How the Viceroy, on receiving the news that Gonzalo Diaz had deserted, was much enraged, and what else happened.

We have related how Vela Nuñez returned from the snowy mountains of Pariacaca in great consternation owing to the monstrous treason of Gonzalo Diaz, fearing that the traitor might overtake him and murder him. Having descended into the valley of Lima he reflected much within himself, concluding that the evils which were coming on the land, by reason of the wars, could not be slight. Certainly he would desire that the Viceroy could check the disturbances arising in all parts, from the time that he arrived in Peru, and even after the suspension of the ordinances. On the other hand the evil character of the people, and their bad faith, showed that, even if the ordinances had been suspended from the beginning, the disloyal movements would not have ceased, for so rich and prosperous a land could not remain at peace. These things and others Vela Nuñez said to me in the city of Cali, when I wished to inform myself respecting these events. So Vela Nuñez arrived at Lima in the night, and gave the Viceroy a detailed account of what had happened, including the great treason of Gonzalo Diaz, and how ill he had requited the honour the Viceroy had shown him.

The Viceroy was deeply moved and his countenance could not conceal the deep sorrow which filled his heart. He said—“This land is the Devil! Great are the evils which surround it! Never are those who live in it at peace one with another! If I had not seen it, I could not believe that without reason, without the fear of God, without truth, without shame they could thus abandon loyalty to their king! In whom can I put trust. Not in those I chose as captains, and to whom I showed so much honour. For they deny me and cease to be loyal, preferring to live as traitors.” Saying this he went about, trying to show that he was not disturbed by the desertion of Gonzalo Diaz, for he said that it was better to have traitors outside the city than inside.

Great was the excitement in the city of Lima when the flight of Gonzalo Diaz de Pineda was known. Though some felt regret, others rejoiced exceedingly, both citizens and soldiers, because it brought the time nearer when Gonzalo Pizarro would enter with his banners. They talked one with another, and showed their delight by their words, saying “Now Pizarro comes. This time he will be Governor, and we shall have no Judges, and no rules about our Indians, nor ordinances, and Blasco Nuñez Vela will go back to Spain.”

The Viceroy, after having been fully informed by his brother the general, called an assembly of the Judges, captains, and principal citizens, and as soon as they were all present, he said to them, “It seems to me that Vela Nuñez has fortunately escaped. What think you of the treachery of Gonzalo Diaz? Yesterday I sent letters to the principal men of Cuzco who come as fugitives by way of Arequipa and will be here shortly. I believe that there is want of agreement in the camp of Pizarro, many regretting the course they have taken and desiring pardon. But when those traitors approach we must show no want of firmness. It is important that we all should animate the soldiers, remembering also that with the captains lies the greater force in war. Do not be too much depressed by the bad news. God our Lord often puts his hand in favour of causes that appear lost, and they are won.” The Viceroy having said these words to the assembly and made another speech to the captains, they all replied that they would carry out his orders.

It had been arranged that Diego Alvarez de Cueto, with a light body of horse, should go as far as Chincha on the coast, to meet Garcilasso de la Vega, Graviel de Rojas, and the others who were coming as fugitives from Cuzco. Although Captain Cueto got ready to start he did not go, having been ordered to remain for fear of desertions.

Soon afterwards there was a general review of the troops. The infantry mustered more than 500. Jeronimo de la Serna received the appointment of captain of the company of Gonzalo Diaz. This was a great grievance to Manuel de Estacio, ensign of that company, who had brought the banner to the great square. He said, now that Gonzalo Diaz was a traitor to his King in spite of the loyalty he owed to the Viceroy, he was the person entitled to succeed to the vacancy, for his services were not so small that he did not merit promotion. In a great rage he tore the banner, saying that the flag of a traitor had no place in a loyal camp. It was black with a red cross. So it was torn, and Gonzalo Diaz was declared a traitor publicly with the reason, and naming his parents and place of birth. The Viceroy said to Manuel de Estacio that he should not be aggrieved at Serna having been appointed captain, as he had enlisted more men; but Estacio still felt injured.

In the house of Illan Suarez de Carbajal there were many secret proceedings. One of his slaves had been sent with letters to the Licentiate Benito Suarez de Carbajal. But in sending the letters he did little contrary to his duty to the King our Lord, for after the death of the Licentiate Carbajal, I saw the letter in the city of Cuzco. It contained nothing but exhortations to the Licentiate to leave the company of Gonzalo Pizarro, and come to join the Viceroy and serve him.

LETTER
OF
FRIAR JUAN SOLANO, BISHOP OF CUZCO[59]
TO
THE KING

Lima, March 10th, 1545.