6 7^/1"^ CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FROM Date Due Cornell University Library E 125.S7W74 The life, travels and adventures of Ferd 3 1924 020 421 701 ^ -«^^*=C- The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924020421701 THE LIFE, TRAYELS AND ADYENTURES FERDINAND DE SOTO, f i^tfltom uf t|j p5sk5ippi LAMBEET A. WILIER. STEEL ENGEAVINGS BY JOHN & SAML. SARTAINj PHILADELPHIA. THE ILLUSTRATIONS, DESIGNED AND ENGEAVED ON WOOD, BY J W. ORR AND R. TELFER, NEW YORK. PHILADELPHIA: J. T. Ij L O "y ID. 1858. .CORNELL UNIVERSITY \ LIBRARY Entered according to Act of Congress, in 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. STEREOTrpED Br GEORGE CHARLES, \ No. 607 SansoDi Street, \ PMladelphia. PRINTED BY KING h BAIRD, £/i .^.^c(^j c'--^^^ c-'"- dL/liJ , i){/ ^U/iil iJtZri,c2i/i. J fl^.lf-1 Jebitatiwn. TO J. EDGAR THOMSON, ESQ. Dbab Sir: This biograpliy of one of the most celebrated ex- plorers of the American wilderness is dedicated to you, by whose exertions, and those of your co-laborers, in the great work of internal improyement, many of those hideous solitudes first visited by De Soto and his companions have been converted to scenes of commercial prosperity, and made the dwelling-places of myriads of civilized, indus- trious, and happy people. Though I have ventured to question the claims of some of the discoverers and con- querors of America to the esteem and gratitude of mankind, I am ready, at all times, to acknowledge the merits of those men by whose peaceful, humane, and patriotic efforts the gloomy forest and the sun-scorched prairie have been constrained to give place to the cultivated field, the thriv- ing village, and the populous city. In my estimation, the conquest of an empire i^ a • less glorious work than the (iii) IV DEDICATION. construction of a great public work. If in this book, there- fore, I have attempted to depreciate some objects of popular admiration, there is no inconsistency in offering to you this token of my respect, — wishing thereby to express my hearty concurrence with all that the Public has testified in your favor. If this offering were ten times more valua- ble and significant than it is, it would more fully and faithfully express the sentiments and feelings of THE AUTHOE. Philadelphia, Jaly 10th, 1858. 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 C^SAE, 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 1 (1) 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 Heerera, 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 concealiug 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. Peescott apologizes, in a similar strain, for the numer- * Irving's "Columbus and his Companions." Appendix. Article Herrera. INTRODUCTION. ous falsifications of Gabcilasso db 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 opera- tion I do not flatter myself that I have been always suc- cessfiil. 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 Spanish libraries. The publication of these tell-tale manuscripts has been interdicted, as we are informed, by the govern- ment 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 : "How happ7 some o'er other some can 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. Ieving 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 Caaae. INTRODUCTION. tlie 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 stUl 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 patrice, I suppose, is the plea of justification. But this defense is certainly not available for the American citizen who re-echoes the extrava- gant 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 cen- INTRODUCTION. 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 ishining character of the worst possible material may be an evidence of genius or superior literary tact, I am stQl 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. INTRODUCTIOX. On the score of veracity, I think this Life of De Soto 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 mis- taken, 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 are 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 lite- rary 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. CONTENTS, CHAPTER 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 Isa- bella — 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 en- dangered by De Avila's Machinations, [a. d. 1500-1519.] Page 17 CHAPTER IL Unparalleled tyranny and barbarity of Pedro de Avila— The Effects of his cruel Policy — A Famine among the Colonists — Their frightful Suffer^ ings — Noblemen turned Beggars — A Spanish Gentleman starved to Death — Abominable crimes committed by De Avila's Captains — An In- dian 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. u. 1519.] 27 CHAPTER III. De Soto is commanded by De Avila to destroy an Indian Village — He re- fuses 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 In- dian 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 as- sistance — The Spanish force on the Isthmus is increased by the arri- val 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 ] 49 (8) 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 Dis- closure — A Prediction and a Warning — De Soto is prevented from hold- ing any Correspondence with Isabella — His Troubles and Disappoint- ments. [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 un- expected 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 — Her- nandez undertakes to convert the Indians — Giles Gonzalez engages in the same Duty — How the Natives were converted — Nearly forty thou- sand 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 Con- verts. [A. D. I.'i27.] 80 CHAPTER VIII. De Soto comes to an open Rupture with Pedro de 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. u. 1526.] 91 CHAPTER IX. Pizarro, the future Companion-in-Arms of De Soto — His Expedition to- ward 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 Unfortu- nate Connections — The Effect thereof on his Character, [a. d. 1527- 1528.] 104 10 CONTENTS. CHAPTER X. The Punishment of Mioer Codro, and his last Propheoj — De Soto goes ou 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. Do Soto's Exploring Expedition to Guatemala — The horrid Acts of Martin Estete — Indians enslaved and branded with a red-hot Iron — The Na- tives are robbed of their Children — Caciques burned to Death and de- voured 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 Cuzoo — 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 — Falsehoods of the Spanish historians refuted 138 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 Pizarro — 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 Span- iards desire to move forward — Pizarro resolves to build a City Ac- count of a wonderful "Spiritual Manifestation" — The town of San Miguel founded— One of Mr. Presoott's errors corrected— Pizarro makes 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 aoompany him — An Indian is barbarously put to the torture [a d 1529.1 ;... ies CONTENTS. 11 CHAPTER XV. De Soto's Journey in search of the Inoa — He attracts crowds of Admirers — His wonderful feats of Horsemanship — The houses of the Peruvians described— The Occupations of the People — Their Dress — Female Ex- travagance not possible among them — Peruvian Civilization — Magnifi- cent Public Works — Peruvian justice — Pizarro and some of his Confede- rates are dismayed — Spanish and American historiographers charged with falsehood — De 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 Caxamalca — De Soto visits the Inca — His kind Reception — Atahuallapa promises to return the Visit — De Soto shows the Inoa some specimens of his Horse- manship — Pizarro's diabolical Plot — Had De Soto a part in it ? [a. ». 1532.] 187 CHAPTER XVII. Pizarro's Arrangements for the capture of the Inca — The composition of Pizarro's "Army" — Atahuallapa prepares to Visit the Spaniards — Grand Procession of the Peruvians — Splendid Appearance of the Inoa and his Nobles — Atahuallapa 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 Inoa 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 — Hor- rid Murder of a young Girl — How the Inca was treated — De Soto's friendship for Atahuallapa — 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 Cuzoo — How they be- haved in that City. [a. n. 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— He insists 12 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 Disap- pointment. [A. D. 1533.] Page 226 CHAPTER XX. Attempt to rescu'e 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 — In- stances of vice and depravity — Peru permanently ruined by the Span- iards — 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 Pe 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 fights another battle — His wonderful prowess — Remarkable feat of Horsemanship — Astonishment and submission of the Peruvian General — The Natives retreat to Cuzoo — 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 da 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 Tonrnament — 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.] 279 CONTENTS. 13 CHAPTER XXIV. 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 con- duct of Hernando Ponce — Nnno de Tobar's projects of Revenge — Dis- coveries 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 ac- counted for. [A. D. 1538.] Page 293 CHAPTER XXV. De Soto leaves Havana — Unfavorable omens — Donna Isabella's fore- bodings — 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 posses- sion of a Village — The Indians of Florida — Their civilization — Their manufactures — Their houses, furniture and utensils — Their archi- tecture — Their religion — Their government— Effects of a Spanish inva- sion — 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 In- dians — 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 be 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 unpa- ralleled sufferings — His consolation, [a. d. 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 — Mu- tual professions of friendship — The Chief's mother is suspicious— Her appeal to De Soto. [a. n. 1539.] 332 14 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVIII. The Cacique Ucita is still unpropitious to the Spaniards — Vasco Poroallo undertakes to conquer him — A muddy adventure — Porcallo's heroism is chilled and smothered — He retires from the service — Balthasar do Gallagos is sent forward — His grateful behavior to Moooso'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. d. 1639.] Page 345 HAPTER XXIX. The location of Acuera — De Soto marches to Ooali — The Cacique refuses to see him — The Natives show their dislike for the Spaniards — An In- dian 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 dan- gers — 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 Moooso rewarded — 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 Span- iards arrive at Cofachiqui- El Dorado proves to be still at a distance- March through a dreary wilderness— Sufi'erings of the Spaniards— The converted Indian guide suspected of treachery— Arrival at a fine conn try governed by a young female Cacique, [a. d. 1540.] 337 CONTENTS. 15 CHAPTER XXXII. The Spaniards are entertained by tlie Princess Xualla — Her surprising beauty — Her generosity to the Christians — Their gratitude — Immense quantities of pearls are found — The Princess is intimidated — She con- sents to betray her mother — Singular case of suicide — The distress of the Princess Xaalla — Her severe speech to De Soto — The Spaniards resume their march — Captivity of the Princess — Her escape — De Soto's conduct to Women — The licentiousness of his followers. [a. d. 1540.] Page 400 CHAPTER XXXIII. Operations of the Spaniards in Georgia and South Carolina — Robbing the Indian graves — De Soto refuses a rich gift — De Soto is advised to he- come a farmer — He comes to the land of Tuscaluza — -Extraordinary appearance of the Cacique — He gives the Spaniards a grand reception — He is entrapped by De Soto— His revengeful schemes — Doings of the Spaniards in Alabama — They come to Mauvilla — Ancient appearance of that town — Signs of an approaching storm — Tuscaluza's escape — De Soto's anxiety for his recovery — Hostilities commenced — First scene of De Soto's greatest battle in North America, [a. d. 1540.] 416 CHAPTER XXXIV. De Soto in Alabama — The great battle of Mauvilla— The Spaniards are driven out of the town — Unrivalled bowmen — De Soto rallies his troops — They attack the Indian entrenchments — De Soto handles the axe — The Spaniards re-enter the town — Horrible slaughter — A thousand women burned to death — De Soto attacks the giant chief Tuscaluza — The combat prevented — De Soto is severely wounded — Death of Tusca- luza— Irreparable losses of the Spaniards — The town depopulated — De Soto proceeds to Chicasaw — His troubles on the way — He fixes his winter-quarters — The Spaniards become peaceable — Explanation of that circumstance, [a. d. 1541.] 430 CHAPTER XXXV. De Soto in Mississippi — He is in danger of assassination — His obstinacy and desperation — He causes four Spaniards to be executed — Severe punishment of theft — The Spanish camp is attacked by the Indians — Terrible conflagration— Spaniards burned to death — Awful fate of a Spanish woman — Wretched condition of the Christians — Removal of the camp — March to Alibamo — Duel between a Spaniard and an In- dian—March through a great wilderness— Discovery of the Mississippi River — Its appearance in the time of De Soto. [a. d. 1541.] 444 CHAPTER XXXVI. De Soto approaches Arkansas — He continues to make enemies — Passage of the Mississippi— Great obstacles surmounted— He enters the town 16 CONTENTS. of Casquin — Grand religious ceremonies — Miraculous shower — The truth of the story considered— The Spaniards prove to be had teachers of Christianity— Misbehavior of their proselytes— Still another Gold Region— "All is not gold that glitters"— The Spaniards march onward — Heroic tribe of Indians — Wonderful exploit of an Indian warrior— De- parture of the Spaniards from Tulla. [a. D. 1541.] Page 459 CHAPTER XXXVir. De Soto's march through Arkansas— Appalling difficulties — He enters the Indian territory— Takes possession of the town of Autiamque — Fixes his winter-quarters — Terrible sufferings of the Spaniards — Death of Juan Ortiz— Daring adventure of De Soto — Assault on an Indian town — It is fired by the inhabitants— De Soto's press-gang — Retrogressive move- ments—The Spaniards visit the Hot-Springs of Arkansas — De Soto fortifies himself on the Mississippi — He is insulted by an Indian Cacique — His fears for Donna Isabella — He builds two Brigantines, and resolves to send them to Havana— His sad reflections, [a. d. 1541 -1542.]. ...474 CHAPTER XXXVIII. De Soto's illness — His mental uneasiness and self-reproaoh — His fears of Indian treachery — He pretends to understand magic — Singular use of a Looking-Glass — His disease becomes dangerous — He remembers the prophecy of Micer Codro — Why he was unwilling to die — He chooses a successor — He takes leave of his officers and soldiers— His message to Donna Isabella — The closing scenes — Murder suspected after three hun- dred years concealment — Proofs exhibited — A mysterious story eluci- dated — A national peculiarity of the Spaniards, [a. d. 1541.] 492 CHAPTER XXXIX. Curious circumstances attending the burial of De Soto — Concealment of the body — The Indians become suspicious — The corpse is disinterred — It is sunk into the Mississippi — The Cacique's anxious inquiries — Sus- picious behavior of the Spaniards — Conjectures respecting the place of De Soto's burial — De Soto's character — His ruling passion — His heroism, sagacity, etc. — His personal appearance, [a. d. 1542.] 510 CHAPTER XL. Moscoso and his companions resolve to leave the country — Their over- land journey — They arouse the indignation of the natives — They are driven back to the Mississippi — They build vessels and descend the river — The Indians pursue them — Many Spaniards are drowned — Run- ning the gauntlet — Moscoso and his troops arrive at Pamuco — Donna Isabella causes search to be made for her husband — Her mental suflFer- ings — She receives intelligence of De Soto's death — The consequence —Conclusion, [a. d. 1543.] 521 LIFE OF FERDIMND DE SOTO. CHAPTER I. BIRTH OP 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.] In the early history of the famous cavalier, whose romantic and almost incredible adventures we are about to record, we must look for an explanation of much that is mysterious in his subsequent conduct. Many actions ascribed to De Soto appear to be strangely inconsistent with the general character of the man. It is hard to con- ceive how one who possessed so much chivalric feeling, and so many estimable quahties, could become the volun- tary subordinate and coadjutor of that ignoble swine- herd and merciless , bandit, Francis Pizarro. We are reasonably surprised to find a brave soldier, a courteous 2 17 18 LIFE OF FERDINAND DESOTO, gentleman, and a steadfast believer in the Christian religion, (as De Soto certainly was,) associating with robbers and assassins, participating in numerous deeds of ruffianly violence and criminal atrocity, and devoting aU his energies to the accomphshment of designs, the magnitude and boldness of which can offer no excuse for their cruelty and injustice. At the commencement of this narrative, we present a remarkable example of the lasting effect which may be produced on a man's character and conduct by a single incident of his early life. From a cause apparently so inadequate may proceed those generous impulses which make one individual the benefactor of his race, or those stern resolves which conduct another into scenes of turbulence and peril, impelling him, perhaps, to the perpetration of deeds which may render his existence miserable and his memory infamous. In the case of De Soto, it will be seen that one early disappointment pro- duced that mental bias which made him a soldier of fortxone, and connected him with many transactions which the sober judgment of mankind must condemn. Ferdinand de Soto, according to the most reliable accounts,* was born in the year 1500, at a Spanish town * Both Herrera and Garcilasso assert that he was born at Villa- nueva de Barcarrola, but we have adopted the statement of the Portuguese narrative as more probable. "We find that Mr. Ban- croft, (Hist, of United States, Yol. I., Ch. 2,) liljevvise givRS a preference to the Portuguese autliority, by making Xeres the birth- place of Dc Soto. DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 19 called Xeres, in the province of Estramadura, forty miles south of Badajoz. Both of his parents were allied; by consanguinity, with famihes of the highest rank among the nobility of Spain ; but Hlte many other persons of aristocratic pretensions in that country, they endured some of the inconveniences of poverty ; and it is reported that, for want of pecuniary means, they were unable to give their son a hberal education. But, at the age of seventeen, Ferdinand attracted the favorable notice of Pedro Arias de Avila,* Count of Puno en Rostro; by whose assistance the young De Soto was enabled to spend six years at one of the Spanish universities. While pur- suing his literary studies, he gave due attention to those manly exercises, fencing, horsemanship, &c., which, at that period, were classed among the necessary accom- plishments of a Spanish gentleman. De Soto possessed several natural advantages, — a tall and well-formed per- son, great muscular vigor, untiring activity, and a daimt- less spirit ; aU of which prepared him for the acquisition of those soldierly arts which were so highly esteemed by his countrymen — for the Spaniards, at that time, were the most warlike people in. Europe. The consequence was, that the youtliful Ferdinand was soon regarded as one who was Hkely to become the mirror of contempo- rary laughthood. At tournaments and other military * This Spanish nobleman is often spoken of by the historians of liis times. His name is sometimes written Pedrarius, and sometimes Davilla; but its correct form is that given in tlie text. 20 LIFE OF FERDINAND D E SOTO, displays, his chivalrous talents shone out with unrivalled lustre, exciting the cnA7 of many cavahers of the highest rank and the admiration of innumerable ladies. The attentions of the latter became troublesome to De Soto, who, at that time, appeared to be quite insensible to the fascinations of the sex. On his return from the university, supposed to be that of Saragossa,* he was received, with ,many demonstrar tions of friendship, by his patron, Don Pedro de Avila, who admitted him into his own family, and for awhile treated him more hke a son than a dependant. While De Soto was at Saragossa, Don Pedro, by means of his great imluence at the Spanish court, had been appointed to the government of Darien. He began to exercise the duties of that office in the year 1514, — Shaving em- barked at St. Lucar, and landed in America with a retinue of more than two thousand persons,f including many noble cavaliers, a large body of common soldiers,, and a considerable number of Dominican friars. After an absence of five years, during which time he acquired unenviable celebrity, as wiU be shown in the. next chapter, he returned to Spain, in order to arrange his domestic affairs, prepairatory for his longer residence in America. Thus it happened that De Soto and Don Pedro met together at the castle of the latter, near the * Costillo, Hidalg. Esp., Chap. vii. f Oviedo., Lib. ii., Cap. vii.; " Irviiig's Companions of Columbus," Chap. XV. DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 21 city of Badajoz. While De Avila was making prepara- tion for his return to America, De Soto continued to reside with his patron, to whom, in various ways, he made himself extremely useful. But, after the lapse of several months, Ferdinand surprised Count de A-\ila, beyond measure, by proposing to marry Donna Isabella Bovadilla, the count's second daughter. This young lady was now in her sixteenth year. She had lately been presented at Court, where her extraordinary beauty, and her various accomplishments, excited universal ad- miration and caused her to be sought in marriage by several young noblemen of the highest grade, one of whom was nearly related to Royalty itself Having been accustomed to regard De Soto as one who was entirely dependent on his bounty, Don Pedro de Avila would have been Httle more surprised if a common beggar had aspired to an alliance with his family. The proposition of De Soto, indeed, seemed too absurd to ex;cite the count's anger ; and the man- ner of Don Pedro's refusal was more contemptuous than resentfal. But he began to consider the matter in a very different light a few days after, when a faithful duenna, who had Isabella in charge, communicated to him the startling intelligence, that the young lady not only reciprocated De Soto's affection, but had de- clared her resolution to retire into a convent rather than to become the wife of any other person. The rage of Don Pedro now became ungovernable ; and, as he was a man of a fierce and pitiless dispo- '2-2 LIFE OF FERDINxVND DE SOTO, sition * he took measures to have De Soto assassinated. But reflecting that the females of his country are often driven to acts of desperation when crossed in the affairs of love, he hesitated to carry out his murderous inten- tions, lest his daughter should avenge the death of her lover by sacrificing herself. This apprehension caused him to dissemble his wrath, and to preserve a show of kindness toward the object of his resentment. In the meanwhile, De Soto, observing that all the relations of Isabella, who had been made acquainted with his presumptuous appHcation for her hand, behaved toward him with an appearance of contemptuous pity, besan to consider what constituted his unworthiness in their estimation. His lineage was, in no respect, infe- rior to that of the Count de Avila himself, as he was entitled, by the rides of Spanish heraldry, to admis- sion into the noble order of Santiago. He possessed the education, the manners, and aU the requisite quaHfica^ tions of a gentleman, and he bore a moral character which, at that time, was without a blemish. "\Vhy then was he scornfully repulsed by this family Avith which he sought an alliance 1 The sole cause of his rejection was too evident to be mistaken. He discovered that poverty was the only obstacle to his happiness and respectability ; and having pondered on this discovery with much bit- * This account of De Avila is confirmed by various authorities. Vide Herrera, Dec. ii. Lib. ii. ; Oviedo, Hist. Ind., Chap. 8 ; Irving's " Columbus and his Companions," Chap. xvii. DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 23 terness of feeling, he determined at last — regardless of all hazards and sacrifices — to become rich. When a man forms this resolution, he is prepared for the com- mission of many crimes ; for the restraints of honor and conscience must cease to be effective when the sordid pursuit of wealth becomes the main object of existence. For several years prior to the date of the events just related, the whole Spanish nation, and indeed aU Chris- tendom, had been electrified by accounts of the pro- digious riches of the New World. Thousands of mihtary adventurers, bent on the acquisition of gold and silver, were flocking to the Western Continent, and many had returned laden with the spoils of transatlantic opulence. Although De Soto, who was imbued with aU the martial spirit of his times and country, ardently wished for some feir opportunity to distinguish himself in the ranks of war, certain honorable scruples had hitherto restrained him from joining in the operations of the Spanish forces in America. Even in that comparatively barbarous age, when the Christian religion itself was so perverted as to sanction outrage, robbery, and murder, there were many judicious and high-minded Europeans who looked with disgust and abhorrence on the predatory operations of Cortez, Balboa, and others who followed in their foot- steps. The cotemporary churchmen themselves were not unanimous in the opiaion that so commendable and holy an object, as the evangehzation of America, could justify those horrible misdeeds which were continually committed by organized gangs of marauders, marching 24 LIFE OF FERDINAND DE SOTO, under the banner of the Cross. It is easy to beUeve that De Soto, who possessed a nice sense of honor and moral rectitude, as was manifested on many occasions, felt a strong repugnance for that sort of mihtary service to which we have just referred. But, as we have intimated above, he had ascertained that the possession of wealth was necessary to his happiness ; it was indeed the only means by which the dearest object of his soul could be attained. In short, the impulse of " almighty love " was more potential with him than the restraints of reason or reUgion, honor or humanity. Having finally determined to embark for America, and to ofier his services to one of the military leaders in that country, De Soto found his purpose still delayed by the want of funds necessary for his outfit. The in- sulting behavior of Don Pedro de Avila, on the mem- orable occasion spoken of above, had made him deeply regret his inabihty to discharge the pecuniary obligations which he owed to that man; and he resolved that no extremity of want and misery should ever induce him to accept of any new benefaction from the same source. His parents were now both dead; and, had they been living, they would probably have been too poor to give him the assistance which he required. Although his amiable and excellent qualities had gained for him many friends among his wealthy and titled countrymen, his proud spirit could not submit to the humihation of sohciting.a loan. While the mind of De Soto was harassed by many DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 25 painful reflections and anticipations, Don Pedro de Avila completed all the preparations for his voyage, and was now about to return to his Isthmian domain. This artful and unprincipled man, for various reasons, wished De Soto to accompany him to the seat of his govern- ment. He was imwiUing, in the first place, to leave Ferdinand in his daughter's neighborhood, fearing that the yoimg man who had succeeded in winning her affection, might persuade her to an elopement, or to some other act of youthful indiscretion. It occurred to him, hkewise, that by detaining De Soto abroad for a few years, he would allow Isabella to experience the beneficial efiects of absence, which, according to his cal- culation, would remove all traces of her erring attach- ment. But, supposing that these expectations should not be fulfilled, he considered that the position in which he proposed to place De Soto would be firaught with danger, and that it would be in his own power to malie that position still more perilous. He resolved to employ the imsuspecting young cavaher in the most hazardous enterprises, not doubting that his intended victim would be apt to thank him for the implied com- phment which would thus be paid to his courage and prowess. These sinister motives induced Don Pedro de Avila to offer De Soto a captain's commission and a free pas- sage tq Darien, with the promise of many opportunities to acquire wealth and distinction in the proposed invasion of Peru. As these overtures were made with 26 LIFE OF FERDINAND DE SOTO, every appearance of cordiality on the part of Don Pedro, De Soto accepted them with joy and gratitude; his satis- faction being the more complete because De Avila seemed to place a high valuation on his expected services ; the subtle count choosing, in this instance, to behave as though De Soto, by accepting his offers, had conferred an obligation on himself. Notwithstanding the vigUance vnth which Isabella was guarded, De Soto contrived to obtain an interview with her before his departure. At their meeting, vows of mutual constancy passed between these two young people, who were soon to be so widely separated; and Isabella, who knew her father's character and suspected his intentions, reminded Ferdinand, with particular significance, that " one treacherous friend is more dan- gerous than a thousand avowed enemies." DISCO YEREK OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 27 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.] As yre have no particular accounts of Ferdinand de Soto's first voyage to America, we may be allowed to suppose that nothing worthy of commemoration hap- pened to him on his passage from St. Lucar to Darien. But, soon after his arrival at the last-named place, we find him acting an important part among the Spanish soldiery employed in the subjugation of the country. At this time, he was little more than nineteen years of age, but his youth and want of nuhtary experience did not prevent Don Pedro de Avila from entrusting him with the couamand of a troop of horse, and sending him on several expeditions, the successftd management of which required not only great heroism, but more dis- 28 LIFE OF FERDINAXD DE SOTO, cretion than could reasonably be expected of a youth of nineteen, and an inexperienced officer. In the preceding chapter we have given the reader some insight into De Avila's pohtic designs vi^ith regard to De Soto. To afford a better understanding of this subject, and to explain several incidents which must soon be related, we will now make a further exhibition of the shady side of Don Pedro's character. His dispo- sition, according to Herrera,* was tyrannical and perfidi- ous in the highest degree; but the quahties here imputed to him, would not, by themselves, entitle him to much distinction among his co-laborers in America who are supposed to have plowed that field to prepare it for the dissemination of Christianity. In several particulars, De Avila differed essentially from others who were en- gaged in the same spurious work of Christian benevo- lence. He was not excessively rehgious, and therefore could not excuse his enormities, (as some others did theirs,) with the impious pretense that they were done for the service of God and the benefit of the Holy Catholic Church. But the most distinctive trait of Don Pedro's character was his apparent freedom from the prevaihng vice of covetousness, which was a stronger motive than superstition itself with a majority of those persons who took a part in the American crusade. Though Don Pedro de Avila may not be Hable to the charge of avarice, he certainly stands accountable for as * Herrera, Dec. i., Lib. ii., Cap. 2, 3, and 4. DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 29 great a sin— for the plundering of the Indians was carried on, under his administration, with extraordinary activity and perseverance. He encourged his subordinate officers, among whom were some malefactors of the worst class, to commit depredations in the territories of the neighboring Caziques, with whom he waged an indis- criminate war; though several of them had rendered important services to the Spaniards, and had formed com- pacts of friendship and aUiance with Don Pedro's prede- cessor, Vasco Nunez de Balboa. This last-named person, celebrated in history as the discoverer of the Pacific Ocean, had managed the affairs of the Isthmian govern- ment with no less prudence and moderation than alrihty. By cultivating a good understanding with the natives, he had secured an ample supply of provisions for the use of his colony; and he received from his Indian allies the first intimation of an unexplored gold region beyond the mountains. But De Avila, on assuming the reins of government, immediately began to make hostile de- monstrations against his Indian neighbors. The friendly intercourse which had hitherto subsisted between the Spaniards and the natives, being thus brought to an abrupt termination, the former found their suppHes of provisions cut off; and the consequence was, that the colonists soon experienced all the miseries of famine. Of aU that gUttering host which accompanied Don Pedro to Darien, including many noblemen and distinguished cavaliers who had sold or,mortgaged large estates in Spain to equip themselves for this transatlantic expedition, only 30 LIFE OF FERDINAND DE SOTO, a few hundreds were found alive at the end of six months. Some of them had fallen victims to the diseases peculiar to the cUmate, but by far the greater number had been hterally starved to death. It was no unusual thing to see a Spanish gentleman, the representative of an illustri- ous family, wandering about the streets of the village, soliciting alms, or offering to perform any menial labor for a morsel of food. In many cases, were jewels of inestimable value exchanged by these opulent mendicants for pieces of mouldy bread. It is related that one noble cavalier, after spending a whole day in ineffectual apph- cations for charity, sank down at night and expired in the presence of his countrymen, whose own miseries had prepared them to look with indifference on the distresses of others. The sufferings of the colonists, after a long continu- ance, were terminated partly by the importation of provisions from Spain, and partly by foraging excursions made by some of Don Pedro's retainers among the In- dian villages. The Spaniards had already robbed the neighboring Indians of their golden trinkets, which were surrendered with very Uttle reluctance; for the natives, being as yet uncivilized and unconverted, had not learned to appreciate these metalhc treasures. Regard- ing them, therefore, as mere baubles of no intrinsic value, they readily yielded them up, in compliance with the demands of Christian rapacity. But when Governor de Avila sent his armed ruffians to take possession of the rice, maize, and other provender which the indus- DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI. SI trious " savages" had produced by their hard labor, and stored away for the maintenance of their wives and chil- dren, the spirit of resistance was aroused; and the plunderers were astonished to find that the people on whose tameness and cowardice they had made such large calculations, were, in reality, as brave as themselves. The Indians were, in fact, driven to the last stage of desperation by the ineffable barbarities of these land- pirates, acting under the authority of the Spanish gov- ernment and its authorized agents. It appears to us that a recital of some of the deeds committed by these human monsters, would startle an infernal audience in the halls of Pandemonium. And it is to be observed that similar deeds were constantly committed, by the Spaniards of that day, on every part of the American continent where they were able to maintain a foothold.* Although we feel a natural reluctance to introduce into these pages any details of the execrable cruelties to which reference has just been made, we find it necessary to cite a few instances, in order to explain the origin of that vengeful and bloodthirsty disposition which some of the native tribes of' America manifested toward their European invaders. It must be remembered, however, that many of the acts which provoked this storm of vin- dictive feehng on the part of the Indians, are unfit for publication in any book intended for general perusal ; * See Purchas's "Pilgrims," Lib. vii., Chap. 12 ; Las Casas,pas- sim; or any other history of the Spanish invasion of America. 32 LIFE OF FERDINAND DE SOTO, and, indeed, the Spanish government itself made a vir- tuous attempt to expunge them from the page of history.* We subjoin a few examples of the horrid maltreat- ment of the Indians on the American isthmus, during the administration of Don Pedro de Avila ; all of which we have copied from works of unquestionable veracity. Antonio de Herrera, the Spanish historian, who is suspected of being too partial to his countrymen, saysf that De Avila sent Francis Bezerra to the coast of Uraba, with orders to destroy aU the people thereabout, without distinction of age or sex. TeUo de Guzman, another of De Avila's officers, after being hospitably enter- tained and feasted by a friendly cacique, ordered his host to be hanged on a tree, and then robbed his family of golden ornaments, estimated to be worth ten thousand dollars. Captain James Albitez was sent by the same gov- ernor on an expedition to the province of Chagre. Al- bitez, " being of a better disposition than the other Spanish commanders," (as Hererra naively remarks,) did not murder any of the inhabitants, but merely robbed them of a large amount of gold, and required the chief to pay him a huge sackful of the same metal, as an acknowl- edgment of the merciful forbearance which had been exhibited by the subjects of His Catholic Majesty on this occasion. The people who were thus dealt with by * See the Introduction to this Volume. f Herrera, Hist. Ind., Dec. ii., Lib. i., Chap. 1 DISCOVERER OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 33 this most exemplary of Spanish captaias, had never — as far as we can ascertain — shown any disposition to be troublesome to the Christians ; and the chief, in order to propitiate Captain Albitez, had voluntarily offered him a mass of gold supposed to be worth twelve thou- sand pieces-of-eight. Still another of De Avila's cap- tains, Bartholomew Hurtado by name, made a night attack on an Indian village, whose inhabitants had never offended the Spaniards, but were suspected of having some gold in their possession. Hiurtado, with his troop, stealthily approached the village, and set fire to the houses. The Indians — ^men, women and children — ^ran out of their blazing habitations; some of them were terribly scorched or burned, but aU who fell into the hands of the Spaniards were put to the sword.* Bartholomew Las Casas, Bishop of Chiapa, the truth of whose statements has never been called in question, gives a voluminous account of the iniquitous proceed- ings of his countrymen in America. In reference to Pedro de Avila, he says : " This man came into the country hke a starved wolf among a flock of quiet and innocent sheep. He employed many evU men to commit slaughters, robberies, cruelties and oppressions without number, and laid waste many populous towns and villages, producing a devastation the like of which is not mentioned in any history, ancient or modem. He laid * Herrera, Dec. ii., Lib. i., Cap. 2. oi LIFE OF FERDINAND D E SOTO, about forty leagues of land desert, viz., the Avhole space between the provinces of Darien and Nicaragua, which, at the time of his coming, was one of the most fruitful and populous regions in the new world. AVith this SPANIADDS H UNTING I NDI ANS. accursed v^oretch originated the custom of making slaves of the Indians, which custom afterward prevailed in all the provinces of Anrerica that had become subject to the Spaniajrds."* It was a practice with some of De Avila's officers to * Las Casas, quoted by Pnrchas ; " Pilgrims," Lib. viii,, Cap. i. DISCOVERER OF THE iMISSISSIPPI. 36 relieve the tedium of their life in camp, by going on hunting excursions into the adjacent coimtry. But, in- stead of chasing hares or foxes, according to the Euro- pean custom, they preferred the example of Mmrod, and made human beings the object of their pursuit. In this way, thousands of Indians were slaughtered in the most revolting manner by these most heartless of aU miscreants. On one occasion, an Indian woman with a babe in her arms was chased by the hoimds and a party of Spaniards on horseback, and finding that she could not escape, she hastily snatched up a cord which hap- pened to lie in her way, and, having fastened her infant , to her feet, she suspended herself from the branch of a tree. When the dogs and hunters arrived at the spot, the woman was dead, but unhappily the babe was still Hving, and as it hung within reach of the dogs, it was terribly lacerated by those ferocious brutes. But it is mentioned as a very consolatory circumstance, that before the wretched infant expired, it was properly baptized by a firiar who happened to be present.* At another time, while a party of Spaniards, with their hounds, was passing near an Indian village, one of the hunters, suspecting that his dogs might be hungry, snatched a small Indian child from the embrace of its mother, and cutting off the arms and legs with his sword, he threw them on the groimd. When these palpitating morsels were devoured bv the dogs, the * Las Casas, quoted by Pnrchas; "Pilgrims," Lib. viii., Cap. 4 ;36 LIFE OF FERDINAND DE SOTO. remaining portions of the child's body were also dis- tributed among them, in the presence of the bereaved mother, who became frantic at the sight.* But the most concise relation of Spanish cruelties in ^'^ i^^^^3