered
+into a wood, saying she went to ease herself, and so she deceived
+them, and hid herself in the wood; and though they sought her they
+<a name="page_147" id="page_147"></a>could not find her. She carried away with her a little chest made of
+canes in manner of a coffer, which they call petaca, full of unbored
+pearls. Some which could judge of them, said that they were of
+great value. An Indian woman that waited on her did carry them.
+The Governor, not to discontent her altogether, left them with her,
+making account that in <i>Guaxule</i> he would ask them of her, when he
+gave her leave to return; which coffer she carried away and went to
+<i>Xualla</i> with three slaves which fled from the camp, and one horseman
+which remained behind, who, falling sick of an ague, went out of the
+way and was lost. This man, whose name was <i>Alimamos</i>, dealt with
+the slaves to change their evil purpose, and return with him to the
+Christians, which two of them did; and <i>Alimamos</i> and they overtook
+the Governor fifty leagues from thence in a province called
+<i>Chiaha</i>; and reported how the lady remained in <i>Xualla</i> with a slave
+of <i>Andrew de Vasconcelos</i>, which would not come back with them;
+and that of a certainty they lived as man and wife together, and
+meant to go both to <i>Cutifachiqui</i>. Within five days the Governor
+came to <i>Guaxule</i>. The Indians there gave him a present of three
+hundred dogs, because they saw the Christians esteem them, and
+sought them to feed on them; for among them they are not eaten.
+In <i>Guaxule</i>, and all that way, was very little maize. The Governor
+sent from thence an Indian with a message to the cacique of <i>Chiaha</i>,
+to desire him to gather some maize thither, that he might rest a few
+days in <i>Chiaha</i>. The Governor departed from <i>Guaxule</i>, and in two
+days' journey came to a town called <i>Canasagua</i>. There met him on
+the way twenty Indians, every one loaded with a basketful of mulberries;
+for there be many, and those very good, from <i>Cutifachiqui</i>
+thither, and so forward in other provinces, and also nuts and plums.
+And the trees grow in the fields without planting or dressing them,
+and as big and as rank as though they grew in gardens digged and
+watered. From the time that the Governor departed from <i>Canasagua</i>,
+he journeyed five days through a desert; and two leagues before he
+came to <i>Chiaha</i>, there met him fifteen Indians loaded with maize,
+which the cacique had sent; and they told him on his behalf, that he
+waited his coming with twenty barns full of it; and further, that
+himself, his country, and subjects, and all things else were at his service.
+On the fifth day of June, the Governor entered into <i>Chiaha</i>.
+The cacique voided his own houses, in which he lodged, and received
+him with much joy, saying these words following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mighty and excellent lord, I hold myself for so happy a man, in
+that it hath pleased your lordship to use me, that nothing could have<a name="page_148" id="page_148"></a>
+happened unto me of more contentment, nor that I would have esteemed
+so much. From <i>Guaxule</i> your lordship sent unto me, that I
+should prepare maize for you in this town for two months. Here I
+have for you twenty barns full of the choicest that in all the country
+could be found. If your lordship be not entertained by me in such
+sort as is fit for so high a prince, respect my tender age, which excuseth
+me from blame, and receive my good-will, which with much
+loyalty, truth and sincerity, I will always show in anything which
+shall concern your lordship's service."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor answered him that he thanked him very much for his
+service and offer, and that he would always account him as his
+brother. There was in this town much butter in gourds melted like
+oil&mdash;they said it was the fat of bears. There was found, also, great
+store of oil of walnuts, which was clear as butter, and of a good
+taste, and a pot full of honey of bees, which neither before nor afterward
+was seen in all the country. The town was an island between
+two arms of a river, and was seated nigh one of them. The river
+divideth itself into those two branches, two crossbow shots above the
+town, and meeteth again a league beneath the same. The plain between
+both the branches is sometimes one crossbow shot, sometimes
+two crossbow shots over. The branches are very broad, and both of
+them may be waded over. There were along them very good meadows,
+and many fields sown with maize. And because the Indians
+staid in their town, the Governor only lodged in the houses of the
+cacique, and his people in the fields; where there was ever a tree every
+one took one for himself. Thus the camp lay separated one from
+another, and out of order. The Governor winked at it, because the
+Indians were in peace, and because it was very hot, and the people
+should have suffered great extremity if it had not been so. The
+horses came thither so weak, that for feebleness they were not able to
+carry their masters; because that from <i>Cutifachiqui</i> they always
+traveled with very little provender, and were hunger-starved and tired
+ever since they came from the desert of <i>Ocute</i>. And because the
+most of them were not in case to use in battle, though need should
+require, they sent them to feed in the night a quarter of a league
+from the camp. The Christians were there in great danger, because
+that if at this time the Indians had set upon them, they had been in
+evil case to have defended themselves. The Governor rested there
+thirty days, in which time, because the country was very fruitful, the
+horses grew fat. At the time of his departure, by the importunity of<a name="page_149" id="page_149"></a>
+some, which would have more than was reason, he demanded of the
+cacique thirty women to make slaves of. He answered that he would
+confer with his chief men. And before he returned an answer, one
+night all of them with their wives and children forsook the town, and
+fled away. The next day, the Governor proposing to go to seek
+them, the cacique came unto him, and at his coming used these words
+unto the Governor:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mighty lord, with shame and fear of your lordship, because my
+subjects against my will have done amiss in absenting themselves, I
+went my way without your license; and knowing the error which I
+have committed, like a loyal subject, I come to yield myself into your
+power, to dispose of me at your own pleasure. For my subjects do
+not obey me, nor do anything but what an uncle of mine commandeth,
+which governeth this country for me, until I be of a perfect age. If
+your lordship will pursue them, and execute on them that, which for
+their disobedience they deserve, I will be your guide, since at this
+present my fortune will not suffer me to perform any more."</p>
+
+<p>Presently, the Governor with thirty horsemen, and as many footmen,
+went to seek the Indians, and passing by some towns of the principal
+Indians which had absented themselves, he cut and destroyed great
+fields of maize; and went up the river, where the Indians were in an
+island, where the horsemen could not come at them. There he sent
+them word by an Indian to return to their town and fear nothing,
+and that they should give his men to carry burdens, as all those
+behind had done; for he would have no Indian women, seeing they
+were so loth to part with them. The Indians accepted his request,
+and came to the Governor to excuse themselves; and so all of them
+returned to their town. A cacique of a province called <i>Coste</i>, came
+to this town to visit the Governor. After he had offered himself, and
+passed with him some words of tendering his service and courtesy, the
+Governor asking him whether he had notice of any rich country? he
+said yea: to wit, that toward the north there was a province named
+<i>Chisca</i>:<a name="FNanchor_G_7" id="FNanchor_G_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_G_7" class="fnanchor">[G]</a> and that there was a melting of copper, and of another
+metal of the same color, save that it was finer, and of a far more perfect
+color, and far better to the sight; and that they used it not so
+much, because it was softer. And the self same thing was told the
+Governor in <i>Cutifachiqui</i>, where we saw some little hatchets of copper,
+which were said to have a mixture of gold. But in that part<a name="page_150" id="page_150"></a>
+the country was not well peopled, and they said there were mountains,
+which the horses could not pass: and for that cause, the Governor
+would not go from <i>Cutifachiqui</i> directly thither: and he made account,
+that traveling through a peopled country, when his men and
+horses should be in better plight, and he were better certified of the
+truth of the thing, he would return toward it, by mountains, and a
+better inhabited country, whereby he might have better passage. He
+sent two Christians from <i>Chiaha</i> with certain Indians which knew
+the country of <i>Chisca</i>, and the language thereof, to view it, and to
+make report of that which they should find; where he told them that
+he would tarry for them.</p>
+
+<p>When the Governor was determined to depart from <i>Chiaha</i> to <i>Coste</i>,
+he sent for the cacique to come before him, and with gentle words
+took his leave of him, and gave him certain things, wherewith he
+rested much contented. In seven days he came to <i>Coste</i>. The second
+of July he commanded his camp to be pitched two crossbow shots from
+the town: and with eight men of his guard he went where he found
+the cacique, which to his thinking received him with great love. As
+he was talking with him, there went from the camp certain footmen
+to the town to seek some maize, and not contented with it, they ransacked
+and searched the houses, and took what they found. With
+this despite, the Indians began to rise and to take their arms: and
+some of them, with cudgels in their hands, ran upon five or six Christians,
+which had done them wrong, and beat them at their pleasure.
+The Governor seeing them all in an uproar, and himself among them
+with so few Christians, to escape their hands used a stratagem, far
+against his own disposition, being, as he was, very frank and open:
+and though it grieved him very much that any Indian should be so
+bold, as with reason, or without reason to despise the Christians, he
+took up a cudgel, and took their parts against his own men; which
+was a means to quiet them. And presently he sent word by a man
+very secretly to the camp, that some armed men should come toward
+the place where he was; and he took the cacique by the hand, using
+very mild words unto him, and with some principal Indians that did
+accompany him, he drew them out of the town into a plain way, and
+unto the sight of the camp, whither by little and little with good discretion
+the Christians began to come and to gather about them. Thus
+the Governor led the cacique and his chief men until he entered with
+them into the camp: and near unto his tent he commanded them to
+be put in safe custody; and told them that they should not depart<a name="page_151" id="page_151"></a>
+without giving him a guide and Indians for burdens, and till certain
+sick Christians were come, which he had commanded to come down
+the river in canoes from <i>Chiaha</i>; and those also which he had sent
+to the province of <i>Chisca</i>: (for they were not returned; and he
+feared that the Indians had slain the one, and the other.) Within
+three days after, those which were sent to <i>Chisca</i> returned, and made
+report that the Indians had carried them through a country so poor
+of maize, and so rough, and over so high mountains, that it was impossible
+for the army to travel that way; and that seeing the way
+grew very long, and that they lingered much, they consulted to return
+from a little poor town, where they saw nothing that was of any profit,
+and brought an ox hide, which the Indians gave them, as thin as a
+calf's skin, and the hair like a soft wool, between the coarse and fine
+wool of sheep. The cacique gave a guide, and men for burdens, and
+departed with the Governor's leave. The Governor departed from
+<i>Coste</i> the ninth of July, and lodged at a town called <i>Tali</i>. The cacique
+came forth to receive him on the way, and made this speech:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Excellent lord and prince, worthy to be served and obeyed of all
+the princes in the world; howsoever for the most part by the outward
+physiognomy the inward virtue may be judged, and that who you
+are, and of what strength, was known unto me before now: I will not
+infer hereupon how mean I am in your presence, to hope that my
+poor services will be grateful and acceptable: since whereas strength
+faileth, the will doth not cease to be praised and accepted. And for
+this cause I presume to request your lordship, that you will be pleased
+only to respect the same, and consider wherein you will command my
+service in this your country."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor answered him, that his good-will and offer was as
+acceptable unto him as if he had offered him all the treasures of the
+world, and that he would always entreat, favor, and esteem him as if
+he were his own brother. The cacique commanded provision necessary
+for two days, while the Governor was there, to be brought thither:
+and at the time of his departure, he gave him four women and two
+men, which he had need of to bear burdens. The Governor traveled
+six days through many towns subject to the cacique of <i>Coça</i>: and as
+he entered into his country many Indians came unto him every day
+from the cacique, and met him on the way with messages, one going,
+and another coming. He came to <i>Coça</i> upon Friday, the 26th of
+July. The cacique came forth to receive him two crossbow shots from
+the town in a chair, which his principal men carried on their shoulders,<a name="page_152" id="page_152"></a>
+sitting upon a cushion, and covered with a garment of marterns,
+of the fashion and bigness of a woman's huke: he had on his head a
+diadem of feathers, and round about him many Indians playing upon
+flutes, and singing. As soon as he came unto the Governor, he did his
+obeyance, and uttered these words following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Excellent and mighty lord, above all them of the earth, although
+I come but now to receive you, yet I have received you many
+days ago in my heart, to wit, from the day wherein I had first notice
+of your lordship: with so great desire to serve you, with so great
+pleasure and contentment, that this which I make show of, is nothing
+in regard of that which is in my heart, neither can it have any kind
+of comparison. This you may hold for certain, that to obtain the
+dominion of the whole world, would not have rejoiced me so much as
+your sight, neither would I have held it for so great a felicity. Do
+not look for me to offer you that which is your own, to wit, my person,
+my lands, and subjects; only I will busy myself in commanding
+my men with all diligence and due reverence to welcome you from
+hence to the town with playing and singing, where your lordship
+shall be lodged and attended upon by myself and them; and all that
+I possess your lordship shall use as it were your own. For your
+lordship shall do me a very great favor in so doing."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor gave him thanks, and with great joy they both went
+conferring together till they came to the town; and he commanded his
+Indians to void their houses, wherein the Governor and his men were
+lodged. There was in the barns and in the fields great store of maize
+and French beans. The country was greatly inhabited with many
+great towns, and many sown fields, which reached from the one to the
+other. It was pleasant, fat, full of good meadows upon rivers. There
+were in the fields many plum trees, as well of such as grow in <i>Spain</i>
+as of the country; and wild tall vines, that run up the trees; and
+besides these there were other low vines with big and sweet grapes;
+but for want of digging and dressing, they had great kernels in them.
+The Governor used to set a guard over the caciques, because they
+should not absent themselves, and carried them with him till he came
+out of their countries; because that carrying them along with him,
+he looked to find people in the towns, and they gave him guides, and
+men to carry burdens; and before he went out of their countries, he
+gave them license to return to their houses, and to their porters likewise,
+as soon as he came to any other lordship where they gave him
+others. The men of <i>Coça</i> seeing their lord detained, took it in evil<a name="page_153" id="page_153"></a>
+part, and revolted, and hid themselves in the woods, as well those
+of the town of the cacique, as those of the other towns of his principal
+subjects. The Governor sent out four captains, every one his way,
+to seek them. They took many men and women, which were put into
+chains. They seeing the hurt which they received, and how little
+they gained in absenting themselves, came again, promising to do
+whatsoever they were commanded. Of those which were taken
+prisoners, some principal men were set at liberty, whom the cacique
+demanded; and every one that had any, carried the rest in chains like
+slaves, without letting them go to their country. Neither did any return,
+but some few, whose fortune helped them with the good diligence
+which they used to file off their chains by night, or such as in
+their traveling could slip aside out of the way, seeing any negligence
+in them that kept them; some escaped away with the chains, and
+with the burdens and clothes which they carried.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor rested in <i>Coça</i> twenty-five days. He departed from
+thence the twentieth of August, to seek a province called <i>Tascaluca</i>;
+he carried with him the cacique of <i>Coça</i>. He passed that day by a
+great town called <i>Tallimuchase</i>; the people were fled; he lodged half
+a league further, near a brook. The next day he came to a town called
+<i>Ytaua</i>, subject to <i>Coça</i>. He staid there six days, because of a river
+that passed by it, which at that time was very high; and as soon as
+the river suffered him to pass, he set forward, and lodged at a town
+named <i>Ullibahali</i>. There came to him on the way, of the caciques in
+behalf of that province, ten or twelve principal Indians to offer him
+their service; all of them had their plumes of feathers, and bows and
+arrows. The Governor coming to the town with twelve horsemen,
+and some footmen of his guard, leaving his people a crossbow shot
+from the town, entered into it; he found all the Indians with their
+weapons, and as far as he could guess, they seemed to have some evil
+meaning. It was known afterwards that they were determined to
+take the cacique of <i>Coça</i> from the Governor, if he had requested it.
+The Governor commanded all his people to enter the town, which was
+walled about, and near unto it passed a small river. The wall, as
+well of that as of others, which afterwards we saw, was of great posts
+thrust deep into the ground, and very rough; and many long rails, as
+big as one's arm, laid across between them, and the wall was about the
+height of a lance, and it was daubed within and without with clay,
+and had loopholes. On the other side of the river was a town,
+where at that present the cacique was. The Governor sent to call him,<a name="page_154" id="page_154"></a>
+and he came presently. After he had passed with the Governor some
+words of offering his services, he gave him such men for his carriages
+as he needed, and thirty women for slaves. In that place was a
+Christian lost, called <i>Mançano</i>, born in <i>Salamanca</i>, of noble parentage,
+which went astray to seek for grapes, whereof there is great
+store, and those very good. The day that the Governor departed from
+thence, he lodged at a town, subject to the lord of <i>Ullibahali</i>; and
+the next day he came to another town called <i>Toasi</i>. The Indians
+gave the Governor thirty women, and such men for his carriages
+as he needed. He traveled ordinarily five or six leagues a day, when
+he traveled through peopled countries; and going through deserts, he
+marched as fast as he could, to eschew the want of maize. From
+<i>Toasi</i>, passing through some towns subject to a cacique, which was
+lord of a province called <i>Tallise</i>, he traveled five days. He came to
+<i>Tallise</i> the 18th of September. The town was great, and situated
+near unto a main river. On the other side of the river were other
+towns, and many fields sown with maize. On both sides it was a very
+plentiful country, and had store of maize; they had voided the town.
+The Governor commanded to call the cacique; who came, and between
+them passed some words of love and offer of his services, and he presented
+unto him forty Indians. There came to the Governor in this
+town, a principal Indian in the behalf of the cacique of <i>Tascaluca</i>,
+and made this speech following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mighty, virtuous, and esteemed lord, the great cacique of <i>Tascaluca</i>,
+my lord, sendeth by me to kiss your lordship's hands, and to let
+you understand that he hath notice how you justly ravish with your
+perfections and power, all men on the earth and that every one by
+whom your lordship passeth, doth serve and obey you, which he acknowledgeth
+to be due unto you, and desireth, as his life, to see and
+to serve your lordship. For which cause by me he offereth himself,
+his lands and subjects, that when your lordship pleaseth to go through
+his country, you may be received with all peace and love, served and
+obeyed; and that in recompense of the desire he hath to see you, you
+will do him the favor to let him know when you will come; for how
+much the sooner, so much the greater favor he shall receive."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor received and dispatched him graciously, giving him
+beads, which among them were not much esteemed, and some other
+things to carry to his lord. And he gave license to the Cacique of
+<i>Coça</i> to return home to his own country. The Cacique of <i>Tallise</i>
+gave him such men for burdens as he needed. And after he had<a name="page_155" id="page_155"></a>
+rested there twenty days, he departed thence towards <i>Tascaluca</i>.
+That day when he went from <i>Tallise</i>, he lodged at a great town called
+<i>Casiste</i>. And the next day passed by another, and came to a small
+town of <i>Tascaluca</i>; and the next day he camped in a wood, two
+leagues from the town where the cacique resided, and was at that
+time. And he sent the master of the camp, <i>Luys de Moscoso</i>, with
+fifteen horsemen, to let him know he was coming. The cacique was
+in his lodgings under a canopy; and without doors, right against his
+lodgings, in a high place, they spread a mat for him, and two cushions
+one upon another, where he sat him down, and his Indians placed
+themselves round about him, somewhat distant from him, so that they
+made a place, and a void room where he sat; and his chiefest men
+were nearest to him, and one with a shadow of deer skin, which kept
+the sun from him, being round and of the bigness of a target, quartered
+with black and white, having a rundle in the midst; afar off it
+seemed to be of taffeta, because the colors were very perfect. It was
+set on a small staff stretched wide out. This was the device which
+he carried in his wars. He was a man of a very tall stature, of
+great limbs, and spare, and well proportioned, and was much feared
+of his neighbors and subjects. He was lord of many territories and
+much people. In his countenance he was very grave. After the
+master of the camp had spoken with him, he and those that went
+with him coursed their horses, prancing them to and fro, and now and
+then towards the place where the cacique was, who, with much gravity
+and dissimulation now and then lifted up his eyes, and beheld them, as
+it were, with disdain. At the Governor's coming, he made no offer at
+all to rise. The Governor took him by the hand, and both of them
+sat down together on a seat which was under the cloth of state. The
+cacique said these words unto him:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mighty lord, I bid your lordship right heartily welcome. I receive
+as much pleasure and contentment with your sight, as if you
+were my brother, whom I dearly loved; upon this point it is not needful
+to use many reasons; since it is no discretion to speak that in
+many words, which in few may be uttered. How much the greater
+the will is, so much more giveth it name to the works, and the
+works give testimony of the truth. Now touching my will, by it you
+shall know how certain and manifest it is, and how pure inclination
+I have to serve you. Concerning the favor which you did me, in the
+things which you sent me, I make as much account of them as is
+reason to esteem them, and chiefly because they were yours. Now
+see what service you will command me."<a name="page_156" id="page_156"></a></p>
+
+<p>The Governor satisfied him with sweet words and with great brevity.
+When he departed from thence he determined to carry him along
+with him for some cause, and at two days' journey he came to a
+town called <i>Piache</i>, by which there passed a great river. The Governor
+demanded canoes of the Indians; they said they had them not, but
+that they would make rafts of canes and dry timber, on which he
+might pass well enough. And they made them with all diligence
+and speed, and they governed them; and because the water went very
+slow, the Governor and his people passed very well.</p>
+
+<p>From the <i>Port de Spirito Santo</i> to <i>Apalache</i>, which is about an
+hundred leagues, the Governor went from east to west; and from
+<i>Apalache</i> to <i>Cutifachiqui</i>, which are four hundred and thirty leagues
+from the south-west to the north-east; and from <i>Cutifachiqui</i> to
+<i>Xualla</i>, which are about two hundred and fifty leagues from the south
+to the north; and from <i>Xualla</i> to <i>Tascaluca</i>, which are two hundred
+and fifty leagues more, an hundred and ninety of them he traveled
+from east to west, to wit, to the province of <i>Coça</i>, and the other sixty
+from <i>Coça</i> to <i>Tascaluca</i> from the north to the south.</p>
+
+<p>Having passed the river of <i>Piache</i>, a Christian went from his company
+from thence to seek a woman slave that was run away from him,
+and the Indians either took him captive, or slew him. The Governor
+urged the cacique that he should give account of him, and threatened
+him that if he were not found he would never let him loose. The
+cacique sent an Indian from thence to <i>Mavilla</i>, whither they were
+traveling, which was a town of a principal Indian and his subject,
+saying that he sent him to advise them to make ready victuals, and
+men for carriages. But (as afterwards appeared) he sent him to
+assemble all the men of war thither that he had in his country.
+The Governor traveled three days, and the third day he passed all
+day through a peopled country, and he came to <i>Mavilla</i> upon Monday
+the 18th of October, 1540. He went before the camp with fifteen
+horsemen and thirty footmen. And from the town came a Christian,
+whom he had sent to the principal man, three or four days before,
+because he should not absent himself, and also to learn in what sort
+the Indians were; who told him that he thought they were in an evil
+purpose; for while he was there, there came many people into the
+town, and many weapons, and that they made great haste to fortify
+the walls. <i>Luys de Moscoso</i> told the Governor that it would be good
+to lodge in the field, seeing the Indians were of such disposition; and
+he answered, that he would lodge in the town, for he was weary of<a name="page_157" id="page_157"></a>
+lodging in the field. When he came near unto the town, the cacique
+came forth to receive him with many Indians playing upon flutes and
+singing. And after he had offered himself, he presented him with
+three mantles of marterns. The Governor, with both the caciques,
+and seven or eight men of his guard, and three or four horsemen,
+which alighted to accompany him, entered into the town, and sat him
+down under a cloth of state. The cacique of <i>Tascaluca</i> requested
+him that he would let him remain in that town, and trouble him no
+more with traveling. And seeing he would not give him leave, in
+his talk he changed his purpose, and dissemblingly feigned that he
+would speak with some principal Indians, and rose up from the place
+where he sat with the Governor, and entered into a house, where
+many Indians were with their bows and arrows. The Governor when
+he saw he returned not, called him, and he answered that he would
+not come out from thence, neither would he go any farther than that
+town, and that if he would go his way in peace, he should presently
+depart, and should not seek to carry him perforce out of his country
+and territory.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor seeing the determination and furious answer of the
+cacique, went about to pacify him with fair words; to which he gave
+no answer, but rather with much pride and disdain, withdrew himself
+where the Governor might not see him nor speak with him. As a
+principal Indian passed that way, the Governor called him, to send
+him word that he might remain at his pleasure in his country, and
+that it would please him to give him a guide, and men for carriages,
+to see if he could pacify him with mild words. The Indians answered
+with great pride, that he would not hearken unto him. <i>Baltasar
+de Gallegos</i>, which stood by, took hold of a gown of marterns
+which he had on, and he cast it over his head, and left it in his
+hands: and because all of them immediately began to stir, <i>Baltasar
+de Gallegos</i> gave him such a wound with his cutlass, that he opened
+him down the back, and presently all the Indians with a great cry
+came out of the houses shooting their arrows. The Governor considering
+that if he tarried there, he could not escape, and if he commanded
+his men to come in, which were without the town, the Indians
+within the houses might kill their horses, and do much hurt,
+ran out of the town, and before he came out, he fell twice or thrice,
+and those that were with him did help him up again; and he and
+those that were with him were sore wounded; and in a moment
+there were five Christians slain in the town. The Governor came<a name="page_158" id="page_158"></a>
+running out of the town, crying out that every man should stand
+farther off, because from the wall they did them much hurt. The
+Indians seeing that the Christians retired, and some of them, or the
+most part, more than an ordinary pace, shot with great boldness at
+them, and struck down such as they could overtake. The Indians
+which the Christians did lead with them in chains, had laid down
+their burdens near unto the walls; and as soon as the Governor and
+his men were retired, the men of <i>Mavilla</i> laid them on the Indians'
+backs again, and took them into the town, and loosed them presently
+from their chains, and gave them bows and arrows to fight withal.
+Thus they possessed themselves of all the clothes and pearls, and all
+that the Christians had, which their slaves carried. And because the
+Indians had been always peaceable until we came to this place, some
+of our men had their weapons in their fardels, and remained unarmed.
+And from others that had entered the town with the Governor they
+had taken swords and halberds, and fought with them. When the
+Governor was gotten into the field, he called for a horse, and with
+some that accompanied him, he returned and slew two or three Indians.
+All the rest retired themselves to the town, and shot with their
+bows from the wall. And those which presumed of their nimbleness,
+sallied forth to fight a stone's cast from the wall. And when the
+Christians charged them, they retired themselves at their leisure into
+the town. At the time that the broil began, there were in the town a
+friar and a priest, and a servant of the Governor, with a woman slave;
+and they had no time to come out of the town, and they took a
+house, and so remained in the town. The Indians being become
+masters of the place, they shut the door with a field gate; and among
+them was one sword which the Governor's servant had, and with it
+he set himself behind the door, thrusting at the Indians which sought
+to come into them; and the friar and the priest stood on the other
+side, each of them with a bar in their hands to beat him down that
+first came in. The Indians seeing they could not get in by the door,
+began to uncover the house top. By this time all the horsemen and
+footmen which were behind, were come to <i>Mavilla</i>. Here there were
+sundry opinions, whether they should charge the Indians to enter the
+town, or whether they should leave it, because it was hard to enter;
+and in the end it was resolved to set upon them.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the battle and the rereward were come to <i>Mavilla</i>, the
+Governor commanded all those that were best armed to alight, and
+made four squadrons of footmen. The Indians, seeing how he was<a name="page_159" id="page_159"></a>
+setting his men in order, concluded with the cacique, that he should
+go his way, saying unto him, as after it was known by certain women
+that were taken there, that he was but one man, and could fight but
+for one man, and that they had there among them many principal
+Indians, very valiant and expert in feats of arms, that any one of them
+was able to order the people there; and forasmuch as matters of war
+were subject to casualty, and it was uncertain which part should overcome,
+they wished him to save himself, to the end, that if it fell out that
+they should end their days there, as they determined rather than to
+be overcome, there might remain one to govern the country. For all
+this he would not have gone away; but they urged him so much, that
+with fifteen or twenty Indians of his own, he went out of the town,
+and carried away a scarlet cloak, and other things of the Christians'
+goods, as much as he was able to carry, and seemed best unto him.
+The Governor was informed how there went men out of the town, and
+he commanded the horsemen to beset it, and sent in every squadron
+of footmen one soldier with a firebrand to set fire on the houses, that
+the Indians might have no defence; all his men being set in order,
+he commanded an arquebuss to be shot off. The sign being given,
+the four squadrons, every one by itself with great fury, gave the onset,
+and with great hurt on both sides they entered the town. The
+friar and the priest, and those that were with them in the house were
+saved, which cost the lives of two men of account, and valiant, which
+came thither to succor them. The Indians fought with such courage,
+that many times they drove our men out of the town. The fight
+lasted so long, that for weariness and great thirst many of the Christians
+went to a pool that was near the wall, to drink, which was all stained
+with the blood of the dead, and then came again to fight. The Governor
+seeing this, entered among the footmen into the town on horseback,
+with certain that accompanied them, and was a mean that the
+Christians came to set fire on the houses, and broke and overcame the
+Indians, who running out of the town from the footmen, the horsemen
+without drove in at the gates again, where being without all
+hope of life, they fought valiantly, and after the Christians came
+among them to handy blows, seeing themselves in great distress, without
+any succor, many of them fled into the burning houses, where
+one upon another they were smothered and burnt in the fire. The
+whole number of the Indians that died in this town, were two thousand
+and five hundred, little more or less. Of the Christians there died
+eighteen; of which one was <i>Don Carlos</i>, brother-in-law to the Governor,<a name="page_160" id="page_160"></a>
+and a nephew of his, and one <i>John de Gamez</i>, and <i>Men Rodriguez</i>,
+Portuguese, and <i>John Vasquez de Villanova de Barca Rota</i>,
+all men of honor, and of much valor; the rest were footmen. Besides
+those that were slain, there were a hundred and fifty wounded,
+with seven hundred wounds of their arrows: and it pleased God that
+of very dangerous wounds they were quickly healed. Moreover there
+were twelve horses slain, and seventy hurt. All the clothes which
+the Christians carried with them to clothe themselves withal, and the
+ornaments to say mass, and the pearls, were all burnt there; and the
+Christians did set them on fire themselves; because they held for a
+greater inconvenience, the hurt which the Indians might do them
+from those houses, where they had gathered all those goods together,
+than the loss of them. Here the Governor understood that <i>Francisco
+Maldonado</i> waited for him at the Port of <i>Ochuse</i>, and that it
+was six days' journey from thence (<i>Mavilla</i>), and he dealt with <i>John
+Ortiz</i> to keep it secret, because he had not accomplished that which
+he determined to do; and because the pearls were burnt there, which
+he meant to have sent to <i>Cuba</i> for a show, that the people hearing
+the news, might be desirous to come to that country. He feared also,
+that if they should have news of him without seeing from <i>Florida</i>
+neither gold nor silver, nor anything of value, it would get such a
+name, that no man would seek to go thither, when he should have
+need of people. And so he determined to send no news of himself
+until he had found some rich country.</p>
+
+<p>From the time that the Governor entered into <i>Florida</i>, until his departure
+from <i>Mavilla</i>, there died a hundred and two Christians, some
+of sickness, and others which the Indians slew. He stayed in <i>Mavilla</i>,
+because of the wounded men, eight-and-twenty days; all which time
+he lay in the field. It was a well inhabited and a fat country, there
+were some great and walled towns, and many houses scattered all
+about the fields, to wit, a crossbow shot or two, the one from the
+other. Upon Sunday, the eighteenth of November (1540), when
+the hurt men were known to be healed, the Governor departed from
+<i>Mavilla</i>. Every one furnished himself with maize for two days, and
+they traveled five days through a desert: they came to a province
+called <i>Pafallaya</i>, unto a town named <i>Taliepatava</i>: and from thence
+they went to another, called <i>Cabusto</i>: near unto it ran a great river.
+The Indians on the other side cried out, threatening the Christians to
+kill them, if they sought to pass it. The Governor commanded his
+men to make a barge within the town, because the Indians should not<a name="page_161" id="page_161"></a>
+perceive it: it was finished in four days, and being ended, he commanded
+it to be carried one night upon sleds half a league up the
+river. In the morning there entered into it thirteen men well armed.
+The Indians perceived what was attempted, and those which were
+nearest, came to defend the passage. They resisted what they could,
+till the Christians came near them; and seeing that the barge came
+to the shore, they fled away into the groves of canes. The Christians
+mounted on horseback, and went up the river to make good the passage,
+whereby the Governor and his company passed the river. There
+were along the river some towns well stored with maize and French
+beans. From thence to <i>Chicaça</i> the Governor traveled five days
+through a desert. He came to a river, where on the other side were
+Indians to defend the passage. He made another barge in two days;
+and when it was finished, the Governor sent an Indian to request the
+cacique to accept of his friendship, and peaceably to expect his coming:
+whom the Indians that were on the other side the river slew before
+his face, and presently making a great shout went their way. Having
+passed the river, the next day, being the 17th of December, the
+Governor came to <i>Chicaça</i>, a small town of twenty houses. And
+after they were come to <i>Chicaça</i>, they were much troubled with cold,
+because it was now winter and it snowed, while most of them were
+lodged in the field, before they had time to make themselves houses.
+This country was very well peopled, and the houses scattered like
+those of <i>Mavilla</i>, fat and plentiful of maize, and the most part of it
+was fielding: they gathered as much as sufficed to pass the winter.
+Some Indians were taken, among which was one whom the cacique
+esteemed greatly. The Governor sent an Indian to signify to the
+cacique that he desired to see him and to have his friendship. The
+cacique came unto him, to offer him his person, country and subjects,
+and told him that he would cause two other caciques to come to him
+in peace; who within a few days after came with him and with their
+Indians. The one was called <i>Alimamu</i>, the other <i>Nicalasa</i>. They
+gave a present unto the Governor of a hundred and fifty coneys, and of
+the country garments, to wit, of mantles and skins. The Cacique of
+<i>Chicaça</i> came to visit him many times; and sometimes the Governor
+sent to call him, and sent him a horse to go and come. He complained
+unto him that a subject of his was risen against him and
+deprived him of his tribute, requesting his aid against him, for he
+meant to seek him in his country, and to punish him according to his
+<a name="page_162" id="page_162"></a>desert. Which was nothing else but a feigned plot. For they determined,
+as soon as the Governor was gone with him, and the camp
+was divided into two parts, the one part of them to set upon the Governor
+and the other upon them that remained in <i>Chicaça</i>. He
+went to the town where he used to keep his residence, and brought
+with him two hundred Indians with their bows and arrows. The
+Governor took thirty horsemen and eighty footmen, and they went
+to <i>Saquechuma</i> (for so was the province called of that chief man,
+which he said had rebelled). They found a walled town, without any
+men: and those which went with the cacique set fire on the houses,
+to dissemble their treason. But by reason of the great care and
+heedfulness, that was as well in the Governor's people which he carried
+with him, as of those which remained in <i>Chicaça</i>, they dare not
+assault them at that time. The Governor invited the cacique, and
+certain principal Indians, and gave them hog's flesh to eat. And
+though they did not commonly use it, yet they were so greedy of it,
+that every night there came Indians to certain houses a crossbow shot
+from the camp, where the hogs lay, and killed, and carried away as
+many as they could. And three Indians were taken in the manner.
+Two of them the Governor commanded to be shot to death with
+arrows; and to cut off the hands of the other; and he sent him so
+handled to the cacique. Who made as though it grieved him; yet
+they had offended the Governor, and that he was glad that he had
+executed that punishment on them. He lay in a plain country, half
+a league from the place where the Christians lodged. Four horsemen
+went a straggling thither, to wit, <i>Francisco Osorio</i>, and a servant of
+the Marquis of <i>Astorga</i>, called <i>Reynoso</i>, and two servants of the Governor,
+the one his page, called <i>Ribera</i>, and the other <i>Fuentes</i>, his
+chamberlain: and these had taken from the Indians some skins, and
+some mantles, wherewith they were offended, and forsook their houses.
+The Governor knew of it, and commanded them to be apprehended;
+and condemned to death <i>Francisco Osorio</i>, and the chamberlain as
+principals, and all of them to loss of goods. The friars and priests
+and other principal persons were earnest with him to pardon <i>Francisco
+Osorio</i> his life, and to moderate his sentence, which he would not
+grant for any of them. While he was ready to command them to
+be drawn to the market-place to cut off their heads, there came certain
+Indians from the cacique to complain of them. <i>John Ortiz</i>, at
+the request of <i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i> and other persons, changed their
+words, and told the Governor, that the cacique said, he had notice how
+his lordship held those Christians in prison for his sake, and that they<a name="page_163" id="page_163"></a>
+were in no fault, neither had they done him any wrong, and that if
+he would do him any favor, he should set them free. And he told
+the Indians, that the Governor said he had them in prison, and that
+he would punish them in such sort, that they should be an example
+to others. Hereupon the Governor commanded the prisoners to be
+loosed. As soon as March was come, he determined to depart from
+<i>Chicaça</i>, and demanded of the cacique two hundred men for carriages.
+He sent him answer that he would speak with his principal men.
+Upon Tuesday, the eighth of March, 1541, the Governor went to the
+town where he was, to ask him for the men: he told him he would
+send them the next day. As soon as the Governor was come to
+<i>Chicaça</i>, he told <i>Luys de Moscoso</i>, the camp-master, that he misliked
+the Indians, and that he should keep a strong watch that night, which
+he remembered but a little. The Indians came at the second watch
+in four squadrons, every one by itself, and as soon as they were descried,
+they sounded a drum, and gave the assault with a great cry,
+and with so great celerity, that presently they entered with the scouts,
+that were somewhat distant from the camp. And when they were
+perceived of them which were in the town, half the houses were on
+fire, which they had kindled. That night three horsemen chanced to
+be scouts; two of them were of base calling, and the worst men in all
+the camp, and the other, which was a nephew of the Governor, which
+until then was held for a tall man, showed himself there as great a
+coward as any of them: for all of them ran away. And the Indians
+without any resistance came and set the town on fire; and tarried
+without behind the doors for the Christians, which ran out of the
+houses, not having any leisure to arm themselves; and as they ran
+hither and thither amazed with the noise, and blinded with the smoke
+and flame of the fire, they knew not which way they went, neither
+could they light upon their weapons, nor saddle their horses, neither
+saw they the Indians that shot at them. Many of the horses were
+burned in the stables, and those which could break their halters got
+loose. The disorder and flight was such that every man fled which
+way he could, without leaving any to resist the Indians. But God
+(which chastiseth his according to his pleasure, and in the greatest
+necessities and dangers sustaineth them with his hand) so blinded
+the Indians, that they saw not what they had done, and thought that
+the horses which ran loose, were men on horseback, that gathered
+themselves together to set upon them. The Governor only rode on
+horseback, and with him a soldier called <i>Tapia</i>, and set upon the<a name="page_164" id="page_164"></a>
+Indians, and striking the first he met with his lance, the saddle fell
+with him, which with haste was evil girded, and so he fell from his
+horse. And all the people that were on foot were fled to a wood out
+of the town, and there assembled themselves together. And because
+it was night, and that the Indians thought the horses were men on
+horseback which came to set upon them, as I said before, they fled;
+and one only remained dead, and that was he whom the Governor
+slew with his lance. The town lay all burnt to ashes. There was a
+woman burned, who, after she and her husband were both gone out
+of their house, went in again for certain pearls which they had forgotten,
+and when she would have come out, the fire was so great at the
+door that she could not, neither could her husband succor her. Other
+three Christians came out of their lodgings so cruelly burned, that one
+of them died within three days, and the other two were carried many
+days each of them upon a couch between staves, which the Indians
+carried on their shoulders, for otherwise they could not travel. There
+died in this hurlyburly eleven Christians, and fifty horses; and there
+remained a hundred hogs, and four hundred were burned. If any
+perchance had saved any clothes from the fire of <i>Mavilla</i>, here they
+were burned, and many were clad in skins, for they had no leisure to
+take their coats. They endured much cold in this place, and the
+chiefest remedy were great fires. They spent all night in turnings
+without sleep: for if they warmed one side, they freezed on the other.
+Some invented the weaving of certain mats of dry ivy, and did wear
+one beneath, and another above: many laughed at this device, whom
+afterward necessity enforced to do the like. The Christians were so
+spoiled, and in such want of saddles and weapons which were burned,
+that if the Indians had come the second night, they had overcome
+them with little labor. They removed thence to the town where the
+cacique was wont to lie, because it was in a champaign country. Within
+eight days after, there were many lances and saddles made. There
+were ash-trees in those parts, whereof they made as good lances as in
+Biscay.</p>
+
+<p>Upon Wednesday, the 15th of March, 1541, after the Governor
+had lodged eight days in a plain, half a league from the place which
+he had wintered in, after he had set up a forge, and tempered the
+swords which in <i>Chicaça</i> were burned, and made many targets,
+saddles, and lances; on Tuesday night, at the morning watch, many
+Indians came to assault the camp in three squadrons, every one by
+themselves. Those which watched gave the alarm. The Governor<a name="page_165" id="page_165"></a>
+with great speed set his men in order in other three squadrons, and
+leaving some to defend the camp, went out to encounter them. The
+Indians were overcome and put to flight. The ground was champaign
+and fit for the Christians to take the advantage of them; and it
+was now break of day. But there happened a disorder, whereby there
+were not past thirty or forty Indians slain: and this it was: that a
+friar cried out in the camp without any just occasion, "To the camp,
+to the camp." Whereupon the Governor and all the rest repaired
+thither, and the Indians had time to save themselves. There were
+some taken, by whom the Governor informed himself of the country
+through which he was to pass. The 25th of April, he departed from
+<i>Chicaça</i>, and lodged at a small town called <i>Alimamu</i>. They had
+very little maize, and they were to pass a desert of seven days' journey.
+The next day, the Governor sent three captains, every one his way,
+with horsemen and footmen to seek provisions to pass the desert.
+And <i>John Dannusco</i> the Auditor went with fifteen horsemen and
+forty footmen that way that the Governor was to go, and found a
+strong fort made, where the Indians stayed for him, and many of them
+walked on the top of it with their weapons, having their bodies, thighs,
+and arms ochred and dyed with black, white, yellow and red, striped
+like unto panes, so that they showed as though they went in hose and
+doublets: and some of them had plumes, and others had horns on
+their heads, and their faces black, and their eyes done round about
+with steaks of red, to seem more fierce. As soon as they saw that
+the Christians approached, with a great cry sounding two drums with
+great fury they sallied forth to receive them. <i>John Dannusco</i> and
+those that were with him thought good to avoid them, and to acquaint
+the Governor therewith. They retired to a plain place, a crossbow-shot
+from the fort, in sight of it: the footmen, the crossbow-men, and
+targeters placed themselves before the horsemen, that they might not
+hurt the horses. The Indians sallied out by seven and seven, and
+eight and eight, to shoot their arrows, and retired again: and in sight
+of the Christians they made a fire, and took an Indian, some by the
+feet, and some by the head, and made as though they went to cast
+him into the fire, and gave him first many knocks on the head: signifying
+that they meant so to handle the Christians. <i>John Dannusco</i>
+sent three horsemen to advertise the Governor hereof. He came presently:
+for his intent was to drive them from thence, saying, that if
+he did it not, they would be emboldened to charge him another time,
+when they might do him more harm. He made the horsemen to<a name="page_166" id="page_166"></a>
+alight, and set his men in four squadrons. The sign being given, they
+set upon the Indians, which made resistance till the Christians came
+near the fort, and as soon as they saw they could not defend themselves,
+by a place where a brook passed near the fort, they ran away,
+and from the other side they shot some arrows; and because at that
+instant we knew no ford for the horses to pass, they had time enough
+to get out of our danger. Three Indians were slain there, and many
+Christians were hurt, whereof within few days, there died fifteen by
+the way. All men thought the Governor to be in fault, because he
+sent not to see the disposition of the place on the other side of the
+river, and to know the passage before he set upon them. For with
+the hope they had to save themselves by flight that way, when they
+saw none other means, they fought till they were broken, and it was
+an encouragement to defend themselves until then, and to offend the
+Christians without any danger to themselves.</p>
+
+<p>Three days after they had sought some maize, whereof they found
+but little store, in regard of that which was needful, and that for this
+cause, as well for their sakes that were wounded, it was needful for
+them to rest, as for the great journey they were to march to come
+where store of maize was: yet the Governor was enforced to depart
+presently toward <i>Quizquiz</i>. He traveled seven days through a desert
+of many marshes and thick woods: but it might all be traveled on
+horseback, except some lakes which they swam over. He came to a town
+of the province of <i>Quizquiz</i> without being descried, and took all the
+people in it before they came out of their houses. The mother of the
+cacique was taken there: and he sent unto him by an Indian, that
+he should come to see him, and that he would give him his mother,
+and all the people which he had taken there. The cacique sent him
+answer again, that his lordship should loose and send them to him,
+and that he would come to visit and serve him. The Governor,
+because his people for want of maize were somewhat weak and weary,
+and the horses also were lean, determined to accomplish his request,
+to see if he could have peace with him, and so commanded to set free
+his mother and all the rest, and with loving words dismissed them and
+sent them to him. The next day, when the Governor expected the
+cacique, there came many Indians with their bows and arrows with a
+purpose to set upon the Christians. The Governor had commanded
+all the horsemen to be armed, and on horseback, and in readiness.
+When the Indians saw that they were ready, they stayed a crossbow-shot
+from the place where the Governor was, near a brook. And after<a name="page_167" id="page_167"></a>
+half an hour that they had stood there still, there came to the camp
+six principal Indians, and said, "they came to see what people they
+were, and that long ago, they had been informed by their forefathers
+that a white people should subdue them; and that therefore they
+would return to their cacique, and bid him come presently to obey
+and serve the Governor:" and after they had presented him with six
+or seven skins and mantles which they brought, they took their
+leave of him, and returned with the others, which waited for them by
+the brook side. The cacique never came again nor sent other message.
+And because in the town where the Governor lodged, there
+was small store of maize, he removed to another half a league from
+<i>Rio Grande</i>,<a name="FNanchor_H_8" id="FNanchor_H_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_H_8" class="fnanchor">[H]</a> where they found plenty of maize. And he went to see
+the river, and found, that near unto it was great store of timber to
+make barges, and good situation of ground to encamp in. Presently
+he removed himself thither. They made houses, and pitched their
+camp in a plain field a crossbow-shot from the river. And thither
+was gathered all the maize of the towns which they had lately passed.
+They began presently to cut and hew down timber, and to saw planks
+for barges. The Indians came presently down the river: they
+leaped on shore, and declared to the Governor, "that they were subjects
+of a great lord, whose name was <i>Aquixo</i>, who was lord of many
+towns, and governed many people on the other side of the river, and
+came to tell him on his behalf, that the next day he with all his men
+would come to see what it would please him to command him." The
+next day, with speed, the cacique came with two hundred canoes full
+of Indians with their bows and arrows, painted, and with great plumes
+of white feathers, and many other colors, with shields in their hands,
+wherewith they defended the rowers on both sides, and the men of
+war stood from the head to the stern, with their bows and arrows in
+their hands. The canoe wherein the cacique was, had a tilt over the
+stern, and he sat under the tilt; and so were other canoes of the
+principal Indians. And from under the tilt where the chief man sat,
+he governed and commanded the other people. All joined together,
+and came within a stone's cast of the shore. From thence the cacique
+said to the Governor, which walked along the river's side with others
+that waited on him, that he was come thither to visit, to honor, and
+to obey him; because he knew he was the greatest and mightiest
+lord on the earth: therefore he would see what he would command
+him to do. The Governor yielded him thanks, and requested him to<a name="page_168" id="page_168"></a>
+come on shore, that they might the better communicate together.
+And without any answer to that point, he sent him three canoes,
+wherein was great store of fish and loaves, made of the substance of
+prunes like unto bricks. After he had received all, he thanked him,
+and prayed him again to come on shore. And because the cacique's
+purpose was, to see if with dissimulation he might do some hurt,
+when they saw that the Governor and his men were in readiness, they
+began to go from the shore: and with a great cry, the crossbow-men
+which were ready, shot at them, and slew five or six of them. They
+retired with great order: none did leave his oar, though the next to
+him were slain, and shielding themselves, they went farther off.
+Afterward they came many times and landed: and when any of us
+came toward them, they fled into their canoes, which were very
+pleasant to behold: for they were very great and well made, and had
+their tilts, plumes, paueses, and flags, and with the multitude of people
+that were in them, they seemed to be a fair army of galleys. In
+thirty days' space, while the Governor remained there, they made four
+barges: in three of which he commanded twelve horsemen to enter,
+in each of them four. In a morning, three hours before day, men
+which he trusted would land in despite of the Indians, and make
+sure the passage, or die, and some footmen, being crossbow-men, went
+with them, and rowers to set them on the other side. And in the
+other barge he commanded <i>John de Guzman</i> to pass with the footmen,
+which was made captain instead of <i>Francisco Maldonado</i>. And
+because the stream was swift, they went a quarter of a league up the
+river along the bank, and crossing over, fell down with the stream,
+and landed right over against the camp. Two stones' cast before they
+came to land, the horsemen went out of the barges on horseback to a
+sandy plot very hard and clear ground, where all of them landed
+without any resistance. As soon as those that passed first were on
+land on the other side, the barges returned to the place where the
+Governor was: and within two hours after sun rising, all the people
+were over. The river was almost half a league broad. If a man
+stood still on the other side, it could not be discerned whether he was
+a man or no. The river was of great depth, and of a strong current:
+the water was always muddy: there came down the river continually
+many trees and timber, which the force of the water and stream
+brought down. There was great store of fish in it of sundry sorts,
+and the most of it differing from the fresh water fish of <i>Spain</i>, as
+hereafter shall be showed.<a name="page_169" id="page_169"></a></p>
+
+<p>Having passed <i>Rio Grande</i>, the Governor traveled a league and
+a half, and came to a great town of <i>Aquixo</i>, which was dispeopled
+before he came thither. They espied thirty Indians coming over a plain,
+which the cacique sent to discover the Christians' determination; and
+as soon as they had sight of them, they took themselves to flight. The
+horsemen pursued them, and slew ten, and took fifteen. And because
+the town, whither the Governor went, was near unto the river, he sent
+a captain, with as many men as he thought sufficient, to carry the
+barges up the river. And because in his traveling by land many times
+he went far from the river to compass the creeks that came from it,
+the Indians took occasion to set upon them of the barges, and put them
+in great danger, because that by reason of the great current, they durst
+not leave the shore, and from the bank they shot at them. As soon
+as the Governor was come to the town, he presently sent crossbow-men
+down the river, which came to rescue them and upon the coming
+of the barges to the town, he commanded them to be broken, and to
+save the iron for others, when it should be needful. He lay there
+one night, and the day following he set forward to seek a province,
+called <i>Pacaha</i>, which he was informed to be near unto <i>Chisca</i>, where
+the Indians told him there was gold. He passed through great towns
+of <i>Aquixo</i>, which were all abandoned for fear of the Christians. He
+understood by certain Indians that were taken that three days' journey
+from thence dwelt a great cacique, whose name was <i>Casqui</i>. He
+came to a small river, where a bridge was made, by which they passed;
+that day till sunset, they went all in water, which in some places came
+to the waist, and in some to the knees. When they saw themselves
+on dry land, they were very glad, because they feared they should
+wander up and down as forlorn men all night in the water. At noon
+they came to the first town of <i>Casqui</i>: they found the Indians careless,
+because they had no knowledge of them. There were many men and
+women taken, and store of goods, as mantles and skins, as well in the
+first town, as in another, which stood in a field half a league from
+thence in sight of it; whither the horsemen ran. This country is
+higher, drier, and more champaign, than any part bordering near the
+river that until then they had seen. There were in the fields many
+walnut trees, bearing soft-shelled walnuts in the fashion like bullets,
+and in the houses they found many of them, which the Indians had
+laid up in store. The trees differed in nothing else from those of
+<i>Spain</i>, nor from those which we had seen before, but only that they
+have a smaller leaf. There were many mulberry trees and plum trees,<a name="page_170" id="page_170"></a>
+which bare red plums like those of <i>Spain</i>, and others gray, somewhat
+differing, but far better. And all the trees are all the year so fruitful,
+as if they were planted in orchards; and the woods were very thin.
+The Governor traveled two days through the country of <i>Casqui</i>, before
+he came to the town where the cacique was; and the most of the way
+was alway by champaign ground, which was full of great towns, so that
+from one town, you might see two or three. He sent an Indian to
+certify the cacique that he was coming to the place where he was,
+with intent to procure his friendship, and to hold him as his brother.
+Whereunto he answered, that he should be welcome, and that he
+would receive him with special good-will, and accomplish all that his
+lordship would command him. He sent him a present upon the way;
+to wit, skins, mantles, and fish: and after these compliments, the
+Governor found all the towns, as he passed, inhabited with people,
+which peaceably attended his coming, and offered him skins, mantles,
+and fish. The cacique, accompanied with many Indians, came out of
+the town, and stayed half a league on the way to receive the Governor,
+and when he came to him, he spake these words following:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Right high, right mighty, and renowned lord, your lordship is
+most heartily welcome. As soon as I had notice of your lordship, of
+your power, and your perfections, although you came into my country
+killing and taking captives the inhabitants thereof and my subjects,
+yet I determined to conform my will unto yours, and as your own to
+interpret in good part all that your lordship did: believing that it
+was convenient it should be so for some just respect, to prevent some
+future matter revealed unto your lordship, and concealed from me.
+For well may a mischief be permitted to avoid a greater, and that good
+may come thereof: which I believe will so fall out. For it is no
+reason to presume of so excellent a prince, that the nobleness of his
+heart, and the effect of his will would permit him to suffer any unjust
+thing. My ability is so small to serve you as your lordship deserveth,
+that if you respect not mine abundant good-will, which humbly offereth
+all kind of service, I deserve but little in your presence. But if it
+be reason that this be esteemed, receive the same, myself, my country,
+and subjects for yours, and dispose of me and them at your
+pleasure. For if I were lord of all the world, with the same good-will
+should your lordship by me be received, served and obeyed."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor answered him to the purpose, and satisfied him in
+few words. Within a while after both of them used words of great
+offers and courtesy the one to the other, and the cacique requested<a name="page_171" id="page_171"></a>
+him to lodge in his houses. The Governor, to preserve the peace the
+better, excused himself, saying that he would lodge in the fields. And
+because it was very hot, they camped near certain trees a quarter of a
+league from the town. The cacique went to his town, and came again
+with many Indians singing. As soon as they came to the Governor,
+all of them prostrated themselves upon the ground. Among these
+came two Indians that were blind. The cacique made a speech: to
+avoid tediousness, I will only tell in a few words the substance of the
+matter. He said, that seeing the Governor was the son of the Sun,
+and a great lord, he besought him to do him the favor to give sight to
+those two blind men. The blind men rose up presently, and very
+earnestly requested the same of the Governor. He answered, that in
+the high heavens was he that had power to give them health, and
+whatsoever they could ask of him; whose servant he was: and that
+this Lord made the heavens and the earth, and man after his own likeness,
+and that he suffered upon the cross to save mankind, and rose
+again the third day, and that he died as he was man, and as touching
+his divinity, he was, and is immortal; and that he ascended into
+heaven, where he standeth with his arms open to receive all such as
+turn unto him: and straightway he commanded him to make a very
+high cross of wood, which was set up in the highest place of the town;
+declaring unto him, that the Christians worshiped the same in resemblance
+and memory of that whereon Christ suffered. The Governor
+and his men kneeled down before it, and the Indians did the like.
+The Governor willed him, that from thenceforth he would worship the
+same, and should ask whatsoever they stood in need of, of that Lord
+that he told him was in heaven. Then he asked him how far it was
+from thence to <i>Pacaha</i>. He said, one day's journey, and that at the
+end of his country, there was a lake like a brook which falleth into
+<i>Rio Grande</i>, and that he would send men before to make a bridge
+whereby he might pass. The same day that the Governor departed
+thence, he lodged at a town belonging to <i>Casqui</i>; and the next day
+he passed in sight of other towns, and came to the lake, which was
+half a crossbow shot over, of a great depth and current. At the time
+of his coming, the Indians had made an end of the bridge, which was
+made of timber, laid one tree after another: and on one side it had a
+course of stakes higher than the bridge, for them that passed to take
+hold on. The Cacique of <i>Casqui</i> came to the Governor, and brought
+his people with him. The Governor sent word by an Indian to the
+Cacique of <i>Pacaha</i>, that though he were enemy to the Cacique of<a name="page_172" id="page_172"></a>
+<i>Casqui</i>, and though he were there, yet he would do him no disgrace
+nor hurt, if he would attend him peaceably, and embrace his friendship;
+but rather would intreat him as a brother. The Indian, which
+the Governor sent, came again, and said that the cacique made no
+account of that which he told him, but fled with all his men out at the
+other side of the town. Presently the Governor entered, and ran
+before with the horsemen, that way by which the Indians fled; and
+at another town, distant a quarter of a league from thence, they took
+many Indians; and as soon as the horsemen had taken them, they
+delivered them to the Indians of <i>Casqui</i>, whom, because they were
+their enemies, with much circumspection and rejoicing, they brought
+to the town where the Christians were: and the greatest grief they had
+was this, that they could not get leave to kill them. There were
+found in the town many mantles, and deer skins, lion skins, and bear
+skins, and many cat skins. Many came so far poorly appareled, and
+there they clothed themselves: of the mantles, they made them coats
+and cassocks, and some made gowns, and lined them with cat skins;
+and likewise their cassocks. Of the deer skins, some made them also
+jerkins, shirts, hose and shoes: and of the bear skins, they made them
+very good cloaks: for no water could pierce them. There were targets
+of raw ox hides found there; with which hides they armed their horses.</p>
+
+<p>Upon Wednesday, the 19th of June, 1541, the Governor entered
+into <i>Pacaha</i>. He lodged in the town, where the cacique used to reside,
+which was very great, walled, and beset with towers, and many
+loopholes were in the towers and wall. And in the town was great
+store of old maize, and great quantity of new in the fields. Within
+a league and half a league were great towns all walled. Where the
+Governor was lodged was a great lake, that came near unto the wall;
+and it entered into a ditch, that went round about the town, wanting
+but a little to environ it around. From the lake to the great river
+was made a wear by which the fish came into it; which the cacique
+kept for his recreation and sport. With nets that were found in the
+town, they took as much as they would; and took they never so
+much, there was no want perceived. There was also great store of
+fish in many other lakes that were thereabout, but it was soft, and not
+so good as that which came from the river, and the most of it was
+different from the fresh-water fish of <i>Spain</i>. There was a fish which
+they called bagres; the third part of it was head, and it had on both
+sides the gills, and along the sides great pricks like very sharp awls.
+Those of the kind that were in the lakes were as big as pikes; and in<a name="page_173" id="page_173"></a>
+the river there were some of an hundred, and of an hundred and fifty
+pounds weight, and many of them were taken with the hook. There
+was another fish like barbilles, and another like breams, headed like
+a delicate fish, called in <i>Spain</i> besugo, between red and gray. This
+was there of most esteem. There was another fish called peel fish;
+it had a snout of a cubit long, and at the end of the upper lip it was
+made like a peel. There was another fish called a western shad; and
+all of them had scales, except the bagres, and the peel fish. There was
+another fish which sometimes the Indians brought us, of the bigness
+of a hog; they called it the pereo fish; it had rows of teeth beneath
+and above. The Cacique of <i>Casqui</i> sent many times great
+presents of fish, mantles, and skins. He told the Governor that he
+would deliver the Cacique of <i>Pacaha</i> into his hands. He went to
+<i>Casqui</i>, and sent many canoes up the river, and came himself by land
+with many of his people. The Governor, with forty horsemen and
+sixty footmen, took him along with him up the river. And his Indians
+which were in the canoes, discovered where the Cacique of
+<i>Pacaha</i> was, in a little island, situated between two arms of the
+river. And five Christians entered into a canoe, wherein <i>Don Antonio
+Osorio</i> went before, to see what people the cacique had with him.
+There were in the isle five or six thousand souls. And as soon as
+they saw them, supposing that the Indians which were in the other
+canoes were also Christians, the cacique, and certain which were in
+three canoes, which they had there with them, fled in great haste to
+the other side of the river. The rest, with great fear and danger,
+leapt into the river, where many people were drowned, especially women
+and little children. Presently the Governor, who was on land,
+not knowing what had happened to <i>Don Antonio</i> and those that
+went with him, commanded the Christians with all speed to enter
+with the Indians of <i>Casqui</i> in the canoes, which were quickly with
+<i>Don Antonio</i> in the little island, where they took many men and
+women, and much goods. Great store of goods, which the Indians
+had laid upon hurdles of canes and rafts of timber to carry over to
+the other side, drove down the river, wherewith the Indians of <i>Casqui</i>
+filled their canoes; and for fear lest the Christians would take it from
+them, the cacique went home with them down the river, without
+taking his leave of the Governor; whereupon the Governor was highly
+offended with him, and presently returning to <i>Pacaha</i>, he overran
+the country of <i>Casqui</i> the space of two leagues, where he took twenty or
+thirty of his men. And because his horses were weary, and he wanted<a name="page_174" id="page_174"></a>
+time that day to go any farther, he returned to <i>Pacaha</i>, with determination
+within three or four days after to invade <i>Casqui</i>. And presently
+he let loose one of the Indians of <i>Pacaha</i>, and sent word by
+him to the cacique, that if he would have his friendship, he should
+repair unto him, and that both of them would make war upon <i>Casqui</i>.
+And presently came many Indians that belonged to <i>Pacaha</i>, and
+brought an Indian instead of the cacique, which was discovered by
+the cacique's brother, which was taken prisoner. The Governor
+wished the Indians that their master himself should come; for he
+knew very well that that was not he, and told them that they could
+do nothing which he knew not before they thought it. The next day
+the cacique came, accompanied with many Indians, and with a present
+of much fish, skins and mantles. He made a speech that all
+were glad to hear, and concluded saying, that though his lordship,
+without his giving occasion of offence had done him hurt in his
+country and subjects, yet he would not therefore refuse to be his, and
+that he would always be at his command. The Governor commanded
+his brother to be loosed, and other principal Indians that were taken
+prisoners. That day came an Indian from the Cacique of <i>Casqui</i>,
+and said that his lord would come the next day to excuse himself
+of the error which he had committed, in going away without license
+of the Governor. The Governor willed the messenger to signify unto
+him, that if he came not in his own person, he would seek him himself,
+and give him such punishment as he deserved. The next day
+with all speed came the Cacique of <i>Casqui</i>, and brought a present to
+the Governor of many mantles, skins, and fish, and gave him a
+daughter of his, saying that he greatly desired to match his blood
+with the blood of so great a lord as he was, and therefore he
+brought him his daughter, and desired him to take her to his
+wife. He made a long and discreet oration, giving him great
+commendations, and concluded, saying, that he should pardon his
+going away without license, for that cross's sake which he had left
+with him; protesting that he went away for shame of that which his
+men had done without his consent. The Governor answered him
+that he had chosen a good patron; and that if he had not come to
+excuse himself, he had determined to seek him, to burn his towns, to
+kill him and his people, and to destroy his country. To which he replied,
+saying:</p>
+
+<p>"My lord, I and mine are yours, and my country likewise is
+yours; therefore if you had done so, you should have destroyed<a name="page_175" id="page_175"></a>
+your own country, and have killed your own people; whatsoever shall
+come unto me from your hand, I will receive as from my lord, as well
+punishment as reward; and know you, that the favor which you did
+me in leaving me the cross, I do acknowledge the same to be a very
+great one, and greater than I have ever deserved. For you shall understand,
+that with great droughts the fields of maize of my country
+were withered; and as soon as I and my people kneeled before the
+cross, and prayed for rain, presently our necessities were relieved."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor made him and the Cacique of <i>Pacaha</i> friends; and
+set them with him at his table to dine with him; and the caciques fell
+at variance about the seats, which of them should sit on his right hand.
+The Governor pacified them; telling them that among the Christians
+all was one to sit on the one side, or on the other, willing them so to
+behave themselves, seeing they were with him, that nobody might
+hear them, and that every one should sit in the place that first he
+lighted on. From thence he sent thirty horsemen and fifty footmen
+to the province of <i>Caluça</i>, to see if from thence he might travel to
+<i>Chisca</i>, where the Indians said there was a work of gold and copper.
+They traveled seven days' journey, through a desert, and returned
+very weary, eating green plums, and stalks of maize, which they
+found in a poor town of six or seven houses. From thenceforward
+towards the north, the Indians said that the country was very ill inhabited,
+because it was very cold; and that there was such store of
+oxen, that they could keep no corn for them; and that the Indians
+lived upon their flesh. The Governor, seeing that toward that part
+the country was so poor of maize that in it they could not be sustained,
+demanded of the Indians which way it was most inhabited;
+and they said, they had notice of a great province, and a very plentiful
+country, which was called <i>Quigaute</i>, and that it was toward the
+south.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor rested in <i>Pacaha</i> forty days; in all which time the
+two caciques served him with great store of fish, mantles, and skins,
+and strove who should do him greatest service. At the time of his
+departure the Cacique of <i>Pacaha</i> gave him two of his sisters, saying
+that in sign of love that he might remember him, he should take
+them for his wives: the one's name was <i>Macanoche</i>, and the other's
+<i>Mochila</i>: they were well proportioned, tall of body, and well fleshed.
+<i>Macanoche</i> was of a good countenance, and in her shape and physiognomy
+looked like a lady; the other was strongly made. The Cacique
+of <i>Casqui</i> commanded the bridge to be repaired, and the Governor<a name="page_176" id="page_176"></a>
+returned through his country, and lodged in the field near his
+town, whither he came with great store of fish, and two women, which
+he exchanged with two Christians for two shirts. He gave us a
+guide and men for carriages. The Governor lodged at a town of his,
+and the next day at another near a river, whither he caused canoes
+to be brought for him to pass over, and with his leave returned. The
+Governor took his journey toward <i>Quigaute</i>. The fourth day of
+August he came to the town, where the cacique used to keep his residence:
+on the way he sent him a present of many mantles and
+skins, and not daring to stay for him in the town, he absented himself.
+The town was the greatest that was seen in Florida. The
+Governor and his people lodged in the one-half of it; and within
+few days, seeing the Indians became liars, he commanded the other
+half to be burned, because it should not be a shelter for them, if
+they came to assault him by night, nor a hinderance to his horsemen
+for the resisting of them. There came an Indian very well accompanied
+with many Indians, saying that he was the cacique. He
+delivered him over to the men of his guard to look unto him. There
+went and came many Indians, and brought mantles and skins. The
+counterfeit cacique, seeing so little opportunity to execute his evil
+thought, as he went one day abroad talking with the Governor, he
+showed him such a pair of heels, that there was no Christian that
+could overtake him, and he leaped into the river, which was a crossbow
+shot from the town: and as soon as he was on the other side,
+many Indians that were thereabout making a great cry began to shoot.
+The Governor passed presently over to them with horsemen and footmen,
+but they durst not tarry for him. Going forward on his way,
+he came to a town where the people were fled, and a little further to
+a lake, where the horses could not pass, and on the other side were
+many women. The footmen passed, and took many of them, and
+much spoil. The Governor came to the camp, and that night was a
+spy of the Indians taken by them of the watch. The Governor asked
+him, whether he would bring him where the cacique was? he said
+he would. And he went presently to seek him, with twenty horsemen
+and fifty footmen; and after he had sought him a day and a
+half, he found him in a strong wood: and a soldier, not knowing him,
+gave him a wound on the head; and he cried out, that he should not
+kill him, saying that he was the cacique; so he was taken, and a
+hundred and forty of his men with him. The Governor came again
+to <i>Quigaute</i>, and willed him to cause his men to come to serve the<a name="page_177" id="page_177"></a>
+Christians; and staying some days for their coming, and seeing
+they came not, he sent two captains, every one his way on both
+sides of the river with horsemen and footmen. They took many men
+and women. Now seeing the hurt which they sustained for their
+rebellion, they came to see what the Governor would command them,
+and passed to and fro many times, and brought presents of cloth and
+fish. The cacique and his two wives were in the lodging of the Governor
+loose, and the halberdiers of his guard did keep them. The
+Governor asked them which way the country was most inhabited?
+They said, that toward the south down the river, were great towns
+and caciques, which commanded great countries, and much people.
+And that toward the north-west, there was a province near to certain
+mountains, that was called <i>Coligoa</i>. The Governor and all the rest
+thought good to go first to <i>Coligoa</i>: saying, that peradventure the
+mountains would make some difference of soil, and that beyond them
+there might be some gold or silver. As for <i>Quigaute</i>, <i>Casqui</i>, and
+<i>Pacaha</i>, they were plain countries, fat grounds, and full of good
+meadows on the rivers, where the Indians sowed large fields of maize.
+From <i>Tascaluca</i> to <i>Rio Grande</i>, or the Great River, is about three
+hundred leagues: it is a very low country, and hath many lakes.
+From <i>Pacaha</i> to <i>Quigaute</i> may be an hundred leagues. The Governor
+left the Cacique of <i>Quigaute</i> in his own town. And an Indian,
+which was his guide, led him through great woods without any
+way, seven days' journey through a desert, where, at every lodging,
+they lodged in lakes and pools in very shoal water; there was such
+store of fish, that they killed them with cudgels; and the Indians
+which they carried in chains, with the mud troubled the waters, and
+the fish being therewith, as it were, astonished, came to the top of the
+water, and they took as much as they listed. The Indians of <i>Coligoa</i>
+had no knowledge of the Christians, and when they came so near the
+town that the Indians saw them, they fled up a river which passed
+near the town, and some leaped into it; but the Christians went on
+both sides of the river, and took them. There were many men and
+women taken, and the cacique with them. And by his commandment
+within three days came many Indians with a present of mantles and
+deers' skins, and two ox hides: and they reported, that five or six
+leagues from thence toward the north, there were many of these oxen,
+and that because the country was cold, it was evil inhabited; that
+the best country which they knew, the most plentiful, and most inhabited,
+was a province called <i>Cayas</i>, lying toward the south. From<a name="page_178" id="page_178"></a>
+<i>Quigaute</i> to <i>Coligoa</i> may be forty leagues. This town of <i>Coligoa</i>
+stood at the foot of a hill, on the bank of a mean river, of the bigness
+of <i>Cayas</i>, the river that passeth by <i>Estremadura</i>. It was a fat
+soil and so plentiful of maize, that they cast out the old, to bring in
+the new. There was also great plenty of French beans and pompions.
+The French beans were greater, and better than those of <i>Spain</i>, and
+likewise the pompions, and being roasted, they have almost the
+taste of chestnuts. The Cacique of <i>Coligoa</i> gave a guide to <i>Cayas</i>,
+and stayed behind in his own town. We traveled five days, and
+came to the province of <i>Palisema</i>. The house of the cacique was
+found covered with deers' skins, of divers colors and works drawn in
+them, and with the same in manner of carpets was the ground of the
+house covered. The cacique left it so, that the Governor might lodge in
+it, in token that he sought peace and his friendship. But he durst not
+tarry his coming. The Governor, seeing he had absented himself,
+sent a captain with horsemen and footmen to seek him. He found
+much people, but by reason of the roughness of the country, he took
+none save a few women and children. The town was little and scattering,
+and had very little maize. For which cause the Governor
+speedily departed from thence. He came to another town called
+<i>Tatalicoya</i>; he carried with him the cacique thereof, which guided
+him to <i>Cayas</i>. From <i>Tatalicoya</i> are four days' journey to <i>Cayas</i>.
+When he came to <i>Cayas</i>, and saw the town scattered, he thought
+they had told him a lie, and that it was not the province of <i>Cayas</i>,
+because they had informed him that it was well inhabited. He
+threatened the cacique, charging him to tell him where he was: and
+he and other Indians which were taken near about that place, affirmed
+that this was the town of <i>Cayas</i>, and the best that was in that country,
+and that though the houses were distant the one from the other,
+yet the ground that was inhabited was great, and that there was great
+store of people, and many fields of maize. This town was called
+<i>Tanico</i>; he pitched his camp in the best part of it, near unto a river.
+The same day that the Governor came thither, he went a league farther
+with certain horsemen, and without finding any people, he found
+many skins in a pathway, which the cacique had left there, that they
+might be found, in token of peace. For so is the custom in that
+country.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor rested a month in the province of <i>Cayas</i>. In which
+time the horses fattened and thrived more, than in other places in a
+longer time, with the great plenty of maize and the leaves thereof,<a name="page_179" id="page_179"></a>
+which I think was the best that has been seen, and they drank of a
+lake of very hot water, and somewhat brackish, and they drank so
+much, that it swelled in their bellies when they brought them from
+the watering. Until that time the Christians wanted salt, and there
+they made good store, which they carried along with them. The
+Indians do carry it to other places to exchange it for skins and mantles.
+They make it along the river, which when it ebbeth, leaveth it upon
+the upper part of the sand. And because they cannot make it, without
+much sand mingled with it, they throw it into certain baskets
+which they have for that purpose, broad at the mouth and narrow at
+the bottom, and set it in the air upon a bar, and throw water into it,
+and set a small vessel under it, wherein it falleth: Being strained and
+set to boil upon the fire, when the water is sodden away, the salt
+remaineth in the bottom of the pan. On both sides of the river the
+country was full of sown fields, and there was store of maize. The
+Indians durst not come over where we were; and when some of them
+showed themselves, the soldiers that saw them called unto them; then
+the Indians passed the river, and came with them where the Governor
+was. He asked them for the cacique. They said that he remained quiet,
+but that he durst not show himself. The Governor presently sent
+him word, that he should come unto him, and bring him a guide and
+an interpreter for his journey, if he made account of his friendship:
+and if he did not so, he would come himself to seek him, and that it
+would be the worse for him. He waited three days, and seeing he
+came not, he went to seek him, and brought him prisoner with 150 of
+his men. He asked him, whether he had notice of any great cacique,
+and which way the country was best inhabited. He answered, that
+the best country thereabout was a province toward the south, a day
+and a half's journey, which was called <i>Tulla</i>; and that he could give
+him a guide, but no interpreter, because the speech of that country
+was different from his, and because he and his ancestors had always
+wars with the lords of that province; therefore they had no commerce,
+nor understood one another's language. Immediately the Governor
+with certain horsemen, and fifty footmen, departed towards <i>Tulla</i>, to
+see if the country were such, as he might pass through it with all his
+company: and as soon as he arrived there, and was espied of the
+Indians, the country gathered together, and as soon as fifteen and twenty
+Indians could assemble themselves, they set upon the Christians: and
+seeing that they did handle them shrewdly, and that the horsemen
+overtook them when they fled, they got up into the tops of their houses,<a name="page_180" id="page_180"></a>
+and sought to defend themselves with their arrows: and being beaten
+down from one, they got up upon another. And while our men pursued
+some, others set upon them another way. Thus the skirmish
+lasted so long, that the horses were tired, and they could not make
+them run. The Indians killed there one horse, and some were hurt.
+There were fifteen Indians slain there, and forty women and boys were
+taken prisoners. For whatsoever Indian did shoot at them, if they
+could come by him, they put him to the sword. The Governor
+determined to return toward <i>Cayas</i>, before the Indians had time to
+gather a head; and presently that evening, going part of the night to
+leave <i>Tulla</i>, he lodged by the way, and the next day came to <i>Cayas</i>:
+and within three days after he departed thence towards <i>Tulla</i> with all
+his company. He carried the cacique along with him, and among all
+his men, there was not one found that could understand the speech of
+<i>Tulla</i>. He stayed three days by the way, and the day that he came
+thither, he found the town abandoned: for the Indians durst not tarry
+his coming. But as soon as they knew that the Governor was in
+<i>Tulla</i>, the first night about the morning watch, they came in two
+squadrons two several ways, with their bows and arrows, and long
+staves like pikes. As soon as they were descried, both horse and foot
+sallied out upon them, where many of the Indians were slain: and
+some Christians and horses were hurt. Some of the Indians were
+taken prisoners, whereof the Governor sent six to the cacique, with
+their right hands and noses cut off: and sent him word, that if he
+came not to him to excuse and submit himself, that he would come to
+seek him, and that he would do the like to him, and as many of his
+as he could find, as he had done to those which he had sent him: and
+gave him three days' respite for to come. And this he gave them to
+understand by signs, as well as he could, for there was no interpreter.
+At the three days' end, there came an Indian laden with ox hides.
+He came weeping with great sobs, and coming to the Governor cast
+himself down at his feet. He took him up, and he made a speech, but
+there was none that understood him. The Governor by signs commanded
+him to return to the cacique, and to will him to send him an
+interpreter, which could understand the men of <i>Cayas</i>. The next
+day came three Indians laden with ox hides: and within three days
+after came 20 Indians, and among them one that understood them of
+<i>Cayas</i>; who, after a long oration of excuses of the cacique, and praises
+of the Governor, concluded with this, that he and the other were come
+thither on the cacique's behalf, to see what his lordship would command<a name="page_181" id="page_181"></a>
+him to do, for he was ready at his commandment. The Governor
+and all his company were very glad. For in nowise could they travel
+without an interpreter. The Governor commanded him to be kept
+safe, and bade him tell the men that came with him, that they should
+return to the cacique, and signify unto him, that he pardoned him for
+that which was past, and thanked him much for his presents and
+interpreter, which he had sent him, and that he would be glad to see
+him, and that he should come the next day to talk with him. After
+three days, the cacique came, and eighty Indians with him; and himself
+and his men came weeping into the camp, in token of obedience and
+repentance for the error passed, after the manner of that country.
+He brought a present of many ox hides: which, because the country
+was cold, were very profitable, and served for coverlets, because they
+were very soft, and wooled like sheep. Not far from thence toward
+the north were many oxen. The Christians saw them not, nor came
+into the country where they were, because those parts were evil inhabited,
+and had small store of maize where they were bred. The Cacique of
+<i>Tulla</i> made an oration to the Governor, wherein he excused himself, and
+offered him his country, subjects, and person. As well this cacique
+as the others, and all those which came to the Governor on their
+behalf, delivered their message or speech in so good order, that no
+orator could utter the same more eloquently.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor informed himself of all the country round about; and
+understood, that toward the west was a scattered dwelling, and that
+toward the southeast were great towns, especially in a province called
+<i>Autiamque</i>, ten days' journey from <i>Tulla</i>; which might be about eighty
+leagues; and that it was a plentiful country of maize. And because
+winter came on, and that they could not travel two or three months
+in the year for cold, waters, and snow: and fearing, that if they should
+stay so long in the scattered dwelling, they could not be sustained;
+and also because the Indians said, that near to <i>Autiamque</i> was a great
+water, and according to their relation, the Governor thought it was
+some arm of the sea: and because he now desired to send news of
+himself to <i>Cuba</i>, that some supply of men and horses might be sent
+unto him (for it was about three years since <i>Donna Isabella</i>, which
+was in <i>Havana</i>, or any other person in Christendom had heard of him,
+and by this time he had lost 250 men, and 150 horses), he determined
+to winter in <i>Autiamque</i>, and the next spring to go to the sea coast and
+make two brigantines, and send one of them to <i>Cuba</i>, and the other
+to <i>Nueva Espanna</i>, that that which went in safety, might give news<a name="page_182" id="page_182"></a>
+of him: hoping with the goods which he had in <i>Cuba</i>, to furnish himself
+again, and to attempt the discovery and conquest toward the west:
+for he had not yet come where <i>Cabeça de Vaca</i> had been. Thus
+having sent away the two caciques of <i>Cayas</i> and <i>Tulla</i>, he took his
+journey toward <i>Autiamque</i>: he traveled five days over rough mountains,
+and came to a town called <i>Quipana</i>, where no Indians could be
+taken for the roughness of the country: and the town being between
+hills, there was an ambush laid, wherewith they took two Indians;
+which told them, that <i>Autiamque</i> was six days' journey from thence,
+and that there was another province toward the south, eight days'
+journey off, plentiful of maize, and very well peopled, which was called
+<i>Guahate</i>. But because <i>Autiamque</i> was nearer, and the most of the
+Indians agreed of it, the Governor made his journey that way. In
+three days he came to a town called <i>Anoixi</i>. He sent a captain before
+with thirty horsemen and fifty footmen, and took the Indians careless;
+he took many men and women prisoners. Within two days after the
+Governor came to another town called <i>Catamaya</i>, and lodged in the
+fields of the town. Two Indians came with a false message from the
+cacique to know his determination. He bade them tell their lord, that
+he should come and speak with him. The Indians returned and came
+no more, nor any other message from the cacique. The next day the
+Christians went to the town, which was without people: they took as
+much maize as they needed. That day they lodged in a wood, and
+the next day they came to <i>Autiamque</i>. They found much maize laid
+up in store, and French beans, and walnuts, and prunes, great store
+of all sorts. They took some Indians which were gathering together
+the stuff which their wives had hidden. This was a champaign country,
+and well inhabited. The Governor lodged in the best part of the
+town, and commanded presently to make a fence of timber round about
+the camp distant from the houses, that the Indians might not hurt
+them without by fire. And measuring the ground by paces, he
+appointed every one his part to do according to the number of Indians
+which he had: presently the timber was brought by them; and in
+three days there was an inclosure made of very high and thick posts
+thrust into the ground, and many rails laid across. Hard by this
+town passed a river, that came out of the province of <i>Cayas</i>; and
+above and beneath it was very well peopled. Thither came Indians
+on the cacique's behalf with a present of mantles and skins; and an
+halting cacique, subject to the lord of <i>Autiamque</i>, lord of a town called
+<i>Tietiquaquo</i>, came many times to visit the Governor, and to bring him<a name="page_183" id="page_183"></a>
+presents of such as he had. The Cacique of <i>Autiamque</i> sent to know
+of the Governor, how long time he meant to stay in his country?
+And understanding that he meant to stay about three days, he never
+sent any more Indians, nor any other message, but conspired with the
+lame cacique to rebel. Divers inroads were made, wherein there were
+many men and women taken, and the lame cacique among the rest.
+The Governor respecting the services which he had received of him,
+reprehended and admonished him, and set him at liberty, and gave
+him two Indians to carry him in a chair upon their shoulders. The
+Cacique of <i>Autiamque</i> desiring to thrust the Governor out of his country,
+set spies over him. And an Indian coming one night to the gate of
+the inclosure, a soldier that watched espied him, and stepping behind
+the gate, as he came in, he gave him such a thrust, that he fell down;
+and so he carried him to the Governor: and as he asked him wherefore
+he came, not being able to speak, he fell down dead. The night
+following the Governor commanded a soldier to give the alarm, and
+to say that he had seen Indians, to see how ready they would be to
+answer the alarm. And he did so sometimes as well there, as in other
+places, when he thought that his men were careless, and reprehended
+such as were slack. And as well for this cause, as in regard of doing
+their duty, when the alarm was given, every one sought to be the
+first that should answer. They staid in <i>Autiamque</i> three months, with
+great plenty of maize, French beans, walnuts, prunes, and conies:
+which until that time they knew not how to catch. And in <i>Autiamque</i>
+the Indians taught them how to take them; which was, with great
+springs, which lifted up their feet from the ground: and the snare
+was made with a strong string, whereunto was fastened a knot of
+a cane, which ran close about the neck of the cony, because they
+should not gnaw the string. They took many in the fields of maize,
+especially when it froze or snowed. The Christians
+stayed there one
+whole month so inclosed with snow, that they went not out of the
+town: and when they wanted firewood, the Governor with his horsemen
+going and coming many times to the wood, which was two crossbow
+shots from the town, made a pathway, whereby the footmen went
+for wood. In this mean space, some Indians which went loose, killed
+many conies with their gyves, and with arrows. These conies were
+of two sorts, some were like those of <i>Spain</i>, and the other of the
+same color and fashion, and as big as great hares, longer, and having
+greater loins.</p>
+
+<p>Upon Monday the 6th of March, 1542, the Governor departed from<a name="page_184" id="page_184"></a>
+<i>Autiamque</i> to seek <i>Nilco</i>, which the Indians said was near the great
+river, with determination to come to the sea, and procure some succor
+of men and horses; for he had now but three hundred men of war,
+and forty horses, and some of them lame, which did nothing but help
+to make up the number; and for want of iron they had gone above a
+year unshod; and because they were used to it in the plain country,
+it did them no great harm. <i>John Ortiz</i> died in <i>Autiamque</i>, which
+grieved the Governor very much; because that without an interpreter
+he feared to enter far into the land, where he might be lost. From
+thenceforward a youth that was taken in <i>Cutifachiqui</i> did serve for
+interpreter, which had by that time learned somewhat of the Christians'
+language. The death of <i>John Ortiz</i> was so great a mischief
+for the discovering inward, or going out of the land, that to learn of
+the Indians, that which in four words he declared, they needed a
+whole day with the youth; and most commonly he understood quite
+contrary that which was asked him; whereby it often happened that
+the way that they went one day, and sometimes two or three days,
+they turned back, and went astray through the wood here and there.
+The Governor spent ten days in traveling from <i>Autiamque</i> to a province
+called <i>Ayays</i>; and came to a town that stood near the river
+that passeth by <i>Cayas</i> and <i>Autiamque</i>. There he commanded a
+barge to be made, wherewith he passed the river. When he had
+passed the river there fell out such weather, that four days he could
+not travel for snow. As soon as it gave over snowing, he went three
+days' journey through a wilderness, and a country so low, and so full
+of lakes and evil ways, that he traveled a whole day in water, sometimes
+knee deep, sometimes to the stirrup, and sometimes they swam.
+He came to a town called <i>Tutelpinco</i>, abandoned, and without maize.
+There passed by it a lake, that entered into the river, which carried a
+great stream and force of water. Five Christians passing over it in a
+periagua, which the Governor had sent with a captain, the periagua
+overset. Some took hold on it, some on the trees that were in the
+lake. One <i>Francis Sebastian</i>, an honest man of <i>Villa nova de Barca
+Rota</i>, was drowned there. The Governor went a whole day along the
+lake, seeking passage, and could find none, nor any way that did pass
+to the other side. Coming again at night to the town he found two
+peaceable Indians, which showed him the passage, and which way he
+was to go. There they made of canes and of the timber of houses
+thatched with cane, rafts, wherewith they passed the lake. They
+traveled three days, and came to a town of the territory of <i>Nilco</i>,<a name="page_185" id="page_185"></a>
+called <i>Tianto</i>. There they took thirty Indians, and among them two
+principal men of this town. The Governor sent a captain, with horsemen
+and footmen, before to <i>Nilco</i>, because the Indians might have no
+time to carry away the provision. They passed through three or four
+great towns; and in the town where the cacique was resident, which was
+two leagues from the place where the Governor remained, they found
+many Indians with their bows and arrows, in manner as though they
+would have stayed to fight, which did compass the town; and as soon
+as they saw the Christians come near them, without misdoubting
+them, they set the cacique's house on fire, and fled over a lake that
+passed near the town, through which the horses could not pass. The
+next day being Wednesday, the 29th of March, the Governor came
+to <i>Nilco</i>; he lodged with all his men in the cacique's town, which
+stood in a plain field, which was inhabited for the space of a quarter
+of a league: and within a league and half a league were other very
+great towns, wherein was great store of maize, of French beans, of
+walnuts, and prunes. This was the best inhabited country that was
+seen in <i>Florida</i>, and had most store of maize, except <i>Coça</i> and <i>Apalache</i>.
+There came to the camp an Indian accompanied with others,
+and in the cacique's name gave the Governor a mantle of martens'
+skins, and a cordon of pearls. The Governor gave him a few small
+margarites, which are certain beads much esteemed in <i>Peru</i>, and other
+things, wherewith he was very well contented. He promised to return
+within two days, but never came again: but on the contrary the
+Indians came by night in canoes, and carried away all the maize they
+could, and made them cabins on the other side of the river in the
+thickest of the wood, because they might flee if we should go to seek
+them. The Governor, seeing he came not at the time appointed, commanded
+an ambush to be laid about certain store-houses near the
+lake, whither the Indians came for maize: where they took two Indians,
+who told the Governor, that he which came to visit him, was
+not the cacique, but was sent by him under pretence to spy whether
+the Christians were careless, and whether they determined to settle
+in that country or to go forward. Presently the Governor sent a captain
+with footmen and horsemen over the river; and in their passage they
+were descried of the Indians, and therefore he could take but ten or
+twelve men and women, with whom he returned to the camp. This
+river, which passed by <i>Nilco</i>, was that which passed by <i>Cayas</i> and
+<i>Autiamque</i>, and fell into <i>Rio Grande</i>, or the Great River, which
+passed by <i>Pachaha</i> and <i>Aquixo</i> near unto the province of <i>Guachoya</i>:
+and the lord thereof came up the river in canoes to make war with<a name="page_186" id="page_186"></a>
+him of <i>Nilco</i>. On his behalf there came an Indian to the Governor
+and said unto him, that he was his servant, and prayed him so to
+hold him, and that within two days he would come to kiss his lordship's
+hands: and at the time appointed he came with some of his
+principal Indians, which accompanied him, and with words of great
+offers and courtesy he gave the Governor a present of many mantles
+and deers' skins. The Governor gave him some other things in recompense,
+and honored him much. He asked him what towns there
+were down the river? He answered that he knew none other but his
+own: and on the other side of the river the province of a cacique called
+<i>Quigalta</i>. So he took his leave of the Governor and went to his own
+town. Within a few days the Governor determined to go to <i>Guachoya</i>,
+to learn there whether the sea were near, or whether there were any
+habitation near, where he might relieve his company, while the
+brigantines were making, which he meant to send to the land of the
+Christians. As he passed the river of <i>Nilco</i>, there came in canoes
+Indians of <i>Guachoya</i> up the stream, and when they saw him, supposing
+that he came to seek them to do them some hurt, they returned
+down the river, and informed the cacique thereof: who with
+all his people, spoiling the town of all that they could carry away,
+passed that night over to the other side of the <i>Rio Grande</i>, or the
+Great River. The Governor sent a captain with fifty men in six
+canoes down the river, and went himself by land with the rest: he
+came to <i>Guachoya</i> upon Sunday, the 17th of April: he lodged
+in the town of the cacique, which was enclosed about, and seated a
+crossbow shot distant from the river. Here the river is called <i>Tamaliseu</i>,
+and in <i>Nilco Tapatu</i>, and in <i>Coça Mico</i>, and in the port or
+mouth <i>Ri</i>.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as the Governor came to <i>Guachoya</i>, he sent <i>John Danusco</i>
+with as many men as could go in the canoes up the river. For when
+they came down from <i>Nilco</i>, they saw on the other side of the river
+new cabins made. <i>John Danusco</i> went and brought the canoes laden
+with maize, French beans, prunes, and many loaves made of the substance
+of prunes. That day came an Indian to the Governor from
+the Cacique of <i>Guachoya</i>, and said that his lord would come the next
+day. They next day they saw many canoes come up the river, and
+on the other side of the Great River they assembled together in the
+space of an hour: they consulted whether they should come or not;
+and at length concluded to come, and crossed the river. In them
+came the Cacique of <i>Guachoya</i>, and brought with him many Indians,
+with great store of fish, dogs, deers' skins, and mantles: and as soon as<a name="page_187" id="page_187"></a>
+they landed, they went to the lodging of the Governor, and presented
+him their gifts, and the cacique uttered these words:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mighty and excellent lord, I beseech your lordship to pardon me
+the error which I committed in absenting myself, and not tarrying in
+this town to have received and served your lordship; since, to obtain
+this opportunity of time, was, and is as much as a great victory to me.
+But I feared that which I needed not to have feared, and so did that
+which was not reason to do. But as haste maketh waste, and I removed
+without deliberation; so, as soon as I thought on it, I determined
+not to follow the opinion of the foolish, which is to continue in
+their error; but to imitate the wise and discreet, in changing my counsel,
+and so I came to see what your lordship will command me to do,
+that I may serve you in all things that are in my power."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor received him with much joy, and gave him thanks
+for his present and offer. He asked him, whether he had any notice
+of the sea. He answered no, nor of any towns down the river on
+that side; save that two leagues from thence was one town of a principal
+Indian, a subject of his; and on the other side of the river, three
+days' journey from thence down the river, was the province of <i>Quigalta</i>,
+which was the greatest lord that was in that country! The
+Governor thought that the cacique lied unto him, to rid him out of
+his own towns, and sent <i>John Danusco</i> with eight horsemen down the
+river, to see what habitation there was, and to inform himself, if there
+were any notice of the sea. He traveled eight days, and at his return
+he said, that in all that time he was not able to go above fourteen
+or fifteen leagues, because of the great creeks that came out of the
+river, and groves of canes, and thick woods that were along the banks
+of the river, and that he had found no habitation. The Governor
+fell into great dumps to see how hard it was to get to the sea; and
+worse, because his men and horses every day diminished, being without
+succor to sustain themselves in the country: and with that thought
+he fell sick. But before he took his bed he sent an Indian to the
+Cacique of <i>Quigalta</i> to tell him, that he was the child of the sun, and
+that all the way that he came all men obeyed and served him, that
+he requested him to accept of his friendship, and come unto him; for
+he would be very glad to see him; and in sign of love and obedience
+to bring something with him of that which in his country was most
+esteemed. The cacique answered by the same Indian:</p>
+
+<p>"That whereas he said he was the child of the sun, if he would
+dry up the river he would believe him: and touching the rest, that he<a name="page_188" id="page_188"></a>
+was wont to visit none; but rather that all those of whom he had
+notice did visit him, served, obeyed, and paid him tributes willingly
+or perforce: therefore, if he desired to see him, it were best he should
+come thither: that if he came in peace, he would receive him with
+special good will; and if in war, in like manner he would attend him
+in the town where he was, and that for him or any other he would
+not shrink one foot back."</p>
+
+<p>By that time the Indian returned with this answer, the Governor
+had betaken himself to bed, being evil handled with fevers, and was
+much aggrieved that he was not in case to pass presently the river
+and to seek him, to see if he could abate that pride of his, considering
+the river went now very strongly in those parts; for it was near
+half a league broad, and sixteen fathoms deep, and very furious, and
+ran with a great current; and on both sides there were many Indians,
+and his power was not now so great, but that he had need to help
+himself rather by slights than by force. The Indians of <i>Guachoya</i>
+came every day with fish in such numbers, that the town was full of
+them. The cacique said, that on a certain night he of <i>Quigalta</i>
+would come to give battle to the Governor. Which the Governor
+imagined that he had devised, to drive him out of his country, and
+commanded him to be put in hold: and that night and all the rest,
+there was good watch kept. He asked him wherefore <i>Quigalta</i> came
+not? He said that he came, but that he saw him prepared, and
+therefore durst not give the attempt: and he was earnest with him to
+send his captains over the river, and that he would aid him with many
+men to set upon <i>Quigalta</i>. The Governor told him that as soon as
+he was recovered, himself would seek him out. And seeing how
+many Indians came daily to the town, and what store of people was
+in that country, fearing they should all conspire together and plot
+some treason against him; and because the town had some open gaps
+which were not made an end of inclosing, besides the gates which they
+went in and out by: because the Indians should not think he feared
+them, he let them all alone unrepaired; and commanded the horsemen
+to be appointed to them, and to the gates: and all night the
+horsemen went the round; and two and two of every squadron rode
+about, and visited the scouts that were without the town in their standings
+by the passages, and the crossbow-men that kept the canoes in
+the river. And because the Indians should stand in fear of them, he
+determined to send a captain to <i>Nilco</i>, for those of <i>Guachoya</i> had
+told him that it was inhabited; that by using them cruelly, neither<a name="page_189" id="page_189"></a>
+the one nor the other should presume to assail him; and he sent
+<i>Nuñez de Touar</i> with fifteen horsemen, and <i>John de Guzman</i> captain
+of the footmen, with his company in canoes up the river. The
+Cacique of <i>Guachoya</i> sent for many canoes and many warlike Indians
+to go with the Christians: and the captain of the Christians, called
+<i>Nuñez de Touar</i> went by land with his horsemen, and two leagues
+before he came to <i>Nilco</i> he stayed for <i>John de Guzman</i>, and in that
+place they passed the river by night: the horsemen came first, and in
+the morning by break of day in sight of the town they lighted upon a
+spy; which as soon as he perceived the Christians, crying out amain
+fled to the town to give warning. <i>Nuñez de Touar</i> and his company
+made such speed, that before the Indians of the town could fully
+come out, they were upon them: it was champaign ground that was
+inhabited, which was about a quarter of a league. There were about
+five or six thousand people in the town: and, as many people came
+out of the houses, and fled from one house to another, and many Indians
+came flocking together from all parts, there was never a horseman
+that was not alone among many. The captain had commanded
+that they should not spare the life of any male. Their disorder was
+so great, that there was no Indian that shot an arrow at any Christian.
+The shrieks of women and children were so great, that they made the
+ears deaf of those that followed them. There were slain a hundred
+Indians, little more or less: and many were wounded with great
+wounds, whom they suffered to escape to strike a terror in the rest
+that were not there. There were some so cruel and butcherlike, that
+they killed old and young, and all that they met, though they made
+no resistance: and those which presumed of themselves for their valor,
+and were taken for such, broke through the Indians, bearing down
+many with their stirrups and breasts of their horses; and some they
+wounded with their lances, and so let them go: and when they saw
+any youth or woman they took them, and delivered them to the footmen.
+These men's sins by God's permission, lighted on their own
+heads: who, because they would seem valiant, became cruel; showing
+themselves extreme cowards in the sight of all men when as most
+need of valor was required, and afterwards they came to a shameful
+death. Of the Indians of <i>Nilco</i> were taken prisoners, fourscore women
+and children, and much spoil. The Indians of <i>Guachoya</i> kept back
+before they came at the town, and stayed without, beholding the success
+of the Christians with the men of <i>Nilco</i>. And when they saw
+them put to flight, and the horsemen busy in killing of them, they<a name="page_190" id="page_190"></a>
+hastened to the houses to rob, and filled their canoes with the spoil
+of the goods; and returned to <i>Guachoya</i> before the Christians; and
+wondering much at the sharp dealing which they had seen them use
+toward the Indians of <i>Nilco</i>, they told their cacique all that had passed
+with great astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor felt in himself that the hour approached wherein he
+was to leave this present life, and called for the king's officers, captains,
+and principal persons, to whom he made a speech, saying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"That now he was to go to give an account before the presence of
+God of all his life past: and since it pleased him to take him in such
+a time, and that the time was come that he knew his death, that he
+his most unworthy servant did yield him many thanks therefor; and
+desired all that were present and absent (whom he confessed himself
+to be much beholding unto for their singular virtues, love and loyalty,
+which himself had well tried in the travels which they had suffered,
+which always in his mind he did hope to satisfy and reward, when it
+should please God to give him rest, with more prosperity of his estate),
+that they would pray to God for him, that for his mercy he would
+forgive him his sins, and receive his soul into eternal glory: and that
+they would quit and free him of the charge which he had over them, and
+ought unto them all, and that they would pardon him for some wrongs
+which they might have received of him. And to avoid some division,
+which upon his death might fall out upon the choice of his successor,
+he requested them to elect a principal person, and able to govern, of
+whom all should like well; and when he was elected, they should
+swear before him to obey him: and that he would thank them very
+much in so doing; because the grief that he had, would somewhat be
+assuaged, and the pain that he felt, because he left them in so great
+confusion, to wit, in leaving them in a strange country, where they
+knew not where they were."</p>
+
+<p><i>Baltasar de Gallegos</i> answered in the name of all the rest. And
+first of all comforting him, he set before his eyes how short the life of
+this world was, and with how many troubles and miseries it is accompanied,
+and how God showed him a singular favor which soonest
+left it: telling him many other things fit for such a time. And for
+the last point, that since it pleased God to take him to himself, although
+his death did justly grieve them much, yet as well he, as all
+the rest, ought of necessity to conform themselves to the will of God.
+And touching the Governor which he commanded they should elect,
+he besought him, that it would please his lordship to name him which<a name="page_191" id="page_191"></a>
+he thought fit, and him they would obey. And presently he named
+<i>Luys de Moscoso de Alvarado</i>, his captain-general. And presently he
+was sworn by all that were present, and elected for governor. The
+next day, being the 21st of May, 1542, departed out of this life,
+the valorous, virtuous, and valiant Captain, <i>Don Fernando de Soto</i>,
+Governor of <i>Cuba</i>, and Adelantado of <i>Florida</i>: whom fortune advanced,
+as it useth to do others, that he might have the higher fall.
+He departed in such a place, and at such a time, as in his sickness he
+had but little comfort: and the danger wherein all his people were of
+perishing in that country, which appeared before their eyes, was cause
+sufficient why every one of them had need of comfort, and why they
+did not visit nor accompany him as they ought to have done. <i>Luys
+de Moscoso</i> determined to conceal his death from the Indians, because
+<i>Ferdinando de Soto</i> had made them believe that the Christians were
+immortal; and also because they took him to be hardy, wise, and
+valiant: and if they should know that he was dead, they would be
+bold to set upon the Christians, though they lived peaceably by them.
+In regard of their disposition, and because they were nothing constant,
+and believed all that was told them, the Adelantado made them
+believe, that he knew some things that passed in secret among themselves,
+without their knowledge, how, or in what manner he came by
+them: and that the figure which appeared in a glass, which he showed
+them, did tell him whatsoever they practiced and went about: and
+therefore neither in word nor deed durst they attempt anything that
+might be prejudicial unto him.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he was dead, <i>Luys de Moscoso</i> commanded to put him
+secretly in the house, where he remained three days; and removing
+him from thence, commanded him to be buried in the night at one of
+the gates of the town within the wall. And as the Indians had seen
+him sick, and missed him, so did they suspect what might be. And
+passing by the place where he was buried, seeing the earth moved,
+they looked and spake one to another. <i>Luys de Moscoso</i> understanding
+of it, commanded him to be taken up by night, and to cast a great deal
+of sand into the mantles, wherein he was wound up, wherein he was
+carried in a canoe, and thrown into the midst of the river. The Cacique
+of <i>Guachoya</i> inquired for him, demanding what was become of his
+brother and lord, the Governor: <i>Luys de Moscoso</i> told him that he was
+gone to heaven, as many other times he did and because he was to
+stay there certain days he had left him in his place. The cacique
+thought with himself that he was dead; and commanded two young<a name="page_192" id="page_192"></a>
+and well-proportioned Indians to be brought thither; and said, that
+the use of that country was, when any lord died, to kill Indians to
+wait upon him, and serve him by the way, and for that purpose by
+his commandment were those come thither: and prayed <i>Luys de Moscoso</i>
+to command them to be beheaded, that they might attend and
+serve his lord and brother. <i>Luys de Moscoso</i> told him, that the Governor
+was not dead, but gone to heaven, and that of his own Christian
+soldiers, he had taken such as he needed to serve him, and prayed
+him to command those Indians to be loosed, and not to use any such
+bad custom from thenceforth: straightway he commanded them to
+be loosed, and to get them home to their houses. And one of them
+would not go; saying, that he would not serve him, that without desert
+had judged him to death, but that he would serve him as long
+as he lived, which had saved his life.</p>
+
+<p><i>Luys de Moscoso</i> caused all the goods of the Governor to be sold
+at an outcry: to wit, two men slaves and two women slaves, and three
+horses, and seven hundred hogs. For every slave or horse, they gave
+two or three thousand ducats: which were to be paid at the first
+melting of gold or silver, or at the division of their portion of inheritance.
+And they entered into bonds, though in the country there
+was not wherewith, to pay it within a year after, and put in sureties
+for the same. Such as in <i>Spain</i> had no goods to bind, gave two
+hundred ducats for a hog, giving assurance after the same manner.
+Those which had any goods in <i>Spain</i>, bought with more fear, and
+bought the less. From that time forward, most of the company had
+swine, and brought them up, and fed upon them; and observed
+Fridays and Saturdays, and the evenings of feasts, which before they
+did not. For some times in two or three months they did eat no
+flesh, and whensoever they could come by it, they did eat it.</p>
+
+<p>Some were glad of the death of <i>Don Ferdinando de Soto</i>, holding
+for certain that <i>Luys de Moscoso</i> (which was given to his ease), would
+rather desire to be among the Christians at rest, than to continue the
+labors of the war in subduing and discovering of countries; whereof
+they were already weary, seeing the small profit that ensued thereof.
+The Governor commanded the captains and principal persons to meet
+to consult and determine what they should do. And being informed
+what peopled habitation was round about, he understood that to the
+west, the country was most inhabited, and that down the river beyond
+<i>Quigalta</i> was uninhabited, and had little store of food. He
+desired them all, that every one would give his opinion in writing,<a name="page_193" id="page_193"></a>
+and set his hand to it: that they might resolve by general consent,
+whether they should go down the river, or enter into the main land.
+All were of opinion, that it was best to go by land toward the west,
+because <i>Nueva España</i> was that way; holding the voyage by sea
+more dangerous, and of greater hazard, because they could make no
+ship of any strength to abide a storm, neither had they master, nor
+pilot, compass, nor chart, neither knew they how far the sea was off,
+nor had any notice of it; nor whether the river did make any great
+turning into the land, or had any great fall from the rocks, where all
+of them might be cast away. And some which had seen the sea-chart,
+did find, that from the place where they were by the sea-coast
+to <i>Nueva España</i>, might be four hundred leagues, little more or less;
+and said, that though they went somewhat about by land in seeking
+a peopled country, if some great wilderness which they could not pass
+did hinder them, by spending that summer in travel, finding provision
+to pass the winter in some peopled country, that the next summer
+after they might come to some Christian land, and that it might fortune
+in their travel by land to find some rich country, where they
+might do themselves good. The Governor, although he desired to
+get out of <i>Florida</i> in shorter time, seeing the inconveniences they
+laid before him, in traveling by sea, determined to follow that which
+seemed good to them all. On Monday, the fifth day of June, he departed
+from <i>Guachoya</i>. The cacique gave him a guide to <i>Chaguate</i>,
+and stayed at home in his own town. They passed through a province
+called <i>Catalte</i>: and having passed a wilderness of six days'
+journey, the twentieth day of the month he came to <i>Chaguate</i>. The
+cacique of this province had visited the Governor <i>Don Ferdinando de
+Soto</i> at <i>Autiamque</i>, whither he brought him presents of skins, and
+mantles, and salt. And a day before <i>Luys de Moscoso</i> came to his
+town, we lost a Christian that was sick; which he suspected that the
+Indians had slain. He sent the cacique word, that he should command
+his people to seek him up, and send him unto him, and that
+he would hold him, as he did, for his friend; and if he did not, that
+neither he, nor his, should escape his hands, and that he would set
+his country on fire. Presently the cacique came unto him, and
+brought a great present of mantles and skins, and the Christian that
+was lost, and made this speech following:</p>
+
+<p>"Right excellent lord, I would not deserve that conceit which you
+had of me, for all the treasure of the world. What enforced me to
+go to visit and serve the excellent Lord Governor your father in
+<i>Autiamque</i>, which you should have remembered, where I offered myself<a name="page_194" id="page_194"></a>
+with all loyalty, faith and love, during my life to serve and obey
+him? What then could be the cause, I having received favors of
+him, and neither you nor he having done me any wrong, that should
+move me to do the thing which I ought not? Believe this of me,
+that neither wrong, nor any worldly interest, was able to make me to
+have done it, nor shall be able to blind me. But as in this life it is
+a natural course, that after one pleasure many sorrows do follow: so
+by your indignation, fortune would moderate the joy, which my heart
+conceiveth with your presence; and that I should err, where I thought
+surest to have hit the mark; in harboring this Christian which was
+lost, and using him in such manner, as he may tell himself, thinking
+that herein I did you service, with purpose to deliver him unto you
+in <i>Chaguate</i>, and to serve you to the uttermost of my power. If I
+deserve punishment for this, I will receive it at your hands, as from
+my lord, as if it were a favor. For the love which I did bear to the
+excellent Governor, and which I bear to you hath no limit. And
+like as you give me chastisement, so will you also show me favor.
+And that which now I crave of you is this, to declare your will unto
+me, and those things wherein I may be able to do you the most and
+best service."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor answered him, that because he did not find him in that
+town, he was incensed against him, thinking he had absented himself,
+as others had done: but seeing he now knew his loyalty and love, he
+would always hold him as a brother, and favor him in all his affairs.
+The cacique went with him to the town where he resided, which was
+a day's journey from thence. They passed through a small town,
+where there was a lake, where the Indians made salt: and the Christians
+made some one day while they rested there, of a brackish water,
+which sprang near the town in ponds like fountains. The Governor
+stayed in <i>Chaguate</i> six days. There he was informed of the habitation
+towards the west. They told him, that three days' journey from
+thence was a province called <i>Aguacay</i>. The day that he departed
+from <i>Chaguate</i>, a Christian, called <i>Francisco de Guzman</i>, the base
+son of a gentleman of <i>Seville</i>, stayed behind, and went to the Indians,
+with an Indian woman which he kept as his concubine, for fear he
+should be punished for gaming debts that he did owe. The Governor
+had traveled two days before he missed him; he sent the cacique word
+to seek him up, and to send him to <i>Aguacay</i>, whither he traveled:
+which he did not perform. From the Cacique of <i>Aguacay</i>, before
+they came into the country, there met him on the way fifteen Indians
+with a present of skins, fish, and roasted venison. The Governor<a name="page_195" id="page_195"></a>
+came to this town on Wednesday, the fourth of July. He found the
+town without people, and lodged in it: he stayed there about a day;
+during which, he made some roads, and took many men and women.
+There they had knowledge of the <i>South Sea</i>. Here there was great
+store of salt made of sand, which they gather in a vein of ground
+like pebble stones. And it was made as they made salt in <i>Cayas</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The same day that the Governor departed from <i>Aguacay</i>, he lodged
+in a small town subject to the lord of that province. The camp
+was pitched hard by a lake of salt water; and that evening they made
+some salt there. The day following he lodged between two mountains
+in a thin grove of wood. The next day he came to a small
+town called <i>Pato</i>. The fourth day after his departure from <i>Aguacay</i>
+he came to the first habitation of a province called <i>Amaye</i>. There
+an Indian was taken, which said that from thence to <i>Naguatex</i> was a
+day and a half's journey; which they traveled, finding all the way
+inhabited places. Having passed the peopled country of <i>Amaye</i>, on
+Saturday, the twentieth of July, they pitched their camp at noon between
+<i>Amaye</i> and <i>Naguatex</i> along the corner of a grove of very fair
+trees. In the same place certain Indians were discovered, that came
+to view them. The horsemen went out to them, and killed six, and
+took two, whom the Governor asked, wherefore they came? They
+said, to know what people he had, and what order they kept; and
+that the Cacique of <i>Naguatex</i>, their lord, had sent them, and that he,
+with other caciques which came to aid him, determined that day to
+bid him battle. While they were occupied in these questions and
+answers, there came many Indians by two ways in two squadrons: and
+when they saw they were descried, giving a great cry they assaulted the
+Christians each squadron by itself; but seeing what resistance the
+Christians made them, they turned their backs and betook themselves
+to flight, in which many of them lost their lives; and most of the
+horsemen following them in chase, careless of the camp, other two
+squadrons of Indians, which lay in ambush, set upon the Christians
+that were in the camp, which also they resisted, who also had their
+reward as the first. After the flight of the Indians, and that the
+Christians were retired, they heard a great noise a crossbow shot from
+the place where they were. The Governor sent twelve horsemen to
+see what it was. They found six Christians, four footmen and two
+horsemen, among many Indians; the horsemen defending the footmen
+with great labor. These being of them that chased the first two
+squadrons, had lost themselves, and coming to recover the camp fell
+among those with whom they were fighting: and so they, and those<a name="page_196" id="page_196"></a>
+that came to succor them, slew many of the Indians, and brought one
+alive to the camp: whom the Governor examined, who they were that
+came to bid him battle. He told him, that they were the Cacique of
+<i>Naguatex</i>, and of <i>Amaye</i>, and another of a province called <i>Hacanac</i>,
+a lord of great countries and many subjects; and that the Cacique of
+<i>Naguatex</i> came for captain and chief of them all. The Governor
+commanded his right arm and nose to be cut off, and sent him to the
+Cacique of <i>Naguatex</i>, charging him to tell him, that the next day he
+would be in his country to destroy him; and if he would withstand
+his entrance, he should stay for him. That night he lodged there;
+and the next day he came to the habitation of <i>Naguatex</i>, which was
+very scattering: he inquired where the cacique's chief town was?
+They told him that it was on the other side of a river, that passed
+thereby: he traveled thitherward, and came unto it: and on the other
+side he saw many Indians, that tarried for him, making show as
+though they would defend the passage. And because he knew not
+whether it could be waded, nor where the passage was, and that some
+Christians and horses were hurt, that they might have time to recover,
+he determined to rest certain days in the town where he was. So he
+pitched his camp a quarter of a league from the river, because the
+weather was very hot, near unto the town, in a thin grove of very
+fair and high trees near a brook's side: and in that place were certain
+Indians taken; whom he examined, whether the river were wadeable
+or no? They said yea, at some times, and in some places. Within ten
+days after he sent two captains with fifteen horsemen a piece upward
+and down the river with Indians to show them where they should go
+over, to see what habitation was on the other side. And the Indians
+withstood them both, defending the passage of the river as far as they
+were able, but they passed in despite of them: and on the other side
+of the river they saw great habitation, and great store of victuals;
+and with these news returned to the camp.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor sent an Indian from <i>Naguatex</i> where he lay, to command
+the cacique to come to serve and obey him, and that he would
+forgive him all that was past; that if he came not, that he would
+seek him, and give him such punishment as he had deserved for that
+which he had done against him. Within two days the Indian returned,
+and said that the cacique would come the next day; which,
+the same day when he came, sent many Indians before him, among
+whom there were some principal men: he sent them to see what countenance
+they found in the Governor, to resolve with himself whether
+he should go or not. The Indians let him understand, that he was<a name="page_197" id="page_197"></a>
+coming, and went away presently: and the cacique came within two
+hours accompanied with many of his men: they came all in a rank
+one before another on both sides, leaving a lane in the midst where
+he came. They came where the Governor was, all of them weeping
+after the manner of <i>Tulla</i>, which was not far from thence toward
+the east. The cacique made his due obedience, and the speech following:</p>
+
+<p>"Right high and mighty lord, whom all the world ought to serve
+and obey, I was bold to appear before your lordship, having committed
+so heinous and abominable an act, as only for me to have imagined,
+deserved to be punished; trusting in your greatness, that although I
+deserve to obtain no pardon, yet for your own sake only you will use
+clemency toward me, considering how small I am in comparison of
+your lordship; and not to think upon my weaknesses, which, to my
+grief and for my greater good, I have known. And I believe that
+you and yours are immortal; and that your lordship is lord of the
+land of nature, seeing that you subdue all things, and they obey you,
+even the very hearts of men. For when I beheld the slaughter and
+destruction of my men in the battle, which, through mine ignorance,
+and the counsel of a brother of mine, which died in the same, I gave
+your lordship, presently I repented me in my heart of the error, which
+I had committed; and desired to serve and obey you: and to this
+end I come, that your lordship may chastise and command me as your
+own."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor answered him, that he forgave him all which was
+past, that from thenceforth he should do his duty, and that he would
+hold him for his friend, and that he would favor him in all things.
+Within four days he departed thence, and coming to the river he
+could not pass, because it was grown very big; which seemed to him
+a thing of admiration, being at that time that it was, and since it
+had not rained a month before. The Indians said, that it increased
+many times after that manner without raining in all the country. It
+was supposed, that it might be the tide that came into it. It was
+learned that the flood came alway from above, and that the Indians of
+all that country had no knowledge of the sea. The Governor returned
+unto the place where he had lodged before: and understanding within
+eight days after that the river was passable, he departed. He
+passed over and found the town without people: he lodged in the
+field, and sent the cacique word to come unto him, and to bring him
+a guide to go forward. And some days being past, seeing the cacique
+came not, nor sent anybody, he sent two captains sundry ways to burn<a name="page_198" id="page_198"></a>
+the towns, and to take such Indians as they could find. They burnt
+great store of victuals, and took many Indians. The cacique seeing
+the hurt that he received in his country, sent six principal Indians
+with three men for guides, which knew the language of the country
+through which the Governor was to pass. He departed presently
+from <i>Naguatex</i>, and within three days' journey came to a town of
+four or five houses, which belonged to the cacique of that province,
+which is called <i>Nissoone</i>: it was evil inhabited, and had little maize.
+Two days' journey forward the guides which guided the Governor, if
+they were to go westward, guided him to the east; and sometimes
+went up and down through very great woods out of the way. The
+Governor commanded them to be hanged upon a tree: and a woman
+that they took in <i>Nissoone</i> guided him, and went back again to seek
+the way. In two days he came to another miserable town called
+<i>Lacane</i>: an Indian was taken in that place, that said, that the country
+of <i>Nondacao</i> was a country of great habitation, and the houses
+scattering the one from the other, as they used to be in mountains,
+and had great store of maize. The cacique came with his men weeping,
+like them of <i>Naguatex</i>: for this is their use in token of obedience:
+he made him a present of much fish, and offered to do what
+he would command him. He took his leave, and gave him a guide
+to the province of <i>Soacatino</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor departed from <i>Nondacao</i> towards <i>Soacatino</i>, and
+in five days' journey came to a province called <i>Aays</i>. The Indians
+which inhabited it had no notice of the Christians: but as soon as
+they saw that they entered into their country, they assembled themselves:
+and as they came together fifty or a hundred, they came forth
+to fight. While some fought, others came and charged our men another
+way, and while they followed some, others followed them. The
+fight lasted the greatest part of the day, till they came to their town.
+Some horses and men were wounded, but not to any hurt of their
+traveling: for there was no wound that was dangerous. There was
+a great spoil made of the Indians. That day that the Governor departed
+from thence, the Indian that guided him said that in <i>Nondacao</i>
+he had heard say, that the Indians of <i>Soacatino</i> had seen other
+Christians, whereof they all were very glad: thinking it might be
+true, and that they might have entered into those parts by <i>Nueva
+España</i>; and that if it were so, it was in their own hand to go out
+of <i>Florida</i>, if they found nothing of profit: for they feared they
+should lose themselves in some wilderness. This Indian led him two
+days out of the way. The Governor commanded to torture him.<a name="page_199" id="page_199"></a>
+He said, that the Cacique of <i>Nondacao</i>, his lord, had commanded him
+to guide them so because they were his enemies, and that he was to do
+as his lord commanded him. The Governor commanded him to be cast
+to the dogs: and another guided him to <i>Soacatino</i>, whither he came the
+day following. It was a very poor country: there was great want of
+maize in that place. He asked the Indians whether they knew of
+any other Christians. They said that a little from thence toward the
+south they heard they were. He traveled twenty days through a country
+evil inhabited, where they suffered great scarcity and trouble; for
+that little maize which the Indians had, they had hidden and buried in
+the woods, where the Christians, after they were well wearied with their
+travel, at the end of their journey went to seek by digging what they
+should eat. At last, coming to a province that was called <i>Guasco</i>, they
+found maize, wherewith they loaded their horses and the Indians that
+they had. From thence they went to another town called <i>Naquiscoça</i>.
+The Indians said they had no notice of any other Christians. The
+Governor commanded to torment them. They said, that they came
+first to another lordship which was called <i>Naçacahoz</i>, and from
+thence returned again to the west from whence they came. The
+Governor came in two days to <i>Naçacahoz</i>. Some women were taken
+there: among whom there was one which said that she had seen
+Christians and had been taken by them, and had run away. The
+Governor sent a captain with fifteen horsemen to the place where the
+woman said she had seen them, to see if there was any sign of horses,
+or any token of their being there. After they had gone three or four
+leagues, the woman that guided them said that all that she had told
+them was untrue. And so they held all the rest that the Indians had
+said of seeing Christians in the land of <i>Florida</i>. And, because the
+country that way was poor of maize, and toward the west there was
+no notice of any habitation, they returned to <i>Guasco</i>. The Indians
+told them there, that ten days' journey from thence toward the west,
+was a river called <i>Daycao</i>, whither they went sometimes a hunting
+and killing of deer: and that they had seen people on the other side,
+but knew not what habitation was there. There the Christians took
+such maize as they found and could carry, and going ten days' journey
+through a wilderness, they came to the river which the Indians had
+told them of. Ten horsemen, which the Governor had sent before,
+passed over the same and went in a way that led to the river, and
+lighted upon a company of Indians that dwelt in very little cabins:
+who as soon as they saw them took themselves to flight, leaving that
+which they had; all which was nothing but misery and poverty.<a name="page_200" id="page_200"></a>
+The country was so poor, that among them all there was not found
+half a peck of maize. The horsemen took two Indians, and returned
+with them to the river, where the Governor stayed for them. He
+sought to learn of them what habitation was toward the west. There
+was none in the camp that could understand their language. The
+Governor assembled the captains and principal persons to determine
+with their advice what they should do. And the most part said that
+they thought it best to return back to <i>Rio Grande</i>, or the Great
+River of <i>Guachoya</i>; because that in <i>Nilco</i> and thereabout was store
+of maize; saying, that they would make pinnaces that winter, and the
+next summer pass down the river to the seaward in them, and coming
+to the sea they would go along the coast to <i>Nueva España</i>. For
+though it seemed a doubtful thing and difficult, by that which they
+had already alleged, yet it was the last remedy they had. For by
+land they could not go for want of an interpreter. And they held,
+that the country beyond the River of <i>Daycao</i>, where they were, was
+that which <i>Cabeça de Vaca</i> mentioned in his relation that he passed
+<i>of the Indians which lived like the Alarbes, having no settled place</i>,
+and fed upon <i>Tunas</i> and roots of the fields, and wild beasts that they
+killed. Which if it were so, if they should enter into it and find no
+victuals to pass the winter, they could not choose but perish, for
+they were entered already into the beginning of October: and if
+they stayed any longer they were not able to return for rain and
+snows, nor to sustain themselves in so poor a country. The Governor
+(that desired long to see himself in a place where he might sleep his
+full sleep, rather than to conquer and govern a country where so
+many troubles presented themselves) presently returned back that
+same way that he came.</p>
+
+<p>When that which was determined was published in the camp, there
+were many that were greatly grieved at it: for they held the sea voyage
+as doubtful, for the evil means they had, and of as great danger
+the traveling by land: and they hoped to find some rich country
+before they came to the land of the Christians, by that which <i>Cabeça
+de Vaca</i> had told the Emperor: and that was this: That after he had
+found clothes made of cotton wool, he saw gold and silver, and stones
+of great value. And they had not yet come where he had been.
+For until that place he always traveled by the sea-coast: and they
+traveled far within the land; and that going towards the west, of
+necessity they should come where he had been. For he said that in
+a certain place he traveled many days, and entered into the land toward
+the north. And in <i>Guasco</i> they had already found some Turkey<a name="page_201" id="page_201"></a>
+stones, and mantles of cotton wool: which the Indians signified
+by signs that they had from the west: and that holding that course
+they should draw near to the land of the Christians. But though they
+were much discontented with it, and it grieved many to go backward,
+which would rather have adventured their lives and have died in the
+land of <i>Florida</i>, than to have gone poor out of it; yet were they not
+a sufficient part to hinder that which was determined, because the
+principal men agreed with the Governor. And afterward there was
+one that said, he would put out one of his own eyes, to put out another
+of <i>Luys de Moscoso</i>; because it would grieve him much to see him
+prosper: because as well himself as others of his friends had crossed
+that which he durst not have done, seeing that within two days he
+should leave the government. From <i>Daycao</i>, where now they were,
+to <i>Rio Grande</i>, or the Great River, was one hundred and fifty leagues:
+which unto that place they had gone westward. And by the way as
+they returned back they had much ado to find maize to eat: for where
+they had passed the country was destroyed; and some little maize
+that was left the Indians had hidden. The towns which in <i>Naguatex</i>
+they had burned (whereof it repented them) were repaired again, and
+the houses full of maize. This country is well inhabited and plentiful.
+In that place are vessels made of clay, which differ very little
+from those of <i>Estremoz</i>, or <i>Montemor</i>. In <i>Chaguate</i> the Indians by
+commandment of the cacique came peaceably, and said, that the
+Christian which remained there would not come. The Governor wrote
+unto him, and sent him ink and paper that he might answer. The
+substance of the words of the letter was to declare unto him his determination,
+which was to go out of the land of <i>Florida</i>, and to put
+him in remembrance that he was a Christian, that he would not remain
+in the subjection of infidels, that he pardoned him the fault
+which he had done in going away to the Indians, that he should come
+unto him: and if they did stay him, that he would advertise him
+thereof by writing. The Indian went with the letter, and came again
+without any more answer, than, on the back side, his name and seal,
+that they might know he was alive. The Governor sent twelve horsemen
+to seek him: but he, which had his spies, so hid himself, that
+they could not find him. For want of maize the Governor could not
+stay any longer to seek him. He departed from <i>Chaguate</i>, and passed
+the river by <i>Aays</i>; going down by it he found a town called <i>Chilano</i>,
+which as yet they had not seen. They came to <i>Nilco</i>, and found so
+little maize, as could not suffice till they made their ships; because
+the Christians, being in <i>Guachoya</i> in the seed time, the Indians for<a name="page_202" id="page_202"></a>
+fear of them durst not come to sow the grounds of <i>Nilco</i>: and they
+knew not thereabout any other country where any maize was: and
+that was the most fruitful soil that was thereaway, and where they
+had most hope to find it. Every one was confounded, and the most
+part thought it bad counsel to come back from the river of <i>Daycao</i>,
+and not to have followed their fortune, going that way that went over
+land. For by sea it seemed impossible to save themselves, unless
+God would work a miracle for them: for there was neither pilot, nor
+sea-chart, neither did they know where the river entered into the sea,
+neither had they notice of it, neither had they anything wherewith to
+make sails, nor any store of enequem, which is a grass whereof they
+make oakum, which grew there; and that which they found they
+saved to caulk the pinnaces withal; neither had they anything to
+pitch them withal; neither could they make ships of such substance,
+but that any storm would put them in great danger: and they feared
+much it would fall out with them, as it did with <i>Pamphilo de Narvaez</i>,
+which was cast away upon that coast. And above all other it
+troubled them most, that they could find no maize: for without it they
+could not be sustained, nor could do anything that they had need of.
+All of them were put to great confusion. Their chief remedy was to
+commit themselves to God, and to beseech him that he would direct
+them the way that they might save their lives. And it pleased him
+of his goodness, that the Indians of <i>Nilco</i> came peaceably, and told
+them, that two days' journey from thence, near unto the Great River,
+were two towns, whereof the Christians had no notice, and that the
+province was called <i>Minoya</i>, and was a fruitful soil: that, whether at
+this present there was any maize or no, they knew not, because they
+had war with them: but that they would be very glad with the favor
+of the Christians to go and spoil them. The Governor sent a captain
+thither with horsemen and footmen, and the Indians of <i>Nilco</i>
+with him. He came to <i>Minoya</i>, and found two great towns seated in
+a plain and open soil, half a league distant, one in sight of another,
+and in them he took many Indians, and found great store of maize.
+Presently he lodged in one of them, and sent word to the Governor
+what he had found: wherewith they were all exceeding glad. They
+departed from <i>Nilco</i> in the beginning of December; and all that way,
+and before from <i>Chilano</i>, they endured much trouble: for they passed
+through many waters, and many times it rained, with a northern wind,
+and was exceeding cold, so that they were in the open field with water
+over and underneath them: and when at the end of their day's journey,
+they found dry ground to rest upon, they gave great thanks to<a name="page_203" id="page_203"></a>
+God. With this trouble almost all the Indians that served them died.
+And after they were in <i>Minoya</i>, many Christians also died: and the
+most part were sick of great and dangerous diseases, which had a
+spice of the lethargy. At this place died <i>Andrew de Vasconcelos</i>,
+and two Portuguese of <i>Elvas</i>, which were very near him: which were
+brethren, and by their surname called <i>Sotis</i>. The Christians lodged
+in one of the towns which they liked best, which was fenced about,
+and distant a quarter of a league from the Great River. The maize
+that was in the other town was brought thither; and in all it was
+esteemed to be six thousand hanegs or bushels. And there was the
+best timber to make ships that they had seen in all the land of
+<i>Florida</i>; wherefore all of them gave God great thanks for so singular
+a favor, and hoped that that which they desired would take effect,
+which was, that they might safely be conducted into the land of the
+Christians.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as they came to <i>Minoya</i>, the Governor commanded them
+to gather all the chains together, which every one had to lead Indians
+in; and to gather all the iron which they had for their provision, and
+all the rest that was in the camp: and to set up a forge to make nails,
+and commanded them to cut down timber for the brigantines. And
+a Portuguese of <i>Ceuta</i>, who having been a prisoner in <i>Fez</i>, had
+learned to saw timber with a long saw, which for such purposes they
+had carried with them, did teach others, which helped him to saw
+timber. And a <i>Genevese</i>, whom it pleased God to preserve (for without
+him they had never come out of the country, for there was never
+another that could make ships but he), with four or five other <i>Biscayan</i>
+carpenters, which hewed his planks and other timbers, made the
+brigantines: and two calkers, the one of <i>Geneva</i>, the other of <i>Sardinia</i>,
+did calk them with the tow of an herb like hemp, whereof
+before I have made mention, which there is named enequen. And
+because there was not enough of it, they calked them with the flax
+of the country, and with the mantles, which they raveled for that
+purpose. A cooper which they had among them fell sick, and was at
+the point of death: and there was none other that had any skill in
+that trade: it pleased God to send him his health. And albeit he
+was very weak, and could not labor, yet fifteen days before they departed,
+he made for every brigantine two half hogsheads, which
+the mariners call quarterets, because four of them hold a pipe
+of water. The Indians which dwelt two days' journey above the
+river in a province called <i>Taguanate</i>, and likewise those of <i>Nilco</i> and<a name="page_204" id="page_204"></a>
+<i>Guachoya</i>, and others their neighbors seeing the brigantines in making,
+thinking, because their places of refuge are in the water, that they
+were to go to seek them, and because the Governor demanded mantles
+of them, as necessary for sails, came many times, and brought
+many mantles, and great store of fish. And for certain it seemed
+that God was willing to favor them in so great necessity, moving the
+minds of the Indians to bring them: for to go to take them, they
+were never able. For in the town where they were, as soon as winter
+came, they were so enclosed and compassed with water, that they
+could go no farther by land, than a league, and a league and a half.
+And if they would go farther, they could carry no horses, and without
+them they were not able to fight with the Indians, because they were
+many: and so many for so many on foot they had the advantage of
+them by water and by land, because they were more apt and lighter,
+and by reason of the disposition of the country, which was according
+to their desire for the use of their war. They brought also some
+cords, and those which wanted for cables were made of the barks of
+mulberry trees. They made stirrups of wood, and made anchors of
+their stirrups. In the month of March, when it had rained a month
+before, the river grew so big that it came to <i>Nilco</i>, which was nine
+leagues of: and on the other side, the Indians said, that it reached
+other nine leagues into the land. In the town where the Christians
+were, which was somewhat high ground, where they could best go,
+the water reached to the stirrups. They made certain rafts of timber,
+and laid many boughs upon them, whereon they set their horses,
+and in the houses they did the like. But seeing that nothing prevailed,
+they went up to the lofts: and if they went out of the houses,
+it was in canoes, or on horseback in those places where the ground
+was highest. So they were two months, and could do nothing, during
+which time the river decreased not. The Indians ceased not to come
+unto the brigantines as they were wont, and came in canoes. At that
+time the Governor feared they would set upon him. He commanded
+his men to take an Indian secretly of those that came to the town,
+and to stay him till the rest were gone: and they took one. The
+Governor commanded him to be put to torture, to make him confess
+whether the Indians did practice any treason or no. He confessed
+that the caciques of <i>Nilco</i>, <i>Guachoya</i>, and <i>Taguanate</i>, and others,
+which in all were about twenty caciques, with a great number of
+people, determined to come upon him; and that three days before,
+they would send a great present of fish to cover their great treason
+and malice, and on the very day they would send some Indians before<a name="page_205" id="page_205"></a>
+with another present. And these, with those which were our slaves,
+which were of their conspiracy also, should set the houses on fire, and
+first of all possess themselves of the lances which stood at the doors
+of the houses; and the caciques, with all their men, should be near
+the town in ambush in the wood, and when they saw the fire
+kindled, should come, and make an end of the conquest. The Governor
+commanded the Indian to be kept in a chain, and the selfsame
+day that he spoke of, there came thirty Indians with fish. He
+commanded their right hands to be cut off, and sent them so back to
+the Cacique of <i>Guachoya</i>, whose men they were. He sent him word
+that he and the rest should come when they would, for he desired
+nothing more, and that he should know, that they thought not anything
+which he knew not before they thought of it. Hereupon they
+all were put in a very great fear: and the caciques of <i>Nilco</i> and
+<i>Taguanate</i> came to excuse themselves: and a few days after came he
+of <i>Guachoya</i>, and a principal Indian, and his subject, said, he knew
+by certain information, that the caciques of <i>Nilco</i> and <i>Taguanate</i>
+were agreed to come and make war upon the Christians. As soon as
+the Indians came from <i>Nilco</i>, the Governor examined them, and they
+confessed it was true. He delivered them presently to the principal
+men of <i>Guachoya</i>, which drew them out of the town and killed them.
+Another day came some from <i>Taguanate</i>, and confessed it likewise.
+The Governor commanded their right hands and noses to be cut off,
+and sent them to the cacique, wherewith they of <i>Guachoya</i> remained
+very well contented: and they came oftentimes with presents of mantles
+and fish, and hogs, which bred in the country of some swine that
+were lost by the way the last year. As soon as the waters were
+slaked, they persuaded the Governor to send to <i>Taguanate</i>. They
+came and brought canoes, wherein the footmen were conveyed down
+the river, and a captain with horsemen went by land; and the Indians
+of <i>Guachoya</i>, which guided him till they came to <i>Taguanate</i>, assaulted
+the town, and took many men and women, and mantles, which
+with those that they had already were sufficient to supply their want.
+The brigantines being finished in the month of June, the Indians
+having told us that the river increased but once a year, when the
+snows did melt, in the time wherein I mentioned it had already increased,
+being now in summer, and having not rained a long time, it
+pleased God that the flood came up to the town to seek the brigantines,
+from whence they carried them by water to the river. Which,
+if they had gone by land, had been in danger of breaking and splitting
+their keels, and to be all undone; because that for want of iron,<a name="page_206" id="page_206"></a>
+the spikes were short, and the planks and timber were very weak.
+The Indians of <i>Minoya</i>, during the time that they were there came
+to serve them (being driven thereunto by necessity) that of the maize
+which they had taken from them, they would bestow some crumbs
+upon them, and because the country was fertile, and the people used
+to feed of maize, and the Christians had gotten all from them that
+they had, and the people were many, they were not able to sustain
+themselves. Those which came to the town were so weak and feeble,
+that they had no flesh left on their bones: and many came and died
+near the town for pure hunger and weakness. The Governor commanded
+upon grievous punishments to give them no maize. Yet,
+when they saw that the hogs wanted it not, and that they had yielded
+themselves to serve them, and considering their misery and wretchedness,
+having pity of them, they gave them part of the maize which
+they had. And when the time of their embarkment came, there was
+not sufficient to serve their own turns. That which there was, they
+put into the brigantines, and into great canoes tied two and two together.
+They shipped twenty-two of the best horses that were in
+the camp, the rest they made dried flesh of; and dressed the hogs
+which they had in like manner. They departed from <i>Minoya</i> the
+second day of July, 1543.</p>
+
+<p>The day before they departed from <i>Minoya</i>, they determined to
+dismiss all the men and women of the country, which they had detained
+as slaves to serve them, save some hundred, little more or less,
+which the Governor embarked, and others whom it pleased him to
+permit. And because there were many men of quality, whom he
+could not deny that which he granted to others, he used a policy,
+saying, that they might serve them as long as they were in the river,
+but when they came to the sea, they must send them away for want
+of water, because they had but few vessels. He told his friends in
+secret, that they should carry theirs to <i>Nueva España</i>: and all
+those whom he bare no good-will unto (which were the greater number)
+ignorant of that which was hidden from them, which afterward
+time discovered, thinking it inhumanity for so little time of service, in
+reward of the great service that they had done them, to carry them
+with them, to leave them slaves to other men out of their own countries,
+left five hundred men and women; among whom were many
+boys and girls, which spake and understood the Spanish tongue.
+The most of them did nothing but weep; which moved great compassion;
+seeing that all of them with good-will would have become<a name="page_207" id="page_207"></a>
+Christians, and were left in state of perdition. There went from
+<i>Minoya</i> three hundred and twenty-two Spaniards in seven brigantines,
+well made, save that the planks were thin, because the nails
+were short, and were not pitched, nor had any decks to keep the
+water from coming in. Instead of decks they laid planks, whereon
+the mariners might run to trim their sails, and the people might refresh
+themselves above and below. The Governor made his captains,
+and gave to every one his brigantine, and took their oath and their
+word, that they would obey him, until they came to the land of the
+Christians. The Governor took one of the brigantines for himself,
+which he best liked. The same day that they departed from <i>Minoya</i>,
+they passed by <i>Guachoya</i>, where the Indians tarried for them in
+canoes by the river. And on the shore, they had made a great arbor
+with boughs. They desired him to come on shore; but he excused
+himself, and so went along. The Indians in their canoes accompanied
+him; and coming where an arm of the river declined on the right
+hand, they said that the Province of <i>Quigalta</i> was near unto that
+place, and importuned the Governor to set upon him, and that they
+would aid him. And because they had said that he dwelt three days'
+journey down the river, the Governor supposed that they had plotted
+some treason against him, and there left them; and went down with
+the greatest force of the water. The current was very strong, and
+with the help of oars, they went very swiftly. The first day they
+landed in a wood on the left hand of the river, and at night they
+withdrew themselves to the brigantines. The next day they came to
+a town where they went on shore, and the people that was in it durst
+not tarry. A woman that they took there being examined, said, that
+the town belonged to a cacique named <i>Huasene</i>, subject to <i>Quigalta</i>,
+and that <i>Quigalta</i> tarried for them below in the river with many men.
+Certain horsemen went thither, and found some houses, wherein was
+much maize. Immediately more of them went thither and tarried
+there one day, and which they did beat out, and took as much maize
+as they needed. While they were there, many Indians came from
+the nether part of the river, and on the other side right against them
+somewhat carelessly set themselves in order to fight. The Governor
+sent in two canoes the crossbow-men that he had, and as many more
+as could go in them. They ran away, and seeing the Spaniards could
+not overtake them, they returned back, and took courage; and coming
+nearer, making an outcry, they threatened them: and as soon as
+they departed thence, they went after them, some in canoes and some<a name="page_208" id="page_208"></a>
+by land along the river; and getting before, coming to a town that
+stood by the river's side, they joined altogether, making a show that
+they would tarry there. Every brigantine towed a canoe fastened to
+their sterns for their particular service. Presently there entered men
+into every one of them, which made the Indians to fly, and burned
+the town. The same day they presently landed in a great field, where
+the Indians durst not tarry. The next day there were gathered together
+an hundred canoes, among which were some that carried sixty
+and seventy men, and the principal men's canoes had their tilts, and
+plumes of white and red feathers for their ensigns: and they came
+within two crossbow shots of the brigantines, and sent three Indians
+in a small canoe with a feigned message to view the manner of the
+brigantines, and what weapons they had. And coming to the side
+of the Governor's brigantine, one of the Indians entered, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"That the Cacique of <i>Quigalta</i>, his lord, sent him his commendations,
+and did let him understand, that all that the Indians of
+<i>Guachoya</i> had told him concerning himself, was false, and that they
+had incensed him, because they were his enemies; that he was his
+servant, and should find him so."</p>
+
+<p>The Governor answered him, that he believed all that he said was
+true, and willed him to tell him that he esteemed his friendship very
+much. With this answer they returned to the place where the rest
+in their canoes were waiting for them, and from thence all of them
+fell down, and came near the Spaniards, shouting aloud, and threatening
+of them. The Governor sent <i>John de Guzman</i>, which had been
+a captain of footmen in <i>Florida</i>, with fifteen armed men in canoes to
+make them give way. As soon as the Indians saw them come
+towards them, they divided themselves into two parts, and stood still
+till the Spaniards came nigh them, and when they were came near
+them, they joined together on both sides, taking <i>John de Guzman</i> in
+the middle, and them that came first with him, and with great fury
+boarded them: and as their canoes were bigger, and many of them
+leaped into the water to stay them, and to lay hold on the canoes of
+the Spaniards, and overwhelm them; so presently they overwhelmed
+them. The Christians fell into the water, and with the weight of
+their armor sunk down to the bottom; and some few, that by swimming
+or holding by the canoe could have saved themselves, with
+oars and staves which they had, they struck them on the head and
+make them sink. When they of the brigantines saw the overthrow,
+though they went about to succor them, yet through the current of<a name="page_209" id="page_209"></a>
+the river they could not go back. Four Spaniards fled to the brigantine
+that was nearest to the canoes; and only these escaped of those
+that came among the Indians. There were eleven that died there:
+among whom <i>John de Guzman</i> was one, and a son of <i>Don Carlos</i>,
+called <i>John de Vargas</i>: the rest also were persons of account and men
+of great courage. Those that escaped by swimming said that they
+saw the Indians enter the canoe of <i>John de Guzman</i> at the stern of
+one of their canoes, and whether they carried him away dead or alive
+they could not certainly tell.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians, seeing that they had got the victory, took such courage,
+that they assaulted them in the brigantines, which they durst
+not do before. They came first to that brigantine wherein <i>Calderon</i>
+went for captain, and was in the rearward: and at the first volley of
+arrows they wounded twenty-five men. There were only four armed
+men in this brigantine; these did stand at the brigantine's side to defend
+it. Those that were unarmed, seeing how they hurt them, left
+their oars and went under the deck: whereupon the brigantine began
+to cross, and to go where the current of the stream carried it. One
+of the armed men seeing this, without the commandment of the captain,
+made a footman to take an oar and steer the brigantine, he standing
+before him and defending him with his target. The Indians came
+no nearer than a bowshot, from whence they offended and were not
+offended, receiving no hurt: for in every brigantine was but one
+crossbow, and those which we had were very much out of order. So
+that the Christians did nothing else but stand for a butt to receive
+their arrows. Having left this brigantine they went to another, and
+fought with it half an hour; and so from one to another they fought
+with them all. The Christians had mats to lay under them, which
+were double, and so close and strong, that no arrow went through
+them. And as soon as the Indians gave them leisure, they fenced
+the brigantines with them. And the Indians seeing that they could
+not shoot level, shot their arrows at random up in the air, which fell
+into the brigantines, and hurt some of the men: and not therewith
+contented, they sought to get to them which were in the canoes with
+the horses. Those of the brigantines environed them to defend them,
+and took them among them. Thus seeing themselves much vexed by
+them, and so wearied that they could no longer endure it, they determined
+to travel all the night following, thinking to get beyond the
+country of <i>Quigalta</i>, and that they would leave them: but when they
+thought least of it, supposing that they had now left them, they heard<a name="page_210" id="page_210"></a>
+very near them so great outcries, that they made them deaf, and so
+they followed us all that night, and the next day till noon, by which
+time we were come into the country of others, whom they desired to
+use us after the same manner; and so they did. The men of <i>Quigalta</i>
+returned home; and the other in fifty canoes fought with us a whole
+day and a night; and they entered one of the brigantines, that came
+in the rearward, by the canoe which she had at her stern, and took
+away a woman which they found in it, and afterwards hurt some of
+the men in the brigantines. Those which came with the horses in
+the canoes, being wearied with rowing night and day, lingered behind;
+and presently the Indians came upon them, and they of the
+brigantines tarried for them. The Governor resolved to go on shore
+and kill the horses, because of the slow way which they made because
+of them. As soon as they saw a place convenient for it, they
+went thither and killed the horses, and brought the flesh of them to
+dry it on board. Four or five of them remained on shore alive; the
+Indians went unto them, after the Spaniards were embarked. The
+horses were not acquainted with them, and began to neigh, and run
+up and down in such sort, that the Indians, for fear of them, leaped
+into the water; and getting into their canoes went after the brigantines,
+shooting cruelly at them. They followed us that evening and
+the night following till the next day at ten of the clock, and then returned
+up the river. Presently from a small town that stood upon
+the river came seven canoes, and followed us a little way down the
+river, shooting at us: but seeing they were so few that they could do
+us but little harm, they returned to their town. From thence forward,
+until they came to the sea, they had no encounter. They
+sailed down the river seventeen days: which may be two hundred and
+fifty leagues' journey, little more or less: and near unto the sea, the
+river is divided into two arms; each of them is a league and a half
+broad.</p>
+
+<p>Half a league before they came to the sea, they came to anchor to
+rest themselves there about a day; for they were very weary with
+rowing, and out of heart. For by the space of many days they had
+eaten nothing but parched and sodden maize; which they had by
+allowance every day an headpiece full by strike for every three men.
+While they rode there at anchor seven canoes of Indians came to set
+upon those which they brought with them. The Governor commanded
+armed men to go aboard them, and to drive them farther off.
+They came also against them by land through a thick wood, and a<a name="page_211" id="page_211"></a>
+moorish ground, and had staves with very sharp forked heads made
+of the bones of fishes, and fought very valiantly with us, which went
+out to encounter them. And the other that came in canoes with their
+arrows staid for them that came against them, and at their coming
+both those that were on land, and those in the canoes wounded some
+of us: and seeing us come near them, they turned their backs, and
+like swift horses among footmen got away from us; making some
+returns, and reuniting themselves together, going not past a bow shot
+off: for in so retiring they shot, without receiving any hurt of the
+Christians. For though they had some bows, yet they could not use
+them; and brake their arms with rowing to overtake them. And the
+Indians easily in their compass went with their canoes, staying and
+wheeling about as it had been in a skirmish, perceiving that those
+that came against them could not offend them. And the more they
+strove to come near them, the more hurt they received. As soon as
+they had driven them farther off, they returned to the brigantines.
+They stayed two days there: and departed from thence unto the place
+where the arm of the river entereth into the sea. They sounded in
+the river near unto the sea, and found forty fathoms water. They
+staid there. And the Governor commanded all and singular persons
+to speak their minds touching their voyage, whether it were best to
+cross over to <i>Nueva España</i>, committing themselves to the high sea,
+or whether they should keep along the coast. There were sundry
+opinions touching this matter: wherein <i>John Danusco</i>, which presumed
+much, and took much upon him in the knowledge of navigation, and
+matters of the sea, although he had but little experience, moved
+the Governor with his talk: and his opinion was seconded by some
+others. And they affirmed, that it was much better to pass by the
+high sea, and cross the gulf, which was three of four parts the lesser
+travel, because in going along the coast, they went a great way about,
+by reason of the compass which the land did make. <i>John Danusco</i>
+said, that he had seen the sea-card, and that from the place where they
+were, the coast ran east and west unto <i>Rio de las Palmas</i>; and from
+<i>Rio de las Palmas</i> to <i>Nueva España</i> from north to south: and therefore
+in sailing always in sight of land would be a great compassing about
+and spending of much time; and that they would be in great danger
+to be overtaken with winter before they should get to the land of
+the Christians: and that in ten or twelve days' space, having good
+weather, they might be there in crossing over. The most part were
+against this opinion, and said that it was more safe to go along the
+coast, though they staid the longer: because their ships were very<a name="page_212" id="page_212"></a>
+weak and without decks, so that a very little storm was enough to
+cast them away: and if they should be hindered with calms, or contrary
+weather, through the small store of vessels which they had to
+carry water in, they should likewise fall into great danger: and that
+although the ships were such as they might venture in them, yet having
+neither pilot nor sea-card to guide themselves, it was no good
+counsel to cross the gulf. This opinion was confirmed by the greatest
+part: and they agreed to go along the coast. At the time wherein
+they sought to depart from thence, the cable of the anchor of the Governor's
+brigantine brake, and the anchor remained in the river. And
+albeit they were near the shore, yet it was so deep, that the divers
+diving many times could never find it; which caused great sadness in
+the Governor, and in all those that went with him in his brigantine:
+but with a grindstone which they had, and certain bridles which
+remained to some of the gentlemen, and men of worship which had
+horses, they made a weight which served instead of an anchor. The
+18th of July (1543) they went forth to sea with fair and prosperous
+weather for their voyage. And seeing that they were gone two or
+three leagues from the shore, the captains of the other brigantines
+overtook them, and asked the Governor, wherefore he did put off from
+the shore? and that if he would leave the coast, he should say so;
+and he should not do it without the consent of all: and that if he did
+otherwise, they would not follow him, but that every one would do
+what seemed best unto himself. The Governor answered, that he
+would do nothing without their counsel, but that he did bear off from
+the land to sail the better and safer by night; and that the next day
+when time served, he would return to the sight of land again. They
+sailed with a reasonable good wind that day and the night following,
+and the next day till evening song, always in fresh water; whereat
+they wondered much: for they were very far from land. But the
+force of the current of the river is so great, and the coast there is so
+shallow and gentle, that the fresh water enters far into the sea.
+That evening on their right hand they saw certain creeks, whither
+they went, and rested there that night: where <i>John Danusco</i> with his
+reasons won them at last, that all consented and agreed to commit
+themselves to the main sea, alleging, as he had done before, that it
+was a great advantage, and that their voyage would be much shorter.
+They sailed two days, and when they would have come to sight of
+land they could not, for the wind blew from the shore. On the fourth
+day, seeing their fresh water began to fail, fearing necessity and
+danger, they all complained of <i>John Danusco</i>, and of the Governor<a name="page_213" id="page_213"></a>
+that followed his counsel: and every one of the captains said, that
+they would no more go from the shore, though the Governor went
+whither he would. It pleased God that the wind changed, though but
+a little: and at the end of four days after they had put to sea, being
+already destitute of water, by force of rowing they got within sight of
+land, and with great trouble recovered it, in an open road. That
+evening the wind came to the south, which on that coast is a cross
+wind, and drove the brigantines against the shore, because it blew very
+hard, and the anchors were so weak, that they yielded and began to
+bend. The Governor commanded all men to leap into the water, and
+going between them and the shore, and thrusting the brigantines into
+the sea as soon as the wave was past, they saved them till the wind
+ceased.</p>
+
+<p>In the bay where they rode, after the tempest was passed, they
+went on shore, and with mattocks, which they had, they digged certain
+pits, which grew full of fresh water, where they filled all the casks
+they had. The next day they departed thence, and sailed two days,
+and entered into a creek like unto a pool, fenced from the south
+wind, which then did blow, and was against them; and there they
+stayed four days, not being able to get out; and when the sea was
+calm they rowed out. They sailed that day, and towards evening
+the wind grew so strong that it drove them on the shore, and they
+were sorry that they had put forth from the former harbor; for as
+soon as night approached, a storm began to rise in the sea, and the
+wind still waxed more violent with a tempest. The brigantines lost
+one another. Two of them, which bare more into the sea, entered
+into an arm of the sea, which pierced into the land two leagues
+beyond the place where the others were that night. The five which
+stayed behind, being always a league and half a league the one from
+the other, met together, without any knowledge the one of the other,
+in a wild road, where the wind and the waves drove them on shore;
+for their anchors did straighten and came home, and they could not
+use their oars, putting seven or eight men to every one, which rowed
+to seaward; and all the rest leaped into the water, and when the wave
+was passed that drave the brigantine on shore, they thrust it again
+into the sea with all the diligence and might that they had. Others,
+while another wave was incoming, with bowls laved out the water
+that came in overboard. While they were in this tempest, in
+great fear of being cast away in that place, from midnight forward
+they endured an intolerable torment of an infinite swarm of mosquitoes
+which fell upon them, which as soon as they had stung the flesh, it so<a name="page_214" id="page_214"></a>
+infected it, as though they had been venomous. In the morning the
+sea was assuaged and the wind slacked, but not the mosquitoes; for
+the sails, which were white, seemed black with them in the morning.
+Those which rowed, unless others kept them away, were not able to
+row. Having passed the fear and danger of the storm, beholding the
+deformities of their faces, and the blows which they gave themselves
+to drive them away, one of them laughed at another. They met all
+together in the creek where the two brigantines were which outwent
+their fellows. There was found a scum which they call copee, which
+the sea casteth up, and it is like pitch, wherewith in some places,
+where pitch is wanting, they pitch their ships; there they pitched
+their brigantines. They rested two days, and then eftsoons proceeded
+on their voyage. They sailed two days more, and landed in a
+bay or arm of the sea, where they stayed two days. The same day
+that they went from thence six men went up in a canoe toward the
+head of it, and could not see the end of it. They put out from
+thence with a south wind, which was against them; but because it
+was little, and for the great desire they had to shorten their voyage,
+they put out to sea by the force of oars, and for all that made very
+little way, with great labor, in two days, and went under the lee of a
+small island into an arm of the sea, which compassed it about.
+While they were there, there fell out such weather, that they gave
+God many thanks that they found out such an harbor. There was
+great store of fish in that place, which they took with nets, which
+they had, and hooks. Here a man cast an hook and a line into the
+sea, and tied the end of it to his arm, and a fish caught it, and drew
+him into the water unto the neck; and it pleased God that he remembered
+himself of a knife that he had, and cut the line with it.
+There they abode fourteen days; and at the end of them it pleased
+God to send them fair weather, for which, with great devotion, they
+appointed a procession, and went in procession along the strand, beseeching
+God to bring them to a land where they might serve him in
+better sort.</p>
+
+<p>In all the coast wheresoever they digged they found fresh water;
+there they filled their vessels, and the procession being ended, embarked
+themselves, and going always in sight of the shore they sailed
+six days. <i>John Danusco</i> said that it would do well to bear out to
+seaward; for he had seen the sea-card, and remembered that from <i>Rio
+de las Palmas</i> forward, the coast did run from north to south, and
+thitherto they had run from east to west, and in his opinion, by his
+reckoning, <i>Rio de las Palmas</i> could not be far off from where they<a name="page_215" id="page_215"></a>
+were. That same night they put to sea, and in the morning they saw
+palm leaves floating, and the coast which ran north and south. From
+midday forward they saw great mountains, which until then they had
+not seen; for from this place to <i>Puerto de Spiritu Santo</i>, where they
+first landed in <i>Florida</i>, was a very plain and low country; and therefore
+it cannot be descried, unless a man comes very near it. By that
+which they saw, they thought they had overshot <i>Rio de Palmas</i> that
+night, which is sixty leagues from the river <i>Panuco</i>, which is in
+<i>Nueva España</i>. They assembled all together, and some said it
+was not good to sail by night, lest they should overshoot the river of
+<i>Panuco</i>; and others said, it was not well to lose time while it was
+favorable, and that it could not be so near that they should pass it
+that night; and they agreed to take away half the sails, and so sail
+all night. Two of the brigantines, which sailed that night with all
+their sails, by break of day had overshot the river of <i>Panuco</i> without
+seeing it. Of the five that came behind, the first that came unto it
+was that wherein <i>Calderan</i> was captain. A quarter of a league before
+they came at it, and before they did see it, they saw the water
+muddy, and knew it to be fresh water; and coming right against the
+river, they saw where it entered into the sea, that the water broke upon
+a shoal. And because there was no man there that knew it, they
+were in doubt whether they should go in, or go along; and they resolved
+to go in; and before they came into the current, they went
+close to the shore, and entered into the port. And as soon as they
+were come in, they saw Indian men and women appareled like Spaniards,
+whom they asked in what country they were? They answered
+in Spanish, that it was the river of <i>Panuco</i>, and that the town of
+the Christians was fifteen leagues up within the land. The joy that
+all of them received upon this news cannot sufficiently be expressed;
+for it seemed unto them that at that instant they were born again.
+And many went on shore and kissed the ground, and kneeling on
+their knees, with lifting up their hands and eyes to Heaven, they all
+ceased not to give God thanks. Those which came after, as soon as
+they saw <i>Calderan</i> come to an anchor with his brigantine in the
+river, presently went thither, and came into the haven. The other
+two brigantines which had overshot the place, put to sea to return
+back to seek the rest, and could not do it, because the wind was contrary
+and the sea grown; they were afraid of being cast away, and
+recovering the shore they cast anchor. While they rode there a
+storm arose, and seeing that they could not abide there, much less<a name="page_216" id="page_216"></a>
+endure at sea, they resolved to run on shore; and as the brigantines
+were but small, so did they draw but little water; and where they
+were it was a sandy coast. By which occasion the force of their sails
+drove them on shore, without any hurt of them that were in them.
+As those that were in the port of <i>Panuco</i> at this time were in great
+joy; so these felt a double grief in their hearts, for they knew not
+what was become of their fellows, nor in what country they were, and
+feared it was a country of Indian enemies. They landed two leagues
+below the port; and when they saw themselves out of the danger of
+the sea, every one took of that which he had, as much as he could carry
+on his back, and they traveled up into the country, and found Indians,
+which told them where their fellows were, and gave them good entertainment;
+wherewith their sadness was turned into joy, and they
+thanked God most humbly for their deliverance out of so many
+dangers.</p>
+
+<p>From the time that they put out of <i>Rio Grande</i> to the sea, at
+their departure from <i>Florida</i>, until they arrived in the river of <i>Panuco</i>,
+was fifty-two days. They came into the river of <i>Panuco</i> the
+tenth of September, 1543. They went up the river with their brigantines.
+They traveled four days; and because the wind was but
+little, and many times it served them not because of the many turnings
+which the river maketh, and the great current drawing them up
+by towing, and that in many places; for this cause they made very
+little way and with great labor; and seeing the execution of their desire
+to be deferred, which was to come among Christians, and to see
+the celebration of divine service, which so long time they had not
+seen, they left the brigantines with the mariners, and went by land
+to <i>Panuco</i>. All of them were appareled in deers' skins tanned and
+dyed black, to wit, coats, hose, and shoes. When they came to <i>Panuco</i>,
+presently they went to the church to pray and give God thanks
+that so miraculously had saved them. The townsmen which before
+were advertised by the Indians, and knew of their arrival, carried
+some of them to their houses, and entertained them whom they knew
+and had acquaintance of, or because they were their countrymen.
+The Alcalde Mayor took the Governor home to his house: and commanded
+all the rest, as soon as they came, to be lodged six and six
+and ten and ten, according to the ability of every townsman. And all
+of them were provided for by their hosts of many hens, and bread of
+maize, and fruits of the country, which are such as be in the Isle of
+<i>Cuba</i>, whereof before I have spoken. The town of <i>Panuco</i> may contain
+about seventy families; the most of their houses are of lime and<a name="page_217" id="page_217"></a>
+stone, and some made of timber, and all of them are thatched. It is a
+poor country, and there is neither gold nor silver in it. The inhabitants
+live there in great abundance of victuals and servants. The richest
+have not above five hundred crowns rent a year, and that is in cotton
+cloths, hens, and maize, which the Indians their servants do give
+them for tribute. There arrived there of those that came out of
+<i>Florida</i>, three hundred and eleven Christians. Presently the Alcalde
+Mayor sent one of the townsmen in post to advertise the Viceroy,
+<i>Don Antonio de Mendoça</i>, which was resident in <i>Mexico</i>, that of the
+people that went with <i>Don Ferdinando de Soto</i> to discover and conquer
+<i>Florida</i> three hundred and eleven men were arrived there, that
+seeing that they were employed in his majesty's service he would take
+some order to provide for them. Whereat the Viceroy, and all the
+inhabitants of <i>Mexico</i> wondered; for they thought they were miscarried
+because they had traveled so far within the main land of <i>Florida</i>,
+and had no news of them for so long a time: and it seemed a
+wonderful thing unto them, how they could save themselves so long
+among infidels, without any fort, wherein they might fortify themselves,
+and without any other succor at all. Presently the Viceroy
+sent a warrant wherein he commanded, that whithersoever they sent
+they should give them victuals, and as many Indians for their carriages
+as they needed: and where they would not furnish them, they
+might take those things that were necessary perforce without incurring
+any danger of law. This warrant was so readily obeyed that by
+the way before they came to the towns they came to receive them
+with hens and victuals.</p>
+
+<p>From <i>Panuco</i> to the great city of <i>Temistitan, Mexico</i>, is sixty
+leagues; and other sixty from <i>Panuco</i> to the port de <i>Vera Cruz</i>, where
+they take shipping for <i>Spain</i>, and those that come from <i>Spain</i> do
+land to go for <i>Nueva España</i>. These three towns stand in a triangle:
+to wit, <i>Vera Cruz</i> to the south, <i>Panuco</i> to the north, and
+<i>Mexico</i> to the west sixty leagues asunder. The country is so inhabited
+with Indians that from town to town those which are farthest are but
+a league and half a league asunder. Some of them that came from
+<i>Florida</i> stayed a month in <i>Panuco</i> to rest themselves, others fifteen
+days, and every one as long as he listed: for there was none that showed
+a sour countenance to his guests, but rather gave them anything that
+they had, and seemed to be grieved when they took their leave. Which
+was to be believed; for the victuals which the Indians do pay them
+for tribute, are more than they can spend: and in that town is no
+commerce; and there dwelt but few Spaniards there, and they were<a name="page_218" id="page_218"></a>
+glad of their company. The Alcalde Mayor divided all the Emperor's
+clothes which he had (which there they pay him for his tribute)
+among those that would come to receive them. Those which had
+shirts of mail left were glad men; for they had a horse for one shirt
+of mail. Some horsed themselves; and such as could not (which
+were the greatest part) took their journey on foot: in which they
+were well received of the Indians that were in the towns, and better
+served than they could have been in their own houses, though they
+had been well to live. For if they asked one hen of an Indian, they
+brought them four: and if they asked any of the country fruit though
+it were a league off, they ran presently for it. And if any Christian
+found himself evil at ease, they carried him in a chair from one town
+to another. In whatsoever town they came, the cacique, by an Indian
+which carried a rod of justice in his hand, whom they call Tapile,
+that is to say a sergeant, commanded them to provide victuals for
+them, and Indians to bear burdens of such things as they had, and
+such as were needful to carry them that were sick. The Viceroy sent
+a Portuguese twenty leagues from <i>Mexico</i>, with great store of sugar,
+raisins of the sun, conserves, and other things fit for sick folks, for
+such as had need of them: and had given order to clothe them all at
+the Emperor's charge. And their approach being known by the citizens
+of <i>Mexico</i>, they went out of the town to receive them: and with
+great courtesy, requesting them in favor to come to their houses, every
+one carried such as he met home with him, and clothed them every
+one the best they could: so that he that had the meanest apparel, it
+cost about thirty ducats. As many as were willing to come to the
+Viceroy's house he commanded to be appareled, and such as were persons
+of quality sate at his table: and there was a table in his house
+for as many of the meaner sort as would come to it: and he was presently
+informed who every one was, to show him the courtesy that he
+deserved. Some of the conquerors did set both gentlemen and clowns
+at their own table, and many times made the servant sit cheek by
+cheek by his master: and chiefly the officers and men of base condition
+did so: for those which had better education did inquire who
+every one was, and made difference of persons: but all did what they
+could with a good will: and every one told them whom they had in
+their houses, that they should not trouble themselves, nor think themselves
+the worse, to take that which they gave them: for they had
+been in the like case, and had been relieved of others, and that this
+was the custom of that country. God reward them all: and God
+grant that those which it pleased him to deliver out of <i>Florida</i>, and<a name="page_219" id="page_219"></a>
+to bring again into Christendom, may serve him: and unto those that
+died in that country, and unto all that believe in Him and confess
+his holy faith, God for his mercy's sake grant the kingdom of heaven.
+Amen.</p>
+
+<p>From the <i>Port de Spiritu Santo</i>, where they landed when they
+entered into <i>Florida</i>, to the Province of Ocute, which may be 400
+leagues, little more or less, is a very plain country, and has many
+lakes and thick woods, and in some places they are of wild pine-trees;
+and is a weak soil. There is in it neither mountain nor hill. The
+country of <i>Ocute</i> is more fat and fruitful; it has thinner woods, and
+very goodly meadows upon the rivers. From <i>Ocute</i> to <i>Cutifachiqui</i>
+may be 130 leagues: 80 leagues thereof are desert, and have many
+groves of wild pine trees. Through the wilderness great rivers do
+pass. From <i>Cutifachiqui</i> to <i>Xuala</i>, may be 250 leagues: it is all an
+hilly country. <i>Cutifachiqui</i> and <i>Xuala</i> stand both in plain ground,
+high, and have goodly meadows on the rivers. From thence forward
+to <i>Chiaha</i>, <i>Coça</i>, and <i>Talise</i>, is plain ground, dry and fat, and very
+plentiful of maize. From <i>Xuala</i> to <i>Tascaluça</i> may be 250 leagues.
+From <i>Tascaluça</i> to <i>Rio Grande</i>, or the Great River, may be 300
+leagues: the country is low, and full of lakes. From <i>Rio Grande</i>
+forward, the country is higher and more champaign, and best peopled
+of all the land of <i>Florida</i>. And along this river from <i>Aquixo</i> to
+<i>Pacaha</i>, and <i>Coligoa</i>, are 150 leagues: the country is plain, and the
+woods thin, and in some places champaign, very fruitful and pleasant.
+From <i>Coligoa</i> to <i>Autiamque</i> are 250 leagues of hilly country. From
+<i>Autiamque</i> to <i>Aguacay</i>, may be 230 leagues of plain ground. From
+<i>Aguacay</i> to the river of <i>Daycao</i> 120 leagues, all hilly country.</p>
+
+<p>From the <i>Port de Spiritu Santo</i> unto <i>Apalache</i>, they traveled
+from east to west, and north-west. From <i>Cutifachiqui</i> to <i>Xuala</i> from
+south to north. From <i>Xuala</i> to <i>Coça</i> from east to west. From
+<i>Coça</i> to <i>Tascaluça</i>, and to <i>Rio Grande</i>, as far as the provinces of
+<i>Quizquiz</i> and <i>Aquixo</i>, from east to west. From <i>Aquixo</i> to <i>Pacaha</i> to
+the north. From <i>Pacaha</i> to <i>Tulla</i> from east to west: from <i>Tulla</i> to
+<i>Autiamque</i> from north to south, to the province of <i>Guachoya</i> and
+<i>Daycao</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The bread which they ate in all the land of <i>Florida</i> is of maize, which
+is like coarse millet. And this maize is common in all the islands,
+and from the Antilles forward. There are also in <i>Florida</i> great store
+of walnuts, plums, mulberries, and grapes. They sow and gather
+their maize every one their several crop. The fruits are common to
+all, for they grow abroad in the open fields in great abundance, without<a name="page_220" id="page_220"></a>
+any need of planting or dressing. Where there be mountains,
+there be chestnuts; they are somewhat smaller than the chestnuts of
+<i>Spain</i>. From <i>Rio Grande</i> westward, the walnuts differ from those
+that grow more eastward; for they are soft, and like unto acorns; and
+those which grow from <i>Rio Grande</i> to <i>Puerto del Spiritu Santo</i> for
+the most part are hard; and the trees and walnuts in show like those
+of <i>Spain</i>. There is a fruit through all the country which groweth
+on a plant like Ligoacan, which the Indians do plant. The fruit is
+like unto Peares Riall; it has a very good smell, and an excellent
+taste. There groweth another plant in the open field, which beareth a
+fruit like unto strawberries, close to the ground, which has a very good
+taste. The plums are of two kinds, red and gray, of the making and
+bigness of nuts, and have three or four stones in them. These are
+better than all the plums of <i>Spain</i>, and they make far better prunes
+of them. In the grapes there is only want of dressing; for though
+they be big, they have a great kernel. All other fruits are very perfect,
+and less hurtful than those of <i>Spain</i>.</p>
+
+<p>There are in <i>Florida</i> many bears and lions, wolves, deer, dogs,
+cats, martens, and conies. There be many wild hens as big as turkeys,
+partridges small, like those of <i>Africa</i>, cranes, ducks, pigeons, thrushes,
+and sparrows. There are certain black birds bigger than sparrows,
+and lesser than stares. There are goshawks, falcons, gerfalcons, and
+all fowls of prey that are in <i>Spain</i>.</p>
+
+<p>The Indians are well proportioned. Those of the plain countries
+are taller of body, and better shapen, than those of the mountains.
+Those of the inland have greater store of maize, and commodities of
+the country, than those that dwell upon the sea-coast. The country
+along the sea-coast is barren and poor, and the people more warlike.
+The coast runneth from <i>Puerto del Spiritu Santo</i> to <i>Apalache</i>, east
+and west; and from <i>Apalache</i> to <i>Rio de las Palmas</i> from east to west;
+from <i>Rio de las Palmas</i> unto <i>Nueva España</i> from north to south.
+It is a gentle coast, but it hath many shoals, and great shelves of sand.</p>
+
+<p class="c"><i>Deo gratias.</i></p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><p class="c"><b>FOOTNOTES:</b></p>
+
+<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> Elvas is a city in Portugal.</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> Cabeça de Vaca was the Governor of the River of Plate.</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> The Cassavi root.</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> Tampa Bay, on the west side of Florida.</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> From Spirito Santo or Tampa Bay.</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> Twelve days from St. Helena, and Coste seven days' journey from Chiaha.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_G_7" id="Footnote_G_7"></a><a href="#FNanchor_G_7"><span class="label">[G]</span></a> Chisca is directly north from Cutifachiqui, which is within two days of
+St. Helena.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_H_8" id="Footnote_H_8"></a><a href="#FNanchor_H_8"><span class="label">[H]</span></a> Rio Grande, or Rio de Espiritu Santo.</p></div>
+
+</div>
+
+<p class="c">Corrections made to the text by the etext transcriber:<br />
+<br />
+Timoco=>Tinoco<br />
+Vasconcellos=>Vasconcelos<br />
+northwest=>north-west</p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Narrative of the expedition of
+Hernando de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557, by A Gentleman of Elvas
+
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
diff --git a/34997.txt b/34997.txt
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+++ b/34997.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of A Narrative of the expedition of Hernando
+de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557, by A Gentleman of Elvas
+
+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: A Narrative of the expedition of Hernando de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557
+
+Author: A Gentleman of Elvas
+
+Translator: Richard Hackluyt
+
+Release Date: January 18, 2011 [EBook #34997]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chuck Greif, Library of Congress; France in
+America and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS
+
+OF
+
+LOUISIANA,
+
+EMBRACING TRANSLATIONS OF
+
+MANY RARE AND VALUABLE DOCUMENTS
+
+RELATING TO THE
+
+NATURAL, CIVIL AND POLITICAL
+
+HISTORY OF THAT STATE.
+
+COMPILED WITH
+
+HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES,
+
+AND AN
+
+INTRODUCTION,
+
+BY
+B. F. FRENCH,
+
+_Member of the Louisiana Historical Society; of the American Association
+for the Advancement of Science; Honorary Member of the Historical
+Society of Pennsylvania; Corresponding Member of the Academy of Natural
+Sciences of Philadelphia, etc., etc._
+
+PART II.
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+DANIELS AND SMITH.
+
+_New York_, G. P. PUTNAM; _Boston_, LITTLE AND BROWN; _New Orleans_, B. M.
+NORMAN; _London_, JOHN CHAPMAN; _Paris_, GALIGNANI AND CO.
+1850.
+
+Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1850, by
+
+B. F. FRENCH,
+
+in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the
+Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
+
+PHILADELPHIA:
+PRINTED BY T. K. & P. G. COLLINS.
+
+
+
+
+TO THE
+
+MEMBERS OF THE LOUISIANA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
+
+THIS VOLUME
+
+IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
+
+BY
+
+BENJAMIN F. FRENCH.
+
+
+[The following is an excerpt from this volume.
+(note of etext transcriber.)]
+
+
+
+
+A NARRATIVE
+
+OF THE
+
+EXPEDITION OF HERNANDO DE SOTO
+
+INTO
+
+FLORIDA.
+
+BY A GENTLEMAN OF ELVAS.
+
+PUBLISHED AT EVORA 1557.
+
+TRANSLATED FROM THE PORTUGUESE
+
+BY
+
+RICHARD HACKLUYT.
+
+LONDON, 1609.
+
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN SOTO was the son of a squire of _Xerez of Badajoz_. He went into
+the Spanish _Indies_, when _Peter Arias_ of _Avila_ was Governor of the
+_West Indies_. And there he was without anything else of his own, save
+his sword and target: and for his good qualities and valor, _Peter
+Arias_ made him captain of a troop of horsemen, and by his commandment
+he went with _Fernando Pizarro_ to the conquest of _Peru_: where (as
+many persons of credit reported, which were there present) as well at
+the taking of _Atabalipa_, Lord of _Peru_, as at the assault of the city
+of _Cusco_, and in all other places where they found resistance,
+wheresoever he was present, he passed all other captains and principal
+persons. For which cause, besides his part of the treasure of
+_Atabalipa_, he had a good share; whereby in time he gathered a hundred
+and four score thousand ducats together, with that which fell to his
+part; which he brought into Spain; whereof the Emperor borrowed a
+certain part, which he repaid again with 60,000 rials of plate in the
+rent of the silks of _Granada_, and all the rest was delivered him in
+the contractation house of _Seville_. He took servants to wit, a
+steward, a gentleman usher, pages, a gentleman of the horse, a
+chamberlain, lackeys, and all other officers that the house of a noble
+may require. From _Seville_ he went to the court, and in the court,
+there accompanied him _John Danusco_ of _Seville_, and _Lewis Moscoso
+D'Alvarado_, _Nuno de Touar_, and _John Rodriguez Lobillo_. Except
+_John Danusco_, all the rest came with him from _Peru_: and every one of
+them brought fourteen or fifteen thousand ducats: all of them went well
+and costly appareled. And although _Soto_ of his own nature was not
+liberal, yet because that was the first time that he was to show himself
+in the court, he spent frankly, and went accompanied with those which I
+have named, and with his servants, and many others which resorted unto
+him. He married with _Donna Isabella de Bobadilla_, daughter of _Peter
+Arias_ of _Avila_, Earl of _Punno en Rostro_. The Emperor made him the
+Governor of the Isle of _Cuba_, and Adelantado or President of
+_Florida_; with a title of Marquis of certain part of the lands that he
+should conquer.
+
+When _Don Ferdinando_ had obtained the government, there came a
+gentleman from the _Indies_ to the court, named _Cabeca de Vaca_, which
+had been with the Governor _Pamphilo de Narvaez_ which died in
+_Florida_, who reported that _Narvaez_ was cast away at sea with all the
+company that went with him. And how he with four more escaped and
+arrived in _Nueva Espana_. Also he brought a relation in writing, of
+that which he had seen in _Florida_; which said in some places: In such
+a place I have seen this; and the rest which here I saw, I leave to
+confer of between his Majesty and myself. Generally he reported the
+misery of the country, and the troubles which he passed: and he told
+some of his kinsfolk, which were desirous to go into the _Indies_, and
+urged him very much to tell them whether he had seen any rich country in
+_Florida_, that he might not tell them, because he and another, whose
+name was _Orantes_, (who remained in _Nueva Espana_ with purpose to
+return into _Florida_: for which intent he came into _Spain_ to beg the
+government thereof of the Emperor) had sworn not to discover some of
+those things which they had seen, because no man should prevent them in
+begging the same. And he informed them _that it was the richest country
+of the world_. _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ was very desirous to have him
+with him, and made him a favorable offer: and after they were agreed,
+because _Soto_ gave him not a sum of money which he demanded to buy a
+ship, they broke off again. _Baltasar de Gallegos_, and _Christopher de
+Spindola_, the kinsmen of _Cabeca de Vaca_, told him, that for that
+which he had imparted to them, they were resolved to pass with _Soto_
+into _Florida_, and therefore they prayed him to advise them what they
+were best to do. _Cabeca de Vaca_ told them, that the cause why he went
+not with _Soto_, was because he hoped to beg another government, and
+that he was loth to go under the command of another: and that he came to
+beg the conquest of _Florida_: but seeing _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ had
+gotten it already, for his oath's sake he might tell them nothing of
+that which they would know: but he counseled them to sell their goods
+and go with him, and that in so doing they should do well. As soon as he
+had opportunity, he spake with the Emperor, and related unto him
+whatsoever he had passed and seen, and come to understand. Of this
+relation, made by word of mouth to the Emperor, the Marquis of _Astorya_
+had notice, and forthwith determined to send with _Don Ferdinando de
+Soto_ his brother _Don Antonio Osorio_: and with him two kinsmen of his
+prepared themselves, to wit, _Francis Osorio_, and _Garcia Osorio_. _Don
+Antonio_ dispossessed himself of 60,000 rials of rent which he held by
+the church; and _Francis Osorio_ of a town of vassals, which he had in
+the country _de Campos_. And they made their rendezvous with the
+Adelantado in _Seville_. The like did _Nunez de Touar_, and _Lewis de
+Moscoso_, and _John Rodriguez Lobillo_, each of whom had brought from
+_Peru_ fourteen or fifteen thousand ducats. _Lewis de Moscoso_ carried
+with him two brethren; there went also _Don Carlos_, which had married
+the governor's niece, and took her with him. From _Badajoz_ there went
+_Peter Calderan_, and three kinsmen of the Adelantado, to wit, _Arias
+Tinoco_, _Alfonso Romo_, and _Diego Tinoco_. And as _Lewis de Moscoso_
+passed through _Elvas_[A] _Andrew de Vasconcelos_ spake with him, and
+requested him to speak to _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ concerning him, and
+delivered him certain warrants which he had received from the Marquis of
+_Villa Real_, wherein he gave him the captainship of _Ceuta_ in
+_Barbarie_, that he might show them unto him. And the Adelantado saw
+them; and was informed who he was, and wrote unto him, that he would
+favor him in all things, and by all means, and would give him a charge
+of men in _Florida_. And from _Elvas_ went _Andrew de Vasconcelos_, and
+_Fernan Pegado_, _Antonio Martinez Segurado_, _Men Roiz Pereira_, _John
+Cordero_, _Stephen Pegado_, _Benedict Fernandez_, and _Alvaro
+Fernandez_. And out of _Salamanca_, and _Jaen_, and _Valencia_, and
+_Albuquerque_, and from other parts of _Spain_, many people of noble
+birth, assembled at _Seville_, insomuch that in Saint _Lucar_ many men
+of good account, which had sold their goods, remained behind for want of
+shipping, whereas for other known and rich countries, they are wont to
+want men: and this fell out by occasion of that which _Cabeca de
+Vaca_[B] told the Emperor, and informed such persons as he had
+conference withal touching the state of that country. _Soto_ made him
+great offers, and being agreed to go with him (as I have said before)
+because he would not give him money to pay for a ship, which he had
+bought, they brake off, and he went for governor to the river of
+_Plate_. His kinsmen, _Christopher de Spindola_ and _Baltasar de
+Gallegos_, went with _Soto_. _Baltasar de Gallegos_ sold houses and
+vineyards, and rent corn, and ninety ranks of olive trees in the _Xarafe
+of Seville_. He had the office of _Alcalde Mayor_, and took his wife
+with him. And there went also many other persons of account with the
+President, and had the offices following by great friendship, because
+they were offices desired of many, to wit, _Antonie de Biedma_ was
+factor, _John Danusco_ was auditor, and _John Gaytan_, nephew to the
+Cardinal of _Ciguenza_, had the office of treasurer.
+
+The Portuguese departed from _Elvas_ the 15th of January, and came to
+_Seville_ the 19th of the same month, and went to the lodging of the
+Governor, and entered into a court, over the which were certain
+galleries where he was, who came down and received them at the stairs,
+whereby they went up into the galleries. When he was come up, he
+commanded chairs to be given them to sit on. And _Andrew de Vasconcelos_
+told him who he and the other Portuguese were, and how they all were
+come to accompany him, and serve him in his voyage. He gave him thanks,
+and made show of great contentment for his coming and offer. And the
+table being already laid, he invited them to dinner. And being at
+dinner, he commanded his steward to seek a lodging for them near unto
+his own, where they might be lodged. The Adelantado departed from
+_Seville_ to _Saint Lucar_ with all the people which were to go with
+him. And he commanded a muster to be made, at the which the Portuguese
+showed themselves armed in very bright armor, and the Castellans very
+gallant with silk upon silk, with many pinkings and cuts. The Governor,
+because these braveries in such an action did not like him, commanded
+that they should muster another day, and every one should come forth
+with his armor; at the which the Portuguese came as at the first armed
+with very good armor. The Governor placed them in order near unto the
+standard, which the ensign bearer carried. The Castellans, for the most
+part, did wear very bad and rusty shirts of mail, and all of them
+head-pieces and steel caps, and very bad lances. Some of them sought to
+come among the Portuguese. So those passed and were counted and enrolled
+which _Soto_ liked and accepted of, and did accompany him into
+_Florida_; which were in all six hundred men. He had already bought
+seven ships, and had all necessary provision aboard them. He appointed
+captains, and delivered to every one his ship, and gave them in a roll
+what people every one should carry with them.
+
+In the year of our Lord 1538, in the month of April, the Adelantado
+delivered his ships to the captains which were to go in them; and took
+for himself a new ship, and good of sail, and gave another to _Andrew de
+Vasconcelos_, in which the Portuguese went; he went over the bar of _St.
+Lucar_ on Sunday, being _St. Lazarus_ day, in the morning of the month
+and year aforesaid, with great joy, commanding his trumpets to be
+sounded, and many shots of the ordnance to be discharged. He sailed four
+days with a prosperous wind, and suddenly it calmed; the calms continued
+eight days with swelling seas, in such wise that we made no way. The
+fifteenth day after his departure from _St. Lucar_, he came to _Gomera_,
+one of the _Canaries_, on Easter day in the morning. The Earl of that
+island was appareled all in white, cloak, jerkin, hose, shoes and cap,
+so that he seemed a Lord of the Gipsies. He received the Governor with
+much joy; he was well lodged, and all the rest had their lodgings
+gratis, and got great store of victuals for their money, as bread, wine,
+and flesh; and they took what was needful for their ships, and the
+Sunday following, eight days after their arrival, they departed from the
+Isle of _Gomera_. The Earl gave to _Donna Isabella_, the Adelantado's
+wife, a bastard daughter that he had, to be her waiting-maid. They
+arrived at the _Antilles_, in the Isle of _Cuba_, at the port of the
+city of _St. Jago_, upon Whit-sunday. As soon as they came thither, a
+gentleman of the city sent to the sea-side a very fair roan horse, and
+well furnished, for the Governor, and a mule for _Donna Isabella_, and
+all the horsemen and footmen that were in the town came to receive him
+at the sea-side. The Governor was well lodged, visited, and served of
+all the inhabitants of the city, and all his company had their lodgings
+freely: those which desired to go into the country, were divided by four
+and four, and six and six, in the farms or granges, according to the
+ability of the owners of the farms, and were furnished by them with all
+things necessary.
+
+The city of _St. Jago_ hath fourscore houses, which are great and well
+contrived. The most part have their walls made of boards, and are
+covered with thatch; it hath some houses built with lime and stones, and
+covered with tiles. It hath great orchards and many trees in them,
+differing from those of Spain: there be fig trees which bear figs as big
+as one's fist, yellow within, and of small taste; and other trees which
+bear a fruit which they call Ananes, in making and bigness like to a
+small pineapple: it is a fruit very sweet in taste: the shell being
+taken away, the kernel is like a piece of fresh cheese. In the granges
+abroad in the country there are other great pineapples, which grow on
+low trees, and are like the Aloe tree: they are of a very good smell and
+exceeding good taste. Other trees do bear a fruit which they call
+Mameis, of the bigness of peaches. This the islanders do hold for the
+best fruit of the country. There is another fruit which they call
+Guayabas, like filberts, as big as figs. There are other trees as high
+as a javelin, having one only stock without any bough, and the leaves as
+long as a casting dart; and the fruit is of the bigness and fashion of a
+cucumber; one bunch beareth twenty or thirty, and as they ripen the tree
+bendeth downward with them: they are called in this country Plantanos,
+and are of a good taste, and ripen after they be gathered; but those are
+the better which ripen upon the tree itself; they bear fruit but once,
+and the tree being cut down, there spring up others out of the but,
+which bear fruit the next year. There is another fruit, whereby many
+people are sustained, and chiefly the slaves, which are called Batatas.
+These grow now in the Isle of _Tercera_, belonging to the kingdom of
+_Portugal_, and they grow within the earth, and are like a fruit called
+Iname; they have almost the taste of a chestnut. The bread of this
+country is also made of roots which are like the Batatas.[C] And the
+stock whereon those roots do grow is like an elder tree: they make their
+ground in little hillocks, and in each of them they thrust four or five
+stakes; and they gather the roots a year and a half after they set them.
+If any one, thinking it is a batata or potato root, chance to eat of it
+never so little, he is in great danger of death: which was seen by
+experience in a soldier, which as soon as he had eaten a very little of
+one of those roots, he died quickly. They pare these roots and stamp
+them, and squeeze them in a thing like a press: the juice that cometh
+from them is of an evil smell. The bread is of little taste and less
+substance. Of the fruits of _Spain_, there are figs and oranges, and
+they bear fruit all the year, because the soil is very rank and
+fruitful. In this country are many good horses, and there is green grass
+all the year. There be many wild oxen and hogs, whereby the people of
+the island are well furnished with flesh. Without the towns abroad in
+the country are many fruits. And it happeneth sometimes that a Christian
+goeth out of the way and is lost fifteen or twenty days, because of the
+many paths in the thick groves that cross to and fro made by the oxen;
+and being thus lost they sustain themselves with fruits and
+palmitos--for there be many great groves of palm trees through all the
+island--they yield no other fruit that is of any profit. The Isle of
+_Cuba_ is three hundred leagues long from the east to the west, and is
+in some places thirty, in others forty leagues from north to south. It
+hath six towns of Christians, to wit, _St. Jago_, _Baracoa_, _Bayamo_,
+_Puerto de Principes_, _S. Espirito_, and _Havana_. Every one hath
+between thirty and forty households, except _St. Jago_ and _Havana_,
+which have about sixty or eighty houses. They have churches in each of
+them, and a chaplain which confesseth them and saith mass. In _St. Jago_
+is a monastery of Franciscan friars; it hath but few friars, and is well
+provided of alms, because the country is rich. The Church of _St. Jago_
+hath honest revenue, and there is a curate and prebends, and many
+priests, as the church of that city, which is the chief of all the
+island. There is in this country much gold and few slaves to get it; for
+many have made away themselves, because of the Christians' evil usage of
+them in the mines. A steward of _Vasquez Porcallo_, which was an
+inhabitor in that island, understanding that his slaves would make away
+themselves, stayed for them with a cudgel in his hand at the place where
+they were to meet, and told them that they could neither do nor think
+anything that he did not know before, and that he came thither to kill
+himself, with them, to the end, that if he had used them badly in this
+world, he might use them worse in the world to come: and this was a
+means that they changed their purpose, and turned home again to do that
+which he commanded them.
+
+The Governor sent from _St. Jago_ his nephew _Don Carlos_, with the
+ships in company of _Donna Isabella_ to tarry for him at _Havana_, which
+is a haven in the west part toward the head of the island, one hundred
+and eighty leagues from the city of _St. Jago_. The Governor, and those
+which stayed with him, bought horses and proceeded on their journey. The
+first town they came unto was _Bayamo_: they were lodged four and four,
+and six and six, as they went in company, and where they lodged, they
+took nothing for their diet, for nothing cost them aught save the maize
+or corn for their horses, because the Governor went to visit them from
+town to town, and seized them in the tribute and service of the Indians.
+_Bayamo_ is twenty-five leagues from the city of _St. Jago_. Near unto
+the town passeth a great river which is called _Tanto_; it is greater
+than _Guadiana_, and in it be very great crocodiles, which sometimes
+hurt the Indians, or the cattle which passeth the river. In all the
+country are neither wolf, fox, bear, lion, nor tiger. There are wild
+dogs which go from the houses into the woods and feed upon swine. There
+be certain snakes as big as a man's thigh or bigger; they are very
+slow, they do no kind of hurt. From _Bayamo_ to _Puerto de los
+Principes_ are fifty leagues. In all the island from town to town, the
+way is made by stubbing up the underwood; and if it be left but one year
+undone, the wood groweth so much that the way cannot be seen, and the
+paths of the oxen are so many, that none can travel without an Indian of
+the country for a guide: for all the rest is very high and thick woods.
+From _Puerto de los Principes_ the Governor went to the house of
+_Vasquez Porcallo_ by sea in a boat (for it was near the sea) to know
+there some news of _Donna Isabella_, which at that instant (as
+afterwards was known) was in great distress, insomuch that the ships
+lost one another, and two of them fell on the coast of _Florida_, and
+all of them endured great want of water and victuals. When the storm was
+over, they met together without knowing where they were: in the end they
+descried the Cape of _St. Anton_, a country not inhabited of the island
+of _Cuba_; there they watered, and at the end of forty days, which were
+passed since their departure from the city of _St. Jago_, they arrived
+at _Havana_. The Governor was presently informed thereof, and went to
+_Donna Isabella_. And those which went by land, which were one hundred
+and fifty horsemen, being divided into two parts, because they would not
+oppress the inhabitants, traveled by _St. Espirito_, which is sixty
+leagues from _Puerto de los Principes_. The food which they carried with
+them was _Cacabe_ bread, which is that whereof I made mention before:
+and it is of such a quality that if it be wet it breaketh presently,
+whereby it happened to some to eat flesh without bread for many days.
+They carried dogs with them, and a man of the country, which did hunt;
+and by the way, or where they were to lodge that night, they killed as
+many hogs as they needed. In this journey they were well provided of
+beef and pork, and they were greatly troubled with musquitoes,
+especially in a lake, which is called the mere of _Pia_, which they had
+much ado to pass from noon till night. The water might be some half
+league over, and to be swam about a crossbow shot; the rest came to the
+waist, and they waded up to the knees in the mire, and in the bottom
+were cockle shells, which cut their feet very sore, in such sort that
+there was neither boot nor shoe sole that was whole at half way. Their
+clothes and saddles were passed in baskets of palm trees. Passing this
+lake, stripped out of their clothes, there came many mosquitoes, upon
+whose biting there arose a wheal that smarted very much; they struck
+them with their hands, and with the blow which they gave they killed so
+many that the blood did run down the arms and bodies of the men. That
+night they rested very little for them, and other nights also in the
+like places and times. They came to _Santo Espirito_, which is a town of
+thirty houses; there passeth by it a little river; it is very pleasant
+and fruitful, having great store of oranges and citrons, and fruits of
+the country. One-half of the company were lodged here, and the rest
+passed forward twenty-five leagues to another town called la _Trinidad_,
+of fifteen or twenty households. Here is an hospital for the poor, and
+there is none other in all the island. And they say that this town was
+the greatest in all the country, and that before the Christians came
+into this land, as a ship passed along the coast there came in it a very
+sick man, which desired the captain to set him on shore, and the captain
+did so, and the ship went her way. The sick man remained set on shore in
+that country, which until then had not been haunted by Christians;
+whereupon the Indians found him, carried him home, and looked unto him
+till he was whole; and the lord of that town married him unto a daughter
+of his, and had war with all the inhabitants round about, and by the
+industry and valor of the Christian, he subdued and brought under his
+command all the people of that island. A great while after, the Governor
+_Diego Velasques_ went to conquer it, and from thence discovered _New
+Spain_. And this Christian which was with the Indians did pacify them,
+and brought them to the obedience and subjection of the governor. From
+this town _de la Trinidad_ unto _Havana_ are eighty leagues, without any
+habitation, which they traveled. They came to _Havana_ in the end of
+March, where they found the Governor, and the rest of the people which
+came with him from _Spain_. The Governor sent from _Havana John
+Dannusco_ with a caravele and two brigantines with fifty men to discover
+the haven of _Florida_, and from thence he brought two Indians which he
+took upon the coast, wherewith (as well because they might be necessary
+for guides and for interpreters, as because they said by signs that
+there was much gold in _Florida_) the Governor and all the company
+received much contentment, and longed for the hour of their departure,
+thinking in himself that this was the richest country that unto that day
+had been discovered.
+
+Before our departure the Governor deprived _Nuno de Touar_ of the office
+of Captain-general, and gave it to _Porcallo de Figueroa_, an inhabitant
+of _Cuba_, which was a mean that the ship was well furnished with
+victuals; for he gave a great many loads of _Casabe_ bread and many
+hogs. The Governor took away this office from _Nuno de Touar_, because
+he had fallen in love with the daughter of the Earl of _Gomera_, _Donna
+Isabella's_ waiting-maid, who, though his office were taken from him (to
+return again to the Governor's favor), though she were with child by
+him, yet took her to his wife, and went with _Soto_ into _Florida_. The
+Governor left _Donna Isabella_ in _Havana_, and with her remained the
+wife of _Don Carlos_, and the wives of _Baltasar de Gallegos_, and of
+_Nuno de Touar_. And he left for his lieutenant a gentleman of _Havana_,
+called _John de Roias_, for the government of the island.
+
+On Sunday the 18th of May, in the year of our Lord 1539, the Adelantado
+or president departed from _Havana_ in _Cuba_ with his fleet, which were
+nine vessels, five great ships, two caravels, and two brigantines. They
+sailed seven days with a prosperous wind. The 25th day of May, the day
+_de Pasca de Spirito Santo_[D] (which we call Whitson Sunday), they saw
+the land of _Florida_, and because of the shoals, they came to an anchor
+a league from the shore. On Friday the 30th of May they landed in
+_Florida_, two leagues from a town of an Indian lord called _Ucita_.
+They set on land two hundred and thirteen horses, which they brought
+with them to unburden the ships, that they might draw the less water. He
+landed all his men, and only the seamen remained in the ships, which in
+eight days, going up with the tide every day a little, brought them up
+unto the town. As soon as the people were come on shore, he pitched his
+camp on the sea-side, hard upon the bay which went up unto the town. And
+presently the Captain-general, _Vasquez Porcallo_, with other seven
+horsemen foraged the country half a league round about, and found six
+Indians, which resisted him with their arrows, which are the weapons
+which they used to fight withal. The horsemen killed two of them, and
+the other four escaped; because the country is cumbersome with woods and
+bogs, where the horses stuck fast, and fell with their riders, because
+they were weak with traveling upon the sea. The same night following,
+the Governor with an hundred men in the brigantines lighted upon a town,
+which he found without people, because that as soon as the Christians
+had sight of land, they were descried, and saw along the coast many
+smokes, which the Indians had made to give advice the one to the other.
+The next day _Luys de Moscoso_, master of the camp, set the men in
+order, the horsemen in three squadrons, the vanguard, the battalion, and
+the rereward; and so they marched that day and the day following,
+compassing great creeks which came out of the bay. They came to the town
+of _Ucita_, where the Governor was on Sunday the first of June, being
+Trinity Sunday. The town was of seven or eight houses. The lord's house
+stood near the shore upon a very high mount, made by hand for strength.
+At another end of the town stood the church, and on the top of it stood
+a fowl made of wood with gilded eyes. Here were found some pearls of
+small value, spoiled with the fire, which the Indians do pierce and
+string them like beads, and wear them about their necks and handwrists,
+and they esteem them very much. The houses were made of timber, and
+covered with palm leaves. The Governor lodged himself in the lord's
+houses, and with him _Vasquez Porcallo_, and _Luys de Moscoso_; and in
+others that were in the midst of the town, was the chief Alcalde or
+justice, _Baltasar de Gallegos_ lodged; and in the same houses was set
+in a place by itself all the provision that came in the ships; the other
+houses and the church were broken down, and every three or four soldiers
+made a little cabin wherein they lodged. The country round about was
+very fenny, and encumbered with great and high trees. The Governor
+commanded to fell the woods a crossbow shot round about the town, that
+the horses might run, and the Christians might have the advantage of the
+Indians, if by chance they should set upon them by night. In the ways
+and places convenient they had their sentinels of footmen by two and two
+in every stand, which did watch by turns, and the horsemen did visit
+them, and were ready to assist them if there were any alarm. The
+Governor made four captains of the horsemen and two of the footmen. The
+captains of the horsemen were one of them _Andrew de Masconcelos_, and
+another _Pedro Calderan de Badajoz_; and the other two were his kinsmen,
+to wit, _Arias Tinoco_, and _Alfonso Romo_, born likewise in _Badajoz_.
+The captains of the footmen, the one was _Francisco Maldonado of
+Salamanca_, and the other _Juan Rodriguez Lobillo_. While we were in
+this town of _Ucita_, the two Indians which _John Danusco_ had taken on
+that coast, and the Governor carried along with him for guides and
+interpreters, through carelessness of two men which had the charge of
+them escaped away one night; for which the Governor and all the rest
+were very sorry, for they had already made some roads, and no Indians
+could be taken, because the country was full of marsh grounds, and in
+some places full of very high and thick woods.
+
+From the town of _Ucita_ the Governor sent the Alcalde mayor, _Baltasar
+de Gallegos_, with forty horsemen and eighty footmen into the country to
+see if they could take any Indians; and the Captain _John Rodriguez
+Lobillo_ another way with fifty footmen: the most of them were
+swordsmen and targeters, and the rest were shot and crossbow-men. They
+passed through a country full of bogs, where horses could not travel.
+Half a league from the camp they lighted upon, certain cabins of Indians
+near a river. The people that were in them leaped into the river, yet
+they took four Indian women. And twenty Indians charged us and so
+distressed us, that we were forced to retire to our camp, being, as they
+are, exceeding ready with their weapons. It is a people so warlike and
+so nimble, that they care not a whit for any footmen. For if their
+enemies charge them they run away, and if they turn their backs they are
+presently upon them. And the thing that they most flee is the shot of an
+arrow. They never stand still, but are always running and traversing
+from one place to another, by reason whereof neither crossbow nor
+arquebuss can aim at them; and before one crossbowman can make one shot
+an Indian will discharge three or four arrows, and he seldom misseth
+what he shooteth at. An arrow where it findeth no armor, pierceth as
+deeply as a crossbow. Their bows are very long, and their arrows are
+made of certain canes like reeds, very heavy, and so strong that a sharp
+cane passeth through a target. Some they arm in the point with a sharp
+bone of a fish like a chisel, and in others they fasten certain stones
+like points of diamonds. For the most part when they light upon an armor
+they break in the place where they are bound together. Those of cane do
+split and pierce a coat of mail, and are more hurtful than the other.
+_John Rodriguez Lobillo_ returned to the camp with six men wounded,
+whereof one died; and brought the four Indian women which _Baltasar
+Gallegos_ had taken in the cabins or cottages. Two leagues from the
+town, coming into the plain field, he espied ten or eleven Indians,
+among whom was a Christian, which was naked and scorched with the sun,
+and had his arms razed after the manner of the Indians, and differed
+nothing at all from them. And as soon as the horsemen saw them they ran
+toward them. The Indians fled, and some of them hid themselves in a
+wood, and they overtook two or three of them which were wounded; and the
+Christian seeing a horseman run upon him with his lance, began to cry
+out, "Sirs, I am a Christian, slay me not, nor these Indians, for they
+have saved my life." And straightway he called them and put them out of
+fear, and they came forth of the wood unto them. The horsemen took both
+the Christian and the Indians up behind them, and toward night came into
+the camp with much joy; which thing being known by the Governor, and
+them that remained in the camp, they were received with the like.
+
+This Christian's name was _John Ortiz_, and he was born in _Seville_,
+of worshipful parentage. He was twelve years in the hands of the
+Indians. He came into this country with _Pamphilo de Narvaez_, and
+returned in the ships to the Island of _Cuba_, where the wife of the
+Governor _Pamphilo de Narvaez_ was, and by his commandment with twenty
+or thirty others in a brigantine returned back again to _Florida_, and
+coming to the port in the sight of the town, on the shore they saw a
+cane sticking in the ground, and riven at the top, and a letter in it;
+and they believed that the governor had left it there to give
+advertisement of himself when he resolved to go up into the land, and
+they demanded it of four or five Indians which walked along the
+sea-shore, and they bade them by signs to come on shore for it, which
+against the will of the rest _John Ortiz_ and another did. And as soon
+as they were on land, from the houses of the town issued a great number
+of Indians, which compassed them about and took them in a place where
+they could not flee; and the other, which sought to defend himself, they
+presently killed upon the place, and took John _Ortiz_ alive, and
+carried him to _Ucita_ their lord. And those of the brigantine sought
+not to land, but put themselves to sea, and returned to the Island of
+_Cuba_. _Ucita_ commanded to bind _John Ortiz_ hand and foot upon four
+stakes aloft upon a raft, and to make a fire under him, that there he
+might be burned. But a daughter of his desired him that he would not put
+him to death, alleging that one only Christian could do him neither hurt
+nor good, telling him that it was more for his honor to keep him as a
+captive. And _Ucita_ granted her request, and commanded him to be cured
+of his wounds; and as soon as he was whole he gave him the charge of the
+keeping of the temple, because that by night the wolves did carry away
+the dead corpses out of the same--who commended himself to God and took
+upon him the charge of his temple. One night the wolves got from him the
+corpse of a little child, the son of a principal Indian, and going after
+them he threw a dart at one of the wolves, and struck him that carried
+away the corpse, who, feeling himself wounded left it, and fell down
+dead near the place; and he not woting what he had done, because it was
+night, went back again to the temple; the morning being come and finding
+not the body of the child, he was very sad. As soon as _Ucita_ knew
+thereof he resolved to put him to death, and sent by the track which he
+said the wolves went, and found the body of the child, and the wolf dead
+a little beyond, whereat _Ucita_ was much contented with the Christian,
+and with the watch which he kept in the temple, and from thenceforward
+esteemed him much. Three years after he fell into his hands there came
+another lord called _Mococo_, who dwelleth two days' journey from the
+port, and burnt his town. _Ucita_ fled to another town that he had in
+another sea-port. Thus _John Ortiz_ lost his office and favor that he
+had with him. These people being worshipers of the devil, are wont to
+offer up unto him the lives and blood of their Indians, or of any other
+people they can come by; and they report that when he will have them do
+that sacrifice unto him, he speaketh with them, and telleth them that he
+is athirst, and willeth them to sacrifice unto him. _John Ortiz_ had
+notice by the damsel that had delivered him from the fire, how her
+father was determined to sacrifice him the day following, who willed him
+to flee to _Mococo_, for she knew that he would use him well; for she
+heard say that he had asked for him and said he would be glad to see
+him, and because he knew not the way she went with him half a league out
+of the town by night and set him in the way, and returned because she
+would not be discovered. _John Ortiz_ traveled all that night, and by
+the morning came to a river which is the territory of _Mococo_, and
+there he saw two Indians fishing; and because they were in war with the
+people of _Ucita_, and their languages were different, and he knew not
+the language of _Mococo_, he was afraid, because he could not tell them
+who he was, nor how he came thither, nor was able to answer anything for
+himself, that they would kill him, taking him for one of the Indians of
+_Ucita_, and before they espied him he came to the place where they had
+laid their weapons; and as soon as they saw him they fled toward the
+town, and although he willed them to stay, because he meant to do them
+no hurt, yet they understood him not, and ran away as fast as ever they
+could. And as soon as they came to the town with great outcries, many
+Indians came forth against him, and began to compass him to shoot at
+him. _John Ortiz_ seeing himself in so great danger, shielded himself
+with certain trees, and begun to shriek out and cry very loud, and to
+tell them that he was a Christian, and that he was fled from _Ucita_,
+and was come to see and serve _Mococo_ his lord. It pleased God that at
+that very instant there came thither an Indian that could speak the
+language and understood him, and pacified the rest, who told them what
+he said. Then ran from thence three or four Indians to bear the news to
+their lord, who came forth a quarter of a league from the town to
+receive him, and was very glad of him. He caused him presently to swear
+according to the custom of the Christians, that he would not run away
+from him to any other lord, and promised him to entreat him very well;
+and that if at any time there came any Christians into that country, he
+would freely let him go, and give him leave to go to them; and likewise
+took his oath to perform the same according to the Indian custom. About
+three years after certain Indians, which were fishing at sea two leagues
+from the town, brought news to _Mococo_ that they had seen ships, and he
+called _John Ortiz_ and gave him leave to go his way, who taking his
+leave of him, with all the haste he could came to the sea, and finding
+no ships he thought it to be some deceit, and that the cacique had done
+the same to learn his mind. So he dwelt with _Mococo_ nine years, with
+small hope of seeing any Christians. As soon as our Governor arrived in
+_Florida_, it was known to _Mococo_, and straightway he signified to
+_John Ortiz_ that Christians were lodged in the town of _Ucita_; and he
+thought he had jested with him as he had done before, and told him that
+by this time he had forgotten the Christians, and thought of nothing
+else but to serve him. But he assured him that it was so, and gave him
+license to go unto them, saying unto him that if he would not do it, and
+if the Christians should go their way, he should not blame him, for he
+had fulfilled that which he had promised him. The joy of _John Ortiz_
+was so great, that he could not believe that it was true;
+notwithstanding he gave him thanks, and took his leave of him, and
+_Mococo_ gave him ten or eleven principal Indians to bear him company;
+and as they went to the port where the Governor was, they met with
+_Baltasar de Gallegos_, as I have declared before. As soon as he was
+come to the camp, the Governor commanded to give him a suit of apparel,
+and very good armor, and a fair horse; and inquired of him whether he
+had notice of any country where there was any gold or silver. He
+answered, No, because he never went ten leagues compass from the place
+where he dwelt; but that thirty leagues from thence[E] dwelt an Indian
+lord, which was called _Paracossi_, to whom _Mococo_ and _Ucita_, with
+all the rest of that coast paid tribute, and that he peradventure might
+have notice of some good country, and that his land was better than that
+of the sea-coast, and more fruitful and plentiful of maize. Whereof the
+Governor received great contentment, and said that he desired no more
+than to find victuals, that he might go into the main land, for the land
+of _Florida_ was so large, that in one place or other there could not
+choose but be some rich country. The _Cacique Mococo_ came to the port
+to visit the Governor, and made this speech following.
+
+"Right high and mighty lord, I being lesser in mine own conceit for to
+obey you, than any of those which you have under your command, and
+greater in desire to do you greater services, do appear before your
+lordship with so much confidence of receiving favor, as if in effect
+this my good will were manifested unto you in works; not for the small
+service I did unto you touching the Christian which I had in my power,
+in giving him freely his liberty (for I was bound to do it to preserve
+mine honor, and that which I had promised him), but because it is the
+part of great men to use great magnificences. And I am persuaded that as
+in bodily perfections, and commanding of good people, you do exceed all
+men in the world, so likewise you do in the parts of the mind, in which
+you may boast of the bounty of nature. The favor which I hope for of
+your lordship is, that you would hold me for yours, and bethink yourself
+to command me anything wherein I may do you service."
+
+The Governor answered him, "That although in freeing and sending him the
+Christian, he had preserved his honor and promise, yet he thanked him,
+and held it in such esteem as it had no comparison; and that he would
+always hold him as his brother, and would favor all things to the utmost
+of his power." Then he commanded a shirt to be given him, and other
+things, wherewith the cacique being very well contented, took his leave
+of him, and departed to his own town.
+
+From the Port _de Spirito Santo_ where the Governor lay, he sent the
+Alcalde Mayor _Baltasar de Gallegos_ with fifty horsemen, and thirty or
+forty footmen to the province of _Paracossi_, to view the disposition of
+the country, and inform himself of the land farther inward, and to send
+him word of such things as he found. Likewise he sent his ships back to
+the Island of _Cuba_, that they might return within a certain time with
+victuals. _Vasquez Porcallo de Figueroa_, which went with the Governor
+as Captain-general, (whose principal intent was to send slaves from
+_Florida_ to the Island of _Cuba_, where he had his goods and mines,)
+having made some inroads, and seeing no Indians were to be got, because
+of the great bogs and woods that were in the country, considering the
+disposition of the same, determined to return to _Cuba_. And though
+there was some difference between him and the Governor, whereupon they
+neither dealt nor conversed together with good countenance, yet
+notwithstanding with loving words he asked him leave and departed from
+him. _Baltasar de Gallegos_ came to the _Paracossi_. There came to him
+thirty Indians from the cacique, which was absent from his town, and one
+of them made this speech:
+
+"Paracossi, the lord of this province, whose vassals we are, sendeth us
+unto your worship, to know what it is that you seek in this his country,
+and wherein he may do you service."
+
+_Baltasar de Gallegos_ said unto him that he thanked them very much for
+their offer, willing them to warn their lord to come to his town, and
+that there they would talk and confirm their peace and friendship, which
+he much desired. The Indians went their way and returned next day, and
+said that their lord was ill at ease, and therefore could not come; but
+that they came on his behalf to see what he demanded. He asked them if
+they knew or had notice of any rich country where there was gold or
+silver. They told him they did, and that towards the west there was a
+province which was called _Cale_; and that others that inhabited other
+countries had war with the people of that country, where the most part
+of the year was summer, and that there was much gold; and that when
+those their enemies came to make war with them of _Cale_, these
+inhabitants of _Cale_ did wear hats of gold, in manner of head-pieces.
+_Baltasar de Gallegos_ seeing that the cacique came not, thinking all
+that they said was feigned, with intent that in the meantime they might
+set themselves in safety, fearing that if he did let them go, they would
+return no more, commanded the thirty Indians to be chained, and sent
+word to the Governor by eight horsemen what had passed; whereof the
+Governor with all that were with him at the Port _de Spirito Santo_
+received great comfort, supposing that that which the Indians reported
+might be true. He left Captain _Calderan_ at the port, with thirty
+horsemen and seventy footmen, with provision for two years, and himself
+with all the rest marched into the main land, and came to the
+_Paracossi_, at whose town _Baltasar de Gallegos_ was; and from thence
+with all his men took the way to _Cale_. He passed by a little town
+called _Acela_, and came to another called _Tocaste_; and from thence he
+went before with thirty horsemen and fifty footmen towards _Cale_. And
+passing by a town whence the people were fled, they saw Indians a little
+distance from thence in a lake, to whom the interpreter spoke. They came
+unto them and gave them an Indian for a guide; and he came to a river
+with a great current, and upon a tree which was in the midst of it, was
+made a bridge, whereon the men passed; the horses swam over by a hawser,
+that they were pulled by from the other side; for one, which they drove
+in at the first without it, was drowned. From thence the Governor sent
+two horsemen to his people that were behind, to make haste after him;
+because the way grew long, and their victuals short. He came to _Cale_,
+and found the town without people. He took three Indians which were
+spies, and tarried there for his people that came after, which were
+sore vexed with hunger and evil ways, because the country was very
+barren of maize, low, and full of water, bogs, and thick woods; and the
+victuals which they brought with them from the _Port de Spirito Santo_,
+were spent. Wheresoever any town was found, there were some beets, and
+he that came first gathered them, and sodden with water and salt, did
+eat them without any other thing; and such as could not get them,
+gathered the stalks of maize and eat them, which because they were young
+had no maize in them. When they came to the river which the Governor had
+passed, they found palmitos upon low palm trees like those of
+_Andalusia_. There they met with the two horsemen which the Governor
+sent unto them, and they brought news that in _Cale_ there was plenty of
+maize, at which news they all rejoiced. As soon as they came to _Cale_,
+the Governor commanded them to gather all the maize that was ripe in the
+field, which was sufficient for three months. At the gathering of it the
+Indians killed three Christians, and one of them which were taken told
+the Governor, that within seven days' journey there was a very great
+province, and plentiful of maize, which was called _Apalache_. And
+presently he departed from _Cale_ with fifty horsemen, and sixty
+footmen. He left the master of the camp, _Luys de Moscoso_, with all the
+rest of the people there, with charge that he should not depart thence
+until he had word from him. And because hitherto none had gotten any
+slaves, the bread that every one was to eat he was fain himself to beat
+in a mortar made in a piece of timber, with a pestle, and some of them
+did sift the flour through their shirts of mail. They baked their bread
+upon certain tileshares which they set over the fire, in such sort as
+heretofore I have said they used to do in _Cuba_. It is so troublesome
+to grind their maize, that there were many that would rather not eat it
+than grind it; and did eat the maize parched and sodden.
+
+The second day of August, 1539, the Governor departed from _Cale_; he
+lodged in a little town called _Ytara_, and the next day in another
+called _Potano_, and the third day at _Utinama_, and came to another
+town which they named the town of _Evil peace_; because an Indian came
+in peace, saying, that he was the cacique, and that he with his people
+would serve the Governor, and that if he would set free twenty-eight
+persons, men and women, which his men had taken the night before, he
+would command provision to be brought him, and would give him a guide to
+instruct him in his way. The Governor commanded them to be set at
+liberty, and to keep him in safeguard. The next day in the morning there
+came many Indians, and set themselves round about the town near to a
+wood. The Indian wished them to carry him near them, and that he would
+speak unto them, and assure them, and that they would do whatsoever he
+commanded them. And when he saw himself near unto them he broke from
+them, and ran away so swiftly from the Christians that there was none
+that could overtake him, and all of them fled into the woods. The
+Governor commanded to loose a greyhound, which was already fleshed on
+them, which passing by many other Indians, caught the counterfeit
+cacique which had escaped from the Christians, and held him till they
+came to take him. From thence the Governor lodged at a town called
+_Cholupaha_, and because it had store of maize in it, they named it
+_Villa farta_. Beyond the same there was a river, on which he made a
+bridge of timber, and traveled two days through a desert. The 17th of
+August he came to _Caliquen_, where he was informed of the province of
+_Apalache_. They told him that _Pamphilo de Narvaez_ had been there, and
+that there he took shipping, because he could find no way to go forward.
+That there was none other town at all; but that on both sides was all
+water. The whole company were very sad for this news, and counseled the
+Governor to go back to the _Port de Spirito Santo_, and to abandon the
+country of _Florida_, lest he should perish as _Narvaez_ had done;
+declaring that if he went forward, he could not return back when he
+would, and that the Indians would gather up that small quantity of maize
+which was left. Whereunto the Governor answered that he would not go
+back, till he had seen with his eyes that which they reported; saying
+that he could not believe it, and that we should be put out of doubt
+before it were long. And he sent to _Luys de Moscoso_ to come presently
+from _Cale_, and that he tarried for him there. _Luys de Moscoso_ and
+many others thought that from _Apalache_ they should return back; and in
+_Cale_ they buried their iron tools, and divers other things. They came
+to _Caliquen_ with great trouble; because the country which the Governor
+had passed by, was spoiled and destitute of maize. After all the people
+were come together, he commanded a bridge to be made over a river that
+passed near the town. He departed from _Caliquen_ the 10th of September,
+and carried the cacique with him. After he had traveled three days,
+there came Indians peaceably to visit their lord, and every day met us
+on the way playing upon flutes; which is a token that they use, that men
+may know that they come in peace. They said that in our way before there
+was a cacique whose name was _Uzachil_, a kinsman of the cacique of
+_Caliquen_ their lord, waiting for him with many presents, and they
+desired the Governor that he would loose the cacique. But he would not,
+fearing that they would rise, and would not give him any guides, and
+sent them away from day to day with good words. He traveled five days;
+he passed by some small towns; he came to a town called _Napetuca_, the
+15th day of September. Thither came fourteen or fifteen Indians, and
+besought the Governor to let loose the cacique of _Caliquen_, their
+lord. He answered them that he held him not in prison, but that he would
+have him to accompany him to Uzachil. The Governor had notice by _John
+Ortiz_, that an Indian told him how they determined to gather themselves
+together, and come upon him, and give him battle, and take away the
+cacique from him. The day that it was agreed upon, the Governor
+commanded his men to be in readiness, and that the horsemen should be
+ready armed and on horseback every one in his lodging, because the
+Indians might not see them, and so more confidently come to the town.
+There came four hundred Indians in sight of the camp with their bows and
+arrows, and placed themselves in a wood, and sent two Indians to bid the
+Governor to deliver them the cacique. The Governor with six footmen
+leading the cacique by the hand, and talking with him, to secure the
+Indians, went toward the place where they were. And seeing a fit time,
+commanded to sound a trumpet; and presently those that were in the town
+in the houses, both horse and foot, set upon the Indians, which were so
+suddenly assaulted, that the greatest care they had was which way they
+should flee. They killed two horses; one was the Governor's, and he was
+presently horsed again upon another. There were thirty or forty Indians
+slain. The rest fled to two very great lakes, that were somewhat distant
+the one from the other. There they were swimming, and the Christians
+round about them. The calivermen and crossbow-men shot at them from the
+bank; but the distance being great, and shooting afar off, they did them
+no hurt. The Governor commanded that the same night they should compass
+one of the lakes, because they were so great, that there were not men
+enough to compass them both; being beset, as soon as night shut in, the
+Indians, with determination to run away, came swimming very softly to
+the bank; and to hide themselves they put a water lily leaf on their
+heads. The horsemen, as soon as they perceived it to stir, ran into the
+water to the horses' breasts, and the Indians fled again into the lake.
+So this night passed without any rest on both sides. _John Ortiz_
+persuaded them that seeing they could not escape, they should yield
+themselves to the Governor; which they did, enforced thereunto by the
+coldness of the water; and one by one, he first whom the cold did first
+overcome, cried to _John Ortiz_, desiring that they would not kill him,
+for he came to put himself into the hands of the Governor. By the
+morning watch they made an end of yielding themselves; only twelve
+principal men, being more honorable and valorous than the rest, resolved
+rather to die than to come into his hands. And the Indians of
+_Paracossi_, which were now loosed out of chains, went swimming to them,
+and pulled them out by the hair of their heads, and they were all put in
+chains, and the next day were divided among the Christians for their
+service. Being thus in captivity, they determined to rebel; and gave in
+charge to an Indian which was interpreter, and held to be valiant, that
+as soon as the Governor did come to speak with him, he should cast his
+hands about his neck, and choke him: who, when he saw opportunity, laid
+hands on the Governor, and before he cast his hands about his neck, he
+gave him such a blow on the nostrils, that he made them gush out with
+blood, and presently all the rest did rise. He that could get any
+weapons at hand, or the handle wherewith he did grind the maize, sought
+to kill his master, or the first he met before him; and he that could
+get a lance or sword at hand, bestirred himself in such sort with it, as
+though he had used it all his lifetime. One Indian in the market-place
+enclosed between fifteen or twenty footmen, made a way like a bull, with
+a sword in his hand, till certain halbardiers of the Governor came,
+which killed him. Another got up with a lance to a loft made of canes,
+which they build to keep their maize in, which they call a barbacoa, and
+there he made such a noise as though ten men had been there defending
+the door; they slew him with a partizan. The Indians were in all about
+two hundred men. They were all subdued. And some of the youngest the
+Governor gave to them which had good chains, and were careful to look to
+them that they got not away. All the rest he commanded to be put to
+death, being tied to a stake in the midst of the market-place; and the
+Indians of the _Paracossi_ did shoot them to death.
+
+The Governor departed from _Napetuca_ the 23d of September; he lodged by
+a river, where two Indians brought him a buck from the cacique of
+_Uzachil_. The next day he passed by a great town called _Hapaluya_, and
+lodged at _Uzachil_, and found no people in it, because they durst not
+tarry for the notice the Indians had of the slaughter of _Napetuca_. He
+found in that town great store of maize, French beans, and pompions,
+which is their food, and that wherewith the Christians there sustained
+themselves. The maize is like coarse millet, and the pompions are better
+and more savory than those of _Spain_. From thence the Governor sent
+two captains each a sundry way to seek the Indians. They took an hundred
+men and women; of which as well there as in other place where they made
+any inroads, the captain chose one or two for the Governor, and divided
+the rest to himself, and those that went with him. They led these
+Indians in chains with iron collars about their necks; and they served
+to carry their stuff, and to grind their maize, and for other services
+that such captives could do. Sometimes it happened that going for wood
+or maize with them, they killed the Christian that led them, and ran
+away with the chain; others filed their chains by night with a piece of
+stone, wherewith they cut them, and use it instead of iron. Those that
+were perceived paid for themselves, and for the rest, because they
+should not dare to do the like another time. The women and young boys,
+when they were once an hundred leagues from their country, and had
+forgotten things, they let go loose, and so they served; and in a very
+short space they understood the language of the Christians. From
+_Uzachil_ the Governor departed toward _Apalache_, and in two days'
+journey he came to a town called _Axille_, and from thence forward the
+Indians were careless, because they had as yet no notice of the
+Christians. The next day in the morning, the first of October, he
+departed from thence, and commanded a bridge to be made over a river
+which he was to pass. The depth of the river where the bridge was made,
+was a stone's cast, and forward a crossbow shot the water came to the
+waist; and the wood whereby the Indians came to see if they could defend
+the passage, and disturb those which made the bridge, was very high and
+thick. The crossbow-men so bestirred themselves that they made them give
+back; and certain planks were cast into the river, whereon the men
+passed, which made good the passage. The Governor passed upon Wednesday,
+which was _St. Francis_' day, and lodged at a town which was called
+_Vitachuco_, subject to _Apalache_: he found it burning, for the Indians
+had set it on fire. From thence forward the country was much inhabited,
+and had great store of maize. He passed by many granges like hamlets. On
+Sunday, the 25th of October, he came to a town which is called _Uzela_,
+and upon Tuesday to _Anaica Apalache_, where the lord of all that
+country and province was resident; in which town the camp master, whose
+office is to quarter out, and lodge men, did lodge all the company round
+about within a league, and half a league of it. There were other towns,
+where was great store of maize, pompions, French beans, and plums of the
+country, which are better than those of _Spain_, and they grow in the
+fields without planting. The victuals that were thought necessary to
+pass the winter, were gathered from these towns to _Anaica Apalache_.
+The Governor was informed that the sea was ten leagues from thence. He
+presently sent a captain thither with horsemen and footmen. And six
+leagues on the way he found a town which was named _Ochete_, and so came
+to the sea; and found a great tree felled, and cut into pieces, with
+stakes set up like mangers, and saw the skulls of horses. He returned
+with this news. And that was held for certain, which was reported of
+_Pamphilo de Narvaez_, that there he had built the barks wherewith he
+went out of the land of _Florida_, and was cast away at sea. Presently
+the Governor sent _John Danusco_ with thirty horsemen to the _Port de
+Spirito Santo_ where _Calderan_ was, with order that they should abandon
+the port, and all of them come to _Apalache_. He departed on Saturday
+the 17th of November. In _Uzachil_ and other towns that stood in the way
+he found great store of people already careless. He would take none of
+the Indians, for not hindering himself, because it behooved him to give
+them no leisure to gather themselves together. He passed through the
+towns by night, and rested without the towns three or four hours. In ten
+days he came to the _Port de Spirito Santo_. He carried with him twenty
+Indian women, which he took in _Ytara_, and _Potano_, near unto _Cale_,
+and sent them to _Donna Isabella_ in the two caravels, which he sent
+from the _Port de Spirito Santo_ to _Cuba_. And he carried all the
+footmen in the brigantines, and coasting along the shore came to
+_Apalache_. And _Calderan_, with the horsemen, and some crossbow-men on
+foot, went by land; and in some places the Indians set upon him, and
+wounded some of his men. As soon as he came to _Apalache_, presently the
+Governor sent sawed planks and spikes to the sea-side, wherewith was
+made a piragua or bark, wherein were embarked thirty men well armed,
+which went out of the bay to the sea, looking for the brigantines.
+Sometimes they fought with the Indians, which passed along the harbor in
+their canoes. Upon Saturday, the 29th of November, there came an Indian
+through the watch undiscovered, and sat the town on fire, and with the
+great wind that blew two parts of it were consumed in a short time. On
+Sunday the 28th of December, came _John Danusco_ with the brigantines.
+The Governor sent _Francisco Maldonado_, a captain of footmen, with
+fifty men to discover the coast westward, and to seek some port, because
+he had determined to go by land, and discover that part. That day there
+went out eight horsemen by commandment of the Governor into the field,
+two leagues about the town, to seek Indians; for they were now so
+emboldened, that within two crossbow shot of the camp, they came and
+slew men. They found two men and a woman gathering French beans; the
+men, though they might have fled, yet because they would not leave the
+woman, which was one of their wives, they resolved to die fighting; and
+before they were slain, they wounded three horses, whereof one died
+within a few days after. _Calderan_ going with his men by the sea-coast,
+from a wood that was near the place, the Indians set upon him, and made
+him forsake his way, and many of them that went with him forsook some
+necessary victuals, which they carried with them. Three or four days
+after the limited time given by the Governor to _Maldonado_ for his
+going and coming, being already determined and resolved, if within eight
+days he did not come, to tarry no longer for him, he came, and brought
+an Indian from a province which was called _Ochus_, sixty leagues
+westward from _Apalache_; where he had found a port of good depth, and
+defence against weather. And because the Governor hoped to find a good
+country forward, he was very well contented. And he sent _Maldonado_ for
+victuals to _Havana_, with order that he should tarry for him at the
+port of _Ochus_, which he had discovered, for he would go seek it by
+land; and if he should chance to stay, and not come thither that summer,
+that then he should return to _Havana_, and should come again the next
+summer after, and tarry for him at that port; for he said he would do
+none other thing but go to seek _Ochus_. _Francisco Maldonado_ departed,
+and in his place for captain of the footmen remained _John de Guzman_.
+Of those Indians which were taken in _Napetuca_, the Treasurer _John
+Gaytan_ had a young man, which said that he was not of that country, but
+of another far off toward the sun rising, and that it was long since he
+had traveled to see countries; and that his country was called _Yupaha_,
+and that a woman did govern it; and that the town where she was resident
+was of a wonderful bigness, and that many lords round about were
+tributaries to her; and some gave her clothes, and others gold in
+abundance; and he told how it was taken out of the mines, and was molten
+and refined, as if he had seen it done, or the devil had taught it him.
+So that all those which knew anything concerning the same, said that it
+was impossible to give so good a relation, without having seen it; and
+all of them, as if they had seen it, by the signs that he gave, believed
+all that he said to be true.
+
+On Wednesday, the third of March, of the year 1540, the Governor
+departed from _Anaica Apalache_ to seek _Yupaha_. He commanded his men
+to go provided with maize for sixty leagues of desert. The horsemen
+carried their maize on their horses, and the footmen at their sides;
+because the Indians that were for service, with their miserable life
+that they led that winter, being naked and in chains, died for the most
+part. Within four days' journey they came to a great river; and they
+made a piragua or ferry boat, and because of the great current, they
+made a cable with chains, which they fastened on both sides of the
+river; and the ferry boat went along by it, and the horses swam over,
+being drawn with capstans. Having passed the river in a day and a half,
+they came to a town called _Capachiqui_. Upon Friday the 11th of March,
+they found Indians in arms. The next day five Christians went to seek
+mortars, which the Indians have to beat their maize, and they went to
+certain houses on the back side of the camp environed with a wood. And
+within the wood were many Indians which came to spy us; of the which
+came other five and set upon us. One of the Christians came running
+away, giving an alarm unto the camp. Those which were most ready
+answered the alarm. They found one Christian dead, and three sore
+wounded. The Indians fled unto a lake adjoining near a very thick wood,
+where the horses could not enter. The Governor departed from
+_Capachiqui_ and passed through a desert. On Wednesday, the twenty-first
+of the month, he came to a town called _Toalli_; and from thence forward
+there was a difference in the houses. For those which were behind us
+were thatched with straw, and those of _Toalli_ were covered with reeds,
+in manner of tiles. These houses are very cleanly. Some of them had
+walls daubed with clay, which showed like a mud-wall. In all the cold
+country the Indians have every one a house for the winter daubed with
+clay within and without, and the door is very little; they shut it by
+night, and make fire within; so that they are in it as warm as in a
+stove, and so it continueth all night that they need not clothes; and
+besides these they have others for summer; and their kitchens near them,
+where they make fire and bake their bread; and they have barbacoas
+wherein they keep their maize; which is a house set up in the air upon
+four stakes, boarded about like a chamber, and the floor of it is of
+cane hurdles. The difference which lords or principal men's houses have
+from the rest, besides they be greater, is, that they have great
+galleries in their fronts, and under them seats made of canes in manner
+of benches; and round about them they have many lofts, wherein they lay
+up that which the Indians do give them for tribute, which is maize,
+deers' skins, and mantles of the country, which are like blankets; they
+make them of the inner rind of the barks of trees, and some of a kind of
+grass like unto nettles, which being beaten, is like unto flax. The
+women cover themselves with these mantles; they put one about them from
+the waist downward, and another over their shoulder, with their right
+arm out, like unto the Egyptians. The men wear but one mantle upon their
+shoulders after the same manner; and have their secrets hid with a
+deer's skin, made like a linen breech, which was wont to be used in
+_Spain_. The skins are well curried, and they give them what color they
+list, so perfect, that if it be red, it seemeth a very fine cloth in
+grain, and the black is most fine, and of the same leather they make
+shoes; and they dye their mantles in the same colors. The Governor
+departed from _Toalli_ the 24th of March; he came on Thursday at evening
+to a small river, where a bridge was made whereon the people passed, and
+_Benit_ _Fernandez_, a Portuguese, fell off from it, and was drowned. As
+soon as the Governor had passed the river, a little distance thence he
+found a town called _Achese_. The Indians had no notice of the
+Christians: they leaped into a river: some men and women were taken,
+among which was one that understood the youth which guided the Governor
+to _Yupaha_; whereby that which he had reported was more confirmed. For
+they had passed through countries of divers languages, and some which he
+understood not. The Governor sent by one of the Indians that were taken
+to call the cacique, which was on the other side of the river. He came,
+and made this speech following:
+
+"Right high, right mighty, and excellent lord, those things which seldom
+happen do cause admiration. What then may the sight of your lordship and
+your people do to me and mine, whom we never saw? especially being
+mounted on such fierce beasts as your horses are, entering with such
+violence and fury into my country, without my knowledge of your coming.
+It was a thing so strange, and caused such fear and terror in our minds,
+that it was not in our power to stay and receive your lordship with the
+solemnity due to so high and renowned a prince as your lordship is. And
+trusting in your greatness and singular virtues, I do not only hope to
+be freed from blame, but also to receive favors; and the first which I
+demand of your lordship is, that you will use me, my country, and
+subjects as your own; and the second, that you will tell me who you are,
+and whence you come, and whither you go, and what you seek, that I the
+better may serve you therein."
+
+The Governor answered him, that he thanked him as much for his offer and
+good-will as if he had received it, and as if he had offered him a great
+treasure; and told him that he was the son of the Sun, and came from
+those parts where he dwelt, and traveled through that country, and
+sought the greatest lord and richest province that was in it. The
+cacique told him that farther forward dwelt a great lord, and that his
+dominion was called _Ocute_. He gave him a guide and an interpreter for
+that province. The Governor commanded his Indians to be set free, and
+traveled through his country up a river very well inhabited. He departed
+from his town the first of April; and left a very high cross of wood set
+up in the midst of the market-place; and because the time gave no more
+leisure, he declared to him only that that cross was a memory of the
+same whereon Christ, which was God and man, and created the heavens and
+the earth, suffered for our salvation; therefore he exhorted them that
+they should reverence it, and they made show as though they would do so.
+The fourth of April the Governor passed by a town called _Altamaca_, and
+the tenth of the month he came to _Ocute_. The cacique sent him two
+thousand Indians with a present, to wit, many conies and partridges,
+bread of maize, two hens, and many dogs; which among the Christians were
+esteemed as if they had been fat wethers, because of the great want of
+flesh meat and salt, and hereof in many places, and many times was great
+need; and they were so scarce, that if a man fell sick, there was
+nothing to cherish him withal; and with a sickness, that in another
+place easily might have been remedied, he consumed away till nothing but
+skin and bones were left; and they died of pure weakness, some of them
+saying, "If I had a slice of meat or a few corns of salt, I should not
+die. The Indians want no flesh meat; for they kill with their arrows
+many deer, hens, conies, and other wild fowl, for they are very cunning
+at it, which skill the Christians had not; and though they had it, they
+had no leisure to use it; for the most of the time they spent in travel,
+and durst not presume to straggle aside. And because they were thus
+scanted of flesh, when six hundred men that went with _Soto_ came to any
+town, and found thirty or forty dogs, he that could get one and kill it
+thought himself no small man; and he that killed it and gave not his
+captain one quarter, if he knew it he frowned on him, and made him feel
+it in the watches, or in any other matter of labor that was offered,
+wherein he might do him a displeasure. On Monday, the twelfth of April,
+1540, the Governor departed from _Ocute_. The cacique gave him two
+hundred _Tamenes_, to wit, Indians to carry burdens; he passed through a
+town, the lord whereof was named _Cofaqui_, and came to a province of an
+Indian lord called _Patofa_, who because he was in peace with the lord
+of _Ocute_, and with the other bordering lords, had many days before
+notice of the Governor, and desired to see him. He came to visit him,
+and made this speech following.
+
+"Mighty lord, now with good reason I will crave of fortune to requite
+this my so great prosperity with some small adversity; and I will count
+myself very rich, seeing that I have obtained that which in this world I
+most desired, which is to see and be able to do your lordship some
+service. And although the tongue be the image of that which is in the
+heart, and that the contentment which I feel in my heart I cannot
+dissemble, yet is it not sufficient wholly to manifest the same. Where
+did this your country, which I do govern, deserve to be visited of so
+sovereign and so excellent a prince, whom all the rest of the world
+ought to obey and serve? And those which inhabit it being so base, what
+shall be the issue of such happiness, if their memory do not represent
+unto them some adversity that may betide them, according to the order of
+fortune? If from this day forward we may be capable of this benefit,
+that your lordship will hold us for your own, we cannot fail to be
+favored and maintained in true justice and reason, and to have the name
+of men. For such as are void of reason and justice, may be compared to
+brute beasts. For mine own part, from my very heart with reverence due
+to such a prince, I offer myself unto your lordship, and beseech you,
+that in reward of this my true good will, you will vouchsafe to make use
+of mine own person, my country, and subjects."
+
+The Governor answered him, that his offers and good-will declared by the
+effect, did highly please him, whereof he would always be mindful to
+honor and favor him as his brother. This country, from the first
+peaceable cacique, unto the province of _Patofa_, which were fifty
+leagues, is a fat country, beautiful, and very fruitful, and very well
+watered, and full of good rivers. And from thence to the _Port de
+Spirito Santo_, where we first arrived in the land of _Florida_ (which
+may be three hundred and fifty leagues, little more or less), is a
+barren land, and the most of it groves of wild pine trees, low and full
+of lakes, and in some places very high and thick groves, whither the
+Indians that were in arms fled, so that no man could find them, neither
+could any horses enter into them, which was an inconvenience to the
+Christians, in regard of the victuals which they found conveyed away;
+and of the troubles which they had in seeking of Indians to be their
+guides.
+
+In the town of _Patofa_ the youth which the Governor carried with him
+for an interpreter and a guide, began to foam at the mouth, and tumble
+on the ground, as one possessed with the devil: they said a gospel over
+him, and the fit left him. And he said, that four days' journey from
+thence toward the sun rising, was the province that he spoke of. The
+Indians of _Patofa_ said, that toward that part they knew no habitation;
+but that toward the north-west, they knew a province which was called
+_Coca_, a very plentiful country, which had very great towns in it. The
+cacique told the Governor that if he would go thither, he would give him
+guides and Indians for burdens; and if he would go whither the youth
+spake of, that he would likewise give him those that he needed; and so
+with loving words and offers of courtesy, they took their leaves the one
+of the other. He gave him seven hundred Indians to bear burdens. He took
+maize for four days' journey. He traveled six days by a path which grew
+narrow more and more, till it was lost altogether. He went where the
+youth did lead him, and passed two rivers, which were waded: each of
+them was two crossbow shots over; the water came to the stirrups, and
+had so great a current, that it was needful for the horsemen to stand
+one before another, that the footmen might pass above them, leaning unto
+them. He came to another river of a great current and largeness, which
+was passed with more trouble, because the horses did swim at the coming
+out, about a lance's length. Having passed this river, the Governor came
+to a grove of pine trees, and threatened the youth, and made as though
+he would have cast him to the dogs, because he had told him a lie,
+saying, it was but four days' journey, and they had traveled nine, and
+every day seven or eight leagues, and the men by this time were grown
+weary and weak, and the horses lean through the great scanting of the
+maize. The youth said that he knew not where he was. It saved him that
+he was not cast to the dogs, that there was never another whom _John
+Ortiz_ did understand. The Governor, with them two, and with some
+horsemen and footmen, leaving the camp in a grove of pine trees,
+traveled that day five or six leagues to seek a way, and returned at
+night very comfortless, and without finding any sign of way or town. The
+next day there were sundry opinions delivered, whether they should go
+back, or what they should do; and because backward the country whereby
+they had passed was greatly spoiled, and destitute of maize, and that
+which they brought with them was spent, and the men were very weak, and
+the horses likewise, they doubted much whether they might come to any
+place where they might help themselves. And besides this, they were of
+opinion, that going in that sort out of order, that any Indians would
+presume to set upon them, so that with hunger or with war, they could
+not escape. The Governor determined to send horsemen from thence every
+way to seek habitation; and the next day he sent four captains, every
+one a sundry way with eight horsemen. At night they came again, leading
+their horses, or driving them with a stick before; for they were weary,
+that they could not lead them, neither found they any way or sign of
+habitation. The next day the Governor sent other four with as many
+horsemen that could swim, to pass the swamps and rivers which they
+should find, and they had choice horses, the best that were in the camp.
+The captains were _Baltasar de Gallegos_, which went up the river; and
+_John Danusco_ down the river; _Alfonso Romo_ and _John Rodriguez
+Lobillo_ went into the inward parts of the land. The Governor brought
+with him into _Florida_ thirteen sows, and had by this time three
+hundred swine. He commanded every man should have half a pound of hog's
+flesh every day, and this he did three or four days after the maize was
+all spent. With this small quantity of flesh, and some sodden herbs,
+with much trouble the people were sustained. The Governor dismissed the
+Indians of _Patofa_, because he had no food to give them; who desiring
+to accompany and serve the Christians in their necessity, making show
+that it grieved them very much to return until they had left them in a
+peopled country, returned to their own home. _John Danusco_ came on
+Sunday late in the evening, and brought news that he had found a little
+town twelve or thirteen leagues from thence: he brought a woman and a
+boy that he took there. With his coming and with those news, the
+Governor and all the rest were so glad that they seemed at that instant
+to have returned from death to life. Upon Monday, the twenty-sixth of
+April, the Governor departed to go to the town, which was called
+_Aymay_; and the Christians named it the town of _Relief_. He left where
+the camp had lain at the foot of a pine tree, a letter buried, and
+letters carved in the bark of the pine, the contents whereof was this:
+Dig here at the foot of this pine, and you shall find a letter. And this
+he did, because when the captains came, which were sent to seek some
+habitation, they might see the letter, and know what was become of the
+Governor, and which way he was gone. There was no other way to the town,
+but the marks that _John Danusco_ left made upon the trees. The
+Governor, with some of them that had the best horses, came to it on the
+Monday; and all the rest inforcing themselves the best way they could,
+some of them lodged within two leagues of the town, some within three
+and four, every one as he was able to go, and his strength served him.
+There was found in the town a store-house full of the flour of parched
+maize; and some maize, which was distributed by allowance. Here were
+four Indians taken, and none of them would confess any other thing, but
+that they knew of none other habitation. The Governor commanded one of
+them to be burned, and presently another confessed that two days'
+journey from thence, there was a province that was called
+_Cutifachiqui_. Upon Wednesday came the captains _Baltasar de Gallegos,
+Alfonso Romo_, and _John Rodriguez Lobillo_, for they had found the
+letter, and followed the way which the Governor had taken toward the
+town. Two men of _John Rodriguez's_ company were lost, because their
+horses tired; the Governor checked him very sore for leaving them
+behind, and sent to seek them; and as soon as they came he departed
+toward _Cutifachiqui_. In the way three Indians were taken, which said
+that the lady of that country had notice already of the Christians, and
+stayed for them in a town of hers. The Governor sent by one of them to
+offer her his friendship, and to advertise her how he was coming
+thither. The Governor came unto the town, and presently there came four
+canoes to him; in one of them came a sister of the lady, and approaching
+to the Governor she said these words:
+
+"Excellent lord, my sister sendeth unto you by me to kiss your
+lordship's hands, and to signify unto you that the cause why she came
+not in person, is, that she thinketh to do you greater service staying
+behind, as she doth, giving order that with all speed all her canoes be
+ready, that your lordship may pass the river, and take your rest, which
+shall presently be performed."
+
+The Governor gave her thanks, and she returned to the other side of the
+river. Within a little while the lady (Cutifachiqui) came out of the
+town in a chair, whereon certain of the principal Indians brought her to
+the river. She entered into a barge which had the stern tilted over, and
+on the floor her mat ready laid with two cushions upon it one upon
+another, where she sat her down; and with her came her principal Indians
+in other barges, which did wait upon her. She went to the place where
+the Governor was, and at her coming she made this speech following:
+
+"Excellent lord, I wish this coming of your lordship into these your
+countries to be most happy; although my power be not answerable to my
+will, and my services be not according to my desire, nor such as so high
+a prince as your lordship deserveth; yet since the good-will is rather
+to be accepted than all the treasures of the world, that without it are
+offered with most unfailable and manifest affection, I offer you my
+person, lands, and subjects, and this small service."
+
+And therewithal she presented unto him great store of clothes of the
+country, which she brought in other canoes, to wit, mantles and skins;
+and took from her own neck a great cordon of pearls, and cast it about
+the neck of the Governor, entertaining him with very gracious speeches
+of love and courtesy, and commanded canoes to be brought thither,
+wherein the Governor and his people passed the river. As soon as he was
+lodged in the town, she (Cutifachiqui) sent him another present of many
+hens. This country was very pleasant, fat, and hath goodly meadows by
+the rivers. Their woods are thin, and full of walnut trees and mulberry
+trees. They said the sea was two days' journey from thence. Within a
+league and half a league about this town were great towns dispeopled,
+and overgrown with grass; which showed that they had been long without
+inhabitants. The Indians said that two years before there was a plague
+in that country, and that they removed to other towns. There was in
+their store-houses great quantity of clothes, mantles of yarn made of
+the barks of trees, and others made of feathers, white, green, red, and
+yellow, very fine after their use, and profitable for winter. There were
+also many deer's skins, with many compartments traced in them, and some
+of them made into hose, stockings, and shoes. And the lady perceiving
+that the Christians esteemed the pearls, advised the Governor to send to
+search certain graves that were in that town, and that he should find
+many; and that if he would send to the dispeopled towns he might load
+all his horses. They sought the graves of that town, and there found
+fourteen rows of pearls (three hundred and ninety-two pounds), and
+little babies and birds made of them. The people were brown, well made,
+and well proportioned, and more civil than any others that were seen in
+all the country of _Florida_, and all of them went shod and clothed. The
+youth told the Governor that he began now to enter into the land which
+he spoke of; and some credit was given him that it was so, because he
+understood the language of the Indians; and he requested that he might
+be christened, for he said he desired to become a Christian. He was
+christened, and named _Peter_; and the Governor commanded him to be
+loosed from a chain, in which until that time he had gone. This country,
+as the Indians reported, had been much inhabited, and had the fame of a
+good country. And as it seemeth, the youth, which was the Governor's
+guide, had heard of it, and that which he knew by hearsay, he affirmed
+that he had seen, and augmented at his pleasure. In this town was found
+a dagger, and beads that belonged to Christians. The Indians reported
+that Christians had been in the haven (St. Helena), which was two days'
+journey from this town, many years ago. He that came thither was the
+Governor, the _Licentiate Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon_, which went to
+conquer this country, and at his coming to the port he died (1525); and
+there was a division, quarrels and slaughters between some principal men
+which went with him, for the principal government. And without knowing
+anything of the country, they returned home to _Hispaniola_. All the
+company thought it good to inhabit that country, because it was in a
+temperate climate (32 deg. 30'). And that if it were inhabited, all the
+ships of New Spain, of _Peru_, _Santa Martha_, and _Terra Firma_, in
+their return for _Spain_ might well touch there, because it was in their
+way, and because it was a good country, and sited fit to raise
+commodity. The Governor, since his intent was to seek another treasure,
+like that of _Atabalipa_, Lord of _Peru_, was not contented with a good
+country, nor with pearls, though many of them were worth their weight in
+gold. And if the country had been divided among the Christians, those
+which the Indians had fished for afterwards would have been of more
+value; for those which they had, because they burned them in the fire,
+did lessen their color. The Governor answered them that urged him to
+inhabit, that in all the country there were not victuals to sustain his
+men one month; and that it was needful to resort to the Port of _Ocus_,
+where _Maldonado_ was to stay for them: and that if no richer country
+were found, they might return again to that whensoever they would; and
+in the meantime the Indians would sow their fields, and it would be
+better furnished with maize. He inquired of the Indians whether they had
+notice of any great lord farther into the land. They told him that
+twelve days' journey from thence[F] there was a province called
+_Chiaha_, subject to the Lord of _Coca_. Presently the Governor
+determined to seek that land. And being a stern man, and of few words,
+though he was glad to sift and know the opinion of all men, yet after he
+had delivered his own, he would not be contraried, and always did what
+liked himself, and so all men did condescend unto his will. And though
+it seemed an error to leave that country (for others might have been
+sought round about, where the people might have been sustained until the
+harvest had been ready there, and the maize gathered), yet there was
+none that would say anything against him, after they knew his
+resolution.
+
+The Governor departed from _Cutifachiqui_ the third day of May. And
+because the Indians had revolted, and the will of the lady was
+perceived, that if she could, she would depart without giving any guides
+or men for burden, for the wrongs which the Christians had done to the
+Indians (for there never want some among many of a base sort, that for
+a little gain do put themselves and others in danger of undoing), the
+Governor commanded her to be kept in safeguard, and carried with him,
+not with so good usage as she deserved for the good-will she showed, and
+good entertainment that she had made him. And he verified that old
+proverb which saith: "For well-doing I receive evil." And so he carried
+her on foot with his bondwomen to look unto her. In all the towns where
+the Governor passed, the lady commanded the Indians to come and carry
+the burdens from one town to another. We passed through her country an
+hundred leagues, in which, as we saw, she was much obeyed, for the
+Indians did all that she commanded them with great efficacy and
+diligence. _Peter_, the youth that was our guide, said that she was not
+the lady herself, but a niece of hers, which came to that town to
+execute certain principal men by commandment of the lady, which had
+withheld her tribute; which words were not believed, because of the lies
+which they had found in him before; but they bare with all things
+because of the need which they had of him to declare what the Indians
+said. In seven days' space the Governor came to a province called
+_Ohalaque_, the poorest country of maize that was seen in _Florida_. The
+Indians feed upon roots and herbs, which they seek in the fields, and
+upon wild beasts, which they kill with their bows and arrows, and are a
+very gentle people. All of them go naked, and are very lean. There was a
+Lord (Cutifachiqui), which for a great present, brought the Governor two
+deer skins; and there were in that country many wild hens. In one town
+they made him a present of seven hundred hens, and so in other towns
+they sent him those which they had or could get. From this province to
+another, which is called _Xualla_, he spent five days. Here he found
+very little maize, and for this cause, though the people were wearied,
+and the horses very weak, he staid no more but two days. From _Ocute_ to
+_Cutifachiqui_, may be some hundred and thirty leagues, whereof eighty
+are wilderness. From _Cutifachiqui_ to _Xualla_ two hundred and fifty,
+and it is a hilly country. The Governor departed from _Xualla_ towards
+_Guaxule_--he passed very rough and high hills. In that journey, the
+lady of _Cutifachiqui_ (whom the Governor carried with him, as is
+aforesaid, with purpose to carry her to _Guaxule_, because her territory
+reached thither), going on a day with the bondwomen which led her, went
+out of the way, and entered into a wood, saying she went to ease
+herself, and so she deceived them, and hid herself in the wood; and
+though they sought her they could not find her. She carried away with
+her a little chest made of canes in manner of a coffer, which they call
+petaca, full of unbored pearls. Some which could judge of them, said
+that they were of great value. An Indian woman that waited on her did
+carry them. The Governor, not to discontent her altogether, left them
+with her, making account that in _Guaxule_ he would ask them of her,
+when he gave her leave to return; which coffer she carried away and went
+to _Xualla_ with three slaves which fled from the camp, and one horseman
+which remained behind, who, falling sick of an ague, went out of the way
+and was lost. This man, whose name was _Alimamos_, dealt with the slaves
+to change their evil purpose, and return with him to the Christians,
+which two of them did; and _Alimamos_ and they overtook the Governor
+fifty leagues from thence in a province called _Chiaha_; and reported
+how the lady remained in _Xualla_ with a slave of _Andrew de
+Vasconcelos_, which would not come back with them; and that of a
+certainty they lived as man and wife together, and meant to go both to
+_Cutifachiqui_. Within five days the Governor came to _Guaxule_. The
+Indians there gave him a present of three hundred dogs, because they saw
+the Christians esteem them, and sought them to feed on them; for among
+them they are not eaten. In _Guaxule_, and all that way, was very little
+maize. The Governor sent from thence an Indian with a message to the
+cacique of _Chiaha_, to desire him to gather some maize thither, that he
+might rest a few days in _Chiaha_. The Governor departed from _Guaxule_,
+and in two days' journey came to a town called _Canasagua_. There met
+him on the way twenty Indians, every one loaded with a basketful of
+mulberries; for there be many, and those very good, from _Cutifachiqui_
+thither, and so forward in other provinces, and also nuts and plums. And
+the trees grow in the fields without planting or dressing them, and as
+big and as rank as though they grew in gardens digged and watered. From
+the time that the Governor departed from _Canasagua_, he journeyed five
+days through a desert; and two leagues before he came to _Chiaha_, there
+met him fifteen Indians loaded with maize, which the cacique had sent;
+and they told him on his behalf, that he waited his coming with twenty
+barns full of it; and further, that himself, his country, and subjects,
+and all things else were at his service. On the fifth day of June, the
+Governor entered into _Chiaha_. The cacique voided his own houses, in
+which he lodged, and received him with much joy, saying these words
+following:--
+
+"Mighty and excellent lord, I hold myself for so happy a man, in that it
+hath pleased your lordship to use me, that nothing could have happened
+unto me of more contentment, nor that I would have esteemed so much.
+From _Guaxule_ your lordship sent unto me, that I should prepare maize
+for you in this town for two months. Here I have for you twenty barns
+full of the choicest that in all the country could be found. If your
+lordship be not entertained by me in such sort as is fit for so high a
+prince, respect my tender age, which excuseth me from blame, and receive
+my good-will, which with much loyalty, truth and sincerity, I will
+always show in anything which shall concern your lordship's service."
+
+The Governor answered him that he thanked him very much for his service
+and offer, and that he would always account him as his brother. There
+was in this town much butter in gourds melted like oil--they said it was
+the fat of bears. There was found, also, great store of oil of walnuts,
+which was clear as butter, and of a good taste, and a pot full of honey
+of bees, which neither before nor afterward was seen in all the country.
+The town was an island between two arms of a river, and was seated nigh
+one of them. The river divideth itself into those two branches, two
+crossbow shots above the town, and meeteth again a league beneath the
+same. The plain between both the branches is sometimes one crossbow
+shot, sometimes two crossbow shots over. The branches are very broad,
+and both of them may be waded over. There were along them very good
+meadows, and many fields sown with maize. And because the Indians staid
+in their town, the Governor only lodged in the houses of the cacique,
+and his people in the fields; where there was ever a tree every one took
+one for himself. Thus the camp lay separated one from another, and out
+of order. The Governor winked at it, because the Indians were in peace,
+and because it was very hot, and the people should have suffered great
+extremity if it had not been so. The horses came thither so weak, that
+for feebleness they were not able to carry their masters; because that
+from _Cutifachiqui_ they always traveled with very little provender, and
+were hunger-starved and tired ever since they came from the desert of
+_Ocute_. And because the most of them were not in case to use in battle,
+though need should require, they sent them to feed in the night a
+quarter of a league from the camp. The Christians were there in great
+danger, because that if at this time the Indians had set upon them, they
+had been in evil case to have defended themselves. The Governor rested
+there thirty days, in which time, because the country was very fruitful,
+the horses grew fat. At the time of his departure, by the importunity
+of some, which would have more than was reason, he demanded of the
+cacique thirty women to make slaves of. He answered that he would confer
+with his chief men. And before he returned an answer, one night all of
+them with their wives and children forsook the town, and fled away. The
+next day, the Governor proposing to go to seek them, the cacique came
+unto him, and at his coming used these words unto the Governor:--
+
+"Mighty lord, with shame and fear of your lordship, because my subjects
+against my will have done amiss in absenting themselves, I went my way
+without your license; and knowing the error which I have committed, like
+a loyal subject, I come to yield myself into your power, to dispose of
+me at your own pleasure. For my subjects do not obey me, nor do anything
+but what an uncle of mine commandeth, which governeth this country for
+me, until I be of a perfect age. If your lordship will pursue them, and
+execute on them that, which for their disobedience they deserve, I will
+be your guide, since at this present my fortune will not suffer me to
+perform any more."
+
+Presently, the Governor with thirty horsemen, and as many footmen, went
+to seek the Indians, and passing by some towns of the principal Indians
+which had absented themselves, he cut and destroyed great fields of
+maize; and went up the river, where the Indians were in an island, where
+the horsemen could not come at them. There he sent them word by an
+Indian to return to their town and fear nothing, and that they should
+give his men to carry burdens, as all those behind had done; for he
+would have no Indian women, seeing they were so loth to part with them.
+The Indians accepted his request, and came to the Governor to excuse
+themselves; and so all of them returned to their town. A cacique of a
+province called _Coste_, came to this town to visit the Governor. After
+he had offered himself, and passed with him some words of tendering his
+service and courtesy, the Governor asking him whether he had notice of
+any rich country? he said yea: to wit, that toward the north there was a
+province named _Chisca_:[G] and that there was a melting of copper, and
+of another metal of the same color, save that it was finer, and of a far
+more perfect color, and far better to the sight; and that they used it
+not so much, because it was softer. And the self same thing was told the
+Governor in _Cutifachiqui_, where we saw some little hatchets of copper,
+which were said to have a mixture of gold. But in that part the country
+was not well peopled, and they said there were mountains, which the
+horses could not pass: and for that cause, the Governor would not go
+from _Cutifachiqui_ directly thither: and he made account, that
+traveling through a peopled country, when his men and horses should be
+in better plight, and he were better certified of the truth of the
+thing, he would return toward it, by mountains, and a better inhabited
+country, whereby he might have better passage. He sent two Christians
+from _Chiaha_ with certain Indians which knew the country of _Chisca_,
+and the language thereof, to view it, and to make report of that which
+they should find; where he told them that he would tarry for them.
+
+When the Governor was determined to depart from _Chiaha_ to _Coste_, he
+sent for the cacique to come before him, and with gentle words took his
+leave of him, and gave him certain things, wherewith he rested much
+contented. In seven days he came to _Coste_. The second of July he
+commanded his camp to be pitched two crossbow shots from the town: and
+with eight men of his guard he went where he found the cacique, which to
+his thinking received him with great love. As he was talking with him,
+there went from the camp certain footmen to the town to seek some maize,
+and not contented with it, they ransacked and searched the houses, and
+took what they found. With this despite, the Indians began to rise and
+to take their arms: and some of them, with cudgels in their hands, ran
+upon five or six Christians, which had done them wrong, and beat them at
+their pleasure. The Governor seeing them all in an uproar, and himself
+among them with so few Christians, to escape their hands used a
+stratagem, far against his own disposition, being, as he was, very frank
+and open: and though it grieved him very much that any Indian should be
+so bold, as with reason, or without reason to despise the Christians, he
+took up a cudgel, and took their parts against his own men; which was a
+means to quiet them. And presently he sent word by a man very secretly
+to the camp, that some armed men should come toward the place where he
+was; and he took the cacique by the hand, using very mild words unto
+him, and with some principal Indians that did accompany him, he drew
+them out of the town into a plain way, and unto the sight of the camp,
+whither by little and little with good discretion the Christians began
+to come and to gather about them. Thus the Governor led the cacique and
+his chief men until he entered with them into the camp: and near unto
+his tent he commanded them to be put in safe custody; and told them that
+they should not depart without giving him a guide and Indians for
+burdens, and till certain sick Christians were come, which he had
+commanded to come down the river in canoes from _Chiaha_; and those also
+which he had sent to the province of _Chisca_: (for they were not
+returned; and he feared that the Indians had slain the one, and the
+other.) Within three days after, those which were sent to _Chisca_
+returned, and made report that the Indians had carried them through a
+country so poor of maize, and so rough, and over so high mountains, that
+it was impossible for the army to travel that way; and that seeing the
+way grew very long, and that they lingered much, they consulted to
+return from a little poor town, where they saw nothing that was of any
+profit, and brought an ox hide, which the Indians gave them, as thin as
+a calf's skin, and the hair like a soft wool, between the coarse and
+fine wool of sheep. The cacique gave a guide, and men for burdens, and
+departed with the Governor's leave. The Governor departed from _Coste_
+the ninth of July, and lodged at a town called _Tali_. The cacique came
+forth to receive him on the way, and made this speech:--
+
+"Excellent lord and prince, worthy to be served and obeyed of all the
+princes in the world; howsoever for the most part by the outward
+physiognomy the inward virtue may be judged, and that who you are, and
+of what strength, was known unto me before now: I will not infer
+hereupon how mean I am in your presence, to hope that my poor services
+will be grateful and acceptable: since whereas strength faileth, the
+will doth not cease to be praised and accepted. And for this cause I
+presume to request your lordship, that you will be pleased only to
+respect the same, and consider wherein you will command my service in
+this your country."
+
+The Governor answered him, that his good-will and offer was as
+acceptable unto him as if he had offered him all the treasures of the
+world, and that he would always entreat, favor, and esteem him as if he
+were his own brother. The cacique commanded provision necessary for two
+days, while the Governor was there, to be brought thither: and at the
+time of his departure, he gave him four women and two men, which he had
+need of to bear burdens. The Governor traveled six days through many
+towns subject to the cacique of _Coca_: and as he entered into his
+country many Indians came unto him every day from the cacique, and met
+him on the way with messages, one going, and another coming. He came to
+_Coca_ upon Friday, the 26th of July. The cacique came forth to receive
+him two crossbow shots from the town in a chair, which his principal men
+carried on their shoulders, sitting upon a cushion, and covered with a
+garment of marterns, of the fashion and bigness of a woman's huke: he
+had on his head a diadem of feathers, and round about him many Indians
+playing upon flutes, and singing. As soon as he came unto the Governor,
+he did his obeyance, and uttered these words following:--
+
+"Excellent and mighty lord, above all them of the earth, although I come
+but now to receive you, yet I have received you many days ago in my
+heart, to wit, from the day wherein I had first notice of your lordship:
+with so great desire to serve you, with so great pleasure and
+contentment, that this which I make show of, is nothing in regard of
+that which is in my heart, neither can it have any kind of comparison.
+This you may hold for certain, that to obtain the dominion of the whole
+world, would not have rejoiced me so much as your sight, neither would I
+have held it for so great a felicity. Do not look for me to offer you
+that which is your own, to wit, my person, my lands, and subjects; only
+I will busy myself in commanding my men with all diligence and due
+reverence to welcome you from hence to the town with playing and
+singing, where your lordship shall be lodged and attended upon by myself
+and them; and all that I possess your lordship shall use as it were your
+own. For your lordship shall do me a very great favor in so doing."
+
+The Governor gave him thanks, and with great joy they both went
+conferring together till they came to the town; and he commanded his
+Indians to void their houses, wherein the Governor and his men were
+lodged. There was in the barns and in the fields great store of maize
+and French beans. The country was greatly inhabited with many great
+towns, and many sown fields, which reached from the one to the other. It
+was pleasant, fat, full of good meadows upon rivers. There were in the
+fields many plum trees, as well of such as grow in _Spain_ as of the
+country; and wild tall vines, that run up the trees; and besides these
+there were other low vines with big and sweet grapes; but for want of
+digging and dressing, they had great kernels in them. The Governor used
+to set a guard over the caciques, because they should not absent
+themselves, and carried them with him till he came out of their
+countries; because that carrying them along with him, he looked to find
+people in the towns, and they gave him guides, and men to carry burdens;
+and before he went out of their countries, he gave them license to
+return to their houses, and to their porters likewise, as soon as he
+came to any other lordship where they gave him others. The men of _Coca_
+seeing their lord detained, took it in evil part, and revolted, and hid
+themselves in the woods, as well those of the town of the cacique, as
+those of the other towns of his principal subjects. The Governor sent
+out four captains, every one his way, to seek them. They took many men
+and women, which were put into chains. They seeing the hurt which they
+received, and how little they gained in absenting themselves, came
+again, promising to do whatsoever they were commanded. Of those which
+were taken prisoners, some principal men were set at liberty, whom the
+cacique demanded; and every one that had any, carried the rest in chains
+like slaves, without letting them go to their country. Neither did any
+return, but some few, whose fortune helped them with the good diligence
+which they used to file off their chains by night, or such as in their
+traveling could slip aside out of the way, seeing any negligence in them
+that kept them; some escaped away with the chains, and with the burdens
+and clothes which they carried.
+
+The Governor rested in _Coca_ twenty-five days. He departed from thence
+the twentieth of August, to seek a province called _Tascaluca_; he
+carried with him the cacique of _Coca_. He passed that day by a great
+town called _Tallimuchase_; the people were fled; he lodged half a
+league further, near a brook. The next day he came to a town called
+_Ytaua_, subject to _Coca_. He staid there six days, because of a river
+that passed by it, which at that time was very high; and as soon as the
+river suffered him to pass, he set forward, and lodged at a town named
+_Ullibahali_. There came to him on the way, of the caciques in behalf of
+that province, ten or twelve principal Indians to offer him their
+service; all of them had their plumes of feathers, and bows and arrows.
+The Governor coming to the town with twelve horsemen, and some footmen
+of his guard, leaving his people a crossbow shot from the town, entered
+into it; he found all the Indians with their weapons, and as far as he
+could guess, they seemed to have some evil meaning. It was known
+afterwards that they were determined to take the cacique of _Coca_ from
+the Governor, if he had requested it. The Governor commanded all his
+people to enter the town, which was walled about, and near unto it
+passed a small river. The wall, as well of that as of others, which
+afterwards we saw, was of great posts thrust deep into the ground, and
+very rough; and many long rails, as big as one's arm, laid across
+between them, and the wall was about the height of a lance, and it was
+daubed within and without with clay, and had loopholes. On the other
+side of the river was a town, where at that present the cacique was. The
+Governor sent to call him, and he came presently. After he had passed
+with the Governor some words of offering his services, he gave him such
+men for his carriages as he needed, and thirty women for slaves. In that
+place was a Christian lost, called _Mancano_, born in _Salamanca_, of
+noble parentage, which went astray to seek for grapes, whereof there is
+great store, and those very good. The day that the Governor departed
+from thence, he lodged at a town, subject to the lord of _Ullibahali_;
+and the next day he came to another town called _Toasi_. The Indians
+gave the Governor thirty women, and such men for his carriages as he
+needed. He traveled ordinarily five or six leagues a day, when he
+traveled through peopled countries; and going through deserts, he
+marched as fast as he could, to eschew the want of maize. From _Toasi_,
+passing through some towns subject to a cacique, which was lord of a
+province called _Tallise_, he traveled five days. He came to _Tallise_
+the 18th of September. The town was great, and situated near unto a main
+river. On the other side of the river were other towns, and many fields
+sown with maize. On both sides it was a very plentiful country, and had
+store of maize; they had voided the town. The Governor commanded to call
+the cacique; who came, and between them passed some words of love and
+offer of his services, and he presented unto him forty Indians. There
+came to the Governor in this town, a principal Indian in the behalf of
+the cacique of _Tascaluca_, and made this speech following:--
+
+"Mighty, virtuous, and esteemed lord, the great cacique of _Tascaluca_,
+my lord, sendeth by me to kiss your lordship's hands, and to let you
+understand that he hath notice how you justly ravish with your
+perfections and power, all men on the earth and that every one by whom
+your lordship passeth, doth serve and obey you, which he acknowledgeth
+to be due unto you, and desireth, as his life, to see and to serve your
+lordship. For which cause by me he offereth himself, his lands and
+subjects, that when your lordship pleaseth to go through his country,
+you may be received with all peace and love, served and obeyed; and that
+in recompense of the desire he hath to see you, you will do him the
+favor to let him know when you will come; for how much the sooner, so
+much the greater favor he shall receive."
+
+The Governor received and dispatched him graciously, giving him beads,
+which among them were not much esteemed, and some other things to carry
+to his lord. And he gave license to the Cacique of _Coca_ to return home
+to his own country. The Cacique of _Tallise_ gave him such men for
+burdens as he needed. And after he had rested there twenty days, he
+departed thence towards _Tascaluca_. That day when he went from
+_Tallise_, he lodged at a great town called _Casiste_. And the next day
+passed by another, and came to a small town of _Tascaluca_; and the next
+day he camped in a wood, two leagues from the town where the cacique
+resided, and was at that time. And he sent the master of the camp, _Luys
+de Moscoso_, with fifteen horsemen, to let him know he was coming. The
+cacique was in his lodgings under a canopy; and without doors, right
+against his lodgings, in a high place, they spread a mat for him, and
+two cushions one upon another, where he sat him down, and his Indians
+placed themselves round about him, somewhat distant from him, so that
+they made a place, and a void room where he sat; and his chiefest men
+were nearest to him, and one with a shadow of deer skin, which kept the
+sun from him, being round and of the bigness of a target, quartered with
+black and white, having a rundle in the midst; afar off it seemed to be
+of taffeta, because the colors were very perfect. It was set on a small
+staff stretched wide out. This was the device which he carried in his
+wars. He was a man of a very tall stature, of great limbs, and spare,
+and well proportioned, and was much feared of his neighbors and
+subjects. He was lord of many territories and much people. In his
+countenance he was very grave. After the master of the camp had spoken
+with him, he and those that went with him coursed their horses, prancing
+them to and fro, and now and then towards the place where the cacique
+was, who, with much gravity and dissimulation now and then lifted up his
+eyes, and beheld them, as it were, with disdain. At the Governor's
+coming, he made no offer at all to rise. The Governor took him by the
+hand, and both of them sat down together on a seat which was under the
+cloth of state. The cacique said these words unto him:--
+
+"Mighty lord, I bid your lordship right heartily welcome. I receive as
+much pleasure and contentment with your sight, as if you were my
+brother, whom I dearly loved; upon this point it is not needful to use
+many reasons; since it is no discretion to speak that in many words,
+which in few may be uttered. How much the greater the will is, so much
+more giveth it name to the works, and the works give testimony of the
+truth. Now touching my will, by it you shall know how certain and
+manifest it is, and how pure inclination I have to serve you. Concerning
+the favor which you did me, in the things which you sent me, I make as
+much account of them as is reason to esteem them, and chiefly because
+they were yours. Now see what service you will command me."
+
+The Governor satisfied him with sweet words and with great brevity. When
+he departed from thence he determined to carry him along with him for
+some cause, and at two days' journey he came to a town called _Piache_,
+by which there passed a great river. The Governor demanded canoes of the
+Indians; they said they had them not, but that they would make rafts of
+canes and dry timber, on which he might pass well enough. And they made
+them with all diligence and speed, and they governed them; and because
+the water went very slow, the Governor and his people passed very well.
+
+From the _Port de Spirito Santo_ to _Apalache_, which is about an
+hundred leagues, the Governor went from east to west; and from
+_Apalache_ to _Cutifachiqui_, which are four hundred and thirty leagues
+from the south-west to the north-east; and from _Cutifachiqui_ to
+_Xualla_, which are about two hundred and fifty leagues from the south
+to the north; and from _Xualla_ to _Tascaluca_, which are two hundred
+and fifty leagues more, an hundred and ninety of them he traveled from
+east to west, to wit, to the province of _Coca_, and the other sixty
+from _Coca_ to _Tascaluca_ from the north to the south.
+
+Having passed the river of _Piache_, a Christian went from his company
+from thence to seek a woman slave that was run away from him, and the
+Indians either took him captive, or slew him. The Governor urged the
+cacique that he should give account of him, and threatened him that if
+he were not found he would never let him loose. The cacique sent an
+Indian from thence to _Mavilla_, whither they were traveling, which was
+a town of a principal Indian and his subject, saying that he sent him to
+advise them to make ready victuals, and men for carriages. But (as
+afterwards appeared) he sent him to assemble all the men of war thither
+that he had in his country. The Governor traveled three days, and the
+third day he passed all day through a peopled country, and he came to
+_Mavilla_ upon Monday the 18th of October, 1540. He went before the camp
+with fifteen horsemen and thirty footmen. And from the town came a
+Christian, whom he had sent to the principal man, three or four days
+before, because he should not absent himself, and also to learn in what
+sort the Indians were; who told him that he thought they were in an evil
+purpose; for while he was there, there came many people into the town,
+and many weapons, and that they made great haste to fortify the walls.
+_Luys de Moscoso_ told the Governor that it would be good to lodge in
+the field, seeing the Indians were of such disposition; and he answered,
+that he would lodge in the town, for he was weary of lodging in the
+field. When he came near unto the town, the cacique came forth to
+receive him with many Indians playing upon flutes and singing. And after
+he had offered himself, he presented him with three mantles of marterns.
+The Governor, with both the caciques, and seven or eight men of his
+guard, and three or four horsemen, which alighted to accompany him,
+entered into the town, and sat him down under a cloth of state. The
+cacique of _Tascaluca_ requested him that he would let him remain in
+that town, and trouble him no more with traveling. And seeing he would
+not give him leave, in his talk he changed his purpose, and
+dissemblingly feigned that he would speak with some principal Indians,
+and rose up from the place where he sat with the Governor, and entered
+into a house, where many Indians were with their bows and arrows. The
+Governor when he saw he returned not, called him, and he answered that
+he would not come out from thence, neither would he go any farther than
+that town, and that if he would go his way in peace, he should presently
+depart, and should not seek to carry him perforce out of his country and
+territory.
+
+The Governor seeing the determination and furious answer of the cacique,
+went about to pacify him with fair words; to which he gave no answer,
+but rather with much pride and disdain, withdrew himself where the
+Governor might not see him nor speak with him. As a principal Indian
+passed that way, the Governor called him, to send him word that he might
+remain at his pleasure in his country, and that it would please him to
+give him a guide, and men for carriages, to see if he could pacify him
+with mild words. The Indians answered with great pride, that he would
+not hearken unto him. _Baltasar de Gallegos_, which stood by, took hold
+of a gown of marterns which he had on, and he cast it over his head, and
+left it in his hands: and because all of them immediately began to stir,
+_Baltasar de Gallegos_ gave him such a wound with his cutlass, that he
+opened him down the back, and presently all the Indians with a great cry
+came out of the houses shooting their arrows. The Governor considering
+that if he tarried there, he could not escape, and if he commanded his
+men to come in, which were without the town, the Indians within the
+houses might kill their horses, and do much hurt, ran out of the town,
+and before he came out, he fell twice or thrice, and those that were
+with him did help him up again; and he and those that were with him were
+sore wounded; and in a moment there were five Christians slain in the
+town. The Governor came running out of the town, crying out that every
+man should stand farther off, because from the wall they did them much
+hurt. The Indians seeing that the Christians retired, and some of them,
+or the most part, more than an ordinary pace, shot with great boldness
+at them, and struck down such as they could overtake. The Indians which
+the Christians did lead with them in chains, had laid down their burdens
+near unto the walls; and as soon as the Governor and his men were
+retired, the men of _Mavilla_ laid them on the Indians' backs again, and
+took them into the town, and loosed them presently from their chains,
+and gave them bows and arrows to fight withal. Thus they possessed
+themselves of all the clothes and pearls, and all that the Christians
+had, which their slaves carried. And because the Indians had been always
+peaceable until we came to this place, some of our men had their weapons
+in their fardels, and remained unarmed. And from others that had entered
+the town with the Governor they had taken swords and halberds, and
+fought with them. When the Governor was gotten into the field, he called
+for a horse, and with some that accompanied him, he returned and slew
+two or three Indians. All the rest retired themselves to the town, and
+shot with their bows from the wall. And those which presumed of their
+nimbleness, sallied forth to fight a stone's cast from the wall. And
+when the Christians charged them, they retired themselves at their
+leisure into the town. At the time that the broil began, there were in
+the town a friar and a priest, and a servant of the Governor, with a
+woman slave; and they had no time to come out of the town, and they took
+a house, and so remained in the town. The Indians being become masters
+of the place, they shut the door with a field gate; and among them was
+one sword which the Governor's servant had, and with it he set himself
+behind the door, thrusting at the Indians which sought to come into
+them; and the friar and the priest stood on the other side, each of them
+with a bar in their hands to beat him down that first came in. The
+Indians seeing they could not get in by the door, began to uncover the
+house top. By this time all the horsemen and footmen which were behind,
+were come to _Mavilla_. Here there were sundry opinions, whether they
+should charge the Indians to enter the town, or whether they should
+leave it, because it was hard to enter; and in the end it was resolved
+to set upon them.
+
+As soon as the battle and the rereward were come to _Mavilla_, the
+Governor commanded all those that were best armed to alight, and made
+four squadrons of footmen. The Indians, seeing how he was setting his
+men in order, concluded with the cacique, that he should go his way,
+saying unto him, as after it was known by certain women that were taken
+there, that he was but one man, and could fight but for one man, and
+that they had there among them many principal Indians, very valiant and
+expert in feats of arms, that any one of them was able to order the
+people there; and forasmuch as matters of war were subject to casualty,
+and it was uncertain which part should overcome, they wished him to save
+himself, to the end, that if it fell out that they should end their days
+there, as they determined rather than to be overcome, there might remain
+one to govern the country. For all this he would not have gone away; but
+they urged him so much, that with fifteen or twenty Indians of his own,
+he went out of the town, and carried away a scarlet cloak, and other
+things of the Christians' goods, as much as he was able to carry, and
+seemed best unto him. The Governor was informed how there went men out
+of the town, and he commanded the horsemen to beset it, and sent in
+every squadron of footmen one soldier with a firebrand to set fire on
+the houses, that the Indians might have no defence; all his men being
+set in order, he commanded an arquebuss to be shot off. The sign being
+given, the four squadrons, every one by itself with great fury, gave the
+onset, and with great hurt on both sides they entered the town. The
+friar and the priest, and those that were with them in the house were
+saved, which cost the lives of two men of account, and valiant, which
+came thither to succor them. The Indians fought with such courage, that
+many times they drove our men out of the town. The fight lasted so long,
+that for weariness and great thirst many of the Christians went to a
+pool that was near the wall, to drink, which was all stained with the
+blood of the dead, and then came again to fight. The Governor seeing
+this, entered among the footmen into the town on horseback, with certain
+that accompanied them, and was a mean that the Christians came to set
+fire on the houses, and broke and overcame the Indians, who running out
+of the town from the footmen, the horsemen without drove in at the gates
+again, where being without all hope of life, they fought valiantly, and
+after the Christians came among them to handy blows, seeing themselves
+in great distress, without any succor, many of them fled into the
+burning houses, where one upon another they were smothered and burnt in
+the fire. The whole number of the Indians that died in this town, were
+two thousand and five hundred, little more or less. Of the Christians
+there died eighteen; of which one was _Don Carlos_, brother-in-law to
+the Governor, and a nephew of his, and one _John de Gamez_, and _Men
+Rodriguez_, Portuguese, and _John Vasquez de Villanova de Barca Rota_,
+all men of honor, and of much valor; the rest were footmen. Besides
+those that were slain, there were a hundred and fifty wounded, with
+seven hundred wounds of their arrows: and it pleased God that of very
+dangerous wounds they were quickly healed. Moreover there were twelve
+horses slain, and seventy hurt. All the clothes which the Christians
+carried with them to clothe themselves withal, and the ornaments to say
+mass, and the pearls, were all burnt there; and the Christians did set
+them on fire themselves; because they held for a greater inconvenience,
+the hurt which the Indians might do them from those houses, where they
+had gathered all those goods together, than the loss of them. Here the
+Governor understood that _Francisco Maldonado_ waited for him at the
+Port of _Ochuse_, and that it was six days' journey from thence
+(_Mavilla_), and he dealt with _John Ortiz_ to keep it secret, because
+he had not accomplished that which he determined to do; and because the
+pearls were burnt there, which he meant to have sent to _Cuba_ for a
+show, that the people hearing the news, might be desirous to come to
+that country. He feared also, that if they should have news of him
+without seeing from _Florida_ neither gold nor silver, nor anything of
+value, it would get such a name, that no man would seek to go thither,
+when he should have need of people. And so he determined to send no news
+of himself until he had found some rich country.
+
+From the time that the Governor entered into _Florida_, until his
+departure from _Mavilla_, there died a hundred and two Christians, some
+of sickness, and others which the Indians slew. He stayed in _Mavilla_,
+because of the wounded men, eight-and-twenty days; all which time he lay
+in the field. It was a well inhabited and a fat country, there were some
+great and walled towns, and many houses scattered all about the fields,
+to wit, a crossbow shot or two, the one from the other. Upon Sunday, the
+eighteenth of November (1540), when the hurt men were known to be
+healed, the Governor departed from _Mavilla_. Every one furnished
+himself with maize for two days, and they traveled five days through a
+desert: they came to a province called _Pafallaya_, unto a town named
+_Taliepatava_: and from thence they went to another, called _Cabusto_:
+near unto it ran a great river. The Indians on the other side cried out,
+threatening the Christians to kill them, if they sought to pass it. The
+Governor commanded his men to make a barge within the town, because the
+Indians should not perceive it: it was finished in four days, and being
+ended, he commanded it to be carried one night upon sleds half a league
+up the river. In the morning there entered into it thirteen men well
+armed. The Indians perceived what was attempted, and those which were
+nearest, came to defend the passage. They resisted what they could, till
+the Christians came near them; and seeing that the barge came to the
+shore, they fled away into the groves of canes. The Christians mounted
+on horseback, and went up the river to make good the passage, whereby
+the Governor and his company passed the river. There were along the
+river some towns well stored with maize and French beans. From thence to
+_Chicaca_ the Governor traveled five days through a desert. He came to a
+river, where on the other side were Indians to defend the passage. He
+made another barge in two days; and when it was finished, the Governor
+sent an Indian to request the cacique to accept of his friendship, and
+peaceably to expect his coming: whom the Indians that were on the other
+side the river slew before his face, and presently making a great shout
+went their way. Having passed the river, the next day, being the 17th of
+December, the Governor came to _Chicaca_, a small town of twenty houses.
+And after they were come to _Chicaca_, they were much troubled with
+cold, because it was now winter and it snowed, while most of them were
+lodged in the field, before they had time to make themselves houses.
+This country was very well peopled, and the houses scattered like those
+of _Mavilla_, fat and plentiful of maize, and the most part of it was
+fielding: they gathered as much as sufficed to pass the winter. Some
+Indians were taken, among which was one whom the cacique esteemed
+greatly. The Governor sent an Indian to signify to the cacique that he
+desired to see him and to have his friendship. The cacique came unto
+him, to offer him his person, country and subjects, and told him that he
+would cause two other caciques to come to him in peace; who within a few
+days after came with him and with their Indians. The one was called
+_Alimamu_, the other _Nicalasa_. They gave a present unto the Governor
+of a hundred and fifty coneys, and of the country garments, to wit, of
+mantles and skins. The Cacique of _Chicaca_ came to visit him many
+times; and sometimes the Governor sent to call him, and sent him a horse
+to go and come. He complained unto him that a subject of his was risen
+against him and deprived him of his tribute, requesting his aid against
+him, for he meant to seek him in his country, and to punish him
+according to his desert. Which was nothing else but a feigned plot. For
+they determined, as soon as the Governor was gone with him, and the camp
+was divided into two parts, the one part of them to set upon the
+Governor and the other upon them that remained in _Chicaca_. He went to
+the town where he used to keep his residence, and brought with him two
+hundred Indians with their bows and arrows. The Governor took thirty
+horsemen and eighty footmen, and they went to _Saquechuma_ (for so was
+the province called of that chief man, which he said had rebelled). They
+found a walled town, without any men: and those which went with the
+cacique set fire on the houses, to dissemble their treason. But by
+reason of the great care and heedfulness, that was as well in the
+Governor's people which he carried with him, as of those which remained
+in _Chicaca_, they dare not assault them at that time. The Governor
+invited the cacique, and certain principal Indians, and gave them hog's
+flesh to eat. And though they did not commonly use it, yet they were so
+greedy of it, that every night there came Indians to certain houses a
+crossbow shot from the camp, where the hogs lay, and killed, and carried
+away as many as they could. And three Indians were taken in the manner.
+Two of them the Governor commanded to be shot to death with arrows; and
+to cut off the hands of the other; and he sent him so handled to the
+cacique. Who made as though it grieved him; yet they had offended the
+Governor, and that he was glad that he had executed that punishment on
+them. He lay in a plain country, half a league from the place where the
+Christians lodged. Four horsemen went a straggling thither, to wit,
+_Francisco Osorio_, and a servant of the Marquis of _Astorga_, called
+_Reynoso_, and two servants of the Governor, the one his page, called
+_Ribera_, and the other _Fuentes_, his chamberlain: and these had taken
+from the Indians some skins, and some mantles, wherewith they were
+offended, and forsook their houses. The Governor knew of it, and
+commanded them to be apprehended; and condemned to death _Francisco
+Osorio_, and the chamberlain as principals, and all of them to loss of
+goods. The friars and priests and other principal persons were earnest
+with him to pardon _Francisco Osorio_ his life, and to moderate his
+sentence, which he would not grant for any of them. While he was ready
+to command them to be drawn to the market-place to cut off their heads,
+there came certain Indians from the cacique to complain of them. _John
+Ortiz_, at the request of _Baltasar de Gallegos_ and other persons,
+changed their words, and told the Governor, that the cacique said, he
+had notice how his lordship held those Christians in prison for his
+sake, and that they were in no fault, neither had they done him any
+wrong, and that if he would do him any favor, he should set them free.
+And he told the Indians, that the Governor said he had them in prison,
+and that he would punish them in such sort, that they should be an
+example to others. Hereupon the Governor commanded the prisoners to be
+loosed. As soon as March was come, he determined to depart from
+_Chicaca_, and demanded of the cacique two hundred men for carriages. He
+sent him answer that he would speak with his principal men. Upon
+Tuesday, the eighth of March, 1541, the Governor went to the town where
+he was, to ask him for the men: he told him he would send them the next
+day. As soon as the Governor was come to _Chicaca_, he told _Luys de
+Moscoso_, the camp-master, that he misliked the Indians, and that he
+should keep a strong watch that night, which he remembered but a little.
+The Indians came at the second watch in four squadrons, every one by
+itself, and as soon as they were descried, they sounded a drum, and gave
+the assault with a great cry, and with so great celerity, that presently
+they entered with the scouts, that were somewhat distant from the camp.
+And when they were perceived of them which were in the town, half the
+houses were on fire, which they had kindled. That night three horsemen
+chanced to be scouts; two of them were of base calling, and the worst
+men in all the camp, and the other, which was a nephew of the Governor,
+which until then was held for a tall man, showed himself there as great
+a coward as any of them: for all of them ran away. And the Indians
+without any resistance came and set the town on fire; and tarried
+without behind the doors for the Christians, which ran out of the
+houses, not having any leisure to arm themselves; and as they ran hither
+and thither amazed with the noise, and blinded with the smoke and flame
+of the fire, they knew not which way they went, neither could they light
+upon their weapons, nor saddle their horses, neither saw they the
+Indians that shot at them. Many of the horses were burned in the
+stables, and those which could break their halters got loose. The
+disorder and flight was such that every man fled which way he could,
+without leaving any to resist the Indians. But God (which chastiseth his
+according to his pleasure, and in the greatest necessities and dangers
+sustaineth them with his hand) so blinded the Indians, that they saw not
+what they had done, and thought that the horses which ran loose, were
+men on horseback, that gathered themselves together to set upon them.
+The Governor only rode on horseback, and with him a soldier called
+_Tapia_, and set upon the Indians, and striking the first he met with
+his lance, the saddle fell with him, which with haste was evil girded,
+and so he fell from his horse. And all the people that were on foot were
+fled to a wood out of the town, and there assembled themselves together.
+And because it was night, and that the Indians thought the horses were
+men on horseback which came to set upon them, as I said before, they
+fled; and one only remained dead, and that was he whom the Governor slew
+with his lance. The town lay all burnt to ashes. There was a woman
+burned, who, after she and her husband were both gone out of their
+house, went in again for certain pearls which they had forgotten, and
+when she would have come out, the fire was so great at the door that she
+could not, neither could her husband succor her. Other three Christians
+came out of their lodgings so cruelly burned, that one of them died
+within three days, and the other two were carried many days each of them
+upon a couch between staves, which the Indians carried on their
+shoulders, for otherwise they could not travel. There died in this
+hurlyburly eleven Christians, and fifty horses; and there remained a
+hundred hogs, and four hundred were burned. If any perchance had saved
+any clothes from the fire of _Mavilla_, here they were burned, and many
+were clad in skins, for they had no leisure to take their coats. They
+endured much cold in this place, and the chiefest remedy were great
+fires. They spent all night in turnings without sleep: for if they
+warmed one side, they freezed on the other. Some invented the weaving of
+certain mats of dry ivy, and did wear one beneath, and another above:
+many laughed at this device, whom afterward necessity enforced to do the
+like. The Christians were so spoiled, and in such want of saddles and
+weapons which were burned, that if the Indians had come the second
+night, they had overcome them with little labor. They removed thence to
+the town where the cacique was wont to lie, because it was in a
+champaign country. Within eight days after, there were many lances and
+saddles made. There were ash-trees in those parts, whereof they made as
+good lances as in Biscay.
+
+Upon Wednesday, the 15th of March, 1541, after the Governor had lodged
+eight days in a plain, half a league from the place which he had
+wintered in, after he had set up a forge, and tempered the swords which
+in _Chicaca_ were burned, and made many targets, saddles, and lances; on
+Tuesday night, at the morning watch, many Indians came to assault the
+camp in three squadrons, every one by themselves. Those which watched
+gave the alarm. The Governor with great speed set his men in order in
+other three squadrons, and leaving some to defend the camp, went out to
+encounter them. The Indians were overcome and put to flight. The ground
+was champaign and fit for the Christians to take the advantage of them;
+and it was now break of day. But there happened a disorder, whereby
+there were not past thirty or forty Indians slain: and this it was: that
+a friar cried out in the camp without any just occasion, "To the camp,
+to the camp." Whereupon the Governor and all the rest repaired thither,
+and the Indians had time to save themselves. There were some taken, by
+whom the Governor informed himself of the country through which he was
+to pass. The 25th of April, he departed from _Chicaca_, and lodged at a
+small town called _Alimamu_. They had very little maize, and they were
+to pass a desert of seven days' journey. The next day, the Governor sent
+three captains, every one his way, with horsemen and footmen to seek
+provisions to pass the desert. And _John Dannusco_ the Auditor went with
+fifteen horsemen and forty footmen that way that the Governor was to go,
+and found a strong fort made, where the Indians stayed for him, and many
+of them walked on the top of it with their weapons, having their bodies,
+thighs, and arms ochred and dyed with black, white, yellow and red,
+striped like unto panes, so that they showed as though they went in hose
+and doublets: and some of them had plumes, and others had horns on their
+heads, and their faces black, and their eyes done round about with
+steaks of red, to seem more fierce. As soon as they saw that the
+Christians approached, with a great cry sounding two drums with great
+fury they sallied forth to receive them. _John Dannusco_ and those that
+were with him thought good to avoid them, and to acquaint the Governor
+therewith. They retired to a plain place, a crossbow-shot from the fort,
+in sight of it: the footmen, the crossbow-men, and targeters placed
+themselves before the horsemen, that they might not hurt the horses. The
+Indians sallied out by seven and seven, and eight and eight, to shoot
+their arrows, and retired again: and in sight of the Christians they
+made a fire, and took an Indian, some by the feet, and some by the head,
+and made as though they went to cast him into the fire, and gave him
+first many knocks on the head: signifying that they meant so to handle
+the Christians. _John Dannusco_ sent three horsemen to advertise the
+Governor hereof. He came presently: for his intent was to drive them
+from thence, saying, that if he did it not, they would be emboldened to
+charge him another time, when they might do him more harm. He made the
+horsemen to alight, and set his men in four squadrons. The sign being
+given, they set upon the Indians, which made resistance till the
+Christians came near the fort, and as soon as they saw they could not
+defend themselves, by a place where a brook passed near the fort, they
+ran away, and from the other side they shot some arrows; and because at
+that instant we knew no ford for the horses to pass, they had time
+enough to get out of our danger. Three Indians were slain there, and
+many Christians were hurt, whereof within few days, there died fifteen
+by the way. All men thought the Governor to be in fault, because he sent
+not to see the disposition of the place on the other side of the river,
+and to know the passage before he set upon them. For with the hope they
+had to save themselves by flight that way, when they saw none other
+means, they fought till they were broken, and it was an encouragement to
+defend themselves until then, and to offend the Christians without any
+danger to themselves.
+
+Three days after they had sought some maize, whereof they found but
+little store, in regard of that which was needful, and that for this
+cause, as well for their sakes that were wounded, it was needful for
+them to rest, as for the great journey they were to march to come where
+store of maize was: yet the Governor was enforced to depart presently
+toward _Quizquiz_. He traveled seven days through a desert of many
+marshes and thick woods: but it might all be traveled on horseback,
+except some lakes which they swam over. He came to a town of the
+province of _Quizquiz_ without being descried, and took all the people
+in it before they came out of their houses. The mother of the cacique
+was taken there: and he sent unto him by an Indian, that he should come
+to see him, and that he would give him his mother, and all the people
+which he had taken there. The cacique sent him answer again, that his
+lordship should loose and send them to him, and that he would come to
+visit and serve him. The Governor, because his people for want of maize
+were somewhat weak and weary, and the horses also were lean, determined
+to accomplish his request, to see if he could have peace with him, and
+so commanded to set free his mother and all the rest, and with loving
+words dismissed them and sent them to him. The next day, when the
+Governor expected the cacique, there came many Indians with their bows
+and arrows with a purpose to set upon the Christians. The Governor had
+commanded all the horsemen to be armed, and on horseback, and in
+readiness. When the Indians saw that they were ready, they stayed a
+crossbow-shot from the place where the Governor was, near a brook. And
+after half an hour that they had stood there still, there came to the
+camp six principal Indians, and said, "they came to see what people they
+were, and that long ago, they had been informed by their forefathers
+that a white people should subdue them; and that therefore they would
+return to their cacique, and bid him come presently to obey and serve
+the Governor:" and after they had presented him with six or seven skins
+and mantles which they brought, they took their leave of him, and
+returned with the others, which waited for them by the brook side. The
+cacique never came again nor sent other message. And because in the town
+where the Governor lodged, there was small store of maize, he removed to
+another half a league from _Rio Grande_,[H] where they found plenty of
+maize. And he went to see the river, and found, that near unto it was
+great store of timber to make barges, and good situation of ground to
+encamp in. Presently he removed himself thither. They made houses, and
+pitched their camp in a plain field a crossbow-shot from the river. And
+thither was gathered all the maize of the towns which they had lately
+passed. They began presently to cut and hew down timber, and to saw
+planks for barges. The Indians came presently down the river: they
+leaped on shore, and declared to the Governor, "that they were subjects
+of a great lord, whose name was _Aquixo_, who was lord of many towns,
+and governed many people on the other side of the river, and came to
+tell him on his behalf, that the next day he with all his men would come
+to see what it would please him to command him." The next day, with
+speed, the cacique came with two hundred canoes full of Indians with
+their bows and arrows, painted, and with great plumes of white feathers,
+and many other colors, with shields in their hands, wherewith they
+defended the rowers on both sides, and the men of war stood from the
+head to the stern, with their bows and arrows in their hands. The canoe
+wherein the cacique was, had a tilt over the stern, and he sat under the
+tilt; and so were other canoes of the principal Indians. And from under
+the tilt where the chief man sat, he governed and commanded the other
+people. All joined together, and came within a stone's cast of the
+shore. From thence the cacique said to the Governor, which walked along
+the river's side with others that waited on him, that he was come
+thither to visit, to honor, and to obey him; because he knew he was the
+greatest and mightiest lord on the earth: therefore he would see what he
+would command him to do. The Governor yielded him thanks, and requested
+him to come on shore, that they might the better communicate together.
+And without any answer to that point, he sent him three canoes, wherein
+was great store of fish and loaves, made of the substance of prunes like
+unto bricks. After he had received all, he thanked him, and prayed him
+again to come on shore. And because the cacique's purpose was, to see if
+with dissimulation he might do some hurt, when they saw that the
+Governor and his men were in readiness, they began to go from the shore:
+and with a great cry, the crossbow-men which were ready, shot at them,
+and slew five or six of them. They retired with great order: none did
+leave his oar, though the next to him were slain, and shielding
+themselves, they went farther off. Afterward they came many times and
+landed: and when any of us came toward them, they fled into their
+canoes, which were very pleasant to behold: for they were very great and
+well made, and had their tilts, plumes, paueses, and flags, and with the
+multitude of people that were in them, they seemed to be a fair army of
+galleys. In thirty days' space, while the Governor remained there, they
+made four barges: in three of which he commanded twelve horsemen to
+enter, in each of them four. In a morning, three hours before day, men
+which he trusted would land in despite of the Indians, and make sure the
+passage, or die, and some footmen, being crossbow-men, went with them,
+and rowers to set them on the other side. And in the other barge he
+commanded _John de Guzman_ to pass with the footmen, which was made
+captain instead of _Francisco Maldonado_. And because the stream was
+swift, they went a quarter of a league up the river along the bank, and
+crossing over, fell down with the stream, and landed right over against
+the camp. Two stones' cast before they came to land, the horsemen went
+out of the barges on horseback to a sandy plot very hard and clear
+ground, where all of them landed without any resistance. As soon as
+those that passed first were on land on the other side, the barges
+returned to the place where the Governor was: and within two hours after
+sun rising, all the people were over. The river was almost half a league
+broad. If a man stood still on the other side, it could not be discerned
+whether he was a man or no. The river was of great depth, and of a
+strong current: the water was always muddy: there came down the river
+continually many trees and timber, which the force of the water and
+stream brought down. There was great store of fish in it of sundry
+sorts, and the most of it differing from the fresh water fish of
+_Spain_, as hereafter shall be showed.
+
+Having passed _Rio Grande_, the Governor traveled a league and a half,
+and came to a great town of _Aquixo_, which was dispeopled before he
+came thither. They espied thirty Indians coming over a plain, which the
+cacique sent to discover the Christians' determination; and as soon as
+they had sight of them, they took themselves to flight. The horsemen
+pursued them, and slew ten, and took fifteen. And because the town,
+whither the Governor went, was near unto the river, he sent a captain,
+with as many men as he thought sufficient, to carry the barges up the
+river. And because in his traveling by land many times he went far from
+the river to compass the creeks that came from it, the Indians took
+occasion to set upon them of the barges, and put them in great danger,
+because that by reason of the great current, they durst not leave the
+shore, and from the bank they shot at them. As soon as the Governor was
+come to the town, he presently sent crossbow-men down the river, which
+came to rescue them and upon the coming of the barges to the town, he
+commanded them to be broken, and to save the iron for others, when it
+should be needful. He lay there one night, and the day following he set
+forward to seek a province, called _Pacaha_, which he was informed to be
+near unto _Chisca_, where the Indians told him there was gold. He passed
+through great towns of _Aquixo_, which were all abandoned for fear of
+the Christians. He understood by certain Indians that were taken that
+three days' journey from thence dwelt a great cacique, whose name was
+_Casqui_. He came to a small river, where a bridge was made, by which
+they passed; that day till sunset, they went all in water, which in some
+places came to the waist, and in some to the knees. When they saw
+themselves on dry land, they were very glad, because they feared they
+should wander up and down as forlorn men all night in the water. At noon
+they came to the first town of _Casqui_: they found the Indians
+careless, because they had no knowledge of them. There were many men and
+women taken, and store of goods, as mantles and skins, as well in the
+first town, as in another, which stood in a field half a league from
+thence in sight of it; whither the horsemen ran. This country is higher,
+drier, and more champaign, than any part bordering near the river that
+until then they had seen. There were in the fields many walnut trees,
+bearing soft-shelled walnuts in the fashion like bullets, and in the
+houses they found many of them, which the Indians had laid up in store.
+The trees differed in nothing else from those of _Spain_, nor from those
+which we had seen before, but only that they have a smaller leaf. There
+were many mulberry trees and plum trees, which bare red plums like
+those of _Spain_, and others gray, somewhat differing, but far better.
+And all the trees are all the year so fruitful, as if they were planted
+in orchards; and the woods were very thin. The Governor traveled two
+days through the country of _Casqui_, before he came to the town where
+the cacique was; and the most of the way was alway by champaign ground,
+which was full of great towns, so that from one town, you might see two
+or three. He sent an Indian to certify the cacique that he was coming to
+the place where he was, with intent to procure his friendship, and to
+hold him as his brother. Whereunto he answered, that he should be
+welcome, and that he would receive him with special good-will, and
+accomplish all that his lordship would command him. He sent him a
+present upon the way; to wit, skins, mantles, and fish: and after these
+compliments, the Governor found all the towns, as he passed, inhabited
+with people, which peaceably attended his coming, and offered him skins,
+mantles, and fish. The cacique, accompanied with many Indians, came out
+of the town, and stayed half a league on the way to receive the
+Governor, and when he came to him, he spake these words following:--
+
+"Right high, right mighty, and renowned lord, your lordship is most
+heartily welcome. As soon as I had notice of your lordship, of your
+power, and your perfections, although you came into my country killing
+and taking captives the inhabitants thereof and my subjects, yet I
+determined to conform my will unto yours, and as your own to interpret
+in good part all that your lordship did: believing that it was
+convenient it should be so for some just respect, to prevent some future
+matter revealed unto your lordship, and concealed from me. For well may
+a mischief be permitted to avoid a greater, and that good may come
+thereof: which I believe will so fall out. For it is no reason to
+presume of so excellent a prince, that the nobleness of his heart, and
+the effect of his will would permit him to suffer any unjust thing. My
+ability is so small to serve you as your lordship deserveth, that if you
+respect not mine abundant good-will, which humbly offereth all kind of
+service, I deserve but little in your presence. But if it be reason that
+this be esteemed, receive the same, myself, my country, and subjects for
+yours, and dispose of me and them at your pleasure. For if I were lord
+of all the world, with the same good-will should your lordship by me be
+received, served and obeyed."
+
+The Governor answered him to the purpose, and satisfied him in few
+words. Within a while after both of them used words of great offers and
+courtesy the one to the other, and the cacique requested him to lodge
+in his houses. The Governor, to preserve the peace the better, excused
+himself, saying that he would lodge in the fields. And because it was
+very hot, they camped near certain trees a quarter of a league from the
+town. The cacique went to his town, and came again with many Indians
+singing. As soon as they came to the Governor, all of them prostrated
+themselves upon the ground. Among these came two Indians that were
+blind. The cacique made a speech: to avoid tediousness, I will only tell
+in a few words the substance of the matter. He said, that seeing the
+Governor was the son of the Sun, and a great lord, he besought him to do
+him the favor to give sight to those two blind men. The blind men rose
+up presently, and very earnestly requested the same of the Governor. He
+answered, that in the high heavens was he that had power to give them
+health, and whatsoever they could ask of him; whose servant he was: and
+that this Lord made the heavens and the earth, and man after his own
+likeness, and that he suffered upon the cross to save mankind, and rose
+again the third day, and that he died as he was man, and as touching his
+divinity, he was, and is immortal; and that he ascended into heaven,
+where he standeth with his arms open to receive all such as turn unto
+him: and straightway he commanded him to make a very high cross of wood,
+which was set up in the highest place of the town; declaring unto him,
+that the Christians worshiped the same in resemblance and memory of that
+whereon Christ suffered. The Governor and his men kneeled down before
+it, and the Indians did the like. The Governor willed him, that from
+thenceforth he would worship the same, and should ask whatsoever they
+stood in need of, of that Lord that he told him was in heaven. Then he
+asked him how far it was from thence to _Pacaha_. He said, one day's
+journey, and that at the end of his country, there was a lake like a
+brook which falleth into _Rio Grande_, and that he would send men before
+to make a bridge whereby he might pass. The same day that the Governor
+departed thence, he lodged at a town belonging to _Casqui_; and the next
+day he passed in sight of other towns, and came to the lake, which was
+half a crossbow shot over, of a great depth and current. At the time of
+his coming, the Indians had made an end of the bridge, which was made of
+timber, laid one tree after another: and on one side it had a course of
+stakes higher than the bridge, for them that passed to take hold on. The
+Cacique of _Casqui_ came to the Governor, and brought his people with
+him. The Governor sent word by an Indian to the Cacique of _Pacaha_,
+that though he were enemy to the Cacique of _Casqui_, and though he
+were there, yet he would do him no disgrace nor hurt, if he would attend
+him peaceably, and embrace his friendship; but rather would intreat him
+as a brother. The Indian, which the Governor sent, came again, and said
+that the cacique made no account of that which he told him, but fled
+with all his men out at the other side of the town. Presently the
+Governor entered, and ran before with the horsemen, that way by which
+the Indians fled; and at another town, distant a quarter of a league
+from thence, they took many Indians; and as soon as the horsemen had
+taken them, they delivered them to the Indians of _Casqui_, whom,
+because they were their enemies, with much circumspection and rejoicing,
+they brought to the town where the Christians were: and the greatest
+grief they had was this, that they could not get leave to kill them.
+There were found in the town many mantles, and deer skins, lion skins,
+and bear skins, and many cat skins. Many came so far poorly appareled,
+and there they clothed themselves: of the mantles, they made them coats
+and cassocks, and some made gowns, and lined them with cat skins; and
+likewise their cassocks. Of the deer skins, some made them also jerkins,
+shirts, hose and shoes: and of the bear skins, they made them very good
+cloaks: for no water could pierce them. There were targets of raw ox
+hides found there; with which hides they armed their horses.
+
+Upon Wednesday, the 19th of June, 1541, the Governor entered into
+_Pacaha_. He lodged in the town, where the cacique used to reside, which
+was very great, walled, and beset with towers, and many loopholes were
+in the towers and wall. And in the town was great store of old maize,
+and great quantity of new in the fields. Within a league and half a
+league were great towns all walled. Where the Governor was lodged was a
+great lake, that came near unto the wall; and it entered into a ditch,
+that went round about the town, wanting but a little to environ it
+around. From the lake to the great river was made a wear by which the
+fish came into it; which the cacique kept for his recreation and sport.
+With nets that were found in the town, they took as much as they would;
+and took they never so much, there was no want perceived. There was also
+great store of fish in many other lakes that were thereabout, but it was
+soft, and not so good as that which came from the river, and the most of
+it was different from the fresh-water fish of _Spain_. There was a fish
+which they called bagres; the third part of it was head, and it had on
+both sides the gills, and along the sides great pricks like very sharp
+awls. Those of the kind that were in the lakes were as big as pikes; and
+in the river there were some of an hundred, and of an hundred and fifty
+pounds weight, and many of them were taken with the hook. There was
+another fish like barbilles, and another like breams, headed like a
+delicate fish, called in _Spain_ besugo, between red and gray. This was
+there of most esteem. There was another fish called peel fish; it had a
+snout of a cubit long, and at the end of the upper lip it was made like
+a peel. There was another fish called a western shad; and all of them
+had scales, except the bagres, and the peel fish. There was another fish
+which sometimes the Indians brought us, of the bigness of a hog; they
+called it the pereo fish; it had rows of teeth beneath and above. The
+Cacique of _Casqui_ sent many times great presents of fish, mantles, and
+skins. He told the Governor that he would deliver the Cacique of
+_Pacaha_ into his hands. He went to _Casqui_, and sent many canoes up
+the river, and came himself by land with many of his people. The
+Governor, with forty horsemen and sixty footmen, took him along with him
+up the river. And his Indians which were in the canoes, discovered where
+the Cacique of _Pacaha_ was, in a little island, situated between two
+arms of the river. And five Christians entered into a canoe, wherein
+_Don Antonio Osorio_ went before, to see what people the cacique had
+with him. There were in the isle five or six thousand souls. And as soon
+as they saw them, supposing that the Indians which were in the other
+canoes were also Christians, the cacique, and certain which were in
+three canoes, which they had there with them, fled in great haste to the
+other side of the river. The rest, with great fear and danger, leapt
+into the river, where many people were drowned, especially women and
+little children. Presently the Governor, who was on land, not knowing
+what had happened to _Don Antonio_ and those that went with him,
+commanded the Christians with all speed to enter with the Indians of
+_Casqui_ in the canoes, which were quickly with _Don Antonio_ in the
+little island, where they took many men and women, and much goods. Great
+store of goods, which the Indians had laid upon hurdles of canes and
+rafts of timber to carry over to the other side, drove down the river,
+wherewith the Indians of _Casqui_ filled their canoes; and for fear lest
+the Christians would take it from them, the cacique went home with them
+down the river, without taking his leave of the Governor; whereupon the
+Governor was highly offended with him, and presently returning to
+_Pacaha_, he overran the country of _Casqui_ the space of two leagues,
+where he took twenty or thirty of his men. And because his horses were
+weary, and he wanted time that day to go any farther, he returned to
+_Pacaha_, with determination within three or four days after to invade
+_Casqui_. And presently he let loose one of the Indians of _Pacaha_, and
+sent word by him to the cacique, that if he would have his friendship,
+he should repair unto him, and that both of them would make war upon
+_Casqui_. And presently came many Indians that belonged to _Pacaha_, and
+brought an Indian instead of the cacique, which was discovered by the
+cacique's brother, which was taken prisoner. The Governor wished the
+Indians that their master himself should come; for he knew very well
+that that was not he, and told them that they could do nothing which he
+knew not before they thought it. The next day the cacique came,
+accompanied with many Indians, and with a present of much fish, skins
+and mantles. He made a speech that all were glad to hear, and concluded
+saying, that though his lordship, without his giving occasion of offence
+had done him hurt in his country and subjects, yet he would not
+therefore refuse to be his, and that he would always be at his command.
+The Governor commanded his brother to be loosed, and other principal
+Indians that were taken prisoners. That day came an Indian from the
+Cacique of _Casqui_, and said that his lord would come the next day to
+excuse himself of the error which he had committed, in going away
+without license of the Governor. The Governor willed the messenger to
+signify unto him, that if he came not in his own person, he would seek
+him himself, and give him such punishment as he deserved. The next day
+with all speed came the Cacique of _Casqui_, and brought a present to
+the Governor of many mantles, skins, and fish, and gave him a daughter
+of his, saying that he greatly desired to match his blood with the blood
+of so great a lord as he was, and therefore he brought him his daughter,
+and desired him to take her to his wife. He made a long and discreet
+oration, giving him great commendations, and concluded, saying, that he
+should pardon his going away without license, for that cross's sake
+which he had left with him; protesting that he went away for shame of
+that which his men had done without his consent. The Governor answered
+him that he had chosen a good patron; and that if he had not come to
+excuse himself, he had determined to seek him, to burn his towns, to
+kill him and his people, and to destroy his country. To which he
+replied, saying:
+
+"My lord, I and mine are yours, and my country likewise is yours;
+therefore if you had done so, you should have destroyed your own
+country, and have killed your own people; whatsoever shall come unto me
+from your hand, I will receive as from my lord, as well punishment as
+reward; and know you, that the favor which you did me in leaving me the
+cross, I do acknowledge the same to be a very great one, and greater
+than I have ever deserved. For you shall understand, that with great
+droughts the fields of maize of my country were withered; and as soon as
+I and my people kneeled before the cross, and prayed for rain, presently
+our necessities were relieved."
+
+The Governor made him and the Cacique of _Pacaha_ friends; and set them
+with him at his table to dine with him; and the caciques fell at
+variance about the seats, which of them should sit on his right hand.
+The Governor pacified them; telling them that among the Christians all
+was one to sit on the one side, or on the other, willing them so to
+behave themselves, seeing they were with him, that nobody might hear
+them, and that every one should sit in the place that first he lighted
+on. From thence he sent thirty horsemen and fifty footmen to the
+province of _Caluca_, to see if from thence he might travel to _Chisca_,
+where the Indians said there was a work of gold and copper. They
+traveled seven days' journey, through a desert, and returned very weary,
+eating green plums, and stalks of maize, which they found in a poor town
+of six or seven houses. From thenceforward towards the north, the
+Indians said that the country was very ill inhabited, because it was
+very cold; and that there was such store of oxen, that they could keep
+no corn for them; and that the Indians lived upon their flesh. The
+Governor, seeing that toward that part the country was so poor of maize
+that in it they could not be sustained, demanded of the Indians which
+way it was most inhabited; and they said, they had notice of a great
+province, and a very plentiful country, which was called _Quigaute_, and
+that it was toward the south.
+
+The Governor rested in _Pacaha_ forty days; in all which time the two
+caciques served him with great store of fish, mantles, and skins, and
+strove who should do him greatest service. At the time of his departure
+the Cacique of _Pacaha_ gave him two of his sisters, saying that in sign
+of love that he might remember him, he should take them for his wives:
+the one's name was _Macanoche_, and the other's _Mochila_: they were
+well proportioned, tall of body, and well fleshed. _Macanoche_ was of a
+good countenance, and in her shape and physiognomy looked like a lady;
+the other was strongly made. The Cacique of _Casqui_ commanded the
+bridge to be repaired, and the Governor returned through his country,
+and lodged in the field near his town, whither he came with great store
+of fish, and two women, which he exchanged with two Christians for two
+shirts. He gave us a guide and men for carriages. The Governor lodged at
+a town of his, and the next day at another near a river, whither he
+caused canoes to be brought for him to pass over, and with his leave
+returned. The Governor took his journey toward _Quigaute_. The fourth
+day of August he came to the town, where the cacique used to keep his
+residence: on the way he sent him a present of many mantles and skins,
+and not daring to stay for him in the town, he absented himself. The
+town was the greatest that was seen in Florida. The Governor and his
+people lodged in the one-half of it; and within few days, seeing the
+Indians became liars, he commanded the other half to be burned, because
+it should not be a shelter for them, if they came to assault him by
+night, nor a hinderance to his horsemen for the resisting of them. There
+came an Indian very well accompanied with many Indians, saying that he
+was the cacique. He delivered him over to the men of his guard to look
+unto him. There went and came many Indians, and brought mantles and
+skins. The counterfeit cacique, seeing so little opportunity to execute
+his evil thought, as he went one day abroad talking with the Governor,
+he showed him such a pair of heels, that there was no Christian that
+could overtake him, and he leaped into the river, which was a crossbow
+shot from the town: and as soon as he was on the other side, many
+Indians that were thereabout making a great cry began to shoot. The
+Governor passed presently over to them with horsemen and footmen, but
+they durst not tarry for him. Going forward on his way, he came to a
+town where the people were fled, and a little further to a lake, where
+the horses could not pass, and on the other side were many women. The
+footmen passed, and took many of them, and much spoil. The Governor came
+to the camp, and that night was a spy of the Indians taken by them of
+the watch. The Governor asked him, whether he would bring him where the
+cacique was? he said he would. And he went presently to seek him, with
+twenty horsemen and fifty footmen; and after he had sought him a day and
+a half, he found him in a strong wood: and a soldier, not knowing him,
+gave him a wound on the head; and he cried out, that he should not kill
+him, saying that he was the cacique; so he was taken, and a hundred and
+forty of his men with him. The Governor came again to _Quigaute_, and
+willed him to cause his men to come to serve the Christians; and
+staying some days for their coming, and seeing they came not, he sent
+two captains, every one his way on both sides of the river with horsemen
+and footmen. They took many men and women. Now seeing the hurt which
+they sustained for their rebellion, they came to see what the Governor
+would command them, and passed to and fro many times, and brought
+presents of cloth and fish. The cacique and his two wives were in the
+lodging of the Governor loose, and the halberdiers of his guard did keep
+them. The Governor asked them which way the country was most inhabited?
+They said, that toward the south down the river, were great towns and
+caciques, which commanded great countries, and much people. And that
+toward the north-west, there was a province near to certain mountains,
+that was called _Coligoa_. The Governor and all the rest thought good to
+go first to _Coligoa_: saying, that peradventure the mountains would
+make some difference of soil, and that beyond them there might be some
+gold or silver. As for _Quigaute_, _Casqui_, and _Pacaha_, they were
+plain countries, fat grounds, and full of good meadows on the rivers,
+where the Indians sowed large fields of maize. From _Tascaluca_ to _Rio
+Grande_, or the Great River, is about three hundred leagues: it is a
+very low country, and hath many lakes. From _Pacaha_ to _Quigaute_ may
+be an hundred leagues. The Governor left the Cacique of _Quigaute_ in
+his own town. And an Indian, which was his guide, led him through great
+woods without any way, seven days' journey through a desert, where, at
+every lodging, they lodged in lakes and pools in very shoal water; there
+was such store of fish, that they killed them with cudgels; and the
+Indians which they carried in chains, with the mud troubled the waters,
+and the fish being therewith, as it were, astonished, came to the top of
+the water, and they took as much as they listed. The Indians of
+_Coligoa_ had no knowledge of the Christians, and when they came so near
+the town that the Indians saw them, they fled up a river which passed
+near the town, and some leaped into it; but the Christians went on both
+sides of the river, and took them. There were many men and women taken,
+and the cacique with them. And by his commandment within three days came
+many Indians with a present of mantles and deers' skins, and two ox
+hides: and they reported, that five or six leagues from thence toward
+the north, there were many of these oxen, and that because the country
+was cold, it was evil inhabited; that the best country which they knew,
+the most plentiful, and most inhabited, was a province called _Cayas_,
+lying toward the south. From _Quigaute_ to _Coligoa_ may be forty
+leagues. This town of _Coligoa_ stood at the foot of a hill, on the bank
+of a mean river, of the bigness of _Cayas_, the river that passeth by
+_Estremadura_. It was a fat soil and so plentiful of maize, that they
+cast out the old, to bring in the new. There was also great plenty of
+French beans and pompions. The French beans were greater, and better
+than those of _Spain_, and likewise the pompions, and being roasted,
+they have almost the taste of chestnuts. The Cacique of _Coligoa_ gave a
+guide to _Cayas_, and stayed behind in his own town. We traveled five
+days, and came to the province of _Palisema_. The house of the cacique
+was found covered with deers' skins, of divers colors and works drawn in
+them, and with the same in manner of carpets was the ground of the house
+covered. The cacique left it so, that the Governor might lodge in it, in
+token that he sought peace and his friendship. But he durst not tarry
+his coming. The Governor, seeing he had absented himself, sent a captain
+with horsemen and footmen to seek him. He found much people, but by
+reason of the roughness of the country, he took none save a few women
+and children. The town was little and scattering, and had very little
+maize. For which cause the Governor speedily departed from thence. He
+came to another town called _Tatalicoya_; he carried with him the
+cacique thereof, which guided him to _Cayas_. From _Tatalicoya_ are four
+days' journey to _Cayas_. When he came to _Cayas_, and saw the town
+scattered, he thought they had told him a lie, and that it was not the
+province of _Cayas_, because they had informed him that it was well
+inhabited. He threatened the cacique, charging him to tell him where he
+was: and he and other Indians which were taken near about that place,
+affirmed that this was the town of _Cayas_, and the best that was in
+that country, and that though the houses were distant the one from the
+other, yet the ground that was inhabited was great, and that there was
+great store of people, and many fields of maize. This town was called
+_Tanico_; he pitched his camp in the best part of it, near unto a river.
+The same day that the Governor came thither, he went a league farther
+with certain horsemen, and without finding any people, he found many
+skins in a pathway, which the cacique had left there, that they might be
+found, in token of peace. For so is the custom in that country.
+
+The Governor rested a month in the province of _Cayas_. In which time
+the horses fattened and thrived more, than in other places in a longer
+time, with the great plenty of maize and the leaves thereof, which I
+think was the best that has been seen, and they drank of a lake of very
+hot water, and somewhat brackish, and they drank so much, that it
+swelled in their bellies when they brought them from the watering. Until
+that time the Christians wanted salt, and there they made good store,
+which they carried along with them. The Indians do carry it to other
+places to exchange it for skins and mantles. They make it along the
+river, which when it ebbeth, leaveth it upon the upper part of the sand.
+And because they cannot make it, without much sand mingled with it, they
+throw it into certain baskets which they have for that purpose, broad at
+the mouth and narrow at the bottom, and set it in the air upon a bar,
+and throw water into it, and set a small vessel under it, wherein it
+falleth: Being strained and set to boil upon the fire, when the water is
+sodden away, the salt remaineth in the bottom of the pan. On both sides
+of the river the country was full of sown fields, and there was store of
+maize. The Indians durst not come over where we were; and when some of
+them showed themselves, the soldiers that saw them called unto them;
+then the Indians passed the river, and came with them where the Governor
+was. He asked them for the cacique. They said that he remained quiet,
+but that he durst not show himself. The Governor presently sent him
+word, that he should come unto him, and bring him a guide and an
+interpreter for his journey, if he made account of his friendship: and
+if he did not so, he would come himself to seek him, and that it would
+be the worse for him. He waited three days, and seeing he came not, he
+went to seek him, and brought him prisoner with 150 of his men. He asked
+him, whether he had notice of any great cacique, and which way the
+country was best inhabited. He answered, that the best country
+thereabout was a province toward the south, a day and a half's journey,
+which was called _Tulla_; and that he could give him a guide, but no
+interpreter, because the speech of that country was different from his,
+and because he and his ancestors had always wars with the lords of that
+province; therefore they had no commerce, nor understood one another's
+language. Immediately the Governor with certain horsemen, and fifty
+footmen, departed towards _Tulla_, to see if the country were such, as
+he might pass through it with all his company: and as soon as he arrived
+there, and was espied of the Indians, the country gathered together, and
+as soon as fifteen and twenty Indians could assemble themselves, they
+set upon the Christians: and seeing that they did handle them shrewdly,
+and that the horsemen overtook them when they fled, they got up into the
+tops of their houses, and sought to defend themselves with their
+arrows: and being beaten down from one, they got up upon another. And
+while our men pursued some, others set upon them another way. Thus the
+skirmish lasted so long, that the horses were tired, and they could not
+make them run. The Indians killed there one horse, and some were hurt.
+There were fifteen Indians slain there, and forty women and boys were
+taken prisoners. For whatsoever Indian did shoot at them, if they could
+come by him, they put him to the sword. The Governor determined to
+return toward _Cayas_, before the Indians had time to gather a head; and
+presently that evening, going part of the night to leave _Tulla_, he
+lodged by the way, and the next day came to _Cayas_: and within three
+days after he departed thence towards _Tulla_ with all his company. He
+carried the cacique along with him, and among all his men, there was not
+one found that could understand the speech of _Tulla_. He stayed three
+days by the way, and the day that he came thither, he found the town
+abandoned: for the Indians durst not tarry his coming. But as soon as
+they knew that the Governor was in _Tulla_, the first night about the
+morning watch, they came in two squadrons two several ways, with their
+bows and arrows, and long staves like pikes. As soon as they were
+descried, both horse and foot sallied out upon them, where many of the
+Indians were slain: and some Christians and horses were hurt. Some of
+the Indians were taken prisoners, whereof the Governor sent six to the
+cacique, with their right hands and noses cut off: and sent him word,
+that if he came not to him to excuse and submit himself, that he would
+come to seek him, and that he would do the like to him, and as many of
+his as he could find, as he had done to those which he had sent him: and
+gave him three days' respite for to come. And this he gave them to
+understand by signs, as well as he could, for there was no interpreter.
+At the three days' end, there came an Indian laden with ox hides. He
+came weeping with great sobs, and coming to the Governor cast himself
+down at his feet. He took him up, and he made a speech, but there was
+none that understood him. The Governor by signs commanded him to return
+to the cacique, and to will him to send him an interpreter, which could
+understand the men of _Cayas_. The next day came three Indians laden
+with ox hides: and within three days after came 20 Indians, and among
+them one that understood them of _Cayas_; who, after a long oration of
+excuses of the cacique, and praises of the Governor, concluded with
+this, that he and the other were come thither on the cacique's behalf,
+to see what his lordship would command him to do, for he was ready at
+his commandment. The Governor and all his company were very glad. For in
+nowise could they travel without an interpreter. The Governor commanded
+him to be kept safe, and bade him tell the men that came with him, that
+they should return to the cacique, and signify unto him, that he
+pardoned him for that which was past, and thanked him much for his
+presents and interpreter, which he had sent him, and that he would be
+glad to see him, and that he should come the next day to talk with him.
+After three days, the cacique came, and eighty Indians with him; and
+himself and his men came weeping into the camp, in token of obedience
+and repentance for the error passed, after the manner of that country.
+He brought a present of many ox hides: which, because the country was
+cold, were very profitable, and served for coverlets, because they were
+very soft, and wooled like sheep. Not far from thence toward the north
+were many oxen. The Christians saw them not, nor came into the country
+where they were, because those parts were evil inhabited, and had small
+store of maize where they were bred. The Cacique of _Tulla_ made an
+oration to the Governor, wherein he excused himself, and offered him his
+country, subjects, and person. As well this cacique as the others, and
+all those which came to the Governor on their behalf, delivered their
+message or speech in so good order, that no orator could utter the same
+more eloquently.
+
+The Governor informed himself of all the country round about; and
+understood, that toward the west was a scattered dwelling, and that
+toward the southeast were great towns, especially in a province called
+_Autiamque_, ten days' journey from _Tulla_; which might be about eighty
+leagues; and that it was a plentiful country of maize. And because
+winter came on, and that they could not travel two or three months in
+the year for cold, waters, and snow: and fearing, that if they should
+stay so long in the scattered dwelling, they could not be sustained; and
+also because the Indians said, that near to _Autiamque_ was a great
+water, and according to their relation, the Governor thought it was some
+arm of the sea: and because he now desired to send news of himself to
+_Cuba_, that some supply of men and horses might be sent unto him (for
+it was about three years since _Donna Isabella_, which was in _Havana_,
+or any other person in Christendom had heard of him, and by this time he
+had lost 250 men, and 150 horses), he determined to winter in
+_Autiamque_, and the next spring to go to the sea coast and make two
+brigantines, and send one of them to _Cuba_, and the other to _Nueva
+Espanna_, that that which went in safety, might give news of him:
+hoping with the goods which he had in _Cuba_, to furnish himself again,
+and to attempt the discovery and conquest toward the west: for he had
+not yet come where _Cabeca de Vaca_ had been. Thus having sent away the
+two caciques of _Cayas_ and _Tulla_, he took his journey toward
+_Autiamque_: he traveled five days over rough mountains, and came to a
+town called _Quipana_, where no Indians could be taken for the roughness
+of the country: and the town being between hills, there was an ambush
+laid, wherewith they took two Indians; which told them, that _Autiamque_
+was six days' journey from thence, and that there was another province
+toward the south, eight days' journey off, plentiful of maize, and very
+well peopled, which was called _Guahate_. But because _Autiamque_ was
+nearer, and the most of the Indians agreed of it, the Governor made his
+journey that way. In three days he came to a town called _Anoixi_. He
+sent a captain before with thirty horsemen and fifty footmen, and took
+the Indians careless; he took many men and women prisoners. Within two
+days after the Governor came to another town called _Catamaya_, and
+lodged in the fields of the town. Two Indians came with a false message
+from the cacique to know his determination. He bade them tell their
+lord, that he should come and speak with him. The Indians returned and
+came no more, nor any other message from the cacique. The next day the
+Christians went to the town, which was without people: they took as much
+maize as they needed. That day they lodged in a wood, and the next day
+they came to _Autiamque_. They found much maize laid up in store, and
+French beans, and walnuts, and prunes, great store of all sorts. They
+took some Indians which were gathering together the stuff which their
+wives had hidden. This was a champaign country, and well inhabited. The
+Governor lodged in the best part of the town, and commanded presently to
+make a fence of timber round about the camp distant from the houses,
+that the Indians might not hurt them without by fire. And measuring the
+ground by paces, he appointed every one his part to do according to the
+number of Indians which he had: presently the timber was brought by
+them; and in three days there was an inclosure made of very high and
+thick posts thrust into the ground, and many rails laid across. Hard by
+this town passed a river, that came out of the province of _Cayas_; and
+above and beneath it was very well peopled. Thither came Indians on the
+cacique's behalf with a present of mantles and skins; and an halting
+cacique, subject to the lord of _Autiamque_, lord of a town called
+_Tietiquaquo_, came many times to visit the Governor, and to bring him
+presents of such as he had. The Cacique of _Autiamque_ sent to know of
+the Governor, how long time he meant to stay in his country? And
+understanding that he meant to stay about three days, he never sent any
+more Indians, nor any other message, but conspired with the lame cacique
+to rebel. Divers inroads were made, wherein there were many men and
+women taken, and the lame cacique among the rest. The Governor
+respecting the services which he had received of him, reprehended and
+admonished him, and set him at liberty, and gave him two Indians to
+carry him in a chair upon their shoulders. The Cacique of _Autiamque_
+desiring to thrust the Governor out of his country, set spies over him.
+And an Indian coming one night to the gate of the inclosure, a soldier
+that watched espied him, and stepping behind the gate, as he came in, he
+gave him such a thrust, that he fell down; and so he carried him to the
+Governor: and as he asked him wherefore he came, not being able to
+speak, he fell down dead. The night following the Governor commanded a
+soldier to give the alarm, and to say that he had seen Indians, to see
+how ready they would be to answer the alarm. And he did so sometimes as
+well there, as in other places, when he thought that his men were
+careless, and reprehended such as were slack. And as well for this
+cause, as in regard of doing their duty, when the alarm was given, every
+one sought to be the first that should answer. They staid in _Autiamque_
+three months, with great plenty of maize, French beans, walnuts, prunes,
+and conies: which until that time they knew not how to catch. And in
+_Autiamque_ the Indians taught them how to take them; which was, with
+great springs, which lifted up their feet from the ground: and the snare
+was made with a strong string, whereunto was fastened a knot of a cane,
+which ran close about the neck of the cony, because they should not gnaw
+the string. They took many in the fields of maize, especially when it
+froze or snowed. The Christians stayed there one whole month so inclosed
+with snow, that they went not out of the town: and when they wanted
+firewood, the Governor with his horsemen going and coming many times to
+the wood, which was two crossbow shots from the town, made a pathway,
+whereby the footmen went for wood. In this mean space, some Indians
+which went loose, killed many conies with their gyves, and with arrows.
+These conies were of two sorts, some were like those of _Spain_, and the
+other of the same color and fashion, and as big as great hares, longer,
+and having greater loins.
+
+Upon Monday the 6th of March, 1542, the Governor departed from
+_Autiamque_ to seek _Nilco_, which the Indians said was near the great
+river, with determination to come to the sea, and procure some succor of
+men and horses; for he had now but three hundred men of war, and forty
+horses, and some of them lame, which did nothing but help to make up the
+number; and for want of iron they had gone above a year unshod; and
+because they were used to it in the plain country, it did them no great
+harm. _John Ortiz_ died in _Autiamque_, which grieved the Governor very
+much; because that without an interpreter he feared to enter far into
+the land, where he might be lost. From thenceforward a youth that was
+taken in _Cutifachiqui_ did serve for interpreter, which had by that
+time learned somewhat of the Christians' language. The death of _John
+Ortiz_ was so great a mischief for the discovering inward, or going out
+of the land, that to learn of the Indians, that which in four words he
+declared, they needed a whole day with the youth; and most commonly he
+understood quite contrary that which was asked him; whereby it often
+happened that the way that they went one day, and sometimes two or three
+days, they turned back, and went astray through the wood here and there.
+The Governor spent ten days in traveling from _Autiamque_ to a province
+called _Ayays_; and came to a town that stood near the river that
+passeth by _Cayas_ and _Autiamque_. There he commanded a barge to be
+made, wherewith he passed the river. When he had passed the river there
+fell out such weather, that four days he could not travel for snow. As
+soon as it gave over snowing, he went three days' journey through a
+wilderness, and a country so low, and so full of lakes and evil ways,
+that he traveled a whole day in water, sometimes knee deep, sometimes to
+the stirrup, and sometimes they swam. He came to a town called
+_Tutelpinco_, abandoned, and without maize. There passed by it a lake,
+that entered into the river, which carried a great stream and force of
+water. Five Christians passing over it in a periagua, which the Governor
+had sent with a captain, the periagua overset. Some took hold on it,
+some on the trees that were in the lake. One _Francis Sebastian_, an
+honest man of _Villa nova de Barca Rota_, was drowned there. The
+Governor went a whole day along the lake, seeking passage, and could
+find none, nor any way that did pass to the other side. Coming again at
+night to the town he found two peaceable Indians, which showed him the
+passage, and which way he was to go. There they made of canes and of the
+timber of houses thatched with cane, rafts, wherewith they passed the
+lake. They traveled three days, and came to a town of the territory of
+_Nilco_, called _Tianto_. There they took thirty Indians, and among
+them two principal men of this town. The Governor sent a captain, with
+horsemen and footmen, before to _Nilco_, because the Indians might have
+no time to carry away the provision. They passed through three or four
+great towns; and in the town where the cacique was resident, which was
+two leagues from the place where the Governor remained, they found many
+Indians with their bows and arrows, in manner as though they would have
+stayed to fight, which did compass the town; and as soon as they saw the
+Christians come near them, without misdoubting them, they set the
+cacique's house on fire, and fled over a lake that passed near the town,
+through which the horses could not pass. The next day being Wednesday,
+the 29th of March, the Governor came to _Nilco_; he lodged with all his
+men in the cacique's town, which stood in a plain field, which was
+inhabited for the space of a quarter of a league: and within a league
+and half a league were other very great towns, wherein was great store
+of maize, of French beans, of walnuts, and prunes. This was the best
+inhabited country that was seen in _Florida_, and had most store of
+maize, except _Coca_ and _Apalache_. There came to the camp an Indian
+accompanied with others, and in the cacique's name gave the Governor a
+mantle of martens' skins, and a cordon of pearls. The Governor gave him
+a few small margarites, which are certain beads much esteemed in _Peru_,
+and other things, wherewith he was very well contented. He promised to
+return within two days, but never came again: but on the contrary the
+Indians came by night in canoes, and carried away all the maize they
+could, and made them cabins on the other side of the river in the
+thickest of the wood, because they might flee if we should go to seek
+them. The Governor, seeing he came not at the time appointed, commanded
+an ambush to be laid about certain store-houses near the lake, whither
+the Indians came for maize: where they took two Indians, who told the
+Governor, that he which came to visit him, was not the cacique, but was
+sent by him under pretence to spy whether the Christians were careless,
+and whether they determined to settle in that country or to go forward.
+Presently the Governor sent a captain with footmen and horsemen over the
+river; and in their passage they were descried of the Indians, and
+therefore he could take but ten or twelve men and women, with whom he
+returned to the camp. This river, which passed by _Nilco_, was that
+which passed by _Cayas_ and _Autiamque_, and fell into _Rio Grande_, or
+the Great River, which passed by _Pachaha_ and _Aquixo_ near unto the
+province of _Guachoya_: and the lord thereof came up the river in canoes
+to make war with him of _Nilco_. On his behalf there came an Indian to
+the Governor and said unto him, that he was his servant, and prayed him
+so to hold him, and that within two days he would come to kiss his
+lordship's hands: and at the time appointed he came with some of his
+principal Indians, which accompanied him, and with words of great offers
+and courtesy he gave the Governor a present of many mantles and deers'
+skins. The Governor gave him some other things in recompense, and
+honored him much. He asked him what towns there were down the river? He
+answered that he knew none other but his own: and on the other side of
+the river the province of a cacique called _Quigalta_. So he took his
+leave of the Governor and went to his own town. Within a few days the
+Governor determined to go to _Guachoya_, to learn there whether the sea
+were near, or whether there were any habitation near, where he might
+relieve his company, while the brigantines were making, which he meant
+to send to the land of the Christians. As he passed the river of
+_Nilco_, there came in canoes Indians of _Guachoya_ up the stream, and
+when they saw him, supposing that he came to seek them to do them some
+hurt, they returned down the river, and informed the cacique thereof:
+who with all his people, spoiling the town of all that they could carry
+away, passed that night over to the other side of the _Rio Grande_, or
+the Great River. The Governor sent a captain with fifty men in six
+canoes down the river, and went himself by land with the rest: he came
+to _Guachoya_ upon Sunday, the 17th of April: he lodged in the town of
+the cacique, which was enclosed about, and seated a crossbow shot
+distant from the river. Here the river is called _Tamaliseu_, and in
+_Nilco Tapatu_, and in _Coca Mico_, and in the port or mouth _Ri_.
+
+As soon as the Governor came to _Guachoya_, he sent _John Danusco_ with
+as many men as could go in the canoes up the river. For when they came
+down from _Nilco_, they saw on the other side of the river new cabins
+made. _John Danusco_ went and brought the canoes laden with maize,
+French beans, prunes, and many loaves made of the substance of prunes.
+That day came an Indian to the Governor from the Cacique of _Guachoya_,
+and said that his lord would come the next day. They next day they saw
+many canoes come up the river, and on the other side of the Great River
+they assembled together in the space of an hour: they consulted whether
+they should come or not; and at length concluded to come, and crossed
+the river. In them came the Cacique of _Guachoya_, and brought with him
+many Indians, with great store of fish, dogs, deers' skins, and mantles:
+and as soon as they landed, they went to the lodging of the Governor,
+and presented him their gifts, and the cacique uttered these words:--
+
+"Mighty and excellent lord, I beseech your lordship to pardon me the
+error which I committed in absenting myself, and not tarrying in this
+town to have received and served your lordship; since, to obtain this
+opportunity of time, was, and is as much as a great victory to me. But I
+feared that which I needed not to have feared, and so did that which was
+not reason to do. But as haste maketh waste, and I removed without
+deliberation; so, as soon as I thought on it, I determined not to follow
+the opinion of the foolish, which is to continue in their error; but to
+imitate the wise and discreet, in changing my counsel, and so I came to
+see what your lordship will command me to do, that I may serve you in
+all things that are in my power."
+
+The Governor received him with much joy, and gave him thanks for his
+present and offer. He asked him, whether he had any notice of the sea.
+He answered no, nor of any towns down the river on that side; save that
+two leagues from thence was one town of a principal Indian, a subject of
+his; and on the other side of the river, three days' journey from thence
+down the river, was the province of _Quigalta_, which was the greatest
+lord that was in that country! The Governor thought that the cacique
+lied unto him, to rid him out of his own towns, and sent _John Danusco_
+with eight horsemen down the river, to see what habitation there was,
+and to inform himself, if there were any notice of the sea. He traveled
+eight days, and at his return he said, that in all that time he was not
+able to go above fourteen or fifteen leagues, because of the great
+creeks that came out of the river, and groves of canes, and thick woods
+that were along the banks of the river, and that he had found no
+habitation. The Governor fell into great dumps to see how hard it was to
+get to the sea; and worse, because his men and horses every day
+diminished, being without succor to sustain themselves in the country:
+and with that thought he fell sick. But before he took his bed he sent
+an Indian to the Cacique of _Quigalta_ to tell him, that he was the
+child of the sun, and that all the way that he came all men obeyed and
+served him, that he requested him to accept of his friendship, and come
+unto him; for he would be very glad to see him; and in sign of love and
+obedience to bring something with him of that which in his country was
+most esteemed. The cacique answered by the same Indian:
+
+"That whereas he said he was the child of the sun, if he would dry up
+the river he would believe him: and touching the rest, that he was wont
+to visit none; but rather that all those of whom he had notice did visit
+him, served, obeyed, and paid him tributes willingly or perforce:
+therefore, if he desired to see him, it were best he should come
+thither: that if he came in peace, he would receive him with special
+good will; and if in war, in like manner he would attend him in the town
+where he was, and that for him or any other he would not shrink one foot
+back."
+
+By that time the Indian returned with this answer, the Governor had
+betaken himself to bed, being evil handled with fevers, and was much
+aggrieved that he was not in case to pass presently the river and to
+seek him, to see if he could abate that pride of his, considering the
+river went now very strongly in those parts; for it was near half a
+league broad, and sixteen fathoms deep, and very furious, and ran with a
+great current; and on both sides there were many Indians, and his power
+was not now so great, but that he had need to help himself rather by
+slights than by force. The Indians of _Guachoya_ came every day with
+fish in such numbers, that the town was full of them. The cacique said,
+that on a certain night he of _Quigalta_ would come to give battle to
+the Governor. Which the Governor imagined that he had devised, to drive
+him out of his country, and commanded him to be put in hold: and that
+night and all the rest, there was good watch kept. He asked him
+wherefore _Quigalta_ came not? He said that he came, but that he saw him
+prepared, and therefore durst not give the attempt: and he was earnest
+with him to send his captains over the river, and that he would aid him
+with many men to set upon _Quigalta_. The Governor told him that as soon
+as he was recovered, himself would seek him out. And seeing how many
+Indians came daily to the town, and what store of people was in that
+country, fearing they should all conspire together and plot some treason
+against him; and because the town had some open gaps which were not made
+an end of inclosing, besides the gates which they went in and out by:
+because the Indians should not think he feared them, he let them all
+alone unrepaired; and commanded the horsemen to be appointed to them,
+and to the gates: and all night the horsemen went the round; and two and
+two of every squadron rode about, and visited the scouts that were
+without the town in their standings by the passages, and the
+crossbow-men that kept the canoes in the river. And because the Indians
+should stand in fear of them, he determined to send a captain to
+_Nilco_, for those of _Guachoya_ had told him that it was inhabited;
+that by using them cruelly, neither the one nor the other should
+presume to assail him; and he sent _Nunez de Touar_ with fifteen
+horsemen, and _John de Guzman_ captain of the footmen, with his company
+in canoes up the river. The Cacique of _Guachoya_ sent for many canoes
+and many warlike Indians to go with the Christians: and the captain of
+the Christians, called _Nunez de Touar_ went by land with his horsemen,
+and two leagues before he came to _Nilco_ he stayed for _John de
+Guzman_, and in that place they passed the river by night: the horsemen
+came first, and in the morning by break of day in sight of the town they
+lighted upon a spy; which as soon as he perceived the Christians, crying
+out amain fled to the town to give warning. _Nunez de Touar_ and his
+company made such speed, that before the Indians of the town could fully
+come out, they were upon them: it was champaign ground that was
+inhabited, which was about a quarter of a league. There were about five
+or six thousand people in the town: and, as many people came out of the
+houses, and fled from one house to another, and many Indians came
+flocking together from all parts, there was never a horseman that was
+not alone among many. The captain had commanded that they should not
+spare the life of any male. Their disorder was so great, that there was
+no Indian that shot an arrow at any Christian. The shrieks of women and
+children were so great, that they made the ears deaf of those that
+followed them. There were slain a hundred Indians, little more or less:
+and many were wounded with great wounds, whom they suffered to escape to
+strike a terror in the rest that were not there. There were some so
+cruel and butcherlike, that they killed old and young, and all that they
+met, though they made no resistance: and those which presumed of
+themselves for their valor, and were taken for such, broke through the
+Indians, bearing down many with their stirrups and breasts of their
+horses; and some they wounded with their lances, and so let them go: and
+when they saw any youth or woman they took them, and delivered them to
+the footmen. These men's sins by God's permission, lighted on their own
+heads: who, because they would seem valiant, became cruel; showing
+themselves extreme cowards in the sight of all men when as most need of
+valor was required, and afterwards they came to a shameful death. Of the
+Indians of _Nilco_ were taken prisoners, fourscore women and children,
+and much spoil. The Indians of _Guachoya_ kept back before they came at
+the town, and stayed without, beholding the success of the Christians
+with the men of _Nilco_. And when they saw them put to flight, and the
+horsemen busy in killing of them, they hastened to the houses to rob,
+and filled their canoes with the spoil of the goods; and returned to
+_Guachoya_ before the Christians; and wondering much at the sharp
+dealing which they had seen them use toward the Indians of _Nilco_, they
+told their cacique all that had passed with great astonishment.
+
+The Governor felt in himself that the hour approached wherein he was to
+leave this present life, and called for the king's officers, captains,
+and principal persons, to whom he made a speech, saying:--
+
+"That now he was to go to give an account before the presence of God of
+all his life past: and since it pleased him to take him in such a time,
+and that the time was come that he knew his death, that he his most
+unworthy servant did yield him many thanks therefor; and desired all
+that were present and absent (whom he confessed himself to be much
+beholding unto for their singular virtues, love and loyalty, which
+himself had well tried in the travels which they had suffered, which
+always in his mind he did hope to satisfy and reward, when it should
+please God to give him rest, with more prosperity of his estate), that
+they would pray to God for him, that for his mercy he would forgive him
+his sins, and receive his soul into eternal glory: and that they would
+quit and free him of the charge which he had over them, and ought unto
+them all, and that they would pardon him for some wrongs which they
+might have received of him. And to avoid some division, which upon his
+death might fall out upon the choice of his successor, he requested them
+to elect a principal person, and able to govern, of whom all should like
+well; and when he was elected, they should swear before him to obey him:
+and that he would thank them very much in so doing; because the grief
+that he had, would somewhat be assuaged, and the pain that he felt,
+because he left them in so great confusion, to wit, in leaving them in a
+strange country, where they knew not where they were."
+
+_Baltasar de Gallegos_ answered in the name of all the rest. And first
+of all comforting him, he set before his eyes how short the life of this
+world was, and with how many troubles and miseries it is accompanied,
+and how God showed him a singular favor which soonest left it: telling
+him many other things fit for such a time. And for the last point, that
+since it pleased God to take him to himself, although his death did
+justly grieve them much, yet as well he, as all the rest, ought of
+necessity to conform themselves to the will of God. And touching the
+Governor which he commanded they should elect, he besought him, that it
+would please his lordship to name him which he thought fit, and him
+they would obey. And presently he named _Luys de Moscoso de Alvarado_,
+his captain-general. And presently he was sworn by all that were
+present, and elected for governor. The next day, being the 21st of May,
+1542, departed out of this life, the valorous, virtuous, and valiant
+Captain, _Don Fernando de Soto_, Governor of _Cuba_, and Adelantado of
+_Florida_: whom fortune advanced, as it useth to do others, that he
+might have the higher fall. He departed in such a place, and at such a
+time, as in his sickness he had but little comfort: and the danger
+wherein all his people were of perishing in that country, which appeared
+before their eyes, was cause sufficient why every one of them had need
+of comfort, and why they did not visit nor accompany him as they ought
+to have done. _Luys de Moscoso_ determined to conceal his death from the
+Indians, because _Ferdinando de Soto_ had made them believe that the
+Christians were immortal; and also because they took him to be hardy,
+wise, and valiant: and if they should know that he was dead, they would
+be bold to set upon the Christians, though they lived peaceably by them.
+In regard of their disposition, and because they were nothing constant,
+and believed all that was told them, the Adelantado made them believe,
+that he knew some things that passed in secret among themselves, without
+their knowledge, how, or in what manner he came by them: and that the
+figure which appeared in a glass, which he showed them, did tell him
+whatsoever they practiced and went about: and therefore neither in word
+nor deed durst they attempt anything that might be prejudicial unto him.
+
+As soon as he was dead, _Luys de Moscoso_ commanded to put him secretly
+in the house, where he remained three days; and removing him from
+thence, commanded him to be buried in the night at one of the gates of
+the town within the wall. And as the Indians had seen him sick, and
+missed him, so did they suspect what might be. And passing by the place
+where he was buried, seeing the earth moved, they looked and spake one
+to another. _Luys de Moscoso_ understanding of it, commanded him to be
+taken up by night, and to cast a great deal of sand into the mantles,
+wherein he was wound up, wherein he was carried in a canoe, and thrown
+into the midst of the river. The Cacique of _Guachoya_ inquired for him,
+demanding what was become of his brother and lord, the Governor: _Luys
+de Moscoso_ told him that he was gone to heaven, as many other times he
+did and because he was to stay there certain days he had left him in his
+place. The cacique thought with himself that he was dead; and commanded
+two young and well-proportioned Indians to be brought thither; and
+said, that the use of that country was, when any lord died, to kill
+Indians to wait upon him, and serve him by the way, and for that purpose
+by his commandment were those come thither: and prayed _Luys de Moscoso_
+to command them to be beheaded, that they might attend and serve his
+lord and brother. _Luys de Moscoso_ told him, that the Governor was not
+dead, but gone to heaven, and that of his own Christian soldiers, he had
+taken such as he needed to serve him, and prayed him to command those
+Indians to be loosed, and not to use any such bad custom from
+thenceforth: straightway he commanded them to be loosed, and to get them
+home to their houses. And one of them would not go; saying, that he
+would not serve him, that without desert had judged him to death, but
+that he would serve him as long as he lived, which had saved his life.
+
+_Luys de Moscoso_ caused all the goods of the Governor to be sold at an
+outcry: to wit, two men slaves and two women slaves, and three horses,
+and seven hundred hogs. For every slave or horse, they gave two or three
+thousand ducats: which were to be paid at the first melting of gold or
+silver, or at the division of their portion of inheritance. And they
+entered into bonds, though in the country there was not wherewith, to
+pay it within a year after, and put in sureties for the same. Such as in
+_Spain_ had no goods to bind, gave two hundred ducats for a hog, giving
+assurance after the same manner. Those which had any goods in _Spain_,
+bought with more fear, and bought the less. From that time forward, most
+of the company had swine, and brought them up, and fed upon them; and
+observed Fridays and Saturdays, and the evenings of feasts, which before
+they did not. For some times in two or three months they did eat no
+flesh, and whensoever they could come by it, they did eat it.
+
+Some were glad of the death of _Don Ferdinando de Soto_, holding for
+certain that _Luys de Moscoso_ (which was given to his ease), would
+rather desire to be among the Christians at rest, than to continue the
+labors of the war in subduing and discovering of countries; whereof they
+were already weary, seeing the small profit that ensued thereof. The
+Governor commanded the captains and principal persons to meet to consult
+and determine what they should do. And being informed what peopled
+habitation was round about, he understood that to the west, the country
+was most inhabited, and that down the river beyond _Quigalta_ was
+uninhabited, and had little store of food. He desired them all, that
+every one would give his opinion in writing, and set his hand to it:
+that they might resolve by general consent, whether they should go down
+the river, or enter into the main land. All were of opinion, that it was
+best to go by land toward the west, because _Nueva Espana_ was that way;
+holding the voyage by sea more dangerous, and of greater hazard, because
+they could make no ship of any strength to abide a storm, neither had
+they master, nor pilot, compass, nor chart, neither knew they how far
+the sea was off, nor had any notice of it; nor whether the river did
+make any great turning into the land, or had any great fall from the
+rocks, where all of them might be cast away. And some which had seen the
+sea-chart, did find, that from the place where they were by the
+sea-coast to _Nueva Espana_, might be four hundred leagues, little more
+or less; and said, that though they went somewhat about by land in
+seeking a peopled country, if some great wilderness which they could not
+pass did hinder them, by spending that summer in travel, finding
+provision to pass the winter in some peopled country, that the next
+summer after they might come to some Christian land, and that it might
+fortune in their travel by land to find some rich country, where they
+might do themselves good. The Governor, although he desired to get out
+of _Florida_ in shorter time, seeing the inconveniences they laid before
+him, in traveling by sea, determined to follow that which seemed good to
+them all. On Monday, the fifth day of June, he departed from _Guachoya_.
+The cacique gave him a guide to _Chaguate_, and stayed at home in his
+own town. They passed through a province called _Catalte_: and having
+passed a wilderness of six days' journey, the twentieth day of the month
+he came to _Chaguate_. The cacique of this province had visited the
+Governor _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ at _Autiamque_, whither he brought him
+presents of skins, and mantles, and salt. And a day before _Luys de
+Moscoso_ came to his town, we lost a Christian that was sick; which he
+suspected that the Indians had slain. He sent the cacique word, that he
+should command his people to seek him up, and send him unto him, and
+that he would hold him, as he did, for his friend; and if he did not,
+that neither he, nor his, should escape his hands, and that he would set
+his country on fire. Presently the cacique came unto him, and brought a
+great present of mantles and skins, and the Christian that was lost, and
+made this speech following:
+
+"Right excellent lord, I would not deserve that conceit which you had of
+me, for all the treasure of the world. What enforced me to go to visit
+and serve the excellent Lord Governor your father in _Autiamque_, which
+you should have remembered, where I offered myself with all loyalty,
+faith and love, during my life to serve and obey him? What then could be
+the cause, I having received favors of him, and neither you nor he
+having done me any wrong, that should move me to do the thing which I
+ought not? Believe this of me, that neither wrong, nor any worldly
+interest, was able to make me to have done it, nor shall be able to
+blind me. But as in this life it is a natural course, that after one
+pleasure many sorrows do follow: so by your indignation, fortune would
+moderate the joy, which my heart conceiveth with your presence; and that
+I should err, where I thought surest to have hit the mark; in harboring
+this Christian which was lost, and using him in such manner, as he may
+tell himself, thinking that herein I did you service, with purpose to
+deliver him unto you in _Chaguate_, and to serve you to the uttermost of
+my power. If I deserve punishment for this, I will receive it at your
+hands, as from my lord, as if it were a favor. For the love which I did
+bear to the excellent Governor, and which I bear to you hath no limit.
+And like as you give me chastisement, so will you also show me favor.
+And that which now I crave of you is this, to declare your will unto me,
+and those things wherein I may be able to do you the most and best
+service."
+
+The Governor answered him, that because he did not find him in that
+town, he was incensed against him, thinking he had absented himself, as
+others had done: but seeing he now knew his loyalty and love, he would
+always hold him as a brother, and favor him in all his affairs. The
+cacique went with him to the town where he resided, which was a day's
+journey from thence. They passed through a small town, where there was a
+lake, where the Indians made salt: and the Christians made some one day
+while they rested there, of a brackish water, which sprang near the town
+in ponds like fountains. The Governor stayed in _Chaguate_ six days.
+There he was informed of the habitation towards the west. They told him,
+that three days' journey from thence was a province called _Aguacay_.
+The day that he departed from _Chaguate_, a Christian, called _Francisco
+de Guzman_, the base son of a gentleman of _Seville_, stayed behind, and
+went to the Indians, with an Indian woman which he kept as his
+concubine, for fear he should be punished for gaming debts that he did
+owe. The Governor had traveled two days before he missed him; he sent
+the cacique word to seek him up, and to send him to _Aguacay_, whither
+he traveled: which he did not perform. From the Cacique of _Aguacay_,
+before they came into the country, there met him on the way fifteen
+Indians with a present of skins, fish, and roasted venison. The
+Governor came to this town on Wednesday, the fourth of July. He found
+the town without people, and lodged in it: he stayed there about a day;
+during which, he made some roads, and took many men and women. There
+they had knowledge of the _South Sea_. Here there was great store of
+salt made of sand, which they gather in a vein of ground like pebble
+stones. And it was made as they made salt in _Cayas_.
+
+The same day that the Governor departed from _Aguacay_, he lodged in a
+small town subject to the lord of that province. The camp was pitched
+hard by a lake of salt water; and that evening they made some salt
+there. The day following he lodged between two mountains in a thin grove
+of wood. The next day he came to a small town called _Pato_. The fourth
+day after his departure from _Aguacay_ he came to the first habitation
+of a province called _Amaye_. There an Indian was taken, which said that
+from thence to _Naguatex_ was a day and a half's journey; which they
+traveled, finding all the way inhabited places. Having passed the
+peopled country of _Amaye_, on Saturday, the twentieth of July, they
+pitched their camp at noon between _Amaye_ and _Naguatex_ along the
+corner of a grove of very fair trees. In the same place certain Indians
+were discovered, that came to view them. The horsemen went out to them,
+and killed six, and took two, whom the Governor asked, wherefore they
+came? They said, to know what people he had, and what order they kept;
+and that the Cacique of _Naguatex_, their lord, had sent them, and that
+he, with other caciques which came to aid him, determined that day to
+bid him battle. While they were occupied in these questions and answers,
+there came many Indians by two ways in two squadrons: and when they saw
+they were descried, giving a great cry they assaulted the Christians
+each squadron by itself; but seeing what resistance the Christians made
+them, they turned their backs and betook themselves to flight, in which
+many of them lost their lives; and most of the horsemen following them
+in chase, careless of the camp, other two squadrons of Indians, which
+lay in ambush, set upon the Christians that were in the camp, which also
+they resisted, who also had their reward as the first. After the flight
+of the Indians, and that the Christians were retired, they heard a great
+noise a crossbow shot from the place where they were. The Governor sent
+twelve horsemen to see what it was. They found six Christians, four
+footmen and two horsemen, among many Indians; the horsemen defending the
+footmen with great labor. These being of them that chased the first two
+squadrons, had lost themselves, and coming to recover the camp fell
+among those with whom they were fighting: and so they, and those that
+came to succor them, slew many of the Indians, and brought one alive to
+the camp: whom the Governor examined, who they were that came to bid him
+battle. He told him, that they were the Cacique of _Naguatex_, and of
+_Amaye_, and another of a province called _Hacanac_, a lord of great
+countries and many subjects; and that the Cacique of _Naguatex_ came for
+captain and chief of them all. The Governor commanded his right arm and
+nose to be cut off, and sent him to the Cacique of _Naguatex_, charging
+him to tell him, that the next day he would be in his country to destroy
+him; and if he would withstand his entrance, he should stay for him.
+That night he lodged there; and the next day he came to the habitation
+of _Naguatex_, which was very scattering: he inquired where the
+cacique's chief town was? They told him that it was on the other side of
+a river, that passed thereby: he traveled thitherward, and came unto it:
+and on the other side he saw many Indians, that tarried for him, making
+show as though they would defend the passage. And because he knew not
+whether it could be waded, nor where the passage was, and that some
+Christians and horses were hurt, that they might have time to recover,
+he determined to rest certain days in the town where he was. So he
+pitched his camp a quarter of a league from the river, because the
+weather was very hot, near unto the town, in a thin grove of very fair
+and high trees near a brook's side: and in that place were certain
+Indians taken; whom he examined, whether the river were wadeable or no?
+They said yea, at some times, and in some places. Within ten days after
+he sent two captains with fifteen horsemen a piece upward and down the
+river with Indians to show them where they should go over, to see what
+habitation was on the other side. And the Indians withstood them both,
+defending the passage of the river as far as they were able, but they
+passed in despite of them: and on the other side of the river they saw
+great habitation, and great store of victuals; and with these news
+returned to the camp.
+
+The Governor sent an Indian from _Naguatex_ where he lay, to command the
+cacique to come to serve and obey him, and that he would forgive him all
+that was past; that if he came not, that he would seek him, and give him
+such punishment as he had deserved for that which he had done against
+him. Within two days the Indian returned, and said that the cacique
+would come the next day; which, the same day when he came, sent many
+Indians before him, among whom there were some principal men: he sent
+them to see what countenance they found in the Governor, to resolve with
+himself whether he should go or not. The Indians let him understand,
+that he was coming, and went away presently: and the cacique came
+within two hours accompanied with many of his men: they came all in a
+rank one before another on both sides, leaving a lane in the midst where
+he came. They came where the Governor was, all of them weeping after the
+manner of _Tulla_, which was not far from thence toward the east. The
+cacique made his due obedience, and the speech following:
+
+"Right high and mighty lord, whom all the world ought to serve and obey,
+I was bold to appear before your lordship, having committed so heinous
+and abominable an act, as only for me to have imagined, deserved to be
+punished; trusting in your greatness, that although I deserve to obtain
+no pardon, yet for your own sake only you will use clemency toward me,
+considering how small I am in comparison of your lordship; and not to
+think upon my weaknesses, which, to my grief and for my greater good, I
+have known. And I believe that you and yours are immortal; and that your
+lordship is lord of the land of nature, seeing that you subdue all
+things, and they obey you, even the very hearts of men. For when I
+beheld the slaughter and destruction of my men in the battle, which,
+through mine ignorance, and the counsel of a brother of mine, which died
+in the same, I gave your lordship, presently I repented me in my heart
+of the error, which I had committed; and desired to serve and obey you:
+and to this end I come, that your lordship may chastise and command me
+as your own."
+
+The Governor answered him, that he forgave him all which was past, that
+from thenceforth he should do his duty, and that he would hold him for
+his friend, and that he would favor him in all things. Within four days
+he departed thence, and coming to the river he could not pass, because
+it was grown very big; which seemed to him a thing of admiration, being
+at that time that it was, and since it had not rained a month before.
+The Indians said, that it increased many times after that manner without
+raining in all the country. It was supposed, that it might be the tide
+that came into it. It was learned that the flood came alway from above,
+and that the Indians of all that country had no knowledge of the sea.
+The Governor returned unto the place where he had lodged before: and
+understanding within eight days after that the river was passable, he
+departed. He passed over and found the town without people: he lodged in
+the field, and sent the cacique word to come unto him, and to bring him
+a guide to go forward. And some days being past, seeing the cacique came
+not, nor sent anybody, he sent two captains sundry ways to burn the
+towns, and to take such Indians as they could find. They burnt great
+store of victuals, and took many Indians. The cacique seeing the hurt
+that he received in his country, sent six principal Indians with three
+men for guides, which knew the language of the country through which the
+Governor was to pass. He departed presently from _Naguatex_, and within
+three days' journey came to a town of four or five houses, which
+belonged to the cacique of that province, which is called _Nissoone_: it
+was evil inhabited, and had little maize. Two days' journey forward the
+guides which guided the Governor, if they were to go westward, guided
+him to the east; and sometimes went up and down through very great woods
+out of the way. The Governor commanded them to be hanged upon a tree:
+and a woman that they took in _Nissoone_ guided him, and went back again
+to seek the way. In two days he came to another miserable town called
+_Lacane_: an Indian was taken in that place, that said, that the country
+of _Nondacao_ was a country of great habitation, and the houses
+scattering the one from the other, as they used to be in mountains, and
+had great store of maize. The cacique came with his men weeping, like
+them of _Naguatex_: for this is their use in token of obedience: he made
+him a present of much fish, and offered to do what he would command him.
+He took his leave, and gave him a guide to the province of _Soacatino_.
+
+The Governor departed from _Nondacao_ towards _Soacatino_, and in five
+days' journey came to a province called _Aays_. The Indians which
+inhabited it had no notice of the Christians: but as soon as they saw
+that they entered into their country, they assembled themselves: and as
+they came together fifty or a hundred, they came forth to fight. While
+some fought, others came and charged our men another way, and while they
+followed some, others followed them. The fight lasted the greatest part
+of the day, till they came to their town. Some horses and men were
+wounded, but not to any hurt of their traveling: for there was no wound
+that was dangerous. There was a great spoil made of the Indians. That
+day that the Governor departed from thence, the Indian that guided him
+said that in _Nondacao_ he had heard say, that the Indians of
+_Soacatino_ had seen other Christians, whereof they all were very glad:
+thinking it might be true, and that they might have entered into those
+parts by _Nueva Espana_; and that if it were so, it was in their own
+hand to go out of _Florida_, if they found nothing of profit: for they
+feared they should lose themselves in some wilderness. This Indian led
+him two days out of the way. The Governor commanded to torture him. He
+said, that the Cacique of _Nondacao_, his lord, had commanded him to
+guide them so because they were his enemies, and that he was to do as
+his lord commanded him. The Governor commanded him to be cast to the
+dogs: and another guided him to _Soacatino_, whither he came the day
+following. It was a very poor country: there was great want of maize in
+that place. He asked the Indians whether they knew of any other
+Christians. They said that a little from thence toward the south they
+heard they were. He traveled twenty days through a country evil
+inhabited, where they suffered great scarcity and trouble; for that
+little maize which the Indians had, they had hidden and buried in the
+woods, where the Christians, after they were well wearied with their
+travel, at the end of their journey went to seek by digging what they
+should eat. At last, coming to a province that was called _Guasco_, they
+found maize, wherewith they loaded their horses and the Indians that
+they had. From thence they went to another town called _Naquiscoca_. The
+Indians said they had no notice of any other Christians. The Governor
+commanded to torment them. They said, that they came first to another
+lordship which was called _Nacacahoz_, and from thence returned again to
+the west from whence they came. The Governor came in two days to
+_Nacacahoz_. Some women were taken there: among whom there was one which
+said that she had seen Christians and had been taken by them, and had
+run away. The Governor sent a captain with fifteen horsemen to the place
+where the woman said she had seen them, to see if there was any sign of
+horses, or any token of their being there. After they had gone three or
+four leagues, the woman that guided them said that all that she had told
+them was untrue. And so they held all the rest that the Indians had said
+of seeing Christians in the land of _Florida_. And, because the country
+that way was poor of maize, and toward the west there was no notice of
+any habitation, they returned to _Guasco_. The Indians told them there,
+that ten days' journey from thence toward the west, was a river called
+_Daycao_, whither they went sometimes a hunting and killing of deer: and
+that they had seen people on the other side, but knew not what
+habitation was there. There the Christians took such maize as they found
+and could carry, and going ten days' journey through a wilderness, they
+came to the river which the Indians had told them of. Ten horsemen,
+which the Governor had sent before, passed over the same and went in a
+way that led to the river, and lighted upon a company of Indians that
+dwelt in very little cabins: who as soon as they saw them took
+themselves to flight, leaving that which they had; all which was nothing
+but misery and poverty. The country was so poor, that among them all
+there was not found half a peck of maize. The horsemen took two Indians,
+and returned with them to the river, where the Governor stayed for them.
+He sought to learn of them what habitation was toward the west. There
+was none in the camp that could understand their language. The Governor
+assembled the captains and principal persons to determine with their
+advice what they should do. And the most part said that they thought it
+best to return back to _Rio Grande_, or the Great River of _Guachoya_;
+because that in _Nilco_ and thereabout was store of maize; saying, that
+they would make pinnaces that winter, and the next summer pass down the
+river to the seaward in them, and coming to the sea they would go along
+the coast to _Nueva Espana_. For though it seemed a doubtful thing and
+difficult, by that which they had already alleged, yet it was the last
+remedy they had. For by land they could not go for want of an
+interpreter. And they held, that the country beyond the River of
+_Daycao_, where they were, was that which _Cabeca de Vaca_ mentioned in
+his relation that he passed _of the Indians which lived like the
+Alarbes, having no settled place_, and fed upon _Tunas_ and roots of the
+fields, and wild beasts that they killed. Which if it were so, if they
+should enter into it and find no victuals to pass the winter, they could
+not choose but perish, for they were entered already into the beginning
+of October: and if they stayed any longer they were not able to return
+for rain and snows, nor to sustain themselves in so poor a country. The
+Governor (that desired long to see himself in a place where he might
+sleep his full sleep, rather than to conquer and govern a country where
+so many troubles presented themselves) presently returned back that same
+way that he came.
+
+When that which was determined was published in the camp, there were
+many that were greatly grieved at it: for they held the sea voyage as
+doubtful, for the evil means they had, and of as great danger the
+traveling by land: and they hoped to find some rich country before they
+came to the land of the Christians, by that which _Cabeca de Vaca_ had
+told the Emperor: and that was this: That after he had found clothes
+made of cotton wool, he saw gold and silver, and stones of great value.
+And they had not yet come where he had been. For until that place he
+always traveled by the sea-coast: and they traveled far within the land;
+and that going towards the west, of necessity they should come where he
+had been. For he said that in a certain place he traveled many days, and
+entered into the land toward the north. And in _Guasco_ they had already
+found some Turkey stones, and mantles of cotton wool: which the Indians
+signified by signs that they had from the west: and that holding that
+course they should draw near to the land of the Christians. But though
+they were much discontented with it, and it grieved many to go backward,
+which would rather have adventured their lives and have died in the land
+of _Florida_, than to have gone poor out of it; yet were they not a
+sufficient part to hinder that which was determined, because the
+principal men agreed with the Governor. And afterward there was one that
+said, he would put out one of his own eyes, to put out another of _Luys
+de Moscoso_; because it would grieve him much to see him prosper:
+because as well himself as others of his friends had crossed that which
+he durst not have done, seeing that within two days he should leave the
+government. From _Daycao_, where now they were, to _Rio Grande_, or the
+Great River, was one hundred and fifty leagues: which unto that place
+they had gone westward. And by the way as they returned back they had
+much ado to find maize to eat: for where they had passed the country was
+destroyed; and some little maize that was left the Indians had hidden.
+The towns which in _Naguatex_ they had burned (whereof it repented them)
+were repaired again, and the houses full of maize. This country is well
+inhabited and plentiful. In that place are vessels made of clay, which
+differ very little from those of _Estremoz_, or _Montemor_. In
+_Chaguate_ the Indians by commandment of the cacique came peaceably, and
+said, that the Christian which remained there would not come. The
+Governor wrote unto him, and sent him ink and paper that he might
+answer. The substance of the words of the letter was to declare unto him
+his determination, which was to go out of the land of _Florida_, and to
+put him in remembrance that he was a Christian, that he would not remain
+in the subjection of infidels, that he pardoned him the fault which he
+had done in going away to the Indians, that he should come unto him: and
+if they did stay him, that he would advertise him thereof by writing.
+The Indian went with the letter, and came again without any more answer,
+than, on the back side, his name and seal, that they might know he was
+alive. The Governor sent twelve horsemen to seek him: but he, which had
+his spies, so hid himself, that they could not find him. For want of
+maize the Governor could not stay any longer to seek him. He departed
+from _Chaguate_, and passed the river by _Aays_; going down by it he
+found a town called _Chilano_, which as yet they had not seen. They came
+to _Nilco_, and found so little maize, as could not suffice till they
+made their ships; because the Christians, being in _Guachoya_ in the
+seed time, the Indians for fear of them durst not come to sow the
+grounds of _Nilco_: and they knew not thereabout any other country where
+any maize was: and that was the most fruitful soil that was thereaway,
+and where they had most hope to find it. Every one was confounded, and
+the most part thought it bad counsel to come back from the river of
+_Daycao_, and not to have followed their fortune, going that way that
+went over land. For by sea it seemed impossible to save themselves,
+unless God would work a miracle for them: for there was neither pilot,
+nor sea-chart, neither did they know where the river entered into the
+sea, neither had they notice of it, neither had they anything wherewith
+to make sails, nor any store of enequem, which is a grass whereof they
+make oakum, which grew there; and that which they found they saved to
+caulk the pinnaces withal; neither had they anything to pitch them
+withal; neither could they make ships of such substance, but that any
+storm would put them in great danger: and they feared much it would fall
+out with them, as it did with _Pamphilo de Narvaez_, which was cast away
+upon that coast. And above all other it troubled them most, that they
+could find no maize: for without it they could not be sustained, nor
+could do anything that they had need of. All of them were put to great
+confusion. Their chief remedy was to commit themselves to God, and to
+beseech him that he would direct them the way that they might save their
+lives. And it pleased him of his goodness, that the Indians of _Nilco_
+came peaceably, and told them, that two days' journey from thence, near
+unto the Great River, were two towns, whereof the Christians had no
+notice, and that the province was called _Minoya_, and was a fruitful
+soil: that, whether at this present there was any maize or no, they knew
+not, because they had war with them: but that they would be very glad
+with the favor of the Christians to go and spoil them. The Governor sent
+a captain thither with horsemen and footmen, and the Indians of _Nilco_
+with him. He came to _Minoya_, and found two great towns seated in a
+plain and open soil, half a league distant, one in sight of another, and
+in them he took many Indians, and found great store of maize. Presently
+he lodged in one of them, and sent word to the Governor what he had
+found: wherewith they were all exceeding glad. They departed from
+_Nilco_ in the beginning of December; and all that way, and before from
+_Chilano_, they endured much trouble: for they passed through many
+waters, and many times it rained, with a northern wind, and was
+exceeding cold, so that they were in the open field with water over and
+underneath them: and when at the end of their day's journey, they found
+dry ground to rest upon, they gave great thanks to God. With this
+trouble almost all the Indians that served them died. And after they
+were in _Minoya_, many Christians also died: and the most part were sick
+of great and dangerous diseases, which had a spice of the lethargy. At
+this place died _Andrew de Vasconcelos_, and two Portuguese of _Elvas_,
+which were very near him: which were brethren, and by their surname
+called _Sotis_. The Christians lodged in one of the towns which they
+liked best, which was fenced about, and distant a quarter of a league
+from the Great River. The maize that was in the other town was brought
+thither; and in all it was esteemed to be six thousand hanegs or
+bushels. And there was the best timber to make ships that they had seen
+in all the land of _Florida_; wherefore all of them gave God great
+thanks for so singular a favor, and hoped that that which they desired
+would take effect, which was, that they might safely be conducted into
+the land of the Christians.
+
+As soon as they came to _Minoya_, the Governor commanded them to gather
+all the chains together, which every one had to lead Indians in; and to
+gather all the iron which they had for their provision, and all the rest
+that was in the camp: and to set up a forge to make nails, and commanded
+them to cut down timber for the brigantines. And a Portuguese of
+_Ceuta_, who having been a prisoner in _Fez_, had learned to saw timber
+with a long saw, which for such purposes they had carried with them, did
+teach others, which helped him to saw timber. And a _Genevese_, whom it
+pleased God to preserve (for without him they had never come out of the
+country, for there was never another that could make ships but he), with
+four or five other _Biscayan_ carpenters, which hewed his planks and
+other timbers, made the brigantines: and two calkers, the one of
+_Geneva_, the other of _Sardinia_, did calk them with the tow of an herb
+like hemp, whereof before I have made mention, which there is named
+enequen. And because there was not enough of it, they calked them with
+the flax of the country, and with the mantles, which they raveled for
+that purpose. A cooper which they had among them fell sick, and was at
+the point of death: and there was none other that had any skill in that
+trade: it pleased God to send him his health. And albeit he was very
+weak, and could not labor, yet fifteen days before they departed, he
+made for every brigantine two half hogsheads, which the mariners call
+quarterets, because four of them hold a pipe of water. The Indians which
+dwelt two days' journey above the river in a province called
+_Taguanate_, and likewise those of _Nilco_ and _Guachoya_, and others
+their neighbors seeing the brigantines in making, thinking, because
+their places of refuge are in the water, that they were to go to seek
+them, and because the Governor demanded mantles of them, as necessary
+for sails, came many times, and brought many mantles, and great store of
+fish. And for certain it seemed that God was willing to favor them in so
+great necessity, moving the minds of the Indians to bring them: for to
+go to take them, they were never able. For in the town where they were,
+as soon as winter came, they were so enclosed and compassed with water,
+that they could go no farther by land, than a league, and a league and a
+half. And if they would go farther, they could carry no horses, and
+without them they were not able to fight with the Indians, because they
+were many: and so many for so many on foot they had the advantage of
+them by water and by land, because they were more apt and lighter, and
+by reason of the disposition of the country, which was according to
+their desire for the use of their war. They brought also some cords, and
+those which wanted for cables were made of the barks of mulberry trees.
+They made stirrups of wood, and made anchors of their stirrups. In the
+month of March, when it had rained a month before, the river grew so big
+that it came to _Nilco_, which was nine leagues of: and on the other
+side, the Indians said, that it reached other nine leagues into the
+land. In the town where the Christians were, which was somewhat high
+ground, where they could best go, the water reached to the stirrups.
+They made certain rafts of timber, and laid many boughs upon them,
+whereon they set their horses, and in the houses they did the like. But
+seeing that nothing prevailed, they went up to the lofts: and if they
+went out of the houses, it was in canoes, or on horseback in those
+places where the ground was highest. So they were two months, and could
+do nothing, during which time the river decreased not. The Indians
+ceased not to come unto the brigantines as they were wont, and came in
+canoes. At that time the Governor feared they would set upon him. He
+commanded his men to take an Indian secretly of those that came to the
+town, and to stay him till the rest were gone: and they took one. The
+Governor commanded him to be put to torture, to make him confess whether
+the Indians did practice any treason or no. He confessed that the
+caciques of _Nilco_, _Guachoya_, and _Taguanate_, and others, which in
+all were about twenty caciques, with a great number of people,
+determined to come upon him; and that three days before, they would send
+a great present of fish to cover their great treason and malice, and on
+the very day they would send some Indians before with another present.
+And these, with those which were our slaves, which were of their
+conspiracy also, should set the houses on fire, and first of all possess
+themselves of the lances which stood at the doors of the houses; and the
+caciques, with all their men, should be near the town in ambush in the
+wood, and when they saw the fire kindled, should come, and make an end
+of the conquest. The Governor commanded the Indian to be kept in a
+chain, and the selfsame day that he spoke of, there came thirty Indians
+with fish. He commanded their right hands to be cut off, and sent them
+so back to the Cacique of _Guachoya_, whose men they were. He sent him
+word that he and the rest should come when they would, for he desired
+nothing more, and that he should know, that they thought not anything
+which he knew not before they thought of it. Hereupon they all were put
+in a very great fear: and the caciques of _Nilco_ and _Taguanate_ came
+to excuse themselves: and a few days after came he of _Guachoya_, and a
+principal Indian, and his subject, said, he knew by certain information,
+that the caciques of _Nilco_ and _Taguanate_ were agreed to come and
+make war upon the Christians. As soon as the Indians came from _Nilco_,
+the Governor examined them, and they confessed it was true. He delivered
+them presently to the principal men of _Guachoya_, which drew them out
+of the town and killed them. Another day came some from _Taguanate_, and
+confessed it likewise. The Governor commanded their right hands and
+noses to be cut off, and sent them to the cacique, wherewith they of
+_Guachoya_ remained very well contented: and they came oftentimes with
+presents of mantles and fish, and hogs, which bred in the country of
+some swine that were lost by the way the last year. As soon as the
+waters were slaked, they persuaded the Governor to send to _Taguanate_.
+They came and brought canoes, wherein the footmen were conveyed down the
+river, and a captain with horsemen went by land; and the Indians of
+_Guachoya_, which guided him till they came to _Taguanate_, assaulted
+the town, and took many men and women, and mantles, which with those
+that they had already were sufficient to supply their want. The
+brigantines being finished in the month of June, the Indians having told
+us that the river increased but once a year, when the snows did melt, in
+the time wherein I mentioned it had already increased, being now in
+summer, and having not rained a long time, it pleased God that the flood
+came up to the town to seek the brigantines, from whence they carried
+them by water to the river. Which, if they had gone by land, had been in
+danger of breaking and splitting their keels, and to be all undone;
+because that for want of iron, the spikes were short, and the planks
+and timber were very weak. The Indians of _Minoya_, during the time that
+they were there came to serve them (being driven thereunto by necessity)
+that of the maize which they had taken from them, they would bestow some
+crumbs upon them, and because the country was fertile, and the people
+used to feed of maize, and the Christians had gotten all from them that
+they had, and the people were many, they were not able to sustain
+themselves. Those which came to the town were so weak and feeble, that
+they had no flesh left on their bones: and many came and died near the
+town for pure hunger and weakness. The Governor commanded upon grievous
+punishments to give them no maize. Yet, when they saw that the hogs
+wanted it not, and that they had yielded themselves to serve them, and
+considering their misery and wretchedness, having pity of them, they
+gave them part of the maize which they had. And when the time of their
+embarkment came, there was not sufficient to serve their own turns. That
+which there was, they put into the brigantines, and into great canoes
+tied two and two together. They shipped twenty-two of the best horses
+that were in the camp, the rest they made dried flesh of; and dressed
+the hogs which they had in like manner. They departed from _Minoya_ the
+second day of July, 1543.
+
+The day before they departed from _Minoya_, they determined to dismiss
+all the men and women of the country, which they had detained as slaves
+to serve them, save some hundred, little more or less, which the
+Governor embarked, and others whom it pleased him to permit. And because
+there were many men of quality, whom he could not deny that which he
+granted to others, he used a policy, saying, that they might serve them
+as long as they were in the river, but when they came to the sea, they
+must send them away for want of water, because they had but few vessels.
+He told his friends in secret, that they should carry theirs to _Nueva
+Espana_: and all those whom he bare no good-will unto (which were the
+greater number) ignorant of that which was hidden from them, which
+afterward time discovered, thinking it inhumanity for so little time of
+service, in reward of the great service that they had done them, to
+carry them with them, to leave them slaves to other men out of their own
+countries, left five hundred men and women; among whom were many boys
+and girls, which spake and understood the Spanish tongue. The most of
+them did nothing but weep; which moved great compassion; seeing that all
+of them with good-will would have become Christians, and were left in
+state of perdition. There went from _Minoya_ three hundred and
+twenty-two Spaniards in seven brigantines, well made, save that the
+planks were thin, because the nails were short, and were not pitched,
+nor had any decks to keep the water from coming in. Instead of decks
+they laid planks, whereon the mariners might run to trim their sails,
+and the people might refresh themselves above and below. The Governor
+made his captains, and gave to every one his brigantine, and took their
+oath and their word, that they would obey him, until they came to the
+land of the Christians. The Governor took one of the brigantines for
+himself, which he best liked. The same day that they departed from
+_Minoya_, they passed by _Guachoya_, where the Indians tarried for them
+in canoes by the river. And on the shore, they had made a great arbor
+with boughs. They desired him to come on shore; but he excused himself,
+and so went along. The Indians in their canoes accompanied him; and
+coming where an arm of the river declined on the right hand, they said
+that the Province of _Quigalta_ was near unto that place, and importuned
+the Governor to set upon him, and that they would aid him. And because
+they had said that he dwelt three days' journey down the river, the
+Governor supposed that they had plotted some treason against him, and
+there left them; and went down with the greatest force of the water. The
+current was very strong, and with the help of oars, they went very
+swiftly. The first day they landed in a wood on the left hand of the
+river, and at night they withdrew themselves to the brigantines. The
+next day they came to a town where they went on shore, and the people
+that was in it durst not tarry. A woman that they took there being
+examined, said, that the town belonged to a cacique named _Huasene_,
+subject to _Quigalta_, and that _Quigalta_ tarried for them below in the
+river with many men. Certain horsemen went thither, and found some
+houses, wherein was much maize. Immediately more of them went thither
+and tarried there one day, and which they did beat out, and took as much
+maize as they needed. While they were there, many Indians came from the
+nether part of the river, and on the other side right against them
+somewhat carelessly set themselves in order to fight. The Governor sent
+in two canoes the crossbow-men that he had, and as many more as could go
+in them. They ran away, and seeing the Spaniards could not overtake
+them, they returned back, and took courage; and coming nearer, making an
+outcry, they threatened them: and as soon as they departed thence, they
+went after them, some in canoes and some by land along the river; and
+getting before, coming to a town that stood by the river's side, they
+joined altogether, making a show that they would tarry there. Every
+brigantine towed a canoe fastened to their sterns for their particular
+service. Presently there entered men into every one of them, which made
+the Indians to fly, and burned the town. The same day they presently
+landed in a great field, where the Indians durst not tarry. The next day
+there were gathered together an hundred canoes, among which were some
+that carried sixty and seventy men, and the principal men's canoes had
+their tilts, and plumes of white and red feathers for their ensigns: and
+they came within two crossbow shots of the brigantines, and sent three
+Indians in a small canoe with a feigned message to view the manner of
+the brigantines, and what weapons they had. And coming to the side of
+the Governor's brigantine, one of the Indians entered, and said:
+
+"That the Cacique of _Quigalta_, his lord, sent him his commendations,
+and did let him understand, that all that the Indians of _Guachoya_ had
+told him concerning himself, was false, and that they had incensed him,
+because they were his enemies; that he was his servant, and should find
+him so."
+
+The Governor answered him, that he believed all that he said was true,
+and willed him to tell him that he esteemed his friendship very much.
+With this answer they returned to the place where the rest in their
+canoes were waiting for them, and from thence all of them fell down, and
+came near the Spaniards, shouting aloud, and threatening of them. The
+Governor sent _John de Guzman_, which had been a captain of footmen in
+_Florida_, with fifteen armed men in canoes to make them give way. As
+soon as the Indians saw them come towards them, they divided themselves
+into two parts, and stood still till the Spaniards came nigh them, and
+when they were came near them, they joined together on both sides,
+taking _John de Guzman_ in the middle, and them that came first with
+him, and with great fury boarded them: and as their canoes were bigger,
+and many of them leaped into the water to stay them, and to lay hold on
+the canoes of the Spaniards, and overwhelm them; so presently they
+overwhelmed them. The Christians fell into the water, and with the
+weight of their armor sunk down to the bottom; and some few, that by
+swimming or holding by the canoe could have saved themselves, with oars
+and staves which they had, they struck them on the head and make them
+sink. When they of the brigantines saw the overthrow, though they went
+about to succor them, yet through the current of the river they could
+not go back. Four Spaniards fled to the brigantine that was nearest to
+the canoes; and only these escaped of those that came among the Indians.
+There were eleven that died there: among whom _John de Guzman_ was one,
+and a son of _Don Carlos_, called _John de Vargas_: the rest also were
+persons of account and men of great courage. Those that escaped by
+swimming said that they saw the Indians enter the canoe of _John de
+Guzman_ at the stern of one of their canoes, and whether they carried
+him away dead or alive they could not certainly tell.
+
+The Indians, seeing that they had got the victory, took such courage,
+that they assaulted them in the brigantines, which they durst not do
+before. They came first to that brigantine wherein _Calderon_ went for
+captain, and was in the rearward: and at the first volley of arrows they
+wounded twenty-five men. There were only four armed men in this
+brigantine; these did stand at the brigantine's side to defend it. Those
+that were unarmed, seeing how they hurt them, left their oars and went
+under the deck: whereupon the brigantine began to cross, and to go where
+the current of the stream carried it. One of the armed men seeing this,
+without the commandment of the captain, made a footman to take an oar
+and steer the brigantine, he standing before him and defending him with
+his target. The Indians came no nearer than a bowshot, from whence they
+offended and were not offended, receiving no hurt: for in every
+brigantine was but one crossbow, and those which we had were very much
+out of order. So that the Christians did nothing else but stand for a
+butt to receive their arrows. Having left this brigantine they went to
+another, and fought with it half an hour; and so from one to another
+they fought with them all. The Christians had mats to lay under them,
+which were double, and so close and strong, that no arrow went through
+them. And as soon as the Indians gave them leisure, they fenced the
+brigantines with them. And the Indians seeing that they could not shoot
+level, shot their arrows at random up in the air, which fell into the
+brigantines, and hurt some of the men: and not therewith contented, they
+sought to get to them which were in the canoes with the horses. Those of
+the brigantines environed them to defend them, and took them among them.
+Thus seeing themselves much vexed by them, and so wearied that they
+could no longer endure it, they determined to travel all the night
+following, thinking to get beyond the country of _Quigalta_, and that
+they would leave them: but when they thought least of it, supposing that
+they had now left them, they heard very near them so great outcries,
+that they made them deaf, and so they followed us all that night, and
+the next day till noon, by which time we were come into the country of
+others, whom they desired to use us after the same manner; and so they
+did. The men of _Quigalta_ returned home; and the other in fifty canoes
+fought with us a whole day and a night; and they entered one of the
+brigantines, that came in the rearward, by the canoe which she had at
+her stern, and took away a woman which they found in it, and afterwards
+hurt some of the men in the brigantines. Those which came with the
+horses in the canoes, being wearied with rowing night and day, lingered
+behind; and presently the Indians came upon them, and they of the
+brigantines tarried for them. The Governor resolved to go on shore and
+kill the horses, because of the slow way which they made because of
+them. As soon as they saw a place convenient for it, they went thither
+and killed the horses, and brought the flesh of them to dry it on board.
+Four or five of them remained on shore alive; the Indians went unto
+them, after the Spaniards were embarked. The horses were not acquainted
+with them, and began to neigh, and run up and down in such sort, that
+the Indians, for fear of them, leaped into the water; and getting into
+their canoes went after the brigantines, shooting cruelly at them. They
+followed us that evening and the night following till the next day at
+ten of the clock, and then returned up the river. Presently from a small
+town that stood upon the river came seven canoes, and followed us a
+little way down the river, shooting at us: but seeing they were so few
+that they could do us but little harm, they returned to their town. From
+thence forward, until they came to the sea, they had no encounter. They
+sailed down the river seventeen days: which may be two hundred and fifty
+leagues' journey, little more or less: and near unto the sea, the river
+is divided into two arms; each of them is a league and a half broad.
+
+Half a league before they came to the sea, they came to anchor to rest
+themselves there about a day; for they were very weary with rowing, and
+out of heart. For by the space of many days they had eaten nothing but
+parched and sodden maize; which they had by allowance every day an
+headpiece full by strike for every three men. While they rode there at
+anchor seven canoes of Indians came to set upon those which they brought
+with them. The Governor commanded armed men to go aboard them, and to
+drive them farther off. They came also against them by land through a
+thick wood, and a moorish ground, and had staves with very sharp forked
+heads made of the bones of fishes, and fought very valiantly with us,
+which went out to encounter them. And the other that came in canoes with
+their arrows staid for them that came against them, and at their coming
+both those that were on land, and those in the canoes wounded some of
+us: and seeing us come near them, they turned their backs, and like
+swift horses among footmen got away from us; making some returns, and
+reuniting themselves together, going not past a bow shot off: for in so
+retiring they shot, without receiving any hurt of the Christians. For
+though they had some bows, yet they could not use them; and brake their
+arms with rowing to overtake them. And the Indians easily in their
+compass went with their canoes, staying and wheeling about as it had
+been in a skirmish, perceiving that those that came against them could
+not offend them. And the more they strove to come near them, the more
+hurt they received. As soon as they had driven them farther off, they
+returned to the brigantines. They stayed two days there: and departed
+from thence unto the place where the arm of the river entereth into the
+sea. They sounded in the river near unto the sea, and found forty
+fathoms water. They staid there. And the Governor commanded all and
+singular persons to speak their minds touching their voyage, whether it
+were best to cross over to _Nueva Espana_, committing themselves to the
+high sea, or whether they should keep along the coast. There were sundry
+opinions touching this matter: wherein _John Danusco_, which presumed
+much, and took much upon him in the knowledge of navigation, and matters
+of the sea, although he had but little experience, moved the Governor
+with his talk: and his opinion was seconded by some others. And they
+affirmed, that it was much better to pass by the high sea, and cross the
+gulf, which was three of four parts the lesser travel, because in going
+along the coast, they went a great way about, by reason of the compass
+which the land did make. _John Danusco_ said, that he had seen the
+sea-card, and that from the place where they were, the coast ran east
+and west unto _Rio de las Palmas_; and from _Rio de las Palmas_ to
+_Nueva Espana_ from north to south: and therefore in sailing always in
+sight of land would be a great compassing about and spending of much
+time; and that they would be in great danger to be overtaken with winter
+before they should get to the land of the Christians: and that in ten or
+twelve days' space, having good weather, they might be there in crossing
+over. The most part were against this opinion, and said that it was more
+safe to go along the coast, though they staid the longer: because their
+ships were very weak and without decks, so that a very little storm was
+enough to cast them away: and if they should be hindered with calms, or
+contrary weather, through the small store of vessels which they had to
+carry water in, they should likewise fall into great danger: and that
+although the ships were such as they might venture in them, yet having
+neither pilot nor sea-card to guide themselves, it was no good counsel
+to cross the gulf. This opinion was confirmed by the greatest part: and
+they agreed to go along the coast. At the time wherein they sought to
+depart from thence, the cable of the anchor of the Governor's brigantine
+brake, and the anchor remained in the river. And albeit they were near
+the shore, yet it was so deep, that the divers diving many times could
+never find it; which caused great sadness in the Governor, and in all
+those that went with him in his brigantine: but with a grindstone which
+they had, and certain bridles which remained to some of the gentlemen,
+and men of worship which had horses, they made a weight which served
+instead of an anchor. The 18th of July (1543) they went forth to sea
+with fair and prosperous weather for their voyage. And seeing that they
+were gone two or three leagues from the shore, the captains of the other
+brigantines overtook them, and asked the Governor, wherefore he did put
+off from the shore? and that if he would leave the coast, he should say
+so; and he should not do it without the consent of all: and that if he
+did otherwise, they would not follow him, but that every one would do
+what seemed best unto himself. The Governor answered, that he would do
+nothing without their counsel, but that he did bear off from the land to
+sail the better and safer by night; and that the next day when time
+served, he would return to the sight of land again. They sailed with a
+reasonable good wind that day and the night following, and the next day
+till evening song, always in fresh water; whereat they wondered much:
+for they were very far from land. But the force of the current of the
+river is so great, and the coast there is so shallow and gentle, that
+the fresh water enters far into the sea. That evening on their right
+hand they saw certain creeks, whither they went, and rested there that
+night: where _John Danusco_ with his reasons won them at last, that all
+consented and agreed to commit themselves to the main sea, alleging, as
+he had done before, that it was a great advantage, and that their voyage
+would be much shorter. They sailed two days, and when they would have
+come to sight of land they could not, for the wind blew from the shore.
+On the fourth day, seeing their fresh water began to fail, fearing
+necessity and danger, they all complained of _John Danusco_, and of the
+Governor that followed his counsel: and every one of the captains said,
+that they would no more go from the shore, though the Governor went
+whither he would. It pleased God that the wind changed, though but a
+little: and at the end of four days after they had put to sea, being
+already destitute of water, by force of rowing they got within sight of
+land, and with great trouble recovered it, in an open road. That evening
+the wind came to the south, which on that coast is a cross wind, and
+drove the brigantines against the shore, because it blew very hard, and
+the anchors were so weak, that they yielded and began to bend. The
+Governor commanded all men to leap into the water, and going between
+them and the shore, and thrusting the brigantines into the sea as soon
+as the wave was past, they saved them till the wind ceased.
+
+In the bay where they rode, after the tempest was passed, they went on
+shore, and with mattocks, which they had, they digged certain pits,
+which grew full of fresh water, where they filled all the casks they
+had. The next day they departed thence, and sailed two days, and entered
+into a creek like unto a pool, fenced from the south wind, which then
+did blow, and was against them; and there they stayed four days, not
+being able to get out; and when the sea was calm they rowed out. They
+sailed that day, and towards evening the wind grew so strong that it
+drove them on the shore, and they were sorry that they had put forth
+from the former harbor; for as soon as night approached, a storm began
+to rise in the sea, and the wind still waxed more violent with a
+tempest. The brigantines lost one another. Two of them, which bare more
+into the sea, entered into an arm of the sea, which pierced into the
+land two leagues beyond the place where the others were that night. The
+five which stayed behind, being always a league and half a league the
+one from the other, met together, without any knowledge the one of the
+other, in a wild road, where the wind and the waves drove them on shore;
+for their anchors did straighten and came home, and they could not use
+their oars, putting seven or eight men to every one, which rowed to
+seaward; and all the rest leaped into the water, and when the wave was
+passed that drave the brigantine on shore, they thrust it again into the
+sea with all the diligence and might that they had. Others, while
+another wave was incoming, with bowls laved out the water that came in
+overboard. While they were in this tempest, in great fear of being cast
+away in that place, from midnight forward they endured an intolerable
+torment of an infinite swarm of mosquitoes which fell upon them, which
+as soon as they had stung the flesh, it so infected it, as though they
+had been venomous. In the morning the sea was assuaged and the wind
+slacked, but not the mosquitoes; for the sails, which were white, seemed
+black with them in the morning. Those which rowed, unless others kept
+them away, were not able to row. Having passed the fear and danger of
+the storm, beholding the deformities of their faces, and the blows which
+they gave themselves to drive them away, one of them laughed at another.
+They met all together in the creek where the two brigantines were which
+outwent their fellows. There was found a scum which they call copee,
+which the sea casteth up, and it is like pitch, wherewith in some
+places, where pitch is wanting, they pitch their ships; there they
+pitched their brigantines. They rested two days, and then eftsoons
+proceeded on their voyage. They sailed two days more, and landed in a
+bay or arm of the sea, where they stayed two days. The same day that
+they went from thence six men went up in a canoe toward the head of it,
+and could not see the end of it. They put out from thence with a south
+wind, which was against them; but because it was little, and for the
+great desire they had to shorten their voyage, they put out to sea by
+the force of oars, and for all that made very little way, with great
+labor, in two days, and went under the lee of a small island into an arm
+of the sea, which compassed it about. While they were there, there fell
+out such weather, that they gave God many thanks that they found out
+such an harbor. There was great store of fish in that place, which they
+took with nets, which they had, and hooks. Here a man cast an hook and a
+line into the sea, and tied the end of it to his arm, and a fish caught
+it, and drew him into the water unto the neck; and it pleased God that
+he remembered himself of a knife that he had, and cut the line with it.
+There they abode fourteen days; and at the end of them it pleased God to
+send them fair weather, for which, with great devotion, they appointed a
+procession, and went in procession along the strand, beseeching God to
+bring them to a land where they might serve him in better sort.
+
+In all the coast wheresoever they digged they found fresh water; there
+they filled their vessels, and the procession being ended, embarked
+themselves, and going always in sight of the shore they sailed six days.
+_John Danusco_ said that it would do well to bear out to seaward; for he
+had seen the sea-card, and remembered that from _Rio de las Palmas_
+forward, the coast did run from north to south, and thitherto they had
+run from east to west, and in his opinion, by his reckoning, _Rio de las
+Palmas_ could not be far off from where they were. That same night they
+put to sea, and in the morning they saw palm leaves floating, and the
+coast which ran north and south. From midday forward they saw great
+mountains, which until then they had not seen; for from this place to
+_Puerto de Spiritu Santo_, where they first landed in _Florida_, was a
+very plain and low country; and therefore it cannot be descried, unless
+a man comes very near it. By that which they saw, they thought they had
+overshot _Rio de Palmas_ that night, which is sixty leagues from the
+river _Panuco_, which is in _Nueva Espana_. They assembled all together,
+and some said it was not good to sail by night, lest they should
+overshoot the river of _Panuco_; and others said, it was not well to
+lose time while it was favorable, and that it could not be so near that
+they should pass it that night; and they agreed to take away half the
+sails, and so sail all night. Two of the brigantines, which sailed that
+night with all their sails, by break of day had overshot the river of
+_Panuco_ without seeing it. Of the five that came behind, the first that
+came unto it was that wherein _Calderan_ was captain. A quarter of a
+league before they came at it, and before they did see it, they saw the
+water muddy, and knew it to be fresh water; and coming right against the
+river, they saw where it entered into the sea, that the water broke upon
+a shoal. And because there was no man there that knew it, they were in
+doubt whether they should go in, or go along; and they resolved to go
+in; and before they came into the current, they went close to the shore,
+and entered into the port. And as soon as they were come in, they saw
+Indian men and women appareled like Spaniards, whom they asked in what
+country they were? They answered in Spanish, that it was the river of
+_Panuco_, and that the town of the Christians was fifteen leagues up
+within the land. The joy that all of them received upon this news cannot
+sufficiently be expressed; for it seemed unto them that at that instant
+they were born again. And many went on shore and kissed the ground, and
+kneeling on their knees, with lifting up their hands and eyes to Heaven,
+they all ceased not to give God thanks. Those which came after, as soon
+as they saw _Calderan_ come to an anchor with his brigantine in the
+river, presently went thither, and came into the haven. The other two
+brigantines which had overshot the place, put to sea to return back to
+seek the rest, and could not do it, because the wind was contrary and
+the sea grown; they were afraid of being cast away, and recovering the
+shore they cast anchor. While they rode there a storm arose, and seeing
+that they could not abide there, much less endure at sea, they resolved
+to run on shore; and as the brigantines were but small, so did they draw
+but little water; and where they were it was a sandy coast. By which
+occasion the force of their sails drove them on shore, without any hurt
+of them that were in them. As those that were in the port of _Panuco_ at
+this time were in great joy; so these felt a double grief in their
+hearts, for they knew not what was become of their fellows, nor in what
+country they were, and feared it was a country of Indian enemies. They
+landed two leagues below the port; and when they saw themselves out of
+the danger of the sea, every one took of that which he had, as much as
+he could carry on his back, and they traveled up into the country, and
+found Indians, which told them where their fellows were, and gave them
+good entertainment; wherewith their sadness was turned into joy, and
+they thanked God most humbly for their deliverance out of so many
+dangers.
+
+From the time that they put out of _Rio Grande_ to the sea, at their
+departure from _Florida_, until they arrived in the river of _Panuco_,
+was fifty-two days. They came into the river of _Panuco_ the tenth of
+September, 1543. They went up the river with their brigantines. They
+traveled four days; and because the wind was but little, and many times
+it served them not because of the many turnings which the river maketh,
+and the great current drawing them up by towing, and that in many
+places; for this cause they made very little way and with great labor;
+and seeing the execution of their desire to be deferred, which was to
+come among Christians, and to see the celebration of divine service,
+which so long time they had not seen, they left the brigantines with the
+mariners, and went by land to _Panuco_. All of them were appareled in
+deers' skins tanned and dyed black, to wit, coats, hose, and shoes. When
+they came to _Panuco_, presently they went to the church to pray and
+give God thanks that so miraculously had saved them. The townsmen which
+before were advertised by the Indians, and knew of their arrival,
+carried some of them to their houses, and entertained them whom they
+knew and had acquaintance of, or because they were their countrymen. The
+Alcalde Mayor took the Governor home to his house: and commanded all the
+rest, as soon as they came, to be lodged six and six and ten and ten,
+according to the ability of every townsman. And all of them were
+provided for by their hosts of many hens, and bread of maize, and fruits
+of the country, which are such as be in the Isle of _Cuba_, whereof
+before I have spoken. The town of _Panuco_ may contain about seventy
+families; the most of their houses are of lime and stone, and some made
+of timber, and all of them are thatched. It is a poor country, and there
+is neither gold nor silver in it. The inhabitants live there in great
+abundance of victuals and servants. The richest have not above five
+hundred crowns rent a year, and that is in cotton cloths, hens, and
+maize, which the Indians their servants do give them for tribute. There
+arrived there of those that came out of _Florida_, three hundred and
+eleven Christians. Presently the Alcalde Mayor sent one of the townsmen
+in post to advertise the Viceroy, _Don Antonio de Mendoca_, which was
+resident in _Mexico_, that of the people that went with _Don Ferdinando
+de Soto_ to discover and conquer _Florida_ three hundred and eleven men
+were arrived there, that seeing that they were employed in his majesty's
+service he would take some order to provide for them. Whereat the
+Viceroy, and all the inhabitants of _Mexico_ wondered; for they thought
+they were miscarried because they had traveled so far within the main
+land of _Florida_, and had no news of them for so long a time: and it
+seemed a wonderful thing unto them, how they could save themselves so
+long among infidels, without any fort, wherein they might fortify
+themselves, and without any other succor at all. Presently the Viceroy
+sent a warrant wherein he commanded, that whithersoever they sent they
+should give them victuals, and as many Indians for their carriages as
+they needed: and where they would not furnish them, they might take
+those things that were necessary perforce without incurring any danger
+of law. This warrant was so readily obeyed that by the way before they
+came to the towns they came to receive them with hens and victuals.
+
+From _Panuco_ to the great city of _Temistitan, Mexico_, is sixty
+leagues; and other sixty from _Panuco_ to the port de _Vera Cruz_, where
+they take shipping for _Spain_, and those that come from _Spain_ do land
+to go for _Nueva Espana_. These three towns stand in a triangle: to wit,
+_Vera Cruz_ to the south, _Panuco_ to the north, and _Mexico_ to the
+west sixty leagues asunder. The country is so inhabited with Indians
+that from town to town those which are farthest are but a league and
+half a league asunder. Some of them that came from _Florida_ stayed a
+month in _Panuco_ to rest themselves, others fifteen days, and every one
+as long as he listed: for there was none that showed a sour countenance
+to his guests, but rather gave them anything that they had, and seemed
+to be grieved when they took their leave. Which was to be believed; for
+the victuals which the Indians do pay them for tribute, are more than
+they can spend: and in that town is no commerce; and there dwelt but few
+Spaniards there, and they were glad of their company. The Alcalde Mayor
+divided all the Emperor's clothes which he had (which there they pay him
+for his tribute) among those that would come to receive them. Those
+which had shirts of mail left were glad men; for they had a horse for
+one shirt of mail. Some horsed themselves; and such as could not (which
+were the greatest part) took their journey on foot: in which they were
+well received of the Indians that were in the towns, and better served
+than they could have been in their own houses, though they had been well
+to live. For if they asked one hen of an Indian, they brought them four:
+and if they asked any of the country fruit though it were a league off,
+they ran presently for it. And if any Christian found himself evil at
+ease, they carried him in a chair from one town to another. In
+whatsoever town they came, the cacique, by an Indian which carried a rod
+of justice in his hand, whom they call Tapile, that is to say a
+sergeant, commanded them to provide victuals for them, and Indians to
+bear burdens of such things as they had, and such as were needful to
+carry them that were sick. The Viceroy sent a Portuguese twenty leagues
+from _Mexico_, with great store of sugar, raisins of the sun, conserves,
+and other things fit for sick folks, for such as had need of them: and
+had given order to clothe them all at the Emperor's charge. And their
+approach being known by the citizens of _Mexico_, they went out of the
+town to receive them: and with great courtesy, requesting them in favor
+to come to their houses, every one carried such as he met home with him,
+and clothed them every one the best they could: so that he that had the
+meanest apparel, it cost about thirty ducats. As many as were willing to
+come to the Viceroy's house he commanded to be appareled, and such as
+were persons of quality sate at his table: and there was a table in his
+house for as many of the meaner sort as would come to it: and he was
+presently informed who every one was, to show him the courtesy that he
+deserved. Some of the conquerors did set both gentlemen and clowns at
+their own table, and many times made the servant sit cheek by cheek by
+his master: and chiefly the officers and men of base condition did so:
+for those which had better education did inquire who every one was, and
+made difference of persons: but all did what they could with a good
+will: and every one told them whom they had in their houses, that they
+should not trouble themselves, nor think themselves the worse, to take
+that which they gave them: for they had been in the like case, and had
+been relieved of others, and that this was the custom of that country.
+God reward them all: and God grant that those which it pleased him to
+deliver out of _Florida_, and to bring again into Christendom, may
+serve him: and unto those that died in that country, and unto all that
+believe in Him and confess his holy faith, God for his mercy's sake
+grant the kingdom of heaven. Amen.
+
+From the _Port de Spiritu Santo_, where they landed when they entered
+into _Florida_, to the Province of Ocute, which may be 400 leagues,
+little more or less, is a very plain country, and has many lakes and
+thick woods, and in some places they are of wild pine-trees; and is a
+weak soil. There is in it neither mountain nor hill. The country of
+_Ocute_ is more fat and fruitful; it has thinner woods, and very goodly
+meadows upon the rivers. From _Ocute_ to _Cutifachiqui_ may be 130
+leagues: 80 leagues thereof are desert, and have many groves of wild
+pine trees. Through the wilderness great rivers do pass. From
+_Cutifachiqui_ to _Xuala_, may be 250 leagues: it is all an hilly
+country. _Cutifachiqui_ and _Xuala_ stand both in plain ground, high,
+and have goodly meadows on the rivers. From thence forward to _Chiaha_,
+_Coca_, and _Talise_, is plain ground, dry and fat, and very plentiful
+of maize. From _Xuala_ to _Tascaluca_ may be 250 leagues. From
+_Tascaluca_ to _Rio Grande_, or the Great River, may be 300 leagues: the
+country is low, and full of lakes. From _Rio Grande_ forward, the
+country is higher and more champaign, and best peopled of all the land
+of _Florida_. And along this river from _Aquixo_ to _Pacaha_, and
+_Coligoa_, are 150 leagues: the country is plain, and the woods thin,
+and in some places champaign, very fruitful and pleasant. From _Coligoa_
+to _Autiamque_ are 250 leagues of hilly country. From _Autiamque_ to
+_Aguacay_, may be 230 leagues of plain ground. From _Aguacay_ to the
+river of _Daycao_ 120 leagues, all hilly country.
+
+From the _Port de Spiritu Santo_ unto _Apalache_, they traveled from
+east to west, and north-west. From _Cutifachiqui_ to _Xuala_ from south
+to north. From _Xuala_ to _Coca_ from east to west. From _Coca_ to
+_Tascaluca_, and to _Rio Grande_, as far as the provinces of _Quizquiz_
+and _Aquixo_, from east to west. From _Aquixo_ to _Pacaha_ to the north.
+From _Pacaha_ to _Tulla_ from east to west: from _Tulla_ to _Autiamque_
+from north to south, to the province of _Guachoya_ and _Daycao_.
+
+The bread which they ate in all the land of _Florida_ is of maize, which
+is like coarse millet. And this maize is common in all the islands, and
+from the Antilles forward. There are also in _Florida_ great store of
+walnuts, plums, mulberries, and grapes. They sow and gather their maize
+every one their several crop. The fruits are common to all, for they
+grow abroad in the open fields in great abundance, without any need of
+planting or dressing. Where there be mountains, there be chestnuts; they
+are somewhat smaller than the chestnuts of _Spain_. From _Rio Grande_
+westward, the walnuts differ from those that grow more eastward; for
+they are soft, and like unto acorns; and those which grow from _Rio
+Grande_ to _Puerto del Spiritu Santo_ for the most part are hard; and
+the trees and walnuts in show like those of _Spain_. There is a fruit
+through all the country which groweth on a plant like Ligoacan, which
+the Indians do plant. The fruit is like unto Peares Riall; it has a very
+good smell, and an excellent taste. There groweth another plant in the
+open field, which beareth a fruit like unto strawberries, close to the
+ground, which has a very good taste. The plums are of two kinds, red and
+gray, of the making and bigness of nuts, and have three or four stones
+in them. These are better than all the plums of _Spain_, and they make
+far better prunes of them. In the grapes there is only want of dressing;
+for though they be big, they have a great kernel. All other fruits are
+very perfect, and less hurtful than those of _Spain_.
+
+There are in _Florida_ many bears and lions, wolves, deer, dogs, cats,
+martens, and conies. There be many wild hens as big as turkeys,
+partridges small, like those of _Africa_, cranes, ducks, pigeons,
+thrushes, and sparrows. There are certain black birds bigger than
+sparrows, and lesser than stares. There are goshawks, falcons,
+gerfalcons, and all fowls of prey that are in _Spain_.
+
+The Indians are well proportioned. Those of the plain countries are
+taller of body, and better shapen, than those of the mountains. Those of
+the inland have greater store of maize, and commodities of the country,
+than those that dwell upon the sea-coast. The country along the
+sea-coast is barren and poor, and the people more warlike. The coast
+runneth from _Puerto del Spiritu Santo_ to _Apalache_, east and west;
+and from _Apalache_ to _Rio de las Palmas_ from east to west; from _Rio
+de las Palmas_ unto _Nueva Espana_ from north to south. It is a gentle
+coast, but it hath many shoals, and great shelves of sand.
+
+_Deo gratias._
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+[A] Elvas is a city in Portugal.
+
+[B] Cabeca de Vaca was the Governor of the River of Plate.
+
+[C] The Cassavi root.
+
+[D] Tampa Bay, on the west side of Florida.
+
+[E] From Spirito Santo or Tampa Bay.
+
+[F] Twelve days from St. Helena, and Coste seven days' journey from
+Chiaha.
+
+[G] Chisca is directly north from Cutifachiqui, which is within two days
+of St. Helena.
+
+[H] Rio Grande, or Rio de Espiritu Santo.
+
+
+Corrections made to the text by the etext transcriber:
+
+Timoco=>Tinoco
+
+Vasconcellos=>Vasconcelos
+
+northwest=>north-west
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of A Narrative of the expedition of
+Hernando de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557, by A Gentleman of Elvas
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK A NARRATIVE OF THE EXPEDITION ***
+
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