The Life, Travels and Adventures of F. de Soto, discoverer of the Mississippi ... Steel engravings by J. & S. Sartain, ... The illustrations, designed and engraved on wood, by J. W. Orr and R. Telfer, etc

Front matter

BATTUE OF MAUVILLA T II E LIFE, TRAVELS AND ADVENTURES OF FERDINAND DE SOTO, Siscciimr of \\}t Mississippi. I: V LAMBERT A. WILMER. STEEL ENGRAVINGS BY JOHN 8. SAML. SARTAIN, PHILADELPHIA THE ILLUSTRATIONS, DESIGNED AND ENGRAVED ON WOOD, BY J. w. ORR AND R. TELFER, NEW YORK. PHILADELPHIA: «T_ T. LLOYD. 1 8 .5 9 . Entered according to Act of Congre§lpl&-'the year 1858, by J. T. LLOYD, In the Clerk's Office of. the District Court of the United States, in and for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. STEREOTYPED BT GEORGE CHARLES, ) No. 607 SansOEQ Street. PRINTED BY KING i EAIRD, \ Philadelphia.

Introduction

. That strange and exciting event, the discovery of the New World, seems to have stimulated the imaginations of all the earliest writers of American history. To them America was a land of wonders, and their accounts of it were cor respondingly marvelous. Several other causes, which I am about to explain, have conspired to cast a shadow of doubt and suspicion on the records of the discovery and conquest of a large portion of this continent. In all American his tories, there is an obvious disposition to magnify the merits and achievements of those men who first established an intercourse between the eastern and western hemispheres, and brought one half of the world into subjection to the other. The Spaniards claim the discovery and conquest of America as one of their national triumphs ; and they have certainly endeavored to make the most of it.

Like Julius Cæsar, they are the chroniclers of their own exploits ; and that taste for self-glorification, or rhodomontade, which is presumed to be one of their national characteristics, has, in this instance, been indulged to an unlimited extent. The Spanish historians have supplied us with copious accounts of the actions of their countrymen in Mexico, Peru, and other parts of America; but the slightest examination of this registry will convince us that much of it has been l (l)

INTRODUCTION.

. fabricated for a particular purpose. Instead of being a simple relation of facts, the narrative often takes the form of an apologetic harangue. It is the pleading of the advo cate rather than the testimony of the witness. We are in debted to the inadvertence rather than to the candor of these writers, for any fact which could injuriously affect the reputation of their favorite heroes, or tarnish the honor and credit of the Spanish nation. The errors and faults of the Spanish historians have found apologists and imitators among some of the most popular and gifted writers of our own country. Mr. Wash ington Irving uses the following language with reference to Antonio de Herrera, who flourished about the end of the sixteenth century, and whose " General History of the West Indies" is the principal source from which all later writers have drawn their accounts of the first Spanish exploration and settlement of America.

" Herrera," says Mr. Irving, "has been censured for flattering his nation, exalting the deeds of his countrymen, and softening and concealing their excesses. But there is nothing very serious in this accusa tion ; for to illustrate the glories of his nation is one of the noblest offices of the historian."* This remark of our much admired American author does not give us a very exalted idea of his literary ethics ; but, as a writer of fiction, Mr. Irving may be excused for his misapprehension of an author's privileges. I have always entertained the opinion that the legitimate business of the historian is not to glorify any particular nation or individual, but to relate facts with candor and impartiality. Mr. Prescott apologizes, in a similar strain, for the numer- * Irving's "Columbus and his Companions." Appendix. Article Herrera.

INTRODUCTION.

. 3 ous falsifications of Garcilasso de la Vega, another Spanish writer, to whom the compilers of American history are indebted for a large portion of their materials, though his want of veracity has never been a matter of doubt or dispute. The author of the " Conquest of Peru" speaks approvingly of this writer's tendency to amplify and embellish the meagre details of history ; as if it were desirable to make a truthful narrative attractive by arraying it in the garb of romance. I fear that the unnatural mixture of the true and false, which has been practiced by some Spanish and American historiographers, will make it almost impossible for posterity to distinguish between the veritable records of past events and the flimsy inventions of the sentimental novelist. While engaged in collecting materials for this book, I have ex perienced some of the inconveniences and embarrassments which the fanciful writers just spoken of have entailed upon their successors.

The most troublesome part of my task has been the separation of the facts of history from the fabrications of the historian ; and in this winnowing operation I do not flatter myself that I have been always suc cessful. It is a melancholy fact, that some of the most valuable and authentic records of events connected with the discovery and settlement of America are still locked up in the Spanisli libraries. The publication of these tell-tale manuscripts has been interdicted, as we are informed, by the government of Spain, or by the authority of the Catholic church. Among these unpublished writings there is an entire his tory of America, from the discovery to the year 1520, by Bartholomew Las Casas, Bishop of Chiapa. This truly great man was a cotemporary of the principal explorers and conquerors of America, and he derived many of his facts

INTRODUCTION.

. from personal observation. He was unquestionably a true and faithful witness; and on that very account, as it is supposed, his writings were suppressed, as they contained much which was offensive to government and derogatory to the character of the men who took a part in the American crusade. A few extracts from the works of Las Casas have appeared in print ; and to this circumstance I am indebted for some of those examples of Spanish superstition and barbarity which I have introduced into this volume. Thirty books of Oviedo's history, and many other writings illus trative of American antiquities, are likewise included among the unpublished treasures of Spanish literature. Several American authors, among whom were Messrs. Prescott and Irving, were permitted to examine these im portant records.

In view of the superior opportunities of those gentlemen, I have been tempted to exclaim with the jealous Helena : " IIosv happy some o'er other some con be!" But every feeling of discontent vanished when I discovered how little advantage my highly-favored countrymen gained from their inspection of those secluded manuscripts. Mr. Irving assures us that they contain much which would elucidate some very obscure passages of American history ;* but neither he nor Mr. Prescott has made any important addition to this department of useful knowledge. All that is valuable in the writings of these gentlemen might have been gathered from printed books in the libraries of America. It was useless for them to gain access to the penetralia of * Irving's " Columbus and his Companions." Appendix. Article Las Caiaa.

INTRODUCTION.

. the temple, when all the truths they desired to have could have been found in the portico. As a biography of Ferdinand de Soto must necessarily include a considerable portion of American history, I have sought for information at the same fountains where some of our most eminent history writers have obtained their supplies. But I have claimed the privilege of an American citizen by having opinions of my own, and daring to ex press them even when they appear to be at variance with the statements of the most distinguished authors of my country. If this is presumption, I hope it will be some extenuation of the fault to offer the most substantial his torical evidences in support of my peculiar hypotheses. Whenever I venture to contradict the declarations of a high authority, I will endeavor to show that a still higher au thority will justify and sustain me in the contradiction.

The falsification of historical records is not, strictly speak ing, a peculiarity of Spanish writers, for others have been detected in the same practice. If, as Mr. Irving asserts, a Spanish author is excusable for glorifying his nation, and exalting the characters and actions of his countrymen, at the expense of truth, his violent amor patriæ, I suppose, is the plea of justification. But this defense is certainly not available for the American citizen who re-echoes the extravagant panegyrics which the Castilian scribes have pronounced on the great men of their nation. The Spaniards may be adepts in the manufacture of heroes, but the ingenuity and skill of our own countrymen in that branch of business is unapproachable, several of the Spanish heroes have been manifestly improved, or regilded as it were, by passing through the hands of our American artists.

I have no inclination to try my skill in such ingenious but very cenintroduction. surable operations ; for I do not profess to be an admirer of that phase of heroism which can be associated with the lowest forms of depravity and crime. Admitting that the ability to make a shining character of the worst possible material may be an evidence of genius or superior literary tact, I am still persuaded that such unnatural perversions are eminently mischievous. It is bad enough for novel writers to display their portraitures of amiable and admirable villains, as if for the express purpose of destroying all the distinctions between good and evil; but it is absolutely hor rifying to see genuine history so distorted as to exhibit the blackest and most fiendlike malefactors in the guise of angels or demigods.

Comparing Ferdinand de Soto with those of his com patriots who took a part in the subjugation of the American tribes, we may truly say of him, perhaps, that "He was the noblest Spaniard of them all." All the good and noble qualities which are claimed for him in these pages are ascribed to him by his cotemporary his torians. But it has been no part of my design to represent him as a model of human perfection. I have merely en deavored to render him that justice and due appreciation which some writers, who have been too intent on the exalta tion of more unworthy objects, have denied him. In the relation of De Soto's travels and adventures, I have endeav ored to be as truthful, at least, as my authorities. In all matters of historical importance, I have made a somewhat elaborate search after the truth, when it appeared to lie far beneath the surface.

With this object in view, I have ex amined many antique tomes, and availed myself of every other source of intelligence which was within my reach. introduction. 7 On the score of veracity, I think this Life of De Solo will compare favorably with any other book which professes to give an account of the Spanish operations in America ; and there is nothing very boastful in this assumption, for much of the early history of America — even when it has all the amendments and elucidations of our latest authors — is scarcely less obscure, enigmatical, and fabulous than the most ancient records of Greece or Egypt. Before I finish these introductory remarks, it may be proper for me to disavow any intention to disparage the literary merits of several cotemporary authors who are mentioned in different parts of this volume.

My negation of some of their statements must be considered as a matter of necessity; for when any material difference appears be tween their narratives and mine, it is incumbent on me to explain the cause of my disagreement with such eminent authorities, otherwise my own veracity might justly be called in question. If I fail to show wherein they are mistaken, I allow it to be supposed that the error is on my own side. It should be observed, however, that? it is no imputa tion against the abilities or learning of an author, to charge him with a misstatement of facts. Faults of this kind arc often the result of indolence, or of an excessive activity of imagination ; and it is possible that the most ingenious and brilliant historians are sometimes the least reliable. In view of all the difficulties which attend this branch of literary toil, I am well prepared to excuse the faults and blemishes of my co-laborers, feeling, as I do, that my own imperfections may stand greatly in need of the same kind of merciful forbearance.

Philadelphia, July 10, 1858. I. Birth of De Soto — His Parentage — He is patronized by Count Pedro Arias de Avila — He falls in Love with, the Count's beautiful Daughter Isabella — He demands her in Marriage, and is scornfully repulsed by her Relations — The Count makes a Discovery which leads to plans of Vengeance — De Soto resolves to Visit the New World — His Life is endangered by De Avila's Machinations, [a. d. 1500-1519.] Page 17

Chapter II

Unparalleled tyranny and barbarity of Pedro de Avila — The Effects of his cruel Policy — A Famine among the Colonists — Their frightful Sufferings — Noblemen turned Beggars — A Spanish Gentleman starved to Death — Abominable crimes committed by De Avila's Captains — An Indian Woman hunted like a Beast — An Infant thrown to the Dogs — De Soto refuses to obey De Avila's orders — Mock trial of Vasco Nunez de Balboa — De Avila causes him to be beheaded — Heroic behavior of Balboa on the Scaffold, [a. d. 1519.] 27

Chapter III

De Soto is commanded by De Avila to destroy an Indian Village — He refuses to obey the Order — His Duel with Captain Alonzo Perez de la Rua — The great Indian chief Uracca opposes the Spaniards — Alarm of the Settlers at Panama — De Avila sends out two Parties to destroy the Indian Villages — Uracca meets the Spanish troops, and defeats them with great slaughter — De Soto rescues some of his Countrymen who are in the Power of the Indians — The surviving Spaniards escape to their Ships, [a.d. 1520-1522.] 4C

Chapter IV

The fugitive Spaniards land at Borrica— A quarrel between De Soto and the Alcalde Espinoso — De Soto carries an Account of the Spaniards' defeat to Governor de Avila — Herman Ponce is sent to Pizarro's assistance — The Spanish force on the Isthmus is increased by the arrival of fresh Troops — The Governor himself proceeds against Uracca The Cacique outgenerals De Avila — De Soto saves the Life of the Italian Astrologer, Micer Codro — Disasters of the Spanish Troops in Veragua — Misrepresentations of Spanish Historians, [a. d 1524 1 49 CONTENTS. 9

Chapter V

Continued alarm of the Spanish Settlers at Panama — Examples of Indian Generosity and Spanish Barbarism — Donna Isabella's Constancy — Don Pedro becomes more incensed against De Soto — De Soto's Danger — He is visited by Micer Codro, the Astrologer, who makes a startling Disclosure — A Prediction and a Warning — De Soto is prevented from holding any Correspondence with Isabella— His Troubles and Disappointments. [A. D. 1525-1527.] Page 60

Chapter VI

Pizarro, Almagro, and De Luque, prepare for the Invasion of Peru — De Soto refuses to join their Company — Pizarro leaves Panama in a Ship, with one hundred and thirty Men — He makes unprovoked Attacks on the Indian Towns — He is beaten, and compelled to turn back — Almagro embarks with more Men, and follows after Pizarro — He meets with unexpected Disasters, and returns to Chucama — Governor De Avila looses his Office — De Soto writes to Isabella — His Letter, [a. d. 1526.] 69

Chapter VII

De Soto and Francisco Hernandez are sent to explore Nicaragua— Hernandez undertakes to convert the Indians — Giles Gonzalez engages in the same Duty — How the Natives were converted — Nearly forty thousand Indians are baptized — Hernandez and Gonzalez — Each claims an exclusive right to Christianize them — Each has a particular Way of Doing it — De Soto marches against Gonzalez — A Battle — Treachery of Gonzalez — De Soto's narrow escape — Backsliding among the new Converts, [a. d.1527.] 80

Chapter VIII

De Soto comes to an open Rupture with Pedro do Avila — He receives a Letter from Donna Isabella — De Avila discovers the Correspondence — Don Pedro and his Retinue start for Nicaragua — They arrive at Leon — De Avila's Interiew with Francisco Hernandez — Tragic Incident — De Soto is condemned to lose his Head — He defies the power of Governor De Avila, and retires from his Service, [a. d. 1526.] 91

Chapter IX

Pizarro, the suture Companion-in-Arms of De Soto — His Expedition toward Peru — The true Character of that Enterprise — His Afflictions — His horrible Barbarities — An Account of his unexampled Atrocities, quoted from the Writings of Bishop Las Casas — The corroboratory Evidence of a Franciscan Friar — Millions of People murdered in cold blood by Pizarro and his Associates — Ferdinand de Soto's Unfortunate Connections — The Effect thereof on his Character, [a. d. 1527- 1528.] X. The Punishment of Micer Codro, and his last Prophecy — De Soto goes on an Exploring Expedition — His unsuccessful Search — He receives Presents of Gold from friendly Indians — He resolves to return to Leon — He embarks in a Caravel — His singular Adventure with the Captain of the Vessel — He hears of the Death of Micer Codro — How the Last Prediction of the Astrologer was fulfilled, [a. d. 1528.] Page 115

Chapter XI

De Soto's Exploring Expedition to Guatemala — The horrid Acts of Martin Estete — Indians enslaved and branded with a red-hot Iron — The Natives are robbed of their Children — Caciques burned to Death and devoured by Dogs— Sixty thousand people murdered — Pizarro entreats De Soto to come to Peru — He goes with a reinforcement of Men and Horses — Pizarro swindles his Confederates, and begins to make a havoc among his Peruvian friends — De Soto arrives at the Island of Puna, and joins Pizarro. [a. d. 1532.] 126

Chapter XII

The real condition of Peru before the Spanish Invasion — Its admirable Institutions — Prosperity and Happiness of the People — Their Arts and Manufactures — The grand temple of Cuzco — The inexhaustible riches of Peru — The metals used by the Peruvians — Their mechanical Skill — Their great Public Works — Slanders of the Spanish conquerors — The Peruvians not Idolaters — A true Account of their Religion — F.ilsehoods of the Spanish historians refuted 13S

Chapter XIII

De Soto is basely deceived by Pizarro — An Attack on the city of Tumbez — The Spaniards are disappointed — A bold Adventure tried by De Soto — His conduct contrasted with that of Piz.arro — De Soto's battle with the Mountaineers — His Victory — The spoils of the Enemy — He disobeys Pizarro's orders, and advances into the Country— -He discovers the great National Road leading to Cuzco — He is suspected of an intention to Revolt — His contemptuous treatment of Pizarro. [a. d. 1533.]... 151

Chapter XIV

De Soto returns victorious — He gives good counsel to Pizarro — The Spaniards desire to move forward — Pizarro resolves to build a City — Account of a wonderful "Spiritual Manifestation" — The town of San Miguel founded — One of Mr. Prescott's errors corrected — Pizarro m<akes deceitful professions of friendship to the Inca — He becomes alarmed, and is half inclined to turn back — De Soto offers to go to the Peruvian Court — His offer is accepted by Pizarro, who sends a party of Horsemen to acompany him — An Indian is barbarously put to the torture, [a d 1529.] CONTENTS. 11

Chapter XV

De Soto's Journey in search of the Inca— He attracts crowds of Admirers — His wonderful feats of Horsemanship — The houses of the Peruvians described— The Occupations of the People— Their Dress— Female Extravagance not possible among them — Peruvian Civilization — Magnificent Public Works — Peruvian justice — Pizarro and some of his Confederates are dismayed — Spanish and American historiographers charged with falsehood — Do Soto's reasons for serving under the villainous Pizarro — De Soto's correspondence with Isabella — Her constancy — De Soto's guilt, [a. d. 1537-1538.] Page 175

Chapter XVI

The guilty Fears of Pizarro — His infamous Duplicity — Proofs of the Inca's friendly disposition to the Spaniards — He sends them Provisions — Mr. Prescott's erroneous Statements — The Spaniards enter Caxainalca — De Soto visits the Inca — His kind Reception— Atahuallapa promises to return the Visit — De Soto shows the Inca some specimens of his Horsemanship — Pizarro's diabolical Plot — Had De Soto a part in it ? [a. d. 1532.] 187

Chapter XVII

Pizarro's Arrangements for the capture of the Inca — The composition of Pizarro's "Army" — AtahuaUapa prepares to Visit the Spaniards — Grand Procession of the Peruvians — Splendid Appearance of the Inca and his Nobles — AtahuaUapa hears that the Spaniards are alarmed — He tries to quiet their Apprehensions — He enters the Square — Friar Vincent counsels him to submit to the King of Spain — His answer — The Friar calls on the Spaniards to begin the attack — Horrid Massacre of the Peruvians — The Inca is taken Prisoner, [a. d. 1532.] 200

Chapter XVIII

De Soto's participation in the Massacre — What sort of a " Conquest" was that of Peru? — Immense Booty — The Spaniards sack Caxamalca — Horrid Murder of a young Girl — How the Inca was treated — De Soto's friendship for AtahuaUapa — The Inca wishes to purchase his Liberty — The Price agreed on — Pizarro's insatiable Avarice — Atahuallapa's simplicity — He collects Gold to satisfy Pizarro's demands — Infamous conduct of the Spaniards — Pizarro sends Spies to Cuzco — How they behaved in that City. [a. d.1533.] 214

Chapter XIX

Immense quantities of Treasure hidden by the Peruvians — The Inca's Ransom — The greatest Booty on Record — De Soto requires Pizarro to liberate the Inca — Pizarro's base and dishonorable Conduct — De Soto becomes Wealthy — Probability of his union with Isabella — Ho insists CONTENTS. on having justice done to the Inca— The villainy of Filipillo— Pizarro's prevarication— His trick to get De Soto out of the way— The Inca is tried and condemned to be burned— His Execution— Pizarro's Disappointment. [a. d. 1533.] Page 226

Chapter XX

Attempt to rescue the Inca while he was burning— Spanish slanders of Atahuallapa— Manufacture of Historical falsehoods— De Soto returns- He hears of the Inca's murder— His behavior on that occasion— He challenges Pizarro— Denounces him as a coward — Effects of the Spanish invasion— Demoralization of the Peruvians— Examples thereof— Instances of vice and depravity— Peru permanently ruined by the Spaniards — Proof that she has never recovered from the effects of the "Conquest." [a. d. 1533.] 239

Chapter XXI

The Spaniards march toward the capital of Peru— Pizarro makes a new Inca— Expected attack of the Indians— Pizarro halts, and De Soto goes forward to meet the enemy — A Skirmish — Pizarro keeps out of danger — De Soto meets the enemy— He is unsupported by his countrymen — His perilous situation — The great battle of Vilcacongo— A Peruvian General burned to Death — Friar Vincent entreats him to be baptized — His answer — Bravery of the Peruvians — Almagro's timely arrival — De Soto's great Victory — The Conquest finished, [a. d. 1533.] 252

Chapter XXII

De Soto sights another battle— His wonderful prowess — Remarkable feat of Horsemanship — Astonishment and submission of the Peruvian General — The Natives retreat to Cuzco — They set fire to the City — De Soto enters the Capital — He endeavors to extinguish the conflagration — Arrival of Almagro and Pizarro— The Commander's disappointment — Indians put to the torture — Their invincible fortitude — Fate of the Conquerors — Almagro strangled — Hernando Pizarro imprisoned — Father Vincent assassinated — Execution of Francisco Pizarro — De Soto returns to Spain — His interview with Isabella — Death of Pedro de Avila. [a. d. 1534.] 266

Chapter XXIII

De Soto's fame and popularity — His splendid style of living — He resolves to engage in a new Enterprise — A new El Dorado — De Soto plans an Expedition to Florida — Great preparations — Public excitement— The Expedition leaves Spain — De Soto becomes a young lady's guardian The Expedition arrives at Cuba — De Soto assumes the government of the Island — Grand Torrnament — A strange love affair — De Soto's ward is seduced — His resentment — He challenges the seducer — How the affair was compromised, [a. d. 1534-1538.] Hernando Ponce arrives at Havanna — How he became indebted to De Soto — His attempt to defraud — He conceals his treasures — De Soto finds them — Generous behavior of De Soto — Ingratitude and base conduct of Hernando Ponce — Nuno de Tobar's projects of Revenge — Discoveries in Florida — Expedition of Ponce de Leon — His search for the Fountain of Youth — Expedition of Vasquez de Ayllon — His misfortunes and death — Expeditions of Giovanni de Verazanno and of Pamphilo de Narvez — Pamphilo's defeat by the Indians — He is driven from the Country, and perishes by shipwreck — Ferocity of the Indians accounted for. [A. r>. 1538.] Page 293

Chapter XXV

De Soto leaves Havana — Unfavorable omens — Donna Isabella's forebodings — Leave-taking — The voyage to Florida — Arrival at Tampa Bay — Landing effected — Hostile Indians— A much-abused Chief- Spanish barbarity — Wrongs not to be forgiven — De Soto takes possession of a Village— The Indians of Florida — Their civilization — Their manufactures — Their houses, furniture and utensils — Their architecture — Their religion— Their government— Effects of a Spanish invasion — How the Indians of Florida fell back into barbarism — How their communications with Europeans corrupted their good manners, [a. d. 1538-1539.] 308

Chapter XXVI

De Soto's greatest misfortune — His villainous Lieutenant— Hunting Indians — A disguised Christian found among Savages — His romantic and wonderful Story — Stratagem of an Indian Chief — Four Spaniards made Prisoners — Three of them put to death — Juan Ortiz sentenced to bo roasted alive — The sentence is partly executed — Intercession of the Princess Uleleh — The execution is postponed— Ortiz falls in love with the Princess — He is rigorously punished by her Father— His unparalleled sufferings — His consolation, [a. o. 1539.] 320

Chapter XXVII

Narrative of Juan Ortiz continued — He is doomed to be sacrificed — His watch over the Dead — His remarkable Adventure with a wild beast — A miraculous Shot — Ortiz is visited by the Princess — His declaration of love — Her answer — She assists him to escape — He takes refuge with the Cacique Mocoso — He is claimed by Ucita — Mocoso's noble behavior — The narrative of Ortiz concluded — Mocoso visits the Spaniards — Mutual professions of friendship — The Chief's mother is suspicious — Her appeal to De Soto. [a. d. 1539.] The Cacique Ucita is still unpropitious to the Spaniards — Vasco PorcaUo undertakes to conquer him — A muddy adventure — Porcallo's heroism is chilled and smothered— He retires from the service — Balthasar de Gallagos is sent forward — His grateful behavior to Mocoso's Brother-in- Law— He hears of a gold region— Rejoicing of the Spaniards— De Soto marches into the Country— Difficult traveling— Faithless Indian guides —Their punishment— De Soto arrives at Acuera — He sends a friendly message to the Cacique— The Indian's insulting answer— Fourteen Spaniards killed and decapitated— De Soto continues his march, [a. e. 1539.]

Pa9e 345 HAPTER XXIX. The location of Acuera— De Soto marches to Ocali— The Cacique refuses to see him — The Natives show their dislike for the Spaniards — An Indian Chief is captured — Another sends a threatening message to the Spaniards — De Soto's mild answer — The Cacique Vitacucho visits the Spanish camp — He invites the Christians to his chief town — His plot to destroy them — De Soto outgenerals the Cacique — Development of the plot— The battle — Brave conduct of the Indians — Vitacucho is taken prisoner — He contrives another plot — He commits an assault and battery on the Governor — He fights desperately and is killed — The Indian prisoners attempt to kill the Spaniards — The Natives die for liberty, [a. d. 1539.] 359

CHAPTER XXX.

De Soto's followers are discouraged — They wish to leave the country — The Commander refuses to turn back — He takes the lead in all dangers — The Spaniards march toward Apalache — Desperate resistance of the Indians — Incessant fighting — Capture of an extraordinary Indian Chief — He orders his subjects to submit to the Spaniards — They refuse to do so — The Chief's stratagem and wonderful escape — Diabolical agency suspected— De Soto collects all his forces — He fixes his winter quarters — Receives a letter from Donna Isabella — The Cacique Mocoso rew.irded — Discovery of Pensacola. [a. d. 1539-1540.] 373

CHAPTER XXXI.

Donna Isabella's letter — She gives De Soto good counsel — His reasons for not following it — The Spaniards leave their winter-quarters — Certain intelligence of a gold region — The march to Cofachiqui — The Indian guide is seduced by the devil — His miraculous conversion — The Spaniards arrive at Cofachiqui — El Dorado proves to be still at a distance — March through a dreary wilderness — Sufferings of the Spanisards — The converted Indian guide suspected of treachery — Arrival at a fine coun try governed by a young female Cacique, [a. d. 1540.] CONTENTS. 15