Young Almagro stabs the Duke.
But young Almagro, instigated by his Guardian John Rada, resolving, to be reveng’d for his Fathers Death; to that purpose he went to Los Reyes, where by the help of some hir’d Male-contents, he design’d to Murder the Duke upon St. John’s day, in the Church at high Service: But this business was not so closely carry’d, but the Duke had some inkling thereof, who therefore stay’d at home, and went not to Mass that day. The Conspirators doubting the event, hearing that their Plot was discover’d, though defeated in their purpose, yet not fail’d in their Courage, ran at noon day to the Palace, crying, Kill the Tyrant, kill the Traytor. But Pizarro being so much forewarn’d, had lock’d up the Gates, and arm’d himself, which when they could not enter, yet they went back through the City, and waving a bloody Sword, cry’d, Pizarro is slain; this being believ’d, above two hundred private Friends to Almagro appear’d, who all ran to the Palace, crouding about the Gates: And Francisco de Chares coming out at a private Door, hoping to pacifie the Mutineers, was immediately Stab’d; but they rushing in the way he came, found some stout opposition, for seven Halberdiers of his Guard fought till they were all kill’d in the Dukes presence; but Pizarro was taken alive, and being brought before Almagro, he Savagely Butcher’d him with his own hands; which done, they ran crying along the Streets, Long live the Emperor, and Didacus Almagro.
Great slaughter in Los Reye.
But after all this, Pizarro’s Party joyning together, valiantly withstood the Conspirators, so that a considerable number were slain on both sides, yet Almagro at last getting the better, confiscated the Goods of all those that were against him; and now every one shew’d him the respect of Chief Governor, till the Emperor should either settle him, or send another.
From hence Marching to Cusco, he had like to have paid for all, but prevented by private intelligence thereof; which happen’d thus,
Strange Transactions between Alvarado, Sotello, and Almagro.
Fight between Castro and Almagro.
Castro’s Cruelty.
Garcias Alvarado and Christopher Sotello were Joynt-Governors of Cusco; but quarrelling, and coming to Blows in like manner, Sotello was slain: This Almagro took very hainously, as being his intimate Friend, giving forth threatning Speeches of Revenge; which Alvarado inform’d of, and intending some way or other to prevent all Dangers, and save himself, he invited Almagro to a Feast, but privately resolving to make it a Bloody Banquet, by his Death at the Table. Of this he being inform’d, as we mention’d before, staid at home, and privately sent for some Soldiers that had belong’d to Sotello, sending word that he was indispos’d: Alvarado, under a shew of Kindness, goes to Almagro, hoping to perswade him to come to his prepar’d Treat; but so soon as he was enter’d the Hall, they clapp’d to the Gate, and the Soldiers falling upon Alvarado, slew him: But soon after Almagro was call’d in question, and not long enjoy’d this his usurp’d Authority; for the Emperor Charles sending the Learned Vacca de Castro with full Authority to Peru, to settle that disturb’d Kingdom, Almagro now us’d to Govern, had no Ears to become a Subject; therefore he march’d with an Army to meet Castro, by whom, after a bloody Fight, being beaten and put to flight, having four thousand Men, he fell into the Victors Hands near Cusco, where he was treated very severely; for shortly after he was condemn’d to be Beheaded; others were strangled, and some torn in pieces with Horses.
Vela Vice-Roy of Peru.