The War of Quito

by Pedro de Cieza de León

CHAPTER XIII

Of what happened in the town of Plata, and of the Procurators who set out to go to Lima.

After the Governor Vaca de Castro had defeated Don Diego de Almagro at Chupas, he appointed Luis de Ribera as his lieutenant-governor of the town of Plata. He was an important knight, native of the city of Seville. At a time when the town was quiet and peaceful, without any sign of disturbance, the news of the ordinances sent by his Majesty the King arrived, and of the arrival of Blasco Nuñez as Viceroy. Besides the news, there came letters from the municipality of Cuzco, and from Vaca de Castro corroborating it, and advising that Procurators should be sent so that, with others from all parts of the kingdom, they might protest against the enforcement of the new laws.

The news did not fail to cause much agitation in the minds of the people, as it had done in other parts where it had been received. When the first tumult was over there was a meeting consisting of Luis de Ribera, Diego Centeno, Antonio Alvarez, all three Alcaldes, and Lope de Mendieta, Francisco de Retamoso, and Francisco de Tapia, perpetual magistrates. They consulted in what manner they should receive these laws and ordinances. After having thought well over it they came to the conclusion that, as the King had decreed the ordinances, it would not be proper to resist to the point of rebellion, but to obey and, as humble vassals, pray that either some or all the ordinances might be suspended. With this object they would send persons from their town, who, with the voice of the people, would entreat the Viceroy not to enforce the laws until his Majesty had been informed of the truth, when he would order what would be most conducive to his service. Having considered who should be their procurators, they nominated Diego Centeno[28] the Alcalde and Pedro Alonso de Hinojosa[29], a magistrate who was also in the town. They gave them full powers to concert with the procurators who might come from other cities and towns the course to be taken in their petition, but all was to be done with great humility. Luis de Ribera spoke graciously to all the townspeople, assuring them that they need not trouble themselves about the ordinances, as his Majesty would be served by their revocation. Diego Centeno and Pedro de Hinojosa set out from the town to go to the city of Lima, Hinojosa having first seen Gonzalo Pizarro at Chaqui.

CHAPTER XIV

Of other things that were done by the Captain Gonzalo Pizarro, and how many letters came to him from all parts.

The Captain Gonzalo Pizarro was much agitated by what the people said, and, being a man of little forethought, he did not calculate on future developments. At one time he thought he would remain in his house and not show the head of the wolf to the people as the saying is. Afterwards, mindful that his affairs were prospering, he would refuse to put himself within the lasso. At other times he thought it would show a want of valour to consider only his own position, when the eyes of all were turned to him, and felt that they would not be so ungrateful as not to think of his welfare, if he entered upon the business. He also considered that he had undertaken the discovery of Canela, whence he had come out unsuccessful and so seriously embarrassed that $50,000 would not pay his debts. It would have been just if his Majesty had named him as Governor, for all his services, alleging his claim as based on the testament of the Marquis and on a royal provision, he being still absent in Quito. These reflections aroused in him a desire to go to Cuzco, and assemble forces to oppose the Viceroy. Meanwhile letters continued to arrive from all parts, inciting him to set out speedily, striving to excite his anger, and urging him to undertake the enterprise as his own, for it was to liberate the province and befriend the people, as their patron and as he who, jointly with the Marquis, had discovered the kingdom. They told him that he should feel the misery and ruin which his Majesty’s orders would bring upon them. That he might have a stronger inducement to interfere, it was hinted to him that he himself, with all who had been concerned in the recent troubles, were to be beheaded and all their property confiscated.

Having considered all these things, and being a man of little knowledge, Gonzalo Pizarro was inclined to approach the city of Cuzco, without thinking that it was madness to oppose the royal officers. At Cuzco he had faithful friends who would do what seemed best for his service. So he wrote cheerful letters to all parts, saying that he would come and attend to their wishes, adventuring his life for their welfare. Having collected all the silver, of which there were such quantities that 100 marcs or more were extracted daily, he determined to set out for the great city of Cuzco, leaving orders that what more of the precious metal was extracted should be speedily sent after him. About fourteen men, all being his own servants, accompanied him, and one who was his brother, having the name of Blas de Soto. As he approached Cuzco there came many letters from Lima and other parts and he, keeping in his breast what he intended to do, held his tongue, showing by his silence that he would do that which had been urged upon him in the letters.

CHAPTER XV

How Gonzalo Pizarro sent a spy to Arequipa and further on to get news about the Viceroy, and how some soldiers arrived.