| CHAPTER I. PIZARRO AND PERU. 1524-1544. | |
| PAGE. | |
| Origin and Character of the Conqueror—The Triumvirate Copartnershipof Pizarro, Friar Luque, and Diego de Almagro for Continuing theDiscovery of Andagoya—Departure—Attitude of Pedrarias—SlowDevelopment of their Plans—Return and Reëmbarkation—Persistenceof Pizarro—Sufferings on Gallo Island—Fate Defied—Discoveryof Tumbez and the Coast Beyond—Return to Panamá—Pizarro VisitsSpain—A New Expedition—Aboriginal History of Peru—TheRival Incas—Establishment of the Spaniards at San Miguel—Atahualpaat Caxamalca—The Spaniards Visit Him there—Seizure ofthe Inca—Pacification of Peru—Arrival of Almagro—Death ofFather Luque—Judicial Murder of the Inca—A King's Ransom—Downfallof the Peruvian Monarchy—Disputes and Violent Deathsof the Almagros and Pizarros | [1] |
| CHAPTER II. CASTILLA DEL ORO. 1527-1537. | |
| Administration of Pedro de los Rios—He is Superseded by the LicentiateAntonio de la Gama—Barrionuevo's Reign—A Province inNueva Andalucía Granted to Pedro de Heredia—He Sails for Cartagena—Conflictswith the Natives—Treasure Unearthed—TheDevil's Bohío—Prosperity of the Settlement—Alonso Heredia Sentto Rebuild San Sebastian—Is Opposed by Julian Gutierrez—Captureof Gutierrez—The Golden Temple of Dabaiba Once More—Expeditionsin Search of the Glittering Phantom, Francisco Césarand Others—Audiencia Established at Panamá—Maleadministration—Complaintsof the Colonists—Destitution in the Province—Bishopsof Castilla del Oro—Miraculous Image of the Virgin—Bibliographical | [44] |
| CHAPTER III. THIRD ATTEMPTED COLONIZATION OF VERAGUA. 1535-1536. | |
| The Dukes of Veragua—María de Toledo Claims the Territory for herSon Luis Colon—Felipe Gutierrez Appointed to the Command—Landingon the Coast of Veragua—Sickness and Famine—TheCacique Dururua Enslaved—He Promises to Unearth his BuriedTreasures—Messengers Sent in Search of It—They Return Empty-handed—ButWarn the Chief's Followers—He Guides the Spaniardsto the Spot—They are Surrounded by Indians—Rescue of theCacique—Cannibalism among the Christians—Sufferings of the FewSurvivors—The Colony Abandoned | [63] |
| CHAPTER IV. THE CAKCHIQUELS AGAIN IN REVOLT. 1525-1526. | |
| Alvarado Sets forth to Honduras to Join Cortés—Mutiny among hisMen—Gonzalo de Alvarado Appointed Lieutenant-governor—HisMeeting with Marin and his Party—The Second Revolt of theCakchiquels—Gonzalo the Cause of the Insurrection—Massacre ofthe Spaniards—Alvarado Returns to Guatemala—He Captures thePeñol of Xalpatlahua—He Marches on Patinamit—His Return toMexico—His Meeting with Cortés | [74] |
| CHAPTER V. SUBJUGATION OF ZACATEPEC AND CAPTURE OF SINACAM'S STRONGHOLD. 1527-1528. | |
| Puertocarrero in Charge of Affairs—Revolt at Zacatepec—Escape of theSpanish Garrison—The Place Recaptured—Execution of the HighPriest Panaguali—Sinacam's Stronghold—Its Siege and Capture—Jorgede Alvarado Appointed Governor—The City of SantiagoFounded in the Almolonga Valley—Prosperity of the new Settlement | [87] |
| CHAPTER VI. INDIAN REVOLTS AND CIVIL FACTIONS IN GUATEMALA. 1529-1530. | |
| Alvarado Returns to Spain—He is Arraigned before the Council of theIndies—His Acquittal—His Marriage—He Returns to Mexico—HisTrial before the Audiencia—Francisco de Orduña Arrives atSantiago—And Takes the Residencia of Jorge de Alvarado—TheConfederated Nations in Revolt—Juan Perez Dardon's Expeditionto the Valley of Xumay—The Spaniards Attack the Stronghold ofUspantan—Their Repulse and Retreat—The Place Afterward Capturedby Francisco de Castellanos—The Circus of Copan Besiegedby Hernando de Chaves—Gallant Conduct of a Cavalry Soldier—Alvarado'sReturn to Santiago—Demoralized Condition of the Province | [100] |
| CHAPTER VII. ALVARADO'S EXPEDITION TO PERU. 1531-1536. | |
| Ship-building in Guatemala—Alvarado Prepares an Expedition to theSpice Islands—But Turns his Attention toward Peru—Opposition ofthe Treasury Officials—The Pilot Fernandez Brings News of Atahualpa'sRansom—Strength of Alvarado's Armament—He Lands atPuerto Viejo—Failure of his Expedition—His Return to Guatemala—NativeRevolts during his Absence—The Visitador MaldonadoArrives at Santiago—He Finds No Fault in the Adelantado—But isAfterwards Ordered to Take his Residencia—Alvarado in Honduras | [122] |
| CHAPTER VIII. THE ECCLESIASTICS IN GUATEMALA. 1529-1541. | |
| Francisco Marroquin Arrives at Santiago—He is Appointed Bishop—Godlessnessof the Colonists—The Prelate Invites Las Casas to JoinHim—Marroquin's Consecration in Mexico—The Church at SantiagoElevated to Cathedral Rank—Difficulty in Collecting the ChurchTithes—The Merced Order in Guatemala—Miraculous Image of OurLady of Merced—Bibliographical | [133] |
| CHAPTER IX. AFFAIRS IN HONDURAS. 1527-1536. | |
| Diego Mendez de Hinostrosa Appointed Lieutenant-governor—SalcedoReturns to Trujillo—His Office Usurped by Vasco de Herrera—Deathof Salcedo—Three Rival Claimants for the Governorship—Expeditionsto the Naco and Jutigalpa Valleys—Diego Mendez Conspiresagainst Herrera—Assassination of the Latter—A Reign of Terror—Arrestand Execution of the Conspirator—Arrival of Governor Albitezat Trujillo—His Death—Andrés de Cereceda at the Head of Affairs—Distressof the Spaniards—Exodus of Settlers from Trujillo—TheyEstablish a Colony in the Province of Zula—Cereceda Appeals forAid to Pedro de Alvarado—He is Roughly Used by his own Followers—AlvaradoArrives in Honduras—He Founds New Settlements—HisDeparture for Spain | [144] |
| CHAPTER X. ADMINISTRATION OF AFFAIRS IN NICARAGUA. 1531-1550. | |
| Malefeasance of Castañeda—Diego Álvarez Osorio the First Bishop ofNicaragua—A Convent Founded at Leon—Las Casas Arrives—Castañeda'sFlight—Arrival of Contreras—Proposed Expedition to ElDesaguadero—Opposition of Las Casas—Departure with All theDominicans—The Volcano of El Infierno de Masaya—Fray Blas Believesthe Lava to be Molten Treasure—His Descent into the BurningPit—Exploration of the Desaguadero—Doctor Robles Attemptsto Seize the New Territory—Contreras Leaves for Spain—His Arrest,Trial, and Return—His Son-in-law Meanwhile Usurps the Government—Antoniode Valdivieso Appointed Bishop—Feud between theEcclesiastics and the Governor—Alonso Lopez de Cerrato Takes theResidencia of Contreras—Missionary Labors in Nicaragua | [166] |
| CHAPTER XI. EXPEDITION OF DIEGO GUTIERREZ TO COSTA RICA. 1540-1545. | |
| Diego Gutierrez Appointed Governor—Desertion of his Soldiers—He Proceedsto Nicaragua—The Advice of Contreras—The Expedition Sailsfor the Rio San Juan—Friendly Reception by the Natives—His MenDesert a Second Time—Reënforcements from Nicaragua and Nombrede Dios—The Historian Benzoni Joins the Party—Gutierrez asan Evangelist—He Inveigles Camachire and Cocori into his Camp—HeDemands Gold under Pain of Death—Noble Conduct of the CaciqueCocori—The Spaniards March into the Interior—Their Sufferingsfrom Hunger—They are Attacked and Massacred—Benzoni andFive Other Survivors Rescued by Alonso de Pisa | [187] |
| CHAPTER XII. ALVARADO'S LAST EXPEDITION. 1537-1541. | |
| The Adelantado's Match-making Venture—Its Failure—Alvarado's Commissionfrom the Crown—He Lands at Puerto de Caballos—AndThence Proceeds to Iztapa—His Armament—He Sails for Mexico—HisDefeat at Nochistlan—His Penitence, Death, and Last Will—Characterof the Conqueror—Comparison of Traits with Those ofCortés—While above Pizarro He was far beneath Sandoval—His Delightin Bloodshed for its own Sake—The Resting-place and Epitaph—Alvarado'sProgeny | [201] |
| CHAPTER XIII. THE CONQUEST OF CHIAPAS. 1520-1529. | |
| Origin of the Chiapanecs—They Submit to the Spaniards after the MexicanConquest—But Rise in Arms when Required to Pay Tribute—CaptainLuis Marin Undertakes the Conquest of the Province—HisBattles with the Natives—The Panic-stricken Artillerymen—Captureof the Stronghold of Chiapas—The Chamulans Rise in Revolt—TheirFortress Besieged—Repulse of the Spaniards—Bernal Diaz in Peril—Flightand Surrender of the Chamulans—Marin Returns to EspírituSanto—Second Revolt of the Chiapanecs—Their Subjugation byDiego de Mazariegos—Third Rebellion—Their Self-destruction—PedroPuertocarrero in the Field—His Discomfiture—Founding ofVilla Real—Juan Enriquez de Guzman Takes the Residencia ofMazariegos—His Maleadministration | [213] |
| CHAPTER XIV. THREATENED DESTRUCTION OF THE INDIES. 1526-1543. | |
| Decrease of Indian Population at the Isthmus—And in Honduras—Treatmentof Spanish Allies in Guatemala—Torture and Butchery ofHostile Natives—Terror Inspired by Alvarado—Early Legislation—ItsNon-observance—The New Laws—The Audiencia of PanamáAbolished—The Audiencia of Los Reyes and Los Confines Established—DisgustCaused by the New Code—The First Viceroy ofPeru Arrives at the Isthmus—He Takes Charge of Treasure Acquiredby Slave Labor—And Liberates a Number of Indians | [232] |
| CHAPTER XV. PANAMÁ AND PERU. 1538-1550. | |
| Administration of Doctor Robles—Interoceanic Communication—ProposedChange of the Site of Panamá—Nombre de Dios and itsTrade—The Isthmus the Highway of Commerce between the Hemispheres—VascoNuñez Vela Lands in Peru—Gonzalo Pizarro at theHead of a Rebellion—Dissolution of the Audiencia of Los Reyes andArrest of the Viceroy—His Release—His Defeat and Death at Añaquito—Gonzalo'sDreams of Conquest—He Despatches Bachicao toPanamá—Hinojosa's Expedition—His Bloodless Conquest of theProvince—Melchor Verdugo's Invasion—Pedro de la Gasca—HisNegotiations with the Revolutionists—Gasca Lands in Peru—Executionof Gonzalo Pizarro | [245] |
| CHAPTER XVI. REVOLT OF THE CONTRERAS BROTHERS. 1550. | |
| Cause of the Revolt—Preparations of the Conspirators—Assassination ofBishop Valdivieso—The Rebels Defeat the Men of Granada—TheirPlan of Operations—The Expedition Sails for Natá—Gasca Arrivesat the Isthmus with the King's Treasure—Capture of Panamá—Blundersof the Rebel Leaders—Hernando de Contreras Marches toCapira—He is Followed by his Lieutenant Bermejo—Gasca's Arrivalat Nombre de Dios—Uprising of the Inhabitants of Panamá—Bermejo'sAttack on the City—His Repulse—His Forces Annihilated—Fateof Hernando and his Followers | [274] |
| CHAPTER XVII. AFFAIRS IN HONDURAS. 1537-1549. | |
| Francisco de Montejo Appointed Governor—Revolt of the Cacique Lempira—DastardlyArtifice of the Spaniards—Establishment of NewColonies—Condition of the Settlements—Mining in Honduras—Returnof Pedro de Alvarado—Montejo Deposed from Office—Alonsode Maldonado the First President of the Audiencia of the Confines—Maltreatmentof the Natives—Rival Prelates in Honduras—TheirDisputes—Las Casas Presents a Memorial to the Audiencia—He isInsulted by the Oidores—His Departure for Chiapas—Maldonado'sGreed—He is Superseded by Alonso Lopez de Cerrato—The Seat ofthe Audiencia Moved to Santiago de Guatemala | [289] |
| CHAPTER XVIII. PROGRESS OF AFFAIRS IN GUATEMALA. 1541-1550. | |
| Mourning for Alvarado—Grief of Doña Beatriz—An Anomalous Government—AFemale Ruler—A Beautiful but Treacherous Mountain—ANight of Horrors—Death of Doña Beatriz—Destruction of Santiago—ARuined City—Burial of the Dead—Gloom of Conscience-strickenSurvivors—Joint Governors—Removal of the City Resolvedupon—A New Site Discussed—Another Santiago Founded—MaldonadoAppointed Governor—Action of the Audiencia Relative toEncomiendas—Controversies and Recriminations—Removal of theAudiencia to Santiago—President Cerrato Offends the Settlers—HisMode of Action | [311] |
| CHAPTER XIX. THE ECCLESIASTICS IN CHIAPAS. 1550. | |
| A Convent Founded by the Merced Order—Ciudad Real Appointed aCathedral City—Las Casas a Bishop—He Attempts to Enforce theNew Laws—He Refuses Absolution during Holy Week—His Controversywith the Audiencia of the Confines—He Departs for Spain—HisDispute with Sepúlveda—His Appeal to the Conscience ofPhilip—The Audiencia Transferred from Panamá to Guatemala—Deathof the Apostle of the Indies—His Character—The Dominicansin Chiapas | [328] |
| CHAPTER XX. MARROQUIN AND LAS CASAS IN GUATEMALA AND VERA PAZ. 1541-1550. | |
| A New Cathedral Wanted—A Poor Prelate and Unwilling Tithe-payers—TwoContentious Bishops—Charitable Institutions Founded—DominicanConvent Organized—Franciscans Arrive—Their Labors—MotoliniaFounds a Custodia—Disputes between Franciscans andDominicans—La Tierra de Guerra—Las Casas' System—His FirstEfforts in Vera Paz—He Goes to Spain—Decrees Obtained by Himand an Indignant Cabildo—Las Casas Returns—Progress in VeraPaz—Peaceful Submission and Heavy Tributes—Cancer's Expeditionto Florida—Ominous Opinions—An Indifferent Captain—ADominican Martyr | [341] |
| CHAPTER XXI. GUATEMALA AND CHIAPAS. 1551-1600. | |
| Quesada's Administration—The Oidor Zorita Gathers the Natives intoTowns—Expedition against the Lacandones—Its Failure—LandechoAppointed Quesada's Successor—His Residencia Taken by the LicentiateBrizeño—Famine, Pestilence, and Earthquake in Guatemala—TheAudiencia of the Confines Removed to Panamá—And AgainTransferred to Guatemala—Gonzalez Appointed President—He isSucceeded by Villalobos—Changes in Church Affairs—Death ofBishop Marroquin—Quarrels between the Dominicans and Franciscans—BishopsVillalpando and Córdoba—Fracas between two Ecclesiastics—Administrationof President Valverde, Rueda, Sandé,and Castilla—Industrial Condition of the Province | [358] |
| CHAPTER XXII. AFFAIRS IN PANAMÁ. 1551-1600. | |
| Revolt of the Cimarrones—Pedro de Ursua Sent against Them—ASecond Revolt—Bayano Caught and Sent to Spain—Regulationsconcerning Negroes—Commercial Decadence—Restrictions on Trade—HomeIndustries—Pearl Fisheries—Mining—Decay of Settlements—ProposedChange in the Port of Entry—Its Removal fromNombre de Dios to Portobello—Changes in the Seat of the Audiencia—TierraFirme Made Subject to the Viceroy of Peru—Defalcationsin the Royal Treasury—Preparations for Defence against Corsairsand Foreign Powers | [386] |
| CHAPTER XXIII. DRAKE AND OXENHAM'S EXPEDITIONS. 1572-1596. | |
| Drake's Attack on Nombre de Dios—Panic among the Inhabitants—Storesof Treasure—Retreat of the English—They Sail for Cartagena—AndThence for the Gulf of Urabá—Visit to the Isle of Pinos—TheShips Moved to the Cabezas Islands—Second Expedition to Cartagena—Marchto the Isthmus—Drake's First Glimpse of the SouthSea—Ambuscade Posted near Cruces—The Bells of ApproachingTreasure Trains—The Prize Missed through the Folly of a DrunkenSoldier—Capture of Cruces—Thirty Tons of Gold and Silver Takennear Nombre de Dios—Voyage on a Raft—The Expedition Returnsto England—Oxenham's Raid—Drake's Circumnavigation of theGlobe—His Second Voyage to the West Indies—His Final Expedition—HisDeath and Burial off Portobello | [404] |
| CHAPTER XXIV. NICARAGUA AND COSTA RICA. 1551-1600. | |
| Revolt of Juan Gaitan—His Defeat by the Licentiate Juan de Caballon—Expeditionof Caballon and Juan de Estrada Rábago to Costa Rica—SettlementsFounded—Distress of the Spaniards—Juan VazquezCoronado Comes to their Relief—Further Expeditions—Flight ofthe Natives—Capture of the Stronghold of Cotu—Administration ofDiego de Artiega Cherino—The Franciscans in Costa Rica—Martyrdomof Juan Pizarro—The Ecclesiastics in Nicaragua—Fray Juande Torres—Condition of the Settlements—Slow Growth of Trade | [424] |
| CHAPTER XXV. NICARAGUA AND COSTA RICA. 1601-1700. | |
| Leon Abandoned—Another Site Selected—Description of the New City—TheSacrilegious Mouse—The Trade of Granada—Freebooters in Nicaragua—ChurchMatters—The Jesuits Enter the Province—They areRecalled—The Diocese Subject to the Archbishop of Lima—Successionof Prelates—Eruption of El Infierno de Masaya—Massacre ofSpaniards in Costa Rica—Maldonado's Expedition to Talamanca—Verdelete'sMission to Tologalpa—Its Failure—His Further Attemptsto Christianize the Natives—Massacre of Soldiers and Ecclesiastics | [439] |
| CHAPTER XXVI. BUCCANEERS AND BUCCANEERING RAIDS. 1518-1664. | |
| Buccaneers at Santo Domingo—Tortuga the Head-quarters of the Pirates—TheirModes of Life—François L'Olonnois the Filibuster—His VesselCast on the Shore of Campeche—He Escapes to Tortuga—AndReappears in the Bay of Honduras—He Captures San Pedro—HePlans a Raid on Guatemala—His Comrades Desert Him—His VesselWrecked off Cape Gracias á Dios—His Expedition to Desaguadero—Andto Costa Rica—He is Hacked to Pieces—MansveltCaptures the Island of Santa Catarina—And Attacks Cartago—SantaCatarina Retaken by the Spaniards | [451] |
| CHAPTER XXVII. PANAMÁ, PORTOBELLO, AND PIRACY. 1601-1670. | |
| An Audiencia again Established in Panamá—Its Presidents—CaptainParker's Raid on Portobello—Growth of Portobello and Decadence ofPanamá—Malefeasance of Officials—Interoceanic Communication—ContrabandTrading—Church Matters in Panamá—Disputes betweenthe Bishops and the Oidores—The Ecclesiastics in Evil Repute—DestructiveConflagration—Bazan's Administration—His Downfall andits Cause—The Annual Fair at Panamá | [464] |
| CHAPTER XXVIII. MORGAN'S RAIDS ON THE ISTHMUS. 1664-1671. | |
| Morgan's Early Career—He Resolves to Attack Portobello—The Castleof Triana Blown into the Air—Capture of the City—AtrocitiesCommitted by the Buccaneers—The President of Panamá Marchesagainst Them—He is Driven Back—Morgan Sends Him a Specimenof his Weapons—Ransom of the City and Return to Jamaica—TheBuccaneers Prepare Another Armament, and Resolve to Attack Panamá—Captureof Fort San Lorenzo—March across the Isthmus—MorganArrives in Sight of Panamá—Cowardice of the Governor—Battlewith the Spaniards—Burning of the City—Torture of Prisoners—Braveryof a Captive Gentlewoman—The Buccaneers Recrossthe Isthmus—Division of the Booty | [482] |
| CHAPTER XXIX. CORSAIRS IN THE SOUTH SEA. 1671-1682. | |
| The New City of Panamá—Portobello Sacked by Pirates—A BuccaneerFleet Assembles at Boca del Toro—The Corsairs Plan a Raid on Panamá—TheyCapture Santa María—And Thence Sail for PlantainIsland—Massacre of their Captives—Desperate Conflict in PanamáBay—Some of the Marauders Return across the Isthmus—The RemainderProceed to the Island of Taboga—And there Capture SeveralPrizes—They are Asked to Show their Commissions—The Answer—TheySail for the Coast of Veragua—Their Repulse at PuebloNuevo—Their Operations on the Coast of South America—Some ofThem Return to England—They are Tried and Acquitted | [517] |
| CHAPTER XXX. FURTHER PIRATICAL RAIDS. 1681-1687. | |
| Dampier and his Comrades on the Santa María River—They Meet withSpanish War Vessels—Their March to the North Sea—They Fall inwith a French Ship—And Sail round Cape Horn to the South Sea—TheyAttack Realejo—They Sail for the Island of La Plata—HereThey are Reënforced—They Proceed to the Coast of South America—Wherethey Gain Intelligence of the Treasure-fleet—ThePirates Sail for the Pearl Islands—Their Defeat in the Bay of Panamá—Raidson Leon, Realejo, and Granada—Piety of the Filibusters—FurtherOperations of the Pirates | [543] |
| CHAPTER XXXI. PANAMÁ. 1672-1800. | |
| The Scots Colony—They Propose to Establish Settlements in Darien—Subscriptionsfor the Enterprise—Departure of the Expedition—ItsArrival at Acla—Sickness and Famine among the Colonists—TheyAbandon their Settlement—A Second Expedition Despatched—ItsFailure—Cartagena Sacked by Privateers—Indian Outbreaks—Conflagrationsin Panamá—Pearl Fisheries—Mining—Spanish CommerceFalling into the Hands of the British—Seizure of British Vessels andMaltreatment of their Crews—Jenkins' Ears—Declaration of War—Vernon'sOperations on the Isthmus—Anson's Voyage round theWorld—Vernon's Second Expedition—Its Disastrous Result | [570] |
| CHAPTER XXXII. MOSQUITIA, NICARAGUA, AND COSTA RICA. 1701-1800. | |
| The Sambos of Mosquitia—Their Territory—A Mosquito ChieftainCrowned King—Treaties between Spain and England—The BritishOccupy Mosquitia—Galvez Captures an English Settlement on theBlack River—An Armament Despatched from Jamaica to Mosquitia—Surrenderof the Spaniards—Colonists Ordered to Leave theCoast—The Governors of Nicaragua—The British Defeated at FortSan Cárlos—They Capture Fort San Juan—But are Compelled toRetreat—Church Matters—Missionary Expeditions to Talamanca—Affairsin Costa Rica | [595] |
| CHAPTER XXXIII. BELIZE. 1650-1800. | |
| Buccaneer Settlements in Yucatan—The Pirates Engage in Wood-cutting—GovernorFigueroa Ordered to Expel them—Raid of the Wood-cutterson Ascension Bay—They are Driven Back by the Governor—TheirSettlement in Belize Destroyed by Figueroa—They Return inStronger Force—Further Expeditions against Them—The Wood-cuttersunder British Protection—They are Attacked by GovernorRivas—The Boundaries of Belize Defined by the Treaty of Versailles—Stipulationsof a Later Treaty—Further Encroachments ofthe English | [623] |
| CHAPTER XXXIV. HONDURAS. 1550-1800. | |
| Piratical Raids on Trujillo and Puerto de Caballos—Condition of theSettlements—Church Matters—Missionary Expedition to Tegucigalpa—Martyrdomof the Missionaries—Labors of the Franciscans inHonduras—Interference of the Bishop—Trujillo Destroyed by theDutch—Fort San Fernando de Omoa Erected—Its Capture by theEnglish—And Recovery by President Galvez—Roatan Several TimesOccupied by Buccaneers—Their Final Expulsion | [637] |
| CHAPTER XXXV. GUATEMALA AND CHIAPAS. 1601-1700. | |
| President Castilla—Port Santo Tomás Founded—Factions—A GamblingPresident—Condition of the Colonists—Grievances—Patronage ofthe Crown, the Audiencia, and the Cabildo—Disputes—DefensiveMeasures—Rule of President Caldas—Reorganization of the Audiencia—PresidentBarrios and Bishop Navas—Political Dissensions—ATroublesome Visitador—The Berropistas and Tequelies—A Line ofBishops—Wealth of the Regular Orders—A Prelate Bewitched—TheBethlehemites—Royal Order concerning Curacies—The New Cathedraland Festivities—Succession—The Progress of Chiapas | [649] |
| CHAPTER XXXVI. THE ITZAS AND LACANDONES. 1601-1700. | |
| Early Efforts at Pacification—Priests and Soldiers Sacrificed—Massacreof Mirones and his Party—El Prospero Expedition—Indifference ofthe Orders—Bishop Navas in the Field—A Tripartite CampaignDetermined upon—Expedition of President Barrios—Meeting withMazariegos—Velasco's Operations—The Expeditions Return—FurtherExpeditions—Fate of Velasco and his Command—Failure—Ursua'sEnterprise—Progress of Paredes—Negotiations with theCanek—Opposition of Soberanis—Ursua Takes Command—TreacherousAllurements—The Itzas Conquered—Peten Garrisoned—Jealousyof Soberanis—Unsatisfactory Operations—Questionable Possession | [672] |
| CHAPTER XXXVII. GUATEMALA AND CHIAPAS. 1701-1800. | |
| The Tzendal Rebellion—A New Miracle—Atrocities—A Novel Hierarchy—TheTzendales Repulsed—Segovia's Operations—PresidentCosío Assumes Command—Fall of Cancuc—Spread of the Rebellion—ItsSuppression—Decadence of Chiapas—Earthquakes—Riots—Venality of the Clergy—Establishment of the Archbishopric—Heresy—Boundariesof Provinces—Abolition of Corregimientos—AnotherGreat Earthquake—Quarrels over Removal—Expulsion ofthe Jesuits | [696] |
HISTORY OF CENTRAL AMERICA.
CHAPTER I.
PIZARRO AND PERU.
1524-1544.
Origin and Character of the Conqueror—The Triumvirate Copartnership of Pizarro, Friar Luque, and Diego de Almagro for Continuing the Discovery of Andagoya—Departure—Attitude of Pedrarias—Slow Development of their Plans—Return and Reëmbarkation—Persistence of Pizarro—Sufferings on Gallo Island—Fate Defied—Discovery of Tumbez and the Coast Beyond—Return to Panamá—Pizarro Visits Spain—A New Expedition—Aboriginal History of Peru—The Rival Incas—Establishment of the Spaniards at San Miguel—Atahualpa at Caxamalca—The Spaniards Visit him There—Seizure of the Inca—Pacification of Peru—Arrival of Almagro—Death of Father Luque—Judicial Murder of the Inca—A King's Ransom—Downfall of the Peruvian Monarchy—Disputes and Violent Deaths of the Almagros and Pizarros.
In a society like that of Panamá, where politics were so unjust and morality so diabolical, we could expect nothing else than that the worst men should prove the most successful. Among those who came early to Darien, and whom we have frequently encountered in the wars upon the natives, was one who now enters the arena as the conqueror of Peru. His origin was of the lowest. Born in bastardy, he was laid by his mother on the church steps, whence he was taken by a swine-herd to be suckled by a sow. Escaping this master he fled to Seville and lived no one knows how, until he took ship to Santo Domingo, no one knows when. Thenceforward to the day of his assassination, his merciless courage found congenial occupation; neither his ignorance nor his beastly instincts nor his infamous cruelty and treachery standing in the way of fame and fortune.
He was now not far from fifty-three, having been born at Trujillo, in Estremadura, about 1471. After both had become famous a distant kinship was traced between Pizarro and Hernan Cortés. The development had been, in every respect, in keeping with the origin and environment. Except Pedrarias there was not a man in all the Indies more detestable. Innately he was the coarsest of all the conquerors. I have not seen of his a single noble sentiment expressed or a single noble action recorded. The Christianity which as a Spaniard he was obliged to wear had in it not the slightest tincture of piety or pity, and the civilization under which his genius grew developed in him only the savage cunning which he afterward displayed when in pursuit of human prey. Under this same influence Cortés and other captains of a generous, lordly nature might wade through horrors to a determined goal, while appalling tragedies and blood-reeking treacheries were not what their souls delighted in. But incarnate vulgarity was Francisco Pizarro, and a devouring sea of iniquity, beside whom beasts were heavenly beings; for when man sinks to his lowest, we must enter the domain of hideous fancy to find his prototype.
Up to this time Pizarro had displayed little of that signal ability, that marvellous determination and readiness of resource which carried through one of the most remarkable undertakings of any age. Soldier of fortune and petty farmer were the only distinctions he could boast. No talents of a higher order than those exhibited by the other captains in Darien had as yet appeared, except perhaps a cooler cruelty in his treatment of the natives, and a more selfish heartlessness in his intercourse with his comrades. He was made of admirable stuff for an executioner, brave, obedient, merciless, remorseless; and as he had not manifested sufficient ambition to excite the jealousy even of Pedrarias he had been a useful tool of the governor. Great deeds do not always spring from greatness of soul. It may have been merely owing to the decline of physical powers with advancing age that Pizarro's mind was led to serious reflection on what at various times he had heard of the region southward of the Isthmus, of what Panciaco had said, and the Pearl Islanders, and Tumaco, and last of all of what Andagoya had reported concerning Birú. It was known what Cortés had done in the north; might not the same feat be accomplished in the south?
ORGANIZATION OF AN EXPEDITION.
Whencesoever sprang the purpose, on the return of Andagoya unsuccessful from Birú, Pizarro determined if possible to undertake an expedition in that direction. Notwithstanding a long career of successful robbery he had little to venture, except that worthless article his life. Two requirements were necessary, money and the consent of the governor, both of which might be obtained through Fernando de Luque, acting vicar of Panamá, and formerly school-master of the cathedral of Darien. Father Luque, or Loco as he was later called for this folly, had influence with Pedrarias, and the proceeds of his piety thus far amounted to twenty thousand castellanos. He joined with himself a comrade, Diego de Almagro, and winning over the priest and the governor by a promise of one fourth each, the company was complete. Almagro was a few years older than Pizarro, and with an origin perhaps as low, for he was likewise a foundling. Ill-favored by nature, the loss of an eye but increased a sinister expression that had played from infancy over his features. It is but faint praise to say of him that his impulses were nobler than those of Pizarro. Though fiery he was frank, and abhorred treachery; nor could he nurse a wrong more easily than his colleague. Pizarro was to command the expedition; Almagro to take charge of the ships; the vicar, besides his money, was to contribute his prayers, while the governor was to have an eye watchful for himself.