A Narrative of the expedition of Hernando de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557 Part 1

A Narrative of the expedition of Hernando de Soto into Florida published at Evora in 1557.

by A Gentleman of Elvas.

CAPTAIN SOTO was the son of a squire of _Xerez of Badajoz_. He went into the Spanish _Indies_, when _Peter Arias_ of _Avila_ was Governor of the _West Indies_. And there he was without anything else of his own, save his sword and target: and for his good qualities and valor, _Peter Arias_ made him captain of a troop of hors.e.m.e.n, and by his commandment he went with _Fernando Pizarro_ to the conquest of _Peru_: where (as many persons of credit reported, which were there present) as well at the taking of _Atabalipa_, Lord of _Peru_, as at the a.s.sault of the city of _Cusco_, and in all other places where they found resistance, wheresoever he was present, he pa.s.sed all other captains and princ.i.p.al persons. For which cause, besides his part of the treasure of _Atabalipa_, he had a good share; whereby in time he gathered a hundred and four score thousand ducats together, with that which fell to his part; which he brought into Spain; whereof the Emperor borrowed a certain part, which he repaid again with 60,000 rials of plate in the rent of the silks of _Granada_, and all the rest was delivered him in the contractation house of _Seville_. He took servants to wit, a steward, a gentleman usher, pages, a gentleman of the horse, a chamberlain, lackeys, and all other officers that the house of a n.o.ble may require. From _Seville_ he went to the court, and in the court, there accompanied him _John Da.n.u.sco_ of _Seville_, and _Lewis Moscoso D'Alvarado_, _Nuno de Touar_, and _John Rodriguez Lobillo_. Except _John Da.n.u.sco_, all the rest came with him from _Peru_: and every one of them brought fourteen or fifteen thousand ducats: all of them went well and costly appareled. And although _Soto_ of his own nature was not liberal, yet because that was the first time that he was to show himself in the court, he spent frankly, and went accompanied with those which I have named, and with his servants, and many others which resorted unto him. He married with _Donna Isabella de Bobadilla_, daughter of _Peter Arias_ of _Avila_, Earl of _Punno en Rostro_. The Emperor made him the Governor of the Isle of _Cuba_, and Adelantado or President of _Florida_; with a t.i.tle of Marquis of certain part of the lands that he should conquer.

When _Don Ferdinando_ had obtained the government, there came a gentleman from the _Indies_ to the court, named _Cabeca de Vaca_, which had been with the Governor _Pamphilo de Narvaez_ which died in _Florida_, who reported that _Narvaez_ was cast away at sea with all the company that went with him. And how he with four more escaped and arrived in _Nueva Espana_. Also he brought a relation in writing, of that which he had seen in _Florida_; which said in some places: In such a place I have seen this; and the rest which here I saw, I leave to confer of between his Majesty and myself. Generally he reported the misery of the country, and the troubles which he pa.s.sed: and he told some of his kinsfolk, which were desirous to go into the _Indies_, and urged him very much to tell them whether he had seen any rich country in _Florida_, that he might not tell them, because he and another, whose name was _Orantes_, (who remained in _Nueva Espana_ with purpose to return into _Florida_: for which intent he came into _Spain_ to beg the government thereof of the Emperor) had sworn not to discover some of those things which they had seen, because no man should prevent them in begging the same. And he informed them _that it was the richest country of the world_. _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ was very desirous to have him with him, and made him a favorable offer: and after they were agreed, because _Soto_ gave him not a sum of money which he demanded to buy a s.h.i.+p, they broke off again. _Baltasar de Gallegos_, and _Christopher de Spindola_, the kinsmen of _Cabeca de Vaca_, told him, that for that which he had imparted to them, they were resolved to pa.s.s with _Soto_ into _Florida_, and therefore they prayed him to advise them what they were best to do. _Cabeca de Vaca_ told them, that the cause why he went not with _Soto_, was because he hoped to beg another government, and that he was loth to go under the command of another: and that he came to beg the conquest of _Florida_: but seeing _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ had gotten it already, for his oath's sake he might tell them nothing of that which they would know: but he counseled them to sell their goods and go with him, and that in so doing they should do well. As soon as he had opportunity, he spake with the Emperor, and related unto him whatsoever he had pa.s.sed and seen, and come to understand. Of this relation, made by word of mouth to the Emperor, the Marquis of _Astorya_ had notice, and forthwith determined to send with _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ his brother _Don Antonio Osorio_: and with him two kinsmen of his prepared themselves, to wit, _Francis Osorio_, and _Garcia Osorio_. _Don Antonio_ dispossessed himself of 60,000 rials of rent which he held by the church; and _Francis Osorio_ of a town of va.s.sals, which he had in the country _de Campos_. And they made their rendezvous with the Adelantado in _Seville_. The like did _Nunez de Touar_, and _Lewis de Moscoso_, and _John Rodriguez Lobillo_, each of whom had brought from _Peru_ fourteen or fifteen thousand ducats. _Lewis de Moscoso_ carried with him two brethren; there went also _Don Carlos_, which had married the governor's niece, and took her with him. From _Badajoz_ there went _Peter Calderan_, and three kinsmen of the Adelantado, to wit, _Arias Tinoco_, _Alfonso Romo_, and _Diego Tinoco_. And as _Lewis de Moscoso_ pa.s.sed through _Elvas_[A] _Andrew de Vasconcelos_ spake with him, and requested him to speak to _Don Ferdinando de Soto_ concerning him, and delivered him certain warrants which he had received from the Marquis of _Villa Real_, wherein he gave him the captains.h.i.+p of _Ceuta_ in _Barbarie_, that he might show them unto him. And the Adelantado saw them; and was informed who he was, and wrote unto him, that he would favor him in all things, and by all means, and would give him a charge of men in _Florida_. And from _Elvas_ went _Andrew de Vasconcelos_, and _Fernan Pegado_, _Antonio Martinez Segurado_, _Men Roiz Pereira_, _John Cordero_, _Stephen Pegado_, _Benedict Fernandez_, and _Alvaro Fernandez_. And out of _Salamanca_, and _Jaen_, and _Valencia_, and _Albuquerque_, and from other parts of _Spain_, many people of n.o.ble birth, a.s.sembled at _Seville_, insomuch that in Saint _Lucar_ many men of good account, which had sold their goods, remained behind for want of s.h.i.+pping, whereas for other known and rich countries, they are wont to want men: and this fell out by occasion of that which _Cabeca de Vaca_[B] told the Emperor, and informed such persons as he had conference withal touching the state of that country. _Soto_ made him great offers, and being agreed to go with him (as I have said before) because he would not give him money to pay for a s.h.i.+p, which he had bought, they brake off, and he went for governor to the river of _Plate_. His kinsmen, _Christopher de Spindola_ and _Baltasar de Gallegos_, went with _Soto_. _Baltasar de Gallegos_ sold houses and vineyards, and rent corn, and ninety ranks of olive trees in the _Xarafe of Seville_. He had the office of _Alcalde Mayor_, and took his wife with him. And there went also many other persons of account with the President, and had the offices following by great friends.h.i.+p, because they were offices desired of many, to wit, _Antonie de Biedma_ was factor, _John Da.n.u.sco_ was auditor, and _John Gaytan_, nephew to the Cardinal of _Ciguenza_, had the office of treasurer.

The Portuguese departed from _Elvas_ the 15th of January, and came to _Seville_ the 19th of the same month, and went to the lodging of the Governor, and entered into a court, over the which were certain galleries where he was, who came down and received them at the stairs, whereby they went up into the galleries. When he was come up, he commanded chairs to be given them to sit on. And _Andrew de Vasconcelos_ told him who he and the other Portuguese were, and how they all were come to accompany him, and serve him in his voyage. He gave him thanks, and made show of great contentment for his coming and offer. And the table being already laid, he invited them to dinner. And being at dinner, he commanded his steward to seek a lodging for them near unto his own, where they might be lodged. The Adelantado departed from _Seville_ to _Saint Lucar_ with all the people which were to go with him. And he commanded a muster to be made, at the which the Portuguese showed themselves armed in very bright armor, and the Castellans very gallant with silk upon silk, with many pinkings and cuts. The Governor, because these braveries in such an action did not like him, commanded that they should muster another day, and every one should come forth with his armor; at the which the Portuguese came as at the first armed with very good armor. The Governor placed them in order near unto the standard, which the ensign bearer carried. The Castellans, for the most part, did wear very bad and rusty s.h.i.+rts of mail, and all of them head-pieces and steel caps, and very bad lances. Some of them sought to come among the Portuguese. So those pa.s.sed and were counted and enrolled which _Soto_ liked and accepted of, and did accompany him into _Florida_; which were in all six hundred men. He had already bought seven s.h.i.+ps, and had all necessary provision aboard them. He appointed captains, and delivered to every one his s.h.i.+p, and gave them in a roll what people every one should carry with them.

In the year of our Lord 1538, in the month of April, the Adelantado delivered his s.h.i.+ps to the captains which were to go in them; and took for himself a new s.h.i.+p, and good of sail, and gave another to _Andrew de Vasconcelos_, in which the Portuguese went; he went over the bar of _St.

Lucar_ on Sunday, being _St. Lazarus_ day, in the morning of the month and year aforesaid, with great joy, commanding his trumpets to be sounded, and many shots of the ordnance to be discharged. He sailed four days with a prosperous wind, and suddenly it calmed; the calms continued eight days with swelling seas, in such wise that we made no way. The fifteenth day after his departure from _St. Lucar_, he came to _Gomera_, one of the _Canaries_, on Easter day in the morning. The Earl of that island was appareled all in white, cloak, jerkin, hose, shoes and cap, so that he seemed a Lord of the Gipsies. He received the Governor with much joy; he was well lodged, and all the rest had their lodgings gratis, and got great store of victuals for their money, as bread, wine, and flesh; and they took what was needful for their s.h.i.+ps, and the Sunday following, eight days after their arrival, they departed from the Isle of _Gomera_. The Earl gave to _Donna Isabella_, the Adelantado's wife, a b.a.s.t.a.r.d daughter that he had, to be her waiting-maid. They arrived at the _Antilles_, in the Isle of _Cuba_, at the port of the city of _St. Jago_, upon Whit-sunday. As soon as they came thither, a gentleman of the city sent to the sea-side a very fair roan horse, and well furnished, for the Governor, and a mule for _Donna Isabella_, and all the hors.e.m.e.n and footmen that were in the town came to receive him at the sea-side. The Governor was well lodged, visited, and served of all the inhabitants of the city, and all his company had their lodgings freely: those which desired to go into the country, were divided by four and four, and six and six, in the farms or granges, according to the ability of the owners of the farms, and were furnished by them with all things necessary.

The city of _St. Jago_ hath fourscore houses, which are great and well contrived. The most part have their walls made of boards, and are covered with thatch; it hath some houses built with lime and stones, and covered with tiles. It hath great orchards and many trees in them, differing from those of Spain: there be fig trees which bear figs as big as one's fist, yellow within, and of small taste; and other trees which bear a fruit which they call Ananes, in making and bigness like to a small pineapple: it is a fruit very sweet in taste: the sh.e.l.l being taken away, the kernel is like a piece of fresh cheese. In the granges abroad in the country there are other great pineapples, which grow on low trees, and are like the Aloe tree: they are of a very good smell and exceeding good taste. Other trees do bear a fruit which they call Mameis, of the bigness of peaches. This the islanders do hold for the best fruit of the country. There is another fruit which they call Guayabas, like filberts, as big as figs. There are other trees as high as a javelin, having one only stock without any bough, and the leaves as long as a casting dart; and the fruit is of the bigness and fas.h.i.+on of a cuc.u.mber; one bunch beareth twenty or thirty, and as they ripen the tree bendeth downward with them: they are called in this country Plantanos, and are of a good taste, and ripen after they be gathered; but those are the better which ripen upon the tree itself; they bear fruit but once, and the tree being cut down, there spring up others out of the but, which bear fruit the next year. There is another fruit, whereby many people are sustained, and chiefly the slaves, which are called Batatas.

These grow now in the Isle of _Tercera_, belonging to the kingdom of _Portugal_, and they grow within the earth, and are like a fruit called Iname; they have almost the taste of a chestnut. The bread of this country is also made of roots which are like the Batatas.[C] And the stock whereon those roots do grow is like an elder tree: they make their ground in little hillocks, and in each of them they thrust four or five stakes; and they gather the roots a year and a half after they set them.

If any one, thinking it is a batata or potato root, chance to eat of it never so little, he is in great danger of death: which was seen by experience in a soldier, which as soon as he had eaten a very little of one of those roots, he died quickly. They pare these roots and stamp them, and squeeze them in a thing like a press: the juice that cometh from them is of an evil smell. The bread is of little taste and less substance. Of the fruits of _Spain_, there are figs and oranges, and they bear fruit all the year, because the soil is very rank and fruitful. In this country are many good horses, and there is green gra.s.s all the year. There be many wild oxen and hogs, whereby the people of the island are well furnished with flesh. Without the towns abroad in the country are many fruits. And it happeneth sometimes that a Christian goeth out of the way and is lost fifteen or twenty days, because of the many paths in the thick groves that cross to and fro made by the oxen; and being thus lost they sustain themselves with fruits and palmitos--for there be many great groves of palm trees through all the island--they yield no other fruit that is of any profit. The Isle of _Cuba_ is three hundred leagues long from the east to the west, and is in some places thirty, in others forty leagues from north to south. It hath six towns of Christians, to wit, _St. Jago_, _Baracoa_, _Bayamo_, _Puerto de Principes_, _S. Espirito_, and _Havana_. Every one hath between thirty and forty households, except _St. Jago_ and _Havana_, which have about sixty or eighty houses. They have churches in each of them, and a chaplain which confesseth them and saith ma.s.s. In _St. Jago_ is a monastery of Franciscan friars; it hath but few friars, and is well provided of alms, because the country is rich. The Church of _St. Jago_ hath honest revenue, and there is a curate and prebends, and many priests, as the church of that city, which is the chief of all the island. There is in this country much gold and few slaves to get it; for many have made away themselves, because of the Christians' evil usage of them in the mines. A steward of _Vasquez Porcallo_, which was an inhabitor in that island, understanding that his slaves would make away themselves, stayed for them with a cudgel in his hand at the place where they were to meet, and told them that they could neither do nor think anything that he did not know before, and that he came thither to kill himself, with them, to the end, that if he had used them badly in this world, he might use them worse in the world to come: and this was a means that they changed their purpose, and turned home again to do that which he commanded them.

The Governor sent from _St. Jago_ his nephew _Don Carlos_, with the s.h.i.+ps in company of _Donna Isabella_ to tarry for him at _Havana_, which is a haven in the west part toward the head of the island, one hundred and eighty leagues from the city of _St. Jago_. The Governor, and those which stayed with him, bought horses and proceeded on their journey. The first town they came unto was _Bayamo_: they were lodged four and four, and six and six, as they went in company, and where they lodged, they took nothing for their diet, for nothing cost them aught save the maize or corn for their horses, because the Governor went to visit them from town to town, and seized them in the tribute and service of the Indians.

_Bayamo_ is twenty-five leagues from the city of _St. Jago_. Near unto the town pa.s.seth a great river which is called _Tanto_; it is greater than _Guadiana_, and in it be very great crocodiles, which sometimes hurt the Indians, or the cattle which pa.s.seth the river. In all the country are neither wolf, fox, bear, lion, nor tiger. There are wild dogs which go from the houses into the woods and feed upon swine. There be certain snakes as big as a man's thigh or bigger; they are very slow, they do no kind of hurt. From _Bayamo_ to _Puerto de los Principes_ are fifty leagues. In all the island from town to town, the way is made by stubbing up the underwood; and if it be left but one year undone, the wood groweth so much that the way cannot be seen, and the paths of the oxen are so many, that none can travel without an Indian of the country for a guide: for all the rest is very high and thick woods.

From _Puerto de los Principes_ the Governor went to the house of _Vasquez Porcallo_ by sea in a boat (for it was near the sea) to know there some news of _Donna Isabella_, which at that instant (as afterwards was known) was in great distress, insomuch that the s.h.i.+ps lost one another, and two of them fell on the coast of _Florida_, and all of them endured great want of water and victuals. When the storm was over, they met together without knowing where they were: in the end they descried the Cape of _St. Anton_, a country not inhabited of the island of _Cuba_; there they watered, and at the end of forty days, which were pa.s.sed since their departure from the city of _St. Jago_, they arrived at _Havana_. The Governor was presently informed thereof, and went to _Donna Isabella_. And those which went by land, which were one hundred and fifty hors.e.m.e.n, being divided into two parts, because they would not oppress the inhabitants, traveled by _St. Espirito_, which is sixty leagues from _Puerto de los Principes_. The food which they carried with them was _Cacabe_ bread, which is that whereof I made mention before: and it is of such a quality that if it be wet it breaketh presently, whereby it happened to some to eat flesh without bread for many days.

They carried dogs with them, and a man of the country, which did hunt; and by the way, or where they were to lodge that night, they killed as many hogs as they needed. In this journey they were well provided of beef and pork, and they were greatly troubled with musquitoes, especially in a lake, which is called the mere of _Pia_, which they had much ado to pa.s.s from noon till night. The water might be some half league over, and to be swam about a crossbow shot; the rest came to the waist, and they waded up to the knees in the mire, and in the bottom were c.o.c.kle sh.e.l.ls, which cut their feet very sore, in such sort that there was neither boot nor shoe sole that was whole at half way. Their clothes and saddles were pa.s.sed in baskets of palm trees. Pa.s.sing this lake, stripped out of their clothes, there came many mosquitoes, upon whose biting there arose a wheal that smarted very much; they struck them with their hands, and with the blow which they gave they killed so many that the blood did run down the arms and bodies of the men. That night they rested very little for them, and other nights also in the like places and times. They came to _Santo Espirito_, which is a town of thirty houses; there pa.s.seth by it a little river; it is very pleasant and fruitful, having great store of oranges and citrons, and fruits of the country. One-half of the company were lodged here, and the rest pa.s.sed forward twenty-five leagues to another town called la _Trinidad_, of fifteen or twenty households. Here is an hospital for the poor, and there is none other in all the island. And they say that this town was the greatest in all the country, and that before the Christians came into this land, as a s.h.i.+p pa.s.sed along the coast there came in it a very sick man, which desired the captain to set him on sh.o.r.e, and the captain did so, and the s.h.i.+p went her way. The sick man remained set on sh.o.r.e in that country, which until then had not been haunted by Christians; whereupon the Indians found him, carried him home, and looked unto him till he was whole; and the lord of that town married him unto a daughter of his, and had war with all the inhabitants round about, and by the industry and valor of the Christian, he subdued and brought under his command all the people of that island. A great while after, the Governor _Diego Velasques_ went to conquer it, and from thence discovered _New Spain_. And this Christian which was with the Indians did pacify them, and brought them to the obedience and subjection of the governor. From this town _de la Trinidad_ unto _Havana_ are eighty leagues, without any habitation, which they traveled. They came to _Havana_ in the end of March, where they found the Governor, and the rest of the people which came with him from _Spain_. The Governor sent from _Havana John Dannusco_ with a caravele and two brigantines with fifty men to discover the haven of _Florida_, and from thence he brought two Indians which he took upon the coast, wherewith (as well because they might be necessary for guides and for interpreters, as because they said by signs that there was much gold in _Florida_) the Governor and all the company received much contentment, and longed for the hour of their departure, thinking in himself that this was the richest country that unto that day had been discovered.

Before our departure the Governor deprived _Nuno de Touar_ of the office of Captain-general, and gave it to _Porcallo de Figueroa_, an inhabitant of _Cuba_, which was a mean that the s.h.i.+p was well furnished with victuals; for he gave a great many loads of _Casabe_ bread and many hogs. The Governor took away this office from _Nuno de Touar_, because he had fallen in love with the daughter of the Earl of _Gomera_, _Donna Isabella's_ waiting-maid, who, though his office were taken from him (to return again to the Governor's favor), though she were with child by him, yet took her to his wife, and went with _Soto_ into _Florida_. The Governor left _Donna Isabella_ in _Havana_, and with her remained the wife of _Don Carlos_, and the wives of _Baltasar de Gallegos_, and of _Nuno de Touar_. And he left for his lieutenant a gentleman of _Havana_, called _John de Roias_, for the government of the island.

On Sunday the 18th of May, in the year of our Lord 1539, the Adelantado or president departed from _Havana_ in _Cuba_ with his fleet, which were nine vessels, five great s.h.i.+ps, two caravels, and two brigantines. They sailed seven days with a prosperous wind. The 25th day of May, the day _de Pasca de Spirito Santo_[D] (which we call Whitson Sunday), they saw the land of _Florida_, and because of the shoals, they came to an anchor a league from the sh.o.r.e. On Friday the 30th of May they landed in _Florida_, two leagues from a town of an Indian lord called _Ucita_.

They set on land two hundred and thirteen horses, which they brought with them to unburden the s.h.i.+ps, that they might draw the less water. He landed all his men, and only the seamen remained in the s.h.i.+ps, which in eight days, going up with the tide every day a little, brought them up unto the town. As soon as the people were come on sh.o.r.e, he pitched his camp on the sea-side, hard upon the bay which went up unto the town. And presently the Captain-general, _Vasquez Porcallo_, with other seven hors.e.m.e.n foraged the country half a league round about, and found six Indians, which resisted him with their arrows, which are the weapons which they used to fight withal. The hors.e.m.e.n killed two of them, and the other four escaped; because the country is c.u.mbersome with woods and bogs, where the horses stuck fast, and fell with their riders, because they were weak with traveling upon the sea. The same night following, the Governor with an hundred men in the brigantines lighted upon a town, which he found without people, because that as soon as the Christians had sight of land, they were descried, and saw along the coast many smokes, which the Indians had made to give advice the one to the other.

The next day _Luys de Moscoso_, master of the camp, set the men in order, the hors.e.m.e.n in three squadrons, the vanguard, the battalion, and the rereward; and so they marched that day and the day following, compa.s.sing great creeks which came out of the bay. They came to the town of _Ucita_, where the Governor was on Sunday the first of June, being Trinity Sunday. The town was of seven or eight houses. The lord's house stood near the sh.o.r.e upon a very high mount, made by hand for strength.

At another end of the town stood the church, and on the top of it stood a fowl made of wood with gilded eyes. Here were found some pearls of small value, spoiled with the fire, which the Indians do pierce and string them like beads, and wear them about their necks and handwrists, and they esteem them very much. The houses were made of timber, and covered with palm leaves. The Governor lodged himself in the lord's houses, and with him _Vasquez Porcallo_, and _Luys de Moscoso_; and in others that were in the midst of the town, was the chief Alcalde or justice, _Baltasar de Gallegos_ lodged; and in the same houses was set in a place by itself all the provision that came in the s.h.i.+ps; the other houses and the church were broken down, and every three or four soldiers made a little cabin wherein they lodged. The country round about was very fenny, and enc.u.mbered with great and high trees. The Governor commanded to fell the woods a crossbow shot round about the town, that the horses might run, and the Christians might have the advantage of the Indians, if by chance they should set upon them by night. In the ways and places convenient they had their sentinels of footmen by two and two in every stand, which did watch by turns, and the hors.e.m.e.n did visit them, and were ready to a.s.sist them if there were any alarm. The Governor made four captains of the hors.e.m.e.n and two of the footmen. The captains of the hors.e.m.e.n were one of them _Andrew de Masconcelos_, and another _Pedro Calderan de Badajoz_; and the other two were his kinsmen, to wit, _Arias Tinoco_, and _Alfonso Romo_, born likewise in _Badajoz_.

The captains of the footmen, the one was _Francisco Maldonado of Salamanca_, and the other _Juan Rodriguez Lobillo_. While we were in this town of _Ucita_, the two Indians which _John Da.n.u.sco_ had taken on that coast, and the Governor carried along with him for guides and interpreters, through carelessness of two men which had the charge of them escaped away one night; for which the Governor and all the rest were very sorry, for they had already made some roads, and no Indians could be taken, because the country was full of marsh grounds, and in some places full of very high and thick woods.

From the town of _Ucita_ the Governor sent the Alcalde mayor, _Baltasar de Gallegos_, with forty hors.e.m.e.n and eighty footmen into the country to see if they could take any Indians; and the Captain _John Rodriguez Lobillo_ another way with fifty footmen: the most of them were swordsmen and targeters, and the rest were shot and crossbow-men. They pa.s.sed through a country full of bogs, where horses could not travel.

Half a league from the camp they lighted upon, certain cabins of Indians near a river. The people that were in them leaped into the river, yet they took four Indian women. And twenty Indians charged us and so distressed us, that we were forced to retire to our camp, being, as they are, exceeding ready with their weapons. It is a people so warlike and so nimble, that they care not a whit for any footmen. For if their enemies charge them they run away, and if they turn their backs they are presently upon them. And the thing that they most flee is the shot of an arrow. They never stand still, but are always running and traversing from one place to another, by reason whereof neither crossbow nor arquebuss can aim at them; and before one crossbowman can make one shot an Indian will discharge three or four arrows, and he seldom misseth what he shooteth at. An arrow where it findeth no armor, pierceth as deeply as a crossbow. Their bows are very long, and their arrows are made of certain canes like reeds, very heavy, and so strong that a sharp cane pa.s.seth through a target. Some they arm in the point with a sharp bone of a fish like a chisel, and in others they fasten certain stones like points of diamonds. For the most part when they light upon an armor they break in the place where they are bound together. Those of cane do split and pierce a coat of mail, and are more hurtful than the other.

_John Rodriguez Lobillo_ returned to the camp with six men wounded, whereof one died; and brought the four Indian women which _Baltasar Gallegos_ had taken in the cabins or cottages. Two leagues from the town, coming into the plain field, he espied ten or eleven Indians, among whom was a Christian, which was naked and scorched with the sun, and had his arms razed after the manner of the Indians, and differed nothing at all from them. And as soon as the hors.e.m.e.n saw them they ran toward them. The Indians fled, and some of them hid themselves in a wood, and they overtook two or three of them which were wounded; and the Christian seeing a horseman run upon him with his lance, began to cry out, "Sirs, I am a Christian, slay me not, nor these Indians, for they have saved my life." And straightway he called them and put them out of fear, and they came forth of the wood unto them. The hors.e.m.e.n took both the Christian and the Indians up behind them, and toward night came into the camp with much joy; which thing being known by the Governor, and them that remained in the camp, they were received with the like.

This Christian's name was _John Ortiz_, and he was born in _Seville_, of wors.h.i.+pful parentage. He was twelve years in the hands of the Indians. He came into this country with _Pamphilo de Narvaez_, and returned in the s.h.i.+ps to the Island of _Cuba_, where the wife of the Governor _Pamphilo de Narvaez_ was, and by his commandment with twenty or thirty others in a brigantine returned back again to _Florida_, and coming to the port in the sight of the town, on the sh.o.r.e they saw a cane sticking in the ground, and riven at the top, and a letter in it; and they believed that the governor had left it there to give advertis.e.m.e.nt of himself when he resolved to go up into the land, and they demanded it of four or five Indians which walked along the sea-sh.o.r.e, and they bade them by signs to come on sh.o.r.e for it, which against the will of the rest _John Ortiz_ and another did. And as soon as they were on land, from the houses of the town issued a great number of Indians, which compa.s.sed them about and took them in a place where they could not flee; and the other, which sought to defend himself, they presently killed upon the place, and took John _Ortiz_ alive, and carried him to _Ucita_ their lord. And those of the brigantine sought not to land, but put themselves to sea, and returned to the Island of _Cuba_. _Ucita_ commanded to bind _John Ortiz_ hand and foot upon four stakes aloft upon a raft, and to make a fire under him, that there he might be burned. But a daughter of his desired him that he would not put him to death, alleging that one only Christian could do him neither hurt nor good, telling him that it was more for his honor to keep him as a captive. And _Ucita_ granted her request, and commanded him to be cured of his wounds; and as soon as he was whole he gave him the charge of the keeping of the temple, because that by night the wolves did carry away the dead corpses out of the same--who commended himself to G.o.d and took upon him the charge of his temple. One night the wolves got from him the corpse of a little child, the son of a princ.i.p.al Indian, and going after them he threw a dart at one of the wolves, and struck him that carried away the corpse, who, feeling himself wounded left it, and fell down dead near the place; and he not woting what he had done, because it was night, went back again to the temple; the morning being come and finding not the body of the child, he was very sad. As soon as _Ucita_ knew thereof he resolved to put him to death, and sent by the track which he said the wolves went, and found the body of the child, and the wolf dead a little beyond, whereat _Ucita_ was much contented with the Christian, and with the watch which he kept in the temple, and from thenceforward esteemed him much. Three years after he fell into his hands there came another lord called _Mococo_, who dwelleth two days' journey from the port, and burnt his town. _Ucita_ fled to another town that he had in another sea-port. Thus _John Ortiz_ lost his office and favor that he had with him. These people being wors.h.i.+pers of the devil, are wont to offer up unto him the lives and blood of their Indians, or of any other people they can come by; and they report that when he will have them do that sacrifice unto him, he speaketh with them, and telleth them that he is athirst, and willeth them to sacrifice unto him. _John Ortiz_ had notice by the damsel that had delivered him from the fire, how her father was determined to sacrifice him the day following, who willed him to flee to _Mococo_, for she knew that he would use him well; for she heard say that he had asked for him and said he would be glad to see him, and because he knew not the way she went with him half a league out of the town by night and set him in the way, and returned because she would not be discovered. _John Ortiz_ traveled all that night, and by the morning came to a river which is the territory of _Mococo_, and there he saw two Indians fis.h.i.+ng; and because they were in war with the people of _Ucita_, and their languages were different, and he knew not the language of _Mococo_, he was afraid, because he could not tell them who he was, nor how he came thither, nor was able to answer anything for himself, that they would kill him, taking him for one of the Indians of _Ucita_, and before they espied him he came to the place where they had laid their weapons; and as soon as they saw him they fled toward the town, and although he willed them to stay, because he meant to do them no hurt, yet they understood him not, and ran away as fast as ever they could. And as soon as they came to the town with great outcries, many Indians came forth against him, and began to compa.s.s him to shoot at him. _John Ortiz_ seeing himself in so great danger, s.h.i.+elded himself with certain trees, and begun to shriek out and cry very loud, and to tell them that he was a Christian, and that he was fled from _Ucita_, and was come to see and serve _Mococo_ his lord. It pleased G.o.d that at that very instant there came thither an Indian that could speak the language and understood him, and pacified the rest, who told them what he said. Then ran from thence three or four Indians to bear the news to their lord, who came forth a quarter of a league from the town to receive him, and was very glad of him. He caused him presently to swear according to the custom of the Christians, that he would not run away from him to any other lord, and promised him to entreat him very well; and that if at any time there came any Christians into that country, he would freely let him go, and give him leave to go to them; and likewise took his oath to perform the same according to the Indian custom. About three years after certain Indians, which were fis.h.i.+ng at sea two leagues from the town, brought news to _Mococo_ that they had seen s.h.i.+ps, and he called _John Ortiz_ and gave him leave to go his way, who taking his leave of him, with all the haste he could came to the sea, and finding no s.h.i.+ps he thought it to be some deceit, and that the cacique had done the same to learn his mind. So he dwelt with _Mococo_ nine years, with small hope of seeing any Christians. As soon as our Governor arrived in _Florida_, it was known to _Mococo_, and straightway he signified to _John Ortiz_ that Christians were lodged in the town of _Ucita_; and he thought he had jested with him as he had done before, and told him that by this time he had forgotten the Christians, and thought of nothing else but to serve him. But he a.s.sured him that it was so, and gave him license to go unto them, saying unto him that if he would not do it, and if the Christians should go their way, he should not blame him, for he had fulfilled that which he had promised him. The joy of _John Ortiz_ was so great, that he could not believe that it was true; notwithstanding he gave him thanks, and took his leave of him, and _Mococo_ gave him ten or eleven princ.i.p.al Indians to bear him company; and as they went to the port where the Governor was, they met with _Baltasar de Gallegos_, as I have declared before. As soon as he was come to the camp, the Governor commanded to give him a suit of apparel, and very good armor, and a fair horse; and inquired of him whether he had notice of any country where there was any gold or silver. He answered, No, because he never went ten leagues compa.s.s from the place where he dwelt; but that thirty leagues from thence[E] dwelt an Indian lord, which was called _Paracossi_, to whom _Mococo_ and _Ucita_, with all the rest of that coast paid tribute, and that he peradventure might have notice of some good country, and that his land was better than that of the sea-coast, and more fruitful and plentiful of maize. Whereof the Governor received great contentment, and said that he desired no more than to find victuals, that he might go into the main land, for the land of _Florida_ was so large, that in one place or other there could not choose but be some rich country. The _Cacique Mococo_ came to the port to visit the Governor, and made this speech following.

"Right high and mighty lord, I being lesser in mine own conceit for to obey you, than any of those which you have under your command, and greater in desire to do you greater services, do appear before your lords.h.i.+p with so much confidence of receiving favor, as if in effect this my good will were manifested unto you in works; not for the small service I did unto you touching the Christian which I had in my power, in giving him freely his liberty (for I was bound to do it to preserve mine honor, and that which I had promised him), but because it is the part of great men to use great magnificences. And I am persuaded that as in bodily perfections, and commanding of good people, you do exceed all men in the world, so likewise you do in the parts of the mind, in which you may boast of the bounty of nature. The favor which I hope for of your lords.h.i.+p is, that you would hold me for yours, and bethink yourself to command me anything wherein I may do you service."

The Governor answered him, "That although in freeing and sending him the Christian, he had preserved his honor and promise, yet he thanked him, and held it in such esteem as it had no comparison; and that he would always hold him as his brother, and would favor all things to the utmost of his power." Then he commanded a s.h.i.+rt to be given him, and other things, wherewith the cacique being very well contented, took his leave of him, and departed to his own town.

From the Port _de Spirito Santo_ where the Governor lay, he sent the Alcalde Mayor _Baltasar de Gallegos_ with fifty hors.e.m.e.n, and thirty or forty footmen to the province of _Paracossi_, to view the disposition of the country, and inform himself of the land farther inward, and to send him word of such things as he found. Likewise he sent his s.h.i.+ps back to the Island of _Cuba_, that they might return within a certain time with victuals. _Vasquez Porcallo de Figueroa_, which went with the Governor as Captain-general, (whose princ.i.p.al intent was to send slaves from _Florida_ to the Island of _Cuba_, where he had his goods and mines,) having made some inroads, and seeing no Indians were to be got, because of the great bogs and woods that were in the country, considering the disposition of the same, determined to return to _Cuba_. And though there was some difference between him and the Governor, whereupon they neither dealt nor conversed together with good countenance, yet notwithstanding with loving words he asked him leave and departed from him. _Baltasar de Gallegos_ came to the _Paracossi_. There came to him thirty Indians from the cacique, which was absent from his town, and one of them made this speech:

"Paracossi, the lord of this province, whose va.s.sals we are, sendeth us unto your wors.h.i.+p, to know what it is that you seek in this his country, and wherein he may do you service."

_Baltasar de Gallegos_ said unto him that he thanked them very much for their offer, willing them to warn their lord to come to his town, and that there they would talk and confirm their peace and friends.h.i.+p, which he much desired. The Indians went their way and returned next day, and said that their lord was ill at ease, and therefore could not come; but that they came on his behalf to see what he demanded. He asked them if they knew or had notice of any rich country where there was gold or silver. They told him they did, and that towards the west there was a province which was called _Cale_; and that others that inhabited other countries had war with the people of that country, where the most part of the year was summer, and that there was much gold; and that when those their enemies came to make war with them of _Cale_, these inhabitants of _Cale_ did wear hats of gold, in manner of head-pieces.

_Baltasar de Gallegos_ seeing that the cacique came not, thinking all that they said was feigned, with intent that in the meantime they might set themselves in safety, fearing that if he did let them go, they would return no more, commanded the thirty Indians to be chained, and sent word to the Governor by eight hors.e.m.e.n what had pa.s.sed; whereof the Governor with all that were with him at the Port _de Spirito Santo_ received great comfort, supposing that that which the Indians reported might be true. He left Captain _Calderan_ at the port, with thirty hors.e.m.e.n and seventy footmen, with provision for two years, and himself with all the rest marched into the main land, and came to the _Paracossi_, at whose town _Baltasar de Gallegos_ was; and from thence with all his men took the way to _Cale_. He pa.s.sed by a little town called _Acela_, and came to another called _Tocaste_; and from thence he went before with thirty hors.e.m.e.n and fifty footmen towards _Cale_. And pa.s.sing by a town whence the people were fled, they saw Indians a little distance from thence in a lake, to whom the interpreter spoke. They came unto them and gave them an Indian for a guide; and he came to a river with a great current, and upon a tree which was in the midst of it, was made a bridge, whereon the men pa.s.sed; the horses swam over by a hawser, that they were pulled by from the other side; for one, which they drove in at the first without it, was drowned. From thence the Governor sent two hors.e.m.e.n to his people that were behind, to make haste after him; because the way grew long, and their victuals short. He came to _Cale_, and found the town without people. He took three Indians which were spies, and tarried there for his people that came after, which were sore vexed with hunger and evil ways, because the country was very barren of maize, low, and full of water, bogs, and thick woods; and the victuals which they brought with them from the _Port de Spirito Santo_, were spent. Wheresoever any town was found, there were some beets, and he that came first gathered them, and sodden with water and salt, did eat them without any other thing; and such as could not get them, gathered the stalks of maize and eat them, which because they were young had no maize in them. When they came to the river which the Governor had pa.s.sed, they found palmitos upon low palm trees like those of _Andalusia_. There they met with the two hors.e.m.e.n which the Governor sent unto them, and they brought news that in _Cale_ there was plenty of maize, at which news they all rejoiced. As soon as they came to _Cale_, the Governor commanded them to gather all the maize that was ripe in the field, which was sufficient for three months. At the gathering of it the Indians killed three Christians, and one of them which were taken told the Governor, that within seven days' journey there was a very great province, and plentiful of maize, which was called _Apalache_. And presently he departed from _Cale_ with fifty hors.e.m.e.n, and sixty footmen. He left the master of the camp, _Luys de Moscoso_, with all the rest of the people there, with charge that he should not depart thence until he had word from him. And because hitherto none had gotten any slaves, the bread that every one was to eat he was fain himself to beat in a mortar made in a piece of timber, with a pestle, and some of them did sift the flour through their s.h.i.+rts of mail. They baked their bread upon certain tileshares which they set over the fire, in such sort as heretofore I have said they used to do in _Cuba_. It is so troublesome to grind their maize, that there were many that would rather not eat it than grind it; and did eat the maize parched and sodden.

The second day of August, 1539, the Governor departed from _Cale_; he lodged in a little town called _Ytara_, and the next day in another called _Potano_, and the third day at _Utinama_, and came to another town which they named the town of _Evil peace_; because an Indian came in peace, saying, that he was the cacique, and that he with his people would serve the Governor, and that if he would set free twenty-eight persons, men and women, which his men had taken the night before, he would command provision to be brought him, and would give him a guide to instruct him in his way. The Governor commanded them to be set at liberty, and to keep him in safeguard. The next day in the morning there came many Indians, and set themselves round about the town near to a wood. The Indian wished them to carry him near them, and that he would speak unto them, and a.s.sure them, and that they would do whatsoever he commanded them. And when he saw himself near unto them he broke from them, and ran away so swiftly from the Christians that there was none that could overtake him, and all of them fled into the woods. The Governor commanded to loose a greyhound, which was already fleshed on them, which pa.s.sing by many other Indians, caught the counterfeit cacique which had escaped from the Christians, and held him till they came to take him. From thence the Governor lodged at a town called _Cholupaha_, and because it had store of maize in it, they named it _Villa farta_. Beyond the same there was a river, on which he made a bridge of timber, and traveled two days through a desert. The 17th of August he came to _Caliquen_, where he was informed of the province of _Apalache_. They told him that _Pamphilo de Narvaez_ had been there, and that there he took s.h.i.+pping, because he could find no way to go forward.

That there was none other town at all; but that on both sides was all water. The whole company were very sad for this news, and counseled the Governor to go back to the _Port de Spirito Santo_, and to abandon the country of _Florida_, lest he should perish as _Narvaez_ had done; declaring that if he went forward, he could not return back when he would, and that the Indians would gather up that small quant.i.ty of maize which was left. Whereunto the Governor answered that he would not go back, till he had seen with his eyes that which they reported; saying that he could not believe it, and that we should be put out of doubt before it were long. And he sent to _Luys de Moscoso_ to come presently from _Cale_, and that he tarried for him there. _Luys de Moscoso_ and many others thought that from _Apalache_ they should return back; and in _Cale_ they buried their iron tools, and divers other things. They came to _Caliquen_ with great trouble; because the country which the Governor had pa.s.sed by, was spoiled and dest.i.tute of maize. After all the people were come together, he commanded a bridge to be made over a river that pa.s.sed near the town. He departed from _Caliquen_ the 10th of September, and carried the cacique with him. After he had traveled three days, there came Indians peaceably to visit their lord, and every day met us on the way playing upon flutes; which is a token that they use, that men may know that they come in peace. They said that in our way before there was a cacique whose name was _Uzachil_, a kinsman of the cacique of _Caliquen_ their lord, waiting for him with many presents, and they desired the Governor that he would loose the cacique. But he would not, fearing that they would rise, and would not give him any guides, and sent them away from day to day with good words. He traveled five days; he pa.s.sed by some small towns; he came to a town called _Napetuca_, the 15th day of September. Thither came fourteen or fifteen Indians, and besought the Governor to let loose the cacique of _Caliquen_, their lord. He answered them that he held him not in prison, but that he would have him to accompany him to Uzachil. The Governor had notice by _John Ortiz_, that an Indian told him how they determined to gather themselves together, and come upon him, and give him battle, and take away the cacique from him. The day that it was agreed upon, the Governor commanded his men to be in readiness, and that the hors.e.m.e.n should be ready armed and on horseback every one in his lodging, because the Indians might not see them, and so more confidently come to the town.

There came four hundred Indians in sight of the camp with their bows and arrows, and placed themselves in a wood, and sent two Indians to bid the Governor to deliver them the cacique. The Governor with six footmen leading the cacique by the hand, and talking with him, to secure the Indians, went toward the place where they were. And seeing a fit time, commanded to sound a trumpet; and presently those that were in the town in the houses, both horse and foot, set upon the Indians, which were so suddenly a.s.saulted, that the greatest care they had was which way they should flee. They killed two horses; one was the Governor's, and he was presently horsed again upon another. There were thirty or forty Indians slain. The rest fled to two very great lakes, that were somewhat distant the one from the other. There they were swimming, and the Christians round about them. The calivermen and crossbow-men shot at them from the bank; but the distance being great, and shooting afar off, they did them no hurt. The Governor commanded that the same night they should compa.s.s one of the lakes, because they were so great, that there were not men enough to compa.s.s them both; being beset, as soon as night shut in, the Indians, with determination to run away, came swimming very softly to the bank; and to hide themselves they put a water lily leaf on their heads. The hors.e.m.e.n, as soon as they perceived it to stir, ran into the water to the horses' b.r.e.a.s.t.s, and the Indians fled again into the lake.

So this night pa.s.sed without any rest on both sides. _John Ortiz_ persuaded them that seeing they could not escape, they should yield themselves to the Governor; which they did, enforced thereunto by the coldness of the water; and one by one, he first whom the cold did first overcome, cried to _John Ortiz_, desiring that they would not kill him, for he came to put himself into the hands of the Governor. By the morning watch they made an end of yielding themselves; only twelve princ.i.p.al men, being more honorable and valorous than the rest, resolved rather to die than to come into his hands. And the Indians of _Paracossi_, which were now loosed out of chains, went swimming to them, and pulled them out by the hair of their heads, and they were all put in chains, and the next day were divided among the Christians for their service. Being thus in captivity, they determined to rebel; and gave in charge to an Indian which was interpreter, and held to be valiant, that as soon as the Governor did come to speak with him, he should cast his hands about his neck, and choke him: who, when he saw opportunity, laid hands on the Governor, and before he cast his hands about his neck, he gave him such a blow on the nostrils, that he made them gush out with blood, and presently all the rest did rise. He that could get any weapons at hand, or the handle wherewith he did grind the maize, sought to kill his master, or the first he met before him; and he that could get a lance or sword at hand, bestirred himself in such sort with it, as though he had used it all his lifetime. One Indian in the market-place enclosed between fifteen or twenty footmen, made a way like a bull, with a sword in his hand, till certain halbardiers of the Governor came, which killed him. Another got up with a lance to a loft made of canes, which they build to keep their maize in, which they call a barbacoa, and there he made such a noise as though ten men had been there defending the door; they slew him with a partizan. The Indians were in all about two hundred men. They were all subdued. And some of the youngest the Governor gave to them which had good chains, and were careful to look to them that they got not away. All the rest he commanded to be put to death, being tied to a stake in the midst of the market-place; and the Indians of the _Paracossi_ did shoot them to death.

The Governor departed from _Napetuca_ the 23d of September; he lodged by a river, where two Indians brought him a buck from the cacique of _Uzachil_. The next day he pa.s.sed by a great town called _Hapaluya_, and lodged at _Uzachil_, and found no people in it, because they durst not tarry for the notice the Indians had of the slaughter of _Napetuca_. He found in that town great store of maize, French beans, and pompions, which is their food, and that wherewith the Christians there sustained themselves. The maize is like coa.r.s.e millet, and the pompions are better and more savory than those of _Spain_. From thence the Governor sent two captains each a sundry way to seek the Indians. They took an hundred men and women; of which as well there as in other place where they made any inroads, the captain chose one or two for the Governor, and divided the rest to himself, and those that went with him. They led these Indians in chains with iron collars about their necks; and they served to carry their stuff, and to grind their maize, and for other services that such captives could do. Sometimes it happened that going for wood or maize with them, they killed the Christian that led them, and ran away with the chain; others filed their chains by night with a piece of stone, wherewith they cut them, and use it instead of iron. Those that were perceived paid for themselves, and for the rest, because they should not dare to do the like another time. The women and young boys, when they were once an hundred leagues from their country, and had forgotten things, they let go loose, and so they served; and in a very short s.p.a.ce they understood the language of the Christians. From _Uzachil_ the Governor departed toward _Apalache_, and in two days'

journey he came to a town called _Axille_, and from thence forward the Indians were careless, because they had as yet no notice of the Christians. The next day in the morning, the first of October, he departed from thence, and commanded a bridge to be made over a river which he was to pa.s.s. The depth of the river where the bridge was made, was a stone's cast, and forward a crossbow shot the water came to the waist; and the wood whereby the Indians came to see if they could defend the pa.s.sage, and disturb those which made the bridge, was very high and thick. The crossbow-men so bestirred themselves that they made them give back; and certain planks were cast into the river, whereon the men pa.s.sed, which made good the pa.s.sage. The Governor pa.s.sed upon Wednesday, which was _St. Francis_' day, and lodged at a town which was called _Vitachuco_, subject to _Apalache_: he found it burning, for the Indians had set it on fire. From thence forward the country was much inhabited, and had great store of maize. He pa.s.sed by many granges like hamlets. On Sunday, the 25th of October, he came to a town which is called _Uzela_, and upon Tuesday to _Anaica Apalache_, where the lord of all that country and province was resident; in which town the camp master, whose office is to quarter out, and lodge men, did lodge all the company round about within a league, and half a league of it. There were other towns, where was great store of maize, pompions, French beans, and plums of the country, which are better than those of _Spain_, and they grow in the fields without planting. The victuals that were thought necessary to pa.s.s the winter, were gathered from these towns to _Anaica Apalache_.

The Governor was informed that the sea was ten leagues from thence. He presently sent a captain thither with hors.e.m.e.n and footmen. And six leagues on the way he found a town which was named _Ochete_, and so came to the sea; and found a great tree felled, and cut into pieces, with stakes set up like mangers, and saw the skulls of horses. He returned with this news. And that was held for certain, which was reported of _Pamphilo de Narvaez_, that there he had built the barks wherewith he went out of the land of _Florida_, and was cast away at sea. Presently the Governor sent _John Da.n.u.sco_ with thirty hors.e.m.e.n to the _Port de Spirito Santo_ where _Calderan_ was, with order that they should abandon the port, and all of them come to _Apalache_. He departed on Sat.u.r.day the 17th of November. In _Uzachil_ and other towns that stood in the way he found great store of people already careless. He would take none of the Indians, for not hindering himself, because it behooved him to give them no leisure to gather themselves together. He pa.s.sed through the towns by night, and rested without the towns three or four hours. In ten days he came to the _Port de Spirito Santo_. He carried with him twenty Indian women, which he took in _Ytara_, and _Potano_, near unto _Cale_, and sent them to _Donna Isabella_ in the two caravels, which he sent from the _Port de Spirito Santo_ to _Cuba_. And he carried all the footmen in the brigantines, and coasting along the sh.o.r.e came to _Apalache_. And _Calderan_, with the hors.e.m.e.n, and some crossbow-men on foot, went by land; and in some places the Indians set upon him, and wounded some of his men. As soon as he came to _Apalache_, presently the Governor sent sawed planks and spikes to the sea-side, wherewith was made a piragua or bark, wherein were embarked thirty men well armed, which went out of the bay to the sea, looking for the brigantines.

Sometimes they fought with the Indians, which pa.s.sed along the harbor in their canoes. Upon Sat.u.r.day, the 29th of November, there came an Indian through the watch undiscovered, and sat the town on fire, and with the great wind that blew two parts of it were consumed in a short time. On Sunday the 28th of December, came _John Da.n.u.sco_ with the brigantines.

The Governor sent _Francisco Maldonado_, a captain of footmen, with fifty men to discover the coast westward, and to seek some port, because he had determined to go by land, and discover that part. That day there went out eight hors.e.m.e.n by commandment of the Governor into the field, two leagues about the town, to seek Indians; for they were now so emboldened, that within two crossbow shot of the camp, they came and slew men. They found two men and a woman gathering French beans; the men, though they might have fled, yet because they would not leave the woman, which was one of their wives, they resolved to die fighting; and before they were slain, they wounded three horses, whereof one died within a few days after. _Calderan_ going with his men by the sea-coast, from a wood that was near the place, the Indians set upon him, and made him forsake his way, and many of them that went with him forsook some necessary victuals, which they carried with them. Three or four days after the limited time given by the Governor to _Maldonado_ for his going and coming, being already determined and resolved, if within eight days he did not come, to tarry no longer for him, he came, and brought an Indian from a province which was called _Ochus_, sixty leagues westward from _Apalache_; where he had found a port of good depth, and defence against weather. And because the Governor hoped to find a good country forward, he was very well contented. And he sent _Maldonado_ for victuals to _Havana_, with order that he should tarry for him at the port of _Ochus_, which he had discovered, for he would go seek it by land; and if he should chance to stay, and not come thither that summer, that then he should return to _Havana_, and should come again the next summer after, and tarry for him at that port; for he said he would do none other thing but go to seek _Ochus_. _Francisco Maldonado_ departed, and in his place for captain of the footmen remained _John de Guzman_.

Of those Indians which were taken in _Napetuca_, the Treasurer _John Gaytan_ had a young man, which said that he was not of that country, but of another far off toward the sun rising, and that it was long since he had traveled to see countries; and that his country was called _Yupaha_, and that a woman did govern it; and that the town where she was resident was of a wonderful bigness, and that many lords round about were tributaries to her; and some gave her clothes, and others gold in abundance; and he told how it was taken out of the mines, and was molten and refined, as if he had seen it done, or the devil had taught it him.

So that all those which knew anything concerning the same, said that it was impossible to give so good a relation, without having seen it; and all of them, as if they had seen it, by the signs that he gave, believed all that he said to be true.

On Wednesday, the third of March, of the year 1540, the Governor departed from _Anaica Apalache_ to seek _Yupaha_. He commanded his men to go provided with maize for sixty leagues of desert. The hors.e.m.e.n carried their maize on their horses, and the footmen at their sides; because the Indians that were for service, with their miserable life that they led that winter, being naked and in chains, died for the most part. Within four days' journey they came to a great river; and they made a piragua or ferry boat, and because of the great current, they made a cable with chains, which they fastened on both sides of the river; and the ferry boat went along by it, and the horses swam over, being drawn with capstans. Having pa.s.sed the river in a day and a half, they came to a town called _Capachiqui_. Upon Friday the 11th of March, they found Indians in arms. The next day five Christians went to seek mortars, which the Indians have to beat their maize, and they went to certain houses on the back side of the camp environed with a wood. And within the wood were many Indians which came to spy us; of the which came other five and set upon us. One of the Christians came running away, giving an alarm unto the camp. Those which were most ready answered the alarm. They found one Christian dead, and three sore wounded. The Indians fled unto a lake adjoining near a very thick wood, where the horses could not enter. The Governor departed from _Capachiqui_ and pa.s.sed through a desert. On Wednesday, the twenty-first of the month, he came to a town called _Toalli_; and from thence forward there was a difference in the houses. For those which were b