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'10 '$ //' r^: •"> '^^ o r u .V . s^ rr r II K NEW WORLD: a U II H A I N o AMERICAN IIISTOIIY. OOMPRIAmo ofVacu r,; ,, *="'""'^:an naticvh, with hki-auatk histoiues or i..A(,u, .Ncu-mNo rm: vak,„„s „Kv.„,,rn.,.NM an., t„k ehection OK IN1,KI.KN,,KNT BTATKS, TO TUB Pn£«KNT T.M«. HENRY nOWAIU) " BROWNELL, A.M. TWO VOLUMES IJ\r OJVE. VOt. I. Z TTr ^'""""^-»- '•'•o SP—O- m A^orloa: Mox.oo. Peru. OhlU Florid.. InAmorloa. Br..U._4.Tho DutuH i,. America. _ 6. The Frenolir AmorlOB : Oonocln, Aoadio. Loul.Una. *o. WITH NUMEROUS AND DIVERSIFIED COLOrR|.;i) ILLUSTRATIONS. (BiiltrcIiT nclu, from (Ongiiiiil iltsigns, EXECUTED m THE BEST STV..,;, uv TJ£E FIUST AUTI8T8 i.V AMEKICA. BOSTON: DAYTON AND WENTWORTH, 86 WASHINGTON STREET. 18 5 5. /^ 3 77 ENTKRKD A C C O l( I) 1 N O TO ACT OK CONGRESS IN THE. YEAR 1854 BY DAYTON AND WENTVVORTH, IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF MASSACHUSETTS. tv n.'i IlAnXFOBD : FOUNDRY OF SIl.AS ANtiRl'S &. SON. IV. C. .Irmstrungy Tijpographer, W. B. WILLIAM! Steam Presa till I S,. It CONTENTlS. PART I. THE NORTHMEN IN AMERICA. ANri«i,T.\horlKln(iiniiC(.« lli«l)«aU.; All«mpt of ThorsleU J. " . . ' 'ho Voyage an.l l)i,cov,.,i™ „f tihmvk!.!- PART II. THE SPA\I,U1,S IN AMERICA. THE nrsCOVBKIKS or CO.UMBUS .«„ SBXT.K.K«X OP XHK WKSX .-O.KS. r'^v''''""' '''''''•''''''*'-'■'- -^-Sr^ vnanvs w.ib ibe Cuunibul,, ........;' '""""-'"' "'""'"'""po, Porlo Uic, &e.; A.N SO ai ';;''«'"''"""-S .,:.„„ 40 t-turn loSpuii) ^^ ^'^ o 3^^ jy CONTKNTS. riiAi'Tv.ii vn PAal Th" I>i'cliiiliii{ I'lirlMiiiK ipf r,i|iiml)ii»; nininilllo In I'illiM«-(iiil nii Mxiiidllliiri; Hiilln on hi» TlnM Vhjiiuii; tliii Di.-ciiviT) 111' H.Miih Ariii'iieiii llxtriiiiiiliimij llii'dr) ; ('(iliiinliiiM nrriviii ut IIh)Ii; I)l.i(iiiliT,niiiii'tli>ii ol lil« Knomli'n Iry I'l'iiiiK'sl i IIIh Criilnii on thii CoiictB of llniiiliirmi, C'okIii Hicii, tc, Ac. ; Huiiicli lur ii Wiriill ; lliit lJiaii|i|)oliiliil(iil, (in OlIAI'Tlril IX Dbii^tn.in Mliinpl In Found a S.'ttlcmi'iil ; lloalililii'H wllli llio Iiiillnnii ; Ihii Wmclii niiiilly Himniliil on I 111! ImIiiiiiI iil'.liiiiiiilcii; Kxlmonliimrj licvici' of rnliinilmn ; Mutiny of lii» ■■'nlliiwiT.'"; TifiicliiM) ol' Dnwiilii ; Ki'pcuo of lliii C'icwh ; Aliocilli'it ooiiiinliiid on ih.^ Niillvi'H of May tl ; Iliilui n of Culuiii- liiistu rt|min— llisTri'iitini'nt-III.H Diiiilij l)l!.|ini.al of lliu Iliinulnii 77 CHAPrKK X Dl.-iiovi'iy mill Survey of riilm-il« Oonqui'sl liy Vi'liiwiiii'/, ; Momoriiblo Hpcicli of iin Iiiiliiin ; l""i|ii(latiiiii of lliiviiim, fcc. ; t'onnur!1ENT OF THE ISTHMUS AND DlSCdVEKV OF THE I'ACIFIC, I'll ATTKIt I DlmiKlroiis Alli'mpts to found a HiitliMiifiit on tin' Islliiniin; Vimro Niiiii'z iln Itnilion! ttic Soltlcnii'iit of n.n-liMi; Di'iiliiurswilli tho Iinliiins; Itiiiiioiiis of llu' Soiitli Hi'a ; Kxiu'dilioii of lliilboii; ronli'»n wilii llio Indians; Disoovi'ry of tlui Pauillc, pg I'll AlTKil II Till' P.i'lurn March; AppoliilmiMit of PcdrnriiiH Oavilla— Mi* Rxpi'dllioii— lliu .IiHlmiKy if Riilliim; Mi.il'oriuiu'11 of Iho Colony ; Fxpi'dition of Morali'H iind Piziirni; KiTuiiciinilinn of I'ldriirian mill llulbou; Vi'cui'ls convcyi'd Uviiiluud to llio Pucillc ; Hiiddin Ancat, Trial, uml rxucullon of llulboii, 1)3 rIlA!"iI«H III, I'.'nimido Miip'llnn— (lis Voyiiw (o tho foutli-wcst ; Wiiitcrx at Port Hi. .Iiiliaii ; llic PMtiii;i)nimii; lli',-ti.mi.. of (;„ri,„j nu Tr.miil.Hr„i i:iiiofii; OiilruKci „n iliii Kmimroi "w.'Br AllcgliiricH to thu H).mi(,h On Curluii, i« liT-iMi; rruKlniiml 0„„,,i™ey „r 111., |',lMo.«i ih,. r,,ei,,„,., -n.wi.i A(rMuiinKtr; III 139 *':::'i:::i;!;:r:rr:.':j:::':;';::':r'-'":'''^'-'-"^^ nM..M..x,e..,,n,A.,.. ■> , ... • ,....,„ ,,.,,, i.iriiiiiui II tr initiiv i:i7 "r:;zr;x:;:r;:;,?:dEE'£;^;^:,i:'i;"'"'" "'- ■•■"• .K-B..~.i, .,,,.,:;,:;;:L:iZZ:::.T .:°''!':T'!°Z ««xic«-Tuk«. up ..,,uuarler;rC;lI .!..!; '^"'""'" ''"'""' •'■-'='«•■ '" '"e Vall..y .,f ll'i ■UTKtt XII. «t T:,c,.b«; ai„«„,„r ,>i„„„.y .'.f K.nJuX 7."!. " I. . . '"' "" "'"■"" '"""' ^'"lo-Arrlv.. -, <^n*rTKii XIII ^^^-^^^::^::z:::^:::::^^^ -^. ..nn,„.;i ..„. C-llAPlTiK \-IV I4n 1.50 I.'k) OiiiiMiil .\nsniill .)ii i||(. ciiy; ,\r,r,.| I,,,.,, . , , ,,. ,. „ . or t..e Aui.-.„ei, K„...,„ , , .j ^::::^j^:^;:^;^^';';;;"^^^^^^^^ """ »'"^-'- Twrll)lii.SmriTiiiL'>i and .'Mnilnlltvi.rii, '' »• "'> -'• '- v..,„„.;;';;:2:' .: ;'-:;^- :^^::-" «'■""•— -^'"-n.,..,. = « „. , BMiom ,m lh« U,m.,»„.t, * ... . '' """" *''"'"""" ' Cupli.re of OuatoMw.zii, ; Re- I5y Tim Tiirliiri, of Ciuitemnz I'MAl IKK XVI a,r...o„c.,..H-ni»o...„,!:;;;;r;i;:;i::;;;:,:;;;;^'.^-';^"'' -;n„,c..an,iTn,.., .. iiii Mexico; K,,,,,.,;,,. Kxr..,li,i.,n ; c. ,,,"',,''''" ' " " '"""""'■•l "» >-. ; U,.„„„s ,„ Heath; Hi, Chan,,.,,.. . [• ,....',"''"""" "■""•"" '" ^P""' ; V,m,cce,BUU at Curl; Hi, liiiJ 'I-; I-alo„rih„Con,i,.,.ror.- *^ ' ' "*""-'™'»r"l "' Court; His Condition ortli«Imli,i,i8nM.lth..S Ki dationa of lli,, llncanic |>anishC„hinisl.t; Nalimial I'ri.lo • S- i-"; ''"Mic U-..rk» f„r the p,.„|,.cii, yclcnioffiovnrnnipnt; n.. prp- tVLizacized b^.l^rainont; J..,„i„ Ex,,eli.''i, • ' . . .™""" '"' ""=''■'''"""! '"'''''" R«V"Ma ; V,.,a l-'I'AI-TKK >:i '^^'.•.•^.".n.n^el!:::^';;;!;^:;;^;;,:;'^"'''"'''-'^^ Cominencnn...nt of (h« First Revolmi by fallija ; liny of the Piiiriuls ; lliirbi.le,.. no • laratlonof ln.lepeiH|,.„c,,; Rrvcrl-,.. 8 CONTENTS. OHAPTIK XX. PAQK Espousnl of the CauMof Independence by Iturbido; Proclnmntlon at latimla; Union wllh the Rovo- luliuiinry Party ; TrHBly with the Viceroy, and Surrender of the Capital ; DimenHions ; Iturbido made Kinper.ir j His Overthrow and Death ; Prlitlcal Factions ; Spunixh Attempts at RSconqueBt, 185 niAl'TEK XXI. Overthrow of Guerrero by Snntn Anna and BustBinenle ; Tyrannical Procpedings during the Admin- islriiiioii of Santa Anna ; Resistanco in the Provinces of Zacatocas and Texas; the Texan War ; Delcat of Santa Anna; Difflcullics with France; Civil War; Santa Anna restored to Power ; Re- volt, headed by Paredes ; llerrcra PresidunI, igg CHAPTEa XX... Annexation Of Tcxa.M to the tJiiitcd Stales; IndiKuatlon of Mexico; Slidell's CommlBsion ; Prepnrn- tiohs BKahist Texas ; General Tnyhir's March to the Rio Grande ; Commencement of Iloatililies; War neclnred ; Plan of the Mexican Oampalstn ; Bailie of Palo Alto— of Resaca de la Pulma ; M«t- nnuiras Occuj.ied ; Return of Santa Anna to Mexico ; Reduction of Montert^, IKI CHAPTER XXIir. Paula Anna's Chaniie of Policy ; Heneral Scott's Plan of Campaign ; Defeat of the Mexican Army at lluena Vi..|a ; Mexican Politics; Capture of Vera Cruz ; March into llie Interior; Hultte of Cerro Guido; Occupation of Puebla; Guerilla Warfare; Fruitless Negotiations ; Advance on Ihe Capital, I!W CBAPTZR XSIV. Movements of Santa Anna; His Plans thwarted by Valencia; Battle of Contreras; Seizure of San Antonio; Battle of Churubu.-co ; Negotiations; Storming of the Molino del Rey and the Casa Malu-of the Fortress of Chapult.-pec ; Kvacuatiou of the City; its Occupation by the Americun Forces ; Final Military Operations ; Treaty at Giiudulupo Hidalgo, 203 CHAPTER XXV. Summary of Naval Operations ; Colonel Kearney's Proceedings In New Mexico ; Events In Califoi^ nia; Union of Colonel Fremont wilh Commodore StockUm; Kearney's Arrival at San Diego; Oiinpaign of Iho Combined Forces; Disputes Ijetweeii the American Commamlere; Colonel Doni- plmn's Services ; Mexico, since Ihe Conclusion of Peace with the United States ; Return of Santa Anna ; Difficulties relating to tho Mesilla Valley, gy,, THE CONQUEST AND HISTOHT OF PERU. CHAPTER I. The Capital of Ihe Islhmus transferred to Panama; Account of Francisco Pizarro-His Confederates -His First Voyage in Quest of Peru ; Grievous Loss and SulTering : Ills Return ; Ihe Voyage of Alinagro ; Exiraordinary Contract of Pizarro, Almagro, and Luqiie, . . . . 'JI3 CHAPTFR II. Second Voyairo of Pizarro and Almaaro-their Suiferings; Fresh Discoveries; Return of Almagro; the Island <,f Gallo ; Resolution .if Pizarro and Twelve Otiiers-their Dii'Cov.'rv of Peru-its Trea- sures : Pizarro repairs lo.>e the Spanish General,, Defeat a^d ZIoZm—'""' "" "'"'""""'' ^'-" ^^'"- "«'«-" ' 238 CHAPTER Vlir, AMssiiin Of Hernando ; His Fata • p»„o.j.. I ,„ >'.« Amazon , Terri'ble SuS„ ^'r' ''T'" '"''"™ ' """^''^^^ "^ »"'» Voyage down Assassination; IlisCharaSTc.'.. '!. ."^ '™ "*■""' P-"»"'» -f Al.ni^ro; His CnAPTHH IX. 243 Frilie Uoyalists; Gratitude of the People; Union of the Hliites of New Granada and Venezuela under the title of Colombia ; Reverses and Successes of the Patriots, Xti OHAPTKR VII. Revolution in Spain; Overtures of the Spanish Leaders; Resolution of the Patriots; the Armistice; the War renewed; Humane Policy of Bolivar; Signal Victories of Ibn Republicans; the Spaniards Completely Expelled from Columbia ; independence of that State acknowledged, 3'ia Dif r u Urai er C( Braz Pn an( the Fligh Tra Insi Bru: Impnl( peiii Dim. Rio; The Ch the 9 Roya BOLIVIA. The Revolution in La Piiz ; a Junta established ; the City taken by the Royalisis— their Cruelties ; the Patriot Army marches IVom Buenos Ayres— Us Success and Subsequent Defeat; Second Attempt Bt Revoliiliiin ; Mass \erea in Cocbabnmba and Potosi ; Seccuid Expedition from Buenos Ayres— its DiscumlUure; Guerilla Wtivfaie; Bolivia Kmiincipttted l.iy the Victory <>f Ayncucho, .,.,,.., 339 Causes of the RHVoIutioii in Hue,,,,, Aj-ies: the Vicor.iv, : Im.™ „ ^ r>- ''*"» With the Royalists i„ Upper Pen.-i„M,mBvl,n ^ '' ^'"'""'°'' "'""• '''"«; ^Var» Video; i;iectionof Pueyredon a» SuproLe D.^c'ctor ' '' ""^ *""""' *^'"' "^ '*'"""' ' .143 Continued ite8i,la„ce of the Banda Orllu.1 "" '"""'""«" '" ^''''" ' '^PP«^ P"™ i ' 347 4ir ■ , «, CHAPTER III 316 in?; ions I .... 325 I '• PART III. THE PORTUGUESE U AMERICA. BRAZIL. Dutch; their Expulsion from B„-uiJ, "...... ®"™'''«'' '"" ««<=»"; Imp-'licy of the 3.53 Brazil a P«,al Colony; the Result; Ormresaio,? of Ih^v'^- era. Appointed; Story of Caratn/nu B a 2 '-^t-Tv' "■I'"'"' '^^'™' '^~r-,en- Orusade «t Cannlhaiisu, ; war ;ith th;S:„::^n;I™^:;;^^^^^ 359 363 Impolent Demonstration of ,he Portuguese G °ver7m^e" l^ n„„ p . pendenco of Brazil declare.l; P,.,|ro proclnimJd P^' ^""^ ^''^'" proclaimed Protector; md,- .inicuhies With the De„n,cr„cy; M,s,n,le ,n If ' ::;^; f '™' "^ "- •'"""Kue,e Troop ; Ru. ; Abdication of Do,n Pedro, and his Retrea" to Ponut, ''" ' ''""""" '"'"'"''"" -^ ' 306 The Child Dom Pedro It • the Trinl„ p ''"'^"'•« vi - M^,ri,y Of the k;.:::^ itS^r^!;!!:^- ^ '-^o-or M.na; Presh Revolution; Royal Marr.,«es; Capabilitie, and Nece»si,i;, of B^J"! . ^Z""''''''''-''''''''™"' ««-'»""; ">« 370 339 ■J2 CONTENTS. PART IV. THE DUTCH IN AMERICA. THE NEW NETHERLANDS. CHAPTER I. PAOR Cnptnin Henry Hudson ; his Voyages in Search of ii Northerly Possnge to China; Employed by tlie Dutch East India Company ; Sails in (ho Half-XInon ; Cruises along the American Coast in Search of a North-west Passage; Discovers and Ascends the Hudson River; Dealings.wlth the Indians,.. . 373 OHAPTICn II. Hudson turns Homeward; Murderous Hostilities with the Indiana; his Return to England; his I.a»t Voyage and Discovery ; Sufferings during the Winter; HenryGreen; Mutinyof the Crew; Hudson and Others set Adrift to Perish, 376 chai'TKH III. Voyages of the Dutch to Mannahata; Expedition of Blok and Chrlstiaanse; New Amsterdam (New York) founded; Colony Plunteing l)y Cartier; Expedition of Roberval and Cartier; Mis- fortunes and Failure; Attempts under Henry IV.; Pontgravii, Champlain, and De .Moots; their Expedition, 390 CHAPTKB III. Champlain Founds Quebec— makes War on the Iroquois- Founds M(uitreal ; Expeditions with the Ilurons ; his Discouragoments ; lnc(uisideriible Settlements ; Cninida taken by the English ; Rest(jred ; the Company of Now Franco; Death of Champlain— his Character, 393 CHAPTKR IV. Aduiinialratiim of Monlmngiiy; tJnpfosporous Condition of the Province; D'Areonson ; D'Avan- gour; Tiiumpha of the Iroquois; Eailh(iunke; Riiintbixemenls from France; Mesey ; Tracy; de C'ouiceiles; the Comte de Friuitenac— his Character; Turbulent Administration ; de la Itiirre— his Expediliim aitainst ihe Iroquois— its Failure; Celebrated Speech of Garangula; Magnanimous Conduct of the Iroquois, 397 CHAPTER V. Do Nonville Governor; his Treachery to Ihe Iroquois; Renewed Hostilities ; Treaty of Peace ; Broken by Treachery: Extraordinary Stnilngem of Le Tint, a lliinin riiicf; Terrible Invasion by the Ini- quois, and Massacre of Ihi' French ; Desperate Condition (jf liie Colony, 403 CONTKXTS. I...dUion of Frontonuci. I^^'P''" Wi''^' Quebec ; Ke„uwed Wars wilh the Iroquois ; Ex- CHAPTER VII. 4U5 TreMy or U,recht; Kx.e„«io„ „,/^ ,1 ;;;;^"-' "^^^^^^^^^ Pn.8,,erityofOa,m.la, pi<'V.n,e„t of Ihe Province; De Beuuhariu.is ; Peace and 40S E"cro,:cl.n,enl3 of (he Frencli • F„« r, ,^''"*''™" ^'" r.H>.U a„d Dea.,.; Co,..:. U^.^r.^''^.! 'I^ "''":' "^'''^ ^^'>'^''^""" "^ nr„d,.ock-h,, I^eicu. o, Aberorun.bie at T.conde o;, ' "' ""'""""'' "' ""> ^»«««h-.h«ir Surerlor Fore 411 CHAPTEK IX. PrepiimtiOMs r„r the C.nnuesI of rnn.,rl«. 4 ' ;h.' .Venoh o„ the U^U of lb:' tr:; W.t' T: ■"""'"'•'«'' '" «'"'"- = n^^-t of 414 ACADIA, ETC. Accniintof (he Acudians- th f chapter u. "'^' '^fl^^'""'8 Memorial; their Fate, 420 CAPE BRETON, ETC. Cession of the French Prov' chapteh i. 43C I-OUISIANA. L«fnlle-hisA..empta to reach China T ''"^""^^ " ^'^ '"-"-.■oci.,.;::":!!:::-:'-:-'--~.ofj 430 Kxpedill.m of l,„ (Sail,, by "Sea In o ''"^pteu m u CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. PAflB NcKlect of the Mlnaisslppl Valley; Expedition i)f I-eim-inr D'!hervillp-he Fornidd Hotllempnls nt iiiloxi, Mobilu, Biid iBit) Diiuphine ; Tuiill ; Unpnwpeidua C.iii.liilon of houiauiim ; Deuth ol D'lhur- villu ; hirt llroltier BiHiivill.! ; OiDZat ; Uiti .Mi»si»Bi|.pi C\inipuii> j (Jruiit lmniii;ruli<>n, Suffi'iiim, ""d Aliirliility; Nuw Oileuiis Foiiiided; Coiilimied liiimlsraliuii; Vast ExIeiU of Luiiisinna, 4:18 CaATTKR '/. Ilujlility of the Natchez; their Injuries; Vain Romimsirance ; PlanfortheDestrucllon of the French; Massacio ul Fuit Rosalie; Campaisn npjiiin!.! tlic NHicbc?. ; Flight and Final UcMiuclion of the Trili.. ; War with the Chlcaaaws; Diaaiitrous CanipniKii of D'.Vrtcgrotlo and Bienville ; (Jieat Lobs of the Frsuch and thoir Allies ; Unsulislactory Uesult of a Second Cumpaign, 442 CHAPTKH VI. Prdsperlly of Louisiana ; Undisturbed by War ; augiir-cune Inlrnducod ; Coinmnnccmpnt of Trou- hlfs with the Englisli ; the Ohio Company ; Resisted by IJu Quesno; the Virginia Expedition nn.ler Wiishinglon ; War with the French of Canada, &c. ; Tuliing of Fort D« Quusne ; Overtlirow of Ibo French in Canada; PnblioReliminii'hment of a Part of liouiaiana to England, and Secr(^t Cession of the Retnuiiider to Spain ; Vain Remonstrance, OUAPTKR 711. Arrival of ailonaa Spanish fiovcrnor-hls Olmtinacy-his Expulsion from the Conntry; Arrival of O'Reilly-his Perfidy and Cruelly ; Five Citizens Executed ; Tyranny of O'Reilly ; Creat Emigration from Louisiana— that Province Kucoded to france-doid by Napoioou to the United Stales, 445 448 PART I. THE JfOETHMEI II AMEEICA. . CHAPTER L ANCIENT ABORIGINAL RACES. — THE SCANDINAVIAN VOYAGERS —DISCOVERY OF ICELAND. — EIREK THE RED, — DISCOVERY AND SETTLEMENT OF GRE^LAND. — NORTH AMERICA ACCIDENT- ALLY DISCOVERED BY BIARNI HERIULF80N. — VOYAGE ' OF LEIF EIREK80N. — AMERICA NAMED VINLAND — THE VOYAGE AND DISCOVERIES OF THORVALD.— HIS DEATH. — ATTEMPT OF THORSTEIN. . The history of those ancient races, :;^hich, before the coming of Europeans, for immemorial ages, inhabited our continent, is for the mo.t part, at this day dissolved in vague tradition, or locked un i„ mscrutable hieroglyphic. Excepting the two great semi-civiLd empires of Mexico and Peru, (to be noticed in their appropriate place,) scarcely a record has survived of the nations, once'o numer- ous and powerful, which, from limited but certain evidence ar^ known to have existed in the Western Worid Thev "dipd nnf 7 sign/' beyond rude and massive erecti^ns'tS ct'f.Z' T^'^ ni.ght ass,gn them to almost any race, that, after partially c imbi^i ton, lapsed into barbarism or vanished altogether. Occasional glimpses as we proceed, will be caught of the m^onuments aTdTr " d t,ons of these long-vanished communities; but the true history of the American continent may be said to date from the first aS on Its shores of European discoverers. •arrival on _ That arrival, for several centuries strangely ignored by the histor .calworid^w.much^eariierthanh.asbcen^coL%nlysup'^^^^^^^ 18 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. manuscriiits of unquestioned authenticity, by the most perfect con- sistence and coincidence of details, and by a host of corroborative facts, it lias been made evident that the American continent, five cen- turies before the incmorablo voyage of Columbus, was discovered and frequently visited by men of European race. Witliout delaying to cite authorities or adduce evidence on a matter so fully elucidated by others, we shall proceed briefly to present the facts as accepted by the most exact and scrupulous antiquarians of our day. Nine hundred years ago, the mariners of the Scandinavian penin- sula were the most daring, skilful, and successful of their age. Their voyages, distinguished by a strange mixture of commerce, piracy, and discovery, added no little to the geogr.iphical knowledge of their day. In tlie year 861, they discovered Iceland, and, fourteen years afterwards, planted a colony there. The main stepping-stone to America thus gained, a century elapsed before any further progress was made in a western direction. At the end of that time, a Norwe- gian named Thorvald, with his son, the famous Eirek the Red, flying their country on account of homicide, took refuge in Iceland, ilero Thorvald died, and Eirek, his hands again imbued with blood, was forced again to take refuge on the high sens. lie sailed westward, in quest of certain islands,* and ere long fell in with the shores of Greenland (9S2). Coasting to its southern extremity, he selected the site for a colony at a harbour which he called Eireksfiord (Eirek's creek). lie then returned to Iceland, and by his inviting descrip- tions of the newly-found land, (which he called Greenland) indueed great numbers to join him in his projected settlement. With twenty- five vessels, in 985, he again set sail, but on account of foul weather, only eleven reached the destined harbour. A flourishing colony was soon established, and as it increased in numbers, fresh explorations, rivalling, and, considering the means, surpassing modern enterprise, were made in the icy seas of the Arctic regions. The monuments of these ancient explorers have been found as far north as latitude 73°, and it is su]iposcd that their surveys extended much farther. One Ileriulf, a person of consideration, had sailed with Eirek in his second expedition. His son, named Biarni, was absent in Nor- way at the time, and on his return to Iceland, found that his father had departed for the newly-discovered region. He was a man of great courage and enterprise, and, vowing that he would spend the * "The roeks of Gunnbiorn"— lost, for nine hundred years, to geography, and only recovered by a recent expedition. THE NORTHMEN IN AMERICA. 19 was winter with his father, as he had always done, set forth to find the little settlement on the unknown shores of Greenland. A north- east gale sj^rung up, and for many days he was driven before it, with- out seeing land. At last ho fell in with a coast in the west, wooded and somewhat hilly. No landing was made, and the anxious mari- ners, sailing for two days to the northward, found another land, low and level, and overgrown with woods. Not recognizing the mountains and the icebergs which he expected to find, Biarni, with a south-west wind, for three days more sailed northerly. Ho then came upon a great island, with high mountains and much ice, but made no attempt to land on its desolate and forbidding shores. Four days more, driven before a violent wind from the south-west, ho continued his voyage to higher latitudes, and at the end of that time, by a piece of singular good fortune, chanced to light on the very location of the Icelandic settlement. From the internal evidence afforded by the dates and the courses of this remarkable voyage, as well as from the corroboration of sub- sequent expeditions, it would appear that these tempest-driven mar- iners, long scudding before a north-east gale, yet heading to the westward as much as possible, finally brought up somewhere on the shores of New England. The first land seen, judging from the descriptions, was probably Nantucket or Cape Cod. Two-days' - sailing would easily bring them to the level and forest-covered shores of Nova Scotia, and three more to the bleak and precipitous coast of Newfoundland. From that island to the soutiiern extremity of Greenland, the distance is but six hundred miles, which a vessel running before a favourable gale, might readily accomplish within the given time. To no other region of coast in the vicinity of Greenland will the dates and descriptions so accurately apply, and little doubt can exist that America, by this accidental voyage' was first laid open to men of European race. About ten years afterwards, Biarni made a voyage to Norway, where the account of his discoveries excited much interest; ami when Leif the son of Eric, four years later, went to the court of Olaf Tryggvason, king of that country, he heard the adventurer much blamed for neglecting to prosecute his discoveries. Stimulated by these conferences, he resolved to attempt a voyage in quest of the new lands; and having received baptism with all his crew, returned to Greenland, bearing with him the germ of northern Chris- tianity, and the spirit of enterprise and discovery. 20 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. IIo bought the vessel of Biariii, and, with thirty-five men, some of whom may have been on the former voyage, in the year 1000, set sail in search of the desired region. lie first came in sight of the mountainous and sterile coa.st last seen by Biarni, and landed, but found little or no ti'accs of vegetation. Naming it Ilellu-land— "the land of broad stones" (a name strikingly descriptive of the shores of Newfoundland), he proceeded southerly to the low and wooded coasts of Nova Scotia, which he called Markland— "the land of woods." Next he came to an island (probably Nantucket) lying opposite to a north-east projection of the main land. Between this island and the promontory he steered westward, remarking the shoals and cur- rents which still render difficult the navigation of that passage. Keeping westward, the voyagers "passed up a river, and thence into a lake." This channel, it would seem, was the Seaconnet river, the eastern outlet of Narragansett bay, and leading to the beautiful lake-like expanse of water now known as Mount Hope Bay. On the shores of this lake, they built habitatiojis and passed the winter, fishing for salmon, which abounded, and charmed with the compara- tive mildness of the climate. On the shortest day, the sun remained above the horizon from half-past seven in the morning to half-past four in the afternoon — a circumstance indicating the latitude with almost absolute certainty, and, allowing for slight inaccuracy in their computation, corresponding to the situation of Mount Hope Bay. In exploring the country on their arrival, one Tyrker, a German, stayed late, and the others went in search of him. They found him in ecstacies of joy at the discovery of a vine laden with fruit— tho delicious flavor of which had so transported his thoughts to his native land (the land of the grape) that for some time he could answer them only in German. Great quantities of this pleasant fruit were found, and these natives of the chilling north, deli<;htod at the unaccustomed luxury, filled their large boat with a plentiful supply. All the early voyagers to this coast, speak of the profusion of wild grapes with which it abounds. Martha's Vineyard and the Vineyard Sound, in tlie immediate vicinity, no doubt received their names from this circumstance. Leif, in joy at its delicious produc- tions, bestowed on it the name ofVinland the Good— a name which it bears in all the ancient chronicles and geographies. In the sprinc' of 1001, with his grapes and a freight of timber, lie made his way back to Greenland, wiiere, in commemoraiion of his enterprise and success, he w^is ever after called "Leif the Lucky," During the THE NORTHMEN IN AMERICA. gl ensuing winter, by the death of his father, Eirek, he Huccecded to the chief authority in Greenland. When spring came on (1002) Thorvahl, his younger brother, a man of great courage and enterprise, with thirty companion., set sail for Vmland; but owing to his death on the return, r,w particu- lars of this voyage, perhaps the most interesting and important of his day, have survived. With his company, he arrived at Leif.bu- d.r (Leifs booths), where his brother had encamped, and there passed the winter. The next spring (1003) lie explored the coa^t n a south-west direction for a great distance, proceeding, it has been thought, a. far as the Carolinas. The coast, it is corr;etly stated, was mostly wooded, with white, sandy shores During the summer (1004) Thorvald, with a part of his crew eries Here his vessel was stranded and compelled to ston for repairs; and the adventurer, setting up the keel 'of ht hir o„ the ofTetSnrThe" ""^t^""^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^^ '^ « l^tLn ot the accident. Thence sailmg west, he soon made land, somewhere would seem, not far from Boston. The Northmen landed on a to me so p easant a place to f1w«ll ir.. \. , ^ wnicn seemed ma„ds,Lturned to'leLjir^w^^^^^^^^^ '"^'"^^ ^"'^ -- the next spring (1005 thov ^ f °''7^''^ ^ ^"'"^^ ^^ ^"«d grapes, fiord. Suc'h ar'e Tbr I^tl "^h h"'"' " 'T' '' ""'^^ no doubt the most extei ded t^elt rt ''' 7"'''"^ '^ "" ^^^"8^' the Northmen enterprising of any undertaken by of IcS;:^ ?S'd- tvS "1 rr' ''- ''-'-^' ^-^-- his brother Rut after Z' ' '^ ^""^'"^ ^°">« '^' body of 22 TIIK I' Kol'l, IC'H 1U)(»K OK HISTOUY. |)oit oil tlio nistcrii i-oiiMt of (iriMMilaiid, wlicro, not loii^^ iiftnr, ho (tit-d. (Iiidritt, Ills willow, fainouH lor lior hotiiity luul disorotion, wont to tlwoll at Hnittiililid, iit tho houHO of Leif, lit-r brother-in-luw. UiLltiixXiTiJii il* TIIH VOYAdK OK THOIIVINN KAlll.HKKNl. — WOIISIIII' OP MK OOU TIIOK IN AMKIUCA. — TUANSIKNT SKTTI.KM KNTH. — FHJIIT Wlfll TIIK INIMANS --IIKTUHN, — NOIII, K CONDtM'T OP III A UN I (IKI- M 1, F S N , — M K N T I N OH V 1 N I, A N l» IN MANY A \ U I K N T CHU0N1CLK8. — TIIK 8T0IIY OK IllORN A8BIIANIIS0V ICELANDIC IIKMAINS. — A OONJ KCTIMIKD WKI.HII COLONY. Anoi'Iiku adviMituniiiH iiiariiicr, ore loiij^, uiidortook tlio (Mitorjiriso. Tliorliiin Karlsrl'iii, or 'I'lic Arliifirr, an Ii-tdaiidcr of wealth and fam- ily, in tho uutunin of lOOfl, saihul on a voyago of coinnien-e with a huge oonipaiiy in two ships for (Ireenland. Tlioy mot with kind oiitortaiiunont from Loif, and passed a merry winter, Thorllnn being married to (.iudriil. Mueh talk was held eoneerning V^inland, and as spring came on, a fresh oxpoilition was jilannod. Three vessels were prepared, aln^ard whit-h went Thorfinn and his wife, with his friends, Snorri Tliovhrandson, Hiarni Ciriii- >lfson and others, Frey- dis, tho daughter of Kirek, with her husband Thorvani, and many others, amounting in all to an hundivd and sixty souls. A variety of live stock was taken on board, for tho w^o of tho projected colony ; and in tho spring of 1007, the little (loot .set sail. 'Pouehing at several point.s, the v(\vagei"s eamo to TTdlu-land, with its vast flat stone.s, theneo to Markland, and .so to Kialar-nes.s, wliero they found tfio keel lately sot »ip by tho ill-fated Thorvald. Coast- ing ahnig the desolate shores of Cape Cod fwhieh tliey called Fur- dustvandir — "Long," or "Wondoi;-.'. P^.ore^,") they came to a bay, and put on shore two Seot.s, a maM .and ;i v -man, wh( n; King Olaf hail given Leif, and who were '-wifler ot loot," we are tohl, "than wild aniiual.s." These light-footed eouriers ran a considerable distance inland, and returned with a bunch of grapes and an ear of corn. Keeping along shore, the explorers came to a bay, with an island opposite -hich, on account of the strength of the current, they called TIIK NOKTHMEN IN AMKRICA. 23 Stmuin-flonl, or Bay of .StrcjuiiH, uml wliicli, it is probable, wiia what in now known as IJiizzarcl'M Huy. Here, llndinj,' good pasturage for their c'lttlo, they (li.sciiibarkeil, ami j)asMcon a coast which, i\-om their description, seems to have been the Ilellu-land of Leif; and the name of "Nyja-fundu-land," (Newfoundland) which they gave it, indicates that it was considered as a country already discov- ered. It bears the same name, in English, at the jiresent day. Three years afterwards, Eirek of Norway, interested by the particulars of their cruise, sent another expedition in the same direction, the details of which have not survived. Many other voyages, casual or inten- tional, though unrecorded or lost to history, were undoubtedly made in the course of the four centuries during which Scandinavian col- onies flourished in Greenland. In the fate of those colonies was involved the history of Vinland, excepting the few particulars preserved in Iceland, most of which we have briefly stated. A vast barrier of ice, which, according to philosophers, at certain periods advances southward from the pole, early in the fifteenth century cut off all communication between the parent-country and its distant colonies of Greenland. When last heard of, these consisted of two hundred and eighty villages; but from the year 140fi, for nearly three centuries, nothing was learned of their fate, and hardly a bark, except that of some adventurous whaler, approached the dreary shores of Greenland. Extensive ruins have since been discovered along the whole line of coast, but no record of the fate of their inhabitants has survived. Isolated from any succour from Iceland or Europe, and pinched by the increasing coldness of the seasons, they probably perished by degrees, and finally became extinct. Early in the last century, some colonies were again planted by Denmark in the same inhospitable region. It is worthy of remark, that personages whose existence is well known to history, are occasionally described, in old Norse manu- scripts, as having voyaged to Vinland and other lands lying west of the Atlantic. "To the South of habitable Greenland," says an ancient work on geography, "there are uninhabited and wild tracts, and enormous icebergs. The country of the Skra'llings lies beyond these; Markland bc3^ond this, and Vinland the Good beyoncl the last. Next to this, and something beyond it, lies Albania, that is, Iluitramannaland, whither, formerly, vessels came from Ireland. There several Irishmen and Iceljinders saw and recognized Ari, the son of Mar and Kotlu, of Eeykianess, concerning whom nothing had been heard for a long time, and who had been made their chief THE NORTHMEN IN AMEEIOA. g? lt'\" .^"tf '"*' 1'^' ^'"^•" '^^"^ ^''' ^^''''-' it is elsewhere frokn/ ?' 7^^7!^" ^^ ^«™P««'« '^ ^ ^^Sion lying far west of the gL') nuitramanualand, or Irland it Mikla (Ireland A most romantic account is given, in another chronicle, of the adventures and fate of Biorn Asbrandson, an Icelandic her^ noted for his exploits m Pomerania and Denmark. Eeturning to his nat ve sland, he fell m love with Thurid, wife of an insular magnate and in the frays provoked by the jealousy of the latter, slew feveril of his ass^.lants. Like Eirek the Red, he was compelled to betke himself to the ocean, and accordingly, about the year 998 set s^l Landmg, they were seized by the natives, and were carried b.f a great assembly, that their fate might be decided Frf,,' gerous situation they were rescued^y an aged man t T ^"Ji people of Iceland: ^d Z:^ Z^r^^ZTT' ^ golden ring to her, and a sword to hn. t-- ^ ^^"^ » tell his name, and hastened Ljlre o^^^^^^^^ '"' "'"^' '' dangerous coast. In the 'lutunu. fl ^ ? '" ^"""'^ ^'""'^ ^^^ a.Hl tbenee, in ihe fbt^^l^ ^^^^^ where they delivered the ring to tt t d T^?, T Tj' '"'"^^■>' Kiartan, of whom Biorn bnd 1 ^ ""^ ^"'^ ^^'"^ «^^-"''^l to «l.;"n,.,„„, „„d tl,at 11,0 coast „„ wld. , .^n „1 r n ? ' '""''"""° j«.tei..g f,.„.„ ti,o .,oscrip.i„„, ,v„„ : w; :' °;:t''vr,'''''""''' »f A,„or,o,, p,.„bably below Now K„„h,„i ° ~'"' • ^ "• '"'^''I'^^ity, cummoiily 28 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OV IIISTOEY. I called the "Written Rook," and recording, it seems more than prob- able, the visits of the ancient Northmen to this region. The greater portion consists of Indian hieroglyphics, but there is one genuine Icelandic fragment, representing, with little question, "one hundred and fifty-one men," the exact number, it may be remembered, with which Thorfinn, after the sailing of Thorhall and his eight compan- ions, came to this spot. Other portions, among which sanguine anti- quarians have imagined that they discovered the name of Thorfinn himself, remain undeciphered. It has been thought probable by sagacious archaeologists that other colonies of European origin, from choice or accident, may have been founded in the New World, anterior to its discovery by Columbus. Mr. Catlin, the eminent Indian painter and historian, has, in an ingenious essay, made it evident, thai, the famous Mandan tribe, lately extinguished by the ravages of small-pox, may have been, in part, of Welsh origin, and perhaps descended from the adventurers, who early in the fourteenth century sailed westward, with Madoc, prince of Wales, and never regained their native land. The com- plexion of these people, though somewhat modified by intermixture with aboriginal blood, was light, and their hair and features resem- bled those of Europeans. Their language, in some respects, bore an extraordinary similitude to the Welsh, and their light boats, formed of hides stretched upon a frame, were almost identical in their con- struction with ihe "coracles" still used on the Severn and the Wye. This hypothesis, supported by much ingenious argument and illus- tration, is certainly coherent, and may, very likely, be correct. PART II. THE SPAIIAEDS II AMEEICA. €kt Umnnm of €nlmnbu5, unJi $mmtni ni tijf l\M Urn,' GHAPTEB L COUNCIL OP 8ALAMANCA.-ION0KANCE AND BIGOTRY OP ITS MEMBiJls. but rospect,bl p L 2c •] r' "■ ", "'" ^'"" "'"■ "f <">-"- or hiB n4ve ;. ie wo ' o"*^::' , '.l'?:"' ''^---.of .he,„„.„ »-'<•, .111.1 posse„e°l of •! LT; , r ■'^™'' ""''■ "''■''"'':>' "f ">iM„„, to commnn,! il,„ „,ean, llff,, .'" '"'"'»='"■» 82 TlIK rKOri.K'S HOOK OK IIISTOUY. 1477, lio voy(V}j[('tl an hundrod loagiios bcyoiid rccliind, piohnbly to tlio wcstwiinl, mill, if, insiy be, wiuitcd but a littU; of reviving tlui nncii'iit (lisoovorii's ol' tlio Norllinioii, and tracking llio Hteps oC'I'lior- flnn to tlio long-IoNt .sliorcn of V inland. With tlio accosaion of John IL, in 1481, to tho tlironoof Portugal, a now and brilliant era of ontorpriso coninionocd. 'i'hat oidigiitcin^d and ambitious .sovonngn had inhciriti'd from his prodocossor, I'rinwj llonry, tho noblo passion for discovory and maritimo advonturo. Tho schemo for circmnnavigating Africa was resumed — a schomo, in duo tiino crownod with tho most brilliant and profitablo sucirss; and tho invontion of tho astrolabo or (luadraiit -an invention under- taken directly in furtherance of naval adviuituro — rewarded the inge- nuity of tho men of Hoionce who surrounded him. At this favourable eiH)eh, Columbus, his i)roject fully matured, presented himself before the sovereign, olVering his services in explor- ing the quickest route to the long-coveted shores of India, lie pro- ])oscd to sail due westward, and expressed his confidence that a voyage of a thousand leagues would bring him to the island of Ci[)ango or .Japan, famed from the glowing descriptions of Marco Polo. The compensation which he demanded, in event of success, was of a princely and magnincent nature — tho same, it is i)rol)able, which he afterwards obtained from the sovereigns of Spain, and of which iHMiury, disappointment, and the weariness of hojie long deferred never could I'oree him to abate one jot or tittle. John, whose ear was ever ojum to the voice of enterprise, referred the project to his learned men, by whom it was Hummarily con- demned as chimerical. The king, unsatisfied, and stimidated by tho advice of his unprincipled confessor, now had the meanness and per- fidy to attempt defrauding tho projector of tho glory and reward of his magnilieent invention. Having gained possession of the plans and chart,s of Columbus, he jirivately dispatched a vessel in the pro- posed direction. But t.lu)sc so hastily called on to uiuh'i'take tho tremendous adventure, were not upheld by tho jiationt enthusiasm of its original autlK)r. The crew, meeting with stormy weather, became discouraged, and rmally, in despair, put back into Lisbon. Indignant at tiiis mean afteiupt to forestall his honours, the ag- grievtnl jirojector, refusing to hearken to further overtures, quitted the court abruptly, taking with him his little son Diego (1484). Nothing, for some time, is known of his moveinonts, but his reap- pearance was in distress and poverty I L V M U U ^ U K FU It E T II H CU UJVCI L O F S .< L 1 M jI .V C 4 . \ \ r .V c A . THE SI'ANIAKUS IN AMERICA. oo Near the little sea-port of Palos, iu Andalusia, stood and still stands n.i ancient eonvent, named Santa Maria do Kabida. Ono dav a weaned foot-traveller, leading a l.oj, stopped at the gate, and re- quested of the porter a little bread and water for his child The prior, Juan Pere., a man of attainments and of quick discernment passing by chance, was struck with his demeanour, and still more with h,s conversation. On hearing the grand project of Columbus (for the wayfarer was no other) he was iilled witli admiration. The wanderer was honourably entertained at the convent, and in the ^pnng o I486, fortified with a letter to Talavera, the queen' con^ fessor, set forth to try his fortunes at the Spanish ^ourt In that court the most brilliant, perhaps, in Europe, the cold and i bcral spirit of his consort, the high-minded Isabella of Castile- and It was on her well-known love of science literature .ml ' pnse, that the adventurer founded his Jefl^^^:^ "^ discouragement attended his first attempts. The con e so r looked --th no favour on his scheme. It was long before he Zd obtl a an audience before the sovereigns, their whole attention trowed -en^nceandenthnsiasmfg.dX:^;r obhS:ndT°' ""^"" '' '"■"' "" ^^'^^^-^ -'^'-- -- finally sit rl: o : n3' --^ ^y '- f t--.ts, resolved t^ nianea. At^ Z r n^^^ ^t'Tf 'ridi'r " """""'V' ^^'^■ n^ost learned and eminent sclolrs in 1 "", ''''' ''''"^^''^ '^'' church dignitaries before wl om Z "°''"'"' '""'"^ ^''''' ^^'^ unfold his^rojectednrrtTldr ^'^f .^"^^'-^ ^^ ^^--andod to speech, he^stid the p::^^;:^ o^ ^^ll^^rS'to V ^'T^" disappointment was encountered on all ..nlrAl . '"''"'' l.ero,i«l conception The 1 ' -'T " '°, '" '""'«-^»"y, bo otherwise than flat inste-Ti „f T '"■?"' ^'^ '^""'' '=<»■''• "<>' Voi,. Ill _3 ^ "' '°"°''' "^•"S '1«" in both tbe Old — ^ _J 84 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORT. and New Testaments, tlie lieaveiis were compared to a tent extended over its surface. Others, admitting the possibility of its sphericity, maintained that it was encircled by the torrid zone, an impassable barrier of heat, ))recluding all cninmnnieation between the antipodes. Ejiicnrus haf. — OD- OP TlIK EltSE- ;i, — [BUS. ! deterred, ling a pre- tod by the 1 the eani- !; but was interview oe of past THE Sl'ANIAKDS IN A.MERICA. 85 treachery, the renewed overtures of John If., he despatched his l^n.ther Jkrtholoinow to Enghind, to seek the nid of Henry VII in pro.secution of his enterpri.se. IIo also made ap[)lication to tho powerful dukes of Meerilou8 in the extreme. His ignoi-ant followers, regarding him as a nuvniac, or as one whom and)ition had made careless of life, were repeatedly on the verge of nmtiny. A plan, it is said, was R)ntied f(.)r throwing him into the sea, and alleging, on their return, that he had fallen overboard by chance while surveying the heavens and the altitudes of the stars. Nothing saved him but the calm and resolute authority which ho maintained, cheering the timid by i)orsuasive arguments, inciting the sanguine with promises, and awing the refractory with open threats. By the first of October ho had sailed seven hunch'cd leagues west of the Canaries, though his ciew supposed the distance to be considerably less. Ou the 7th ho altereil his course, and steered for three dayssouth- Avest. No land appeared, and the crews, in a nuitinous manner, clamored for return. It has been told, and oilen repeated, that, to appease their impatience, he promised, if no land appeared in three days, to turn his })rows to the eastward; but this story ajipears to have been reported without sufllcient ground. On the contrary, fmding his j)crsuasions inellectual, he told them sternly that he had been sent to seek the Indies, and, till they were found, nothing should induce lum to retrace his course. Overawed by his firmness inid dignity, they yielded a sullen submission. On the evening of the 11th, the course wiis again altered to the westward. Occasional specimens of fresh vegetation, and a stalT artificially carved, had been lately picked up, and added greatly to the encour- agement of their hopes. Every eye was now strained with eager expectation,. and Columbus passed the night on the high cabin of his vessel, anxious to be the personal discoverer of the expected land. About ten o'clock, he saw a faintly gleaming and occasionally hidden light in the west, which he regarded as the certain indication of an inhabited land. At two in the following morning (October 12th,) the I'inta, which was ahead of tlie. rest, ilrod a run, th.'." sjtrnal of THE SPANIAKDS IN AMERICA. 89 discovery, and all lay to, uwuitiiig with intcrue expectation the approach of morning. Aa the day slowly dawned, a green and beautiful island was .seen stretching before tlicni. Numbers of people, quite naked, were run- ning on the beach, fdled witli auiazcnient at the strange ^pectaclo which the night had conjured up on their shores. The admiral, in full dress, bearing the royal standard, and gallantly attended, entered his boat, and rowed to shore. Kissing the earth, with tears of joy, he returned thanks to God. His people followed the example, arid all, overwhelmed with joy, thronged around him, with embraces, kissing his hands, and, in the intoxication of the moment, almost adoring him. He proceeded to take a solemn and ceremonious pos- session of the island, in the name of the Spanish sovereigns, calling it San Salvador. Its native name was Guanahani, and it is one of that long chain of Bahamas extending from Florida to IFayti. The natives, who at first, terrified by the armour and gorgeous array of the strangers, had ficd into the woods, now ventured Ibrtli, and ai)proaclied the Spaniards, with many prostrations and signs of adoration. They suj)posed that these wonderful beings had floated from some celestial region, and gazed, with eager curiosity, on their beards, their raiment, and the whiteness of their complexions. The islanders themselves were of a cojjpcr hue, nearly naked, and orna- mented with fantastic paintings. Su])posing himself near the eastern shore of Asia, Columbus gave these people the name of Indians— a term since applied to all the native races of the western hemisphere. Their disposition was singularly amiable and affectionate. The admiral gave them little i)resents, such as coloured beads and hawk's-bclls, the tinkling sound of which tickled their ears surpris- ingly, and which they received with rapture as gifts from the celes- tial land. They cried to each other, he says, "with loud voices, ' Come and see the vien who have come from heavm. Brinrj them victuals and drink.'' There came many of both sexes, every one bringing something, giving thanks to God, prostrating themselves on the earth and lifting up their hands to heaven." Great numbers came ofi' in their canoes to the vessels, bringing tame parrots and balls of cotton yarn as offerings to the wonderful visitors. Strong interest was excited among the Spaniards by the sight of small ornaments of gold, which the natives wore in their noses, and which they averred, by signs, was jirocured from the south-west. Columbus understood them as describing, iu this vague species of 40 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. communication, a great prince, who was served on vessels of that precious substance; and his ardent imagination at once inferred that he must be in the neighbourhood of Cipango, and of its gorgeous potentate, described by Marco Polo. CHAPTEE IIL DISCOVERY OP OTHER BAHAMA ISLANDS. — CONTINUED EXPECTA- TIONS OF FINDING ASIA. — DISCOVERY OP C U D A. — DISCO V- ERY OP HAYTI, OR H ISP A N 10 I, A . — 'C H ARACTER OP THE INHABITANTS. — THE CACIQUE OUACANAOARI. — THE SANTA MARIA WRECKED. — I, A NAVIDAD FORTI- FIED. — COI.UMliUS SAILS FOR SPAIN. — FURTHER ADVENTURES WITH THE NATIVES. 4 On the evening of the 14th of October, tlie admiral got under way, and left San Salvador, steering amid green and beautiful islands, which appeared innumerable. He at once concluffed that he was in that great archipelago, reported by his favourite author as consisting of seven thousand four hundred and fifty-eight spice-bearing islands, and lying off the eastern coast of Asia. On the 1 6th he landed on, and took possession of another island, which he devoutly named "Santa ^laria do la Concepcion," and where lie found the natives friendly and confiding as before. At the island of Exuma, where he next went on shore, the inhabitants, as usual, thronged 'around him with their little offerings. The disposition of all these islanders appears to have been eminently simple, amiable and unsuspicious. "I am of opinion," says Columbus, in his journ.al, "that they would very readily become Christians, as they appear to have no religion." In Exumeta, where, in search of his Japanese potentate, the admi- ral next touched, his soul, ever keenly sensitive to the beauties of nature, was filled with rapture at the loveliness of the scenery and the climate. In his communication to the sovereigns, he says, "It seems as if one would never desire to depart from hence. I know not where first to go, nor are my eyes ever weary of gazin<- on the beautiful verdure. * * * Here are large ]akes,''and the groves about them are marvellous, and here and in all the isljind THE SPANIABD8 IN AMERICA. 41 every thing is green, find the herbage as in April in Andalusia. The singing of the birds is such, that it seems as if ono would never desire to depart hence. There are flocks of parrots which obscure the sun, and other birds, large and small, of so many kinds and so different from ours, that it is wonderful; and besides, there are trees of a thousand species, each having its particular fruit, and all of marvellous flavor, so that I am in the greatest trouble in the world not to know them, for T am very certain that they are each of great value. * * * As I arrived at this Cape, there came off a fragrance so good and soft of the flowers or trees of the landy that it was the sweetest thing in the world." The Indians here told him, that in a great island named Cub-> to the southward, much gold abounded, and he understood them' as describing large ships which came there to trade for spices and the precious metals. His sanguine imagination at onco sprang to the exultant conclusion, that this was the desired Cipango- Siat the .shi{)s in question were those of the Grand Klian; and°that the ex- pected fruit of his expedition lay ripe before him. Forthwith he got underway (October 24th), resolved first to visit the island, and then to cross to the mainland, and deliver his letters to the Khan Three days he sailed south-west, and on the fourth, beheld the high and mountamous shores of Cuba stretching before him The squadron anchored in ii beautiful river, and the commander in his boat explored the country, delighted with its beauty. The most graceful of palms, differing from those of the Old World every where met the eye; and he fancied that amid the varied perfumes of tropical vegetation, he could distinguish the flavour of oriental spices Coasting westward, the voyagers fell in with several villages in which were found implements evincing considerable art and^iivre- nuity. By another strange mistake, the result of imperfect com- munication with the natives, Columbus now concluded that he was on the mainland of India, and, by his interpreters, endeavoured to reassure the alarmed villagers, and to convince them that he had no connection with the Khan, whom he supposed the object of their especial terror. Encouraged by the friendly message, though part of It only was mtelligible, they ventured, in great numbers, to the .ship. Ihe admiral, supposing that the capital of Tartary, the seat of tlie Great Khan, could lie at no great distance in the interior, dispatched messengers in quest of it~among them a converted Jew, whom he had taken out expressly to further conmmnicution with that poten- 42 THE PEOl'LE'S BOOK OF HISTOKY. tatc, ami wlio was equipped with a knowledge of Hebrew, Chaldaic, and Arabic. Penetrating the country for some distance, this embassy caiuo upon a village of a thousand inhabitants, from Avhoni they received great reverence and hospitality, but on whom the oriental learning of the interpreter wiis quite thrown away. These people smoked a fragrant herb, prepared in rolls, which they called Taba- cos— a name since universally applied to the plant itself. Much cot- ton was cultivated by them, and manufactured into the simple articles which a tropical climate requires. In the south-east, Columbus was now informed, was a land called " l^abccjuc, rich in gold, which the people there hammered into bars. From this, and from the name Quisqueya, which they occasionally used, he concluded at once that the latter could be no other than Quisai, the celestial city of the Khan, described, with such lavish ornament, by the enthusiastic Polo. Accordingly, turning from a couise which would soon have taken him to the mainland of Amer- ica, Columbus, on the 12th of October, retraced his way, sailing in quest of the ever-fleeting Land of Promise. During this voyage, rendered tedious by balUing winds, Martin Alonzo Pinzon, whose vessel, the Pinta, was the fleetest of the squadron, deserted him, and was st)on lost to sight. The admiral slowly worked his way east- ward ah)ng the shore, making fresh surveys, and falling in with new tribes of the natives. Their canoes, hollowed from the Ceyba-tree, were of gigantic size— some of them, he says, being capable of accom- modating an hundred and flfty persons. It was not until the 5th of December, that the voyagers, having rounded the eastern extremity of Cuba, beheld a new land, high and mountainous, rising in the south-east. It was the beautiful and unfortunate island of Ilayti, on which Columbus, in honour of his adopted country, bestowed the name of Ilisjianiola, but which has since resumed its native appellation. On landing, a party was dispatched into the, interior, and found a large village, the inhabitants of which fled at their approach. Encouraged by the assurances of an interpreter, they at length ventured back, to the number of two thousand, and with gestures of the deepest reverence and submission, deceived the mysterious strangers. Every tribute of simple hospitality was ailbrdcd them, and the Indians brought, among other offerings, great numbers of tame parrots, as presents for their guests. Some of these birds had yellow rings on their necks, a peculiai'ity which Pliny had remarked of the parrots , Chaldaic, is embassy bom tbey ac oriental :;so people lied Tuba- Much cot- jle articles and called into bars, icasionally )ther than ich lavish ig from a of Arner- sailing in s voyage, on, whoso i him, and way east- with new eyba-tree, of accoin- ho 5th of extremity ag in the on which ) name of tion. On id a large , CO u raged I'cd back, e deepest 3. Every 3 Indians arrets, as rings on e parrots 1 THE SPANIARDS IN AMERICA. 43 It h \ 1 ""^^'^r'"'''"^ ''" ^-'^"^'^"^^ «°"^i^*i°- -f Columbus thathe had arrived on some unknown shore of the Orient The opmion was not confined to him. "The popiniays and many oth r tungs, afterwards wntes the learned Peter Martyr, "doe dee e that these lands .arour somnokat of India, eyther bdng near vnl It, or else of the same nature." The voyagers were enchanted at the beauty of the island the deheious mildness of the climate, and the gentle manners of t e kindly inhabitants Seldom has the savage' life been found in a form more hairpy innocent, and alluring, than that depicted by the early voyagers to these fortunate shores. The continual struggb for shelter warmth, and food, which in general forms the miser^ of an uncivihzed people was here almost entirely unknown. Th^e milT ness of the air and l^^ie exuberant fertility of the earth freed them from the first evils of barbarism, and their mild and gentle temped arnent of character allayed the usual ferocity of sfvage enn.i y War was unfrequent and not sanguinary, and in general tlie varioT tribes mingled together througliout the islands in perfect confid nee and friendliness. Columbus is warm in their praise. "They are a very loving race," he informs the sovereigns, "and without covetous- tjess; they are adapted to any use, and I declare to your Ili^hntses that there IS not a better country nor a better people in the .omZI hese. They love their neighbours as they do themselves, and li language is the smoothest and sweetest in the world bein^r alwTv. uttered with smiles. They all, both men and wome'r^o Sy naked; bu your Highnesses may be assured that thev possess my commendable customs; their king is served with great reveren e and every thing is practised with such decency that it is highly pleas^ ang to witness It." ''They display," he says, dsewhere, "a fi, knots an liberality in the r demeanour, which no one would believe ." h ou witnessing ,t. No request of any thing from them is ever refused, bu they rather invite acceptance of what they possess, and manife.s such a generosity, they would give away their own hearts " He set up crosses for their e,lification, and, from the readiness with which they ma urely, that they were ripe and ready for conversion. They will- ingly gave their guests what gold they had, and still repeated the allur- ing accounts of islands, richer in the coveted ore, lying still beyond. A cacique or native chief of high rank, named Guacanagar( had dispatched an embassy of welcome to the strangers, and had enter- 44 THE PEOPLE S BOOK OF IIISTOEY. tained at his town, with great kindness and hospitality, the mes- sengers sent in return. But while sailing to the residence of this friendly chief, a great misfortune befell the admiral, in the loss of his ship, which, owing to the carelessness of the marineis, ran on a shoal in the night, and by the force of the sea and current, was soon reduced to a wreck. The crews of both, vessels were now crowded into the little caravel Nina, the only one remaining under his command. The worthy cacique, with his people, did all he could to alleviate the misfortune. In their light canoes, the Indians unladed the shat- tered vessel, carrying its contents on shore, and religiously guarding them, even to the smallest article, though in their eyes of inestimable value, for the use of the owners. Guacanagari himself, shedding tears of sympathy, went on board, comforting the admiral for his loss, and generously offering all that he possessed. His people brought in considerable gold, which they readily exchanged for trifles; and tlie chief, observing the comforting effect of this circumstance on the minds of his guests, assured them that in the mountains abundance of that metal was to be found, at a place which he called Cibao, and which Columbus, as a matter of course, concluded could be no other than the long-sought Cipango. So charmed were the crews with the gentleness and kindness of their entertainers, that a number now besought of the admiral per- mission to remain on the island, rather than voyage to Europe in the crowded caravel. This scheme was approved, and all hands, with the assistance of the natives, set eagerly to work at breaking up the wrecked vessel, and constructing a fortress of its materials. Guns were mounted for its defence, and the admiral bestowed on it the pious title of La Navidad or "The Nativity." Thirty-nine volun- teers, under command of Diego de Arana, composed the garrison, and Columbus gave them strict directions for their conduct, espe- cially enforcing the necessity of just and conciliatory treatment of the nati ves. The good cacique promised his assistance and protection, and with tears of regret took leave of his departing guests. The little caravel Nina, freighted with the momentous tidings of the dis- covery of a new world, on the 4th of January, 1493, set sail for the shores of the old. Two days afterwards, while slowly coasting along against bafUing winds, to the surprise of Columbus, he saw the Pinta coming before An easterly wind. The vessels joined company, and the admiral thtiught best to accept the excuses of Pinzon, who averred thatncei-' THE SPANIARDS 1 iN AMERICA. 45 dent alone had prevented bis rejoining the squadron. But, in truth he had sailed in quest of an island, which he supposed to abound in gold; and had lately been engaged in collecting that metal at Hayti and m kidnapping the Indians. These, however, the admiral com- pelled hnn to restore to their homes. In his own vessel, he carried six of the Indians, whom he had induced to accompany him, to instruct as interpreters, as well as for presentation at the court of Spain, as specimens of the inhabitants of the newly-discovered land Proceeding along the shore, the returning voyagers anchored in the gulf of Samana, and were presently engaged in combat with the Ciguayans-a bold and warlike race of mountaineers, who.se arrows and heavy swords of .palm-wood indeed proved of no avail against the steel and fire-arms of the Spaniards. They were put to flight and two of them were wounded— "and thus were spilt the first drops of that vast ocean of blood, which for three centuries has been poured out by the unhappy aborigines of all America, as a libation to the cruelty and avarice of the European races." Despite this untoward commencement of their acquaintance, peace and friendliness were speedily restored between the combatants; and the Indian chief having visited the ship, pleased with his entertainment, presented to Columbus his coronet of gold-a token of royal generosity with which Guacanagan had already complimented his visitor. 46 THE I'EOPLE'S BOOK HISTORY. CHAPTER I?, THE VOY AOR TO SPAIN. -rERII, PROM TEMPESTS. — llEFLECI. TION.i OF COLUMBUS, — PERFIDIOUS CONDUCT OF A PORTU- GUESE. — COLUMBUS ARRIVES AT LISBON. — MORTIFICA- TION OP KINO JOHN. — THE ARRIVAL AT PALOS.— DEATH OF PINZON. — SPLENDID RECEPTION OP THE ADMIRAL AT COURT. — HONO RS CONFERRED ON HIM. — HIS SECOND VOYAGE. — GREAT EXCITE- MENT, — DISCOVERY OF DOMlNiCA, OUADA- LOUPE, PORTO RICO, ETC. — ADVENTURES WITH THE CANNIBALS. On the Ifitli of January the vessels again set sail, but, until the commcnooment of the following month, were delayed by adverse winds. They then, for a time, made good headway, but on the 14th of February, in a tremendous storm, the Pinta was lost sight of, and all the nautical skill of Columbus, equal to that of any man of his day, was required to keep his little open craft alive in the tempestuous seas of the Atlantic. Many pious vows and penances were under- taken—one being that, at the first land they touched, the admiral and all the company, barefooted and in their shirts, should go to offer up prayers to the Holy Virgin. That the tidings of his g"rand dis- covery might by chance survive, if the vessel should founder, Columbus now wrote briefly two accounts of his voyage, one of which, imbedded in wax, he placed in a barrel and Hung overboard —the other, secured in like manner, he placed on the stern, that it might fl.^nt off, when the vessel should be ingulphed by the waves His natural grief at the prospect of such an obscure and drearV end to Ins noble achievements and still grander anticipations, was heightened by the lamentations of his crew, and the remembrance as he simply states, of the threats and menaces by which he had compelled them to complete the voyage. "I could have supported this evil fortune," he piou.sly writes to his patrons, "with le.^s grief, had my person alone been in jeopardy, since I am a debtor for my life to the Supreme Creator, and have at other times been within a step of death. But it was a cause of infinite sorrow an.l trouble to think that, after having been illuminated from on high with faith THE SPANIARDS IN AMKBICA. 47 and certainty to undcrtnko this enterprise; after iiaving victoriously achieved it, and when on the point of convincing my upponcnts un'd securing to your highnesses great glory and vast increase of doniin- ion, it should please the divine majesty to defeat all Ijy my death * * * * And although, on the one hand, I was com- forted by a faith that the Deity would not permit a woik of such great exaltation to his church, wrought through so many troubles and contradictions, to remain imperfect; yet, on the other hand I reflected on my sins, for which he might intend as a punishment that I should be deprived of the glory which would redound to mo in this world." On the ir)th, during the continuance of the gale, the tempest-to'=scd caravel finally made land; and, three days afterwards, w;is enabled to anchor under the lee of St. Mary's, the most southern of tlic Azore Kslands. Great curiosity was excited by her arrival and tlie Portuguese governor dispatched jiresents and courteous messages to the admiral, though with treacherous and m lignant intent This presently appeared; for half the crew, while performing thei'r pious vow in a chapel of the virgin, were set upon by a rabble route of the islanders, horse and foot, headed by that functionary himself who, however, was grievously di.sappointed at not getting possession of the person of Columbus. It was not until the 2'6d that the 1-ittcr could regain his men; and on the following day, wounded at' this ungenerous reception at the hands of civilised men, (so different from that of lus kindly entertainers the savage Ifaytians,) he again got under way, and steered for Spain. j ,j ^ i^oi On the 4th of March, 1493, the little craft, preserved amid so many pe . Is, entered the mouth of the Tagus. The greatest curiosity and exc temen immediately prevailed. The river was covered with boats; and King John, aware of the magnitude of the achievement received the discoverer with high honours, though secretl v devrred with chagrin at the remembrance of the perfidy bv which he h ^Z'^ZZ ^'^'" P '''•'^'''''' pri.o'now' rescued W the depth of the ocean. Rejecting a proposal for the assassination of Cokimbus, suggested by his more unprincipled advisers he re so ved forthwith to dispatch a powerful force to anticipate Sp n n the seizure of the tempting lands just brought to liHu ' On the loth, Columbus once more cast anchoiMn the port of ralos. whence a little more than seven months before he od'Taken Ins departure on this most eventful of voyages. The whole om" 48 THE PKOl'LK'8 UOOK UV HISTORY. munity was entranced with joy; the bella wore rung, nnd a solemn procession was made to the church. In the midst of these rejoicings, the ririta reentered tlio harbour. Tinzon, who hud touclied at Buy- onne, and thence, with the air of a great discoverer, had di.spatched liis tidings to the court, was filled with consternation wheu he beheld the vessel of his cominander, which he had supposed swallowed up in the ocean, riding safely in the harbour. Ho kept in private, and in a few days died of a broken heart, his end being hastened by a reproachful letter which ho received from the sovereigns. Such wa8 the melancholy fate of a man whose daring, liberality, and enterprise so materially contribuied to the discovery of the New World, but all whose high qualities, by treachery and insubordination, missed of the renown to which they would otherwise have been justly entitled. The court of Spain, filled with exultation at the magnificent tid- ings, summoned the successful adventurer to Barcelona; and, having commenced his preparations for a second voyage, he journeyed thither tlirough roads beset by crowds of curious and admiring gazers. A great multitude, headed by nobles and cavaliers, went forth from the city to meet him; and as he passed in triumphal pro- cession through the streets, all gazed with intense curiosity on the trophies of the unknown world— on coronets and ornaments of gold, the gift of Indian kings— on the gay birds from the forests of the Antilles— on the tawny natives of the new land— and most eagerly on the majestic person of the great discoverer, already venerable with years, and of a presence and demeanour whose natural nobility seemed adequate to the magnitude and grandeur of his achievement. The sovereigns, in a great public assembly, rose from their thrones to receive him— an honour, in that proud and punctilious court, accorded only to royal visitors. In an eloquent and touching nar- rative, he recounted his adventures, and all present, moved to tears by the extraordinary occasion, fell on their knees and returned thanks to God, while a thrilling Te JJeum, chanted by the royal choir, went up to Heaven. The most splendid acknowledgment of his services was now made by the grateful sovereigns to their long-neglected j^rotcje. In addi- tion to the high honours and dignities already acquired by his suc- cess, he was allowed to quarter the royal arms with his own, and to add a group of islands surrounded by the waves, with the magni- ficent legend: I a solemn rejoicings, ed at Bay- liHpatcjlied ho beheld llowed up ivatc, and oncd by a Such was enterprise 'orld, but missed of y entitled, ficcnt tid- d, having ourneyed admiring ers, went phal pro- ty on the ;8 of gold, sts of the t eagerly i'enerable 1 nobility evement. r thrones us court, ling nar- i to tears !d thanks oir, went ow made In addi- ' his suc- n, and to 3 magni- !f' ''I i' I I <■ II i; I V •/■./ ; // ; /,■ , ,, i, , .,/ ,,. , .v, T UK n I s c O V K II i: R Of- A M E II 1 r A . '"'KN NKAR UKN..A AMOIT ua",; niSC.VKHKl) TliK WKST INDIIOS, OCTOBKH ,■> „■«; DISCOVKKKO socril AMKKICA. AlinST 1, UIH; Dim MAV »1, ir-W. THE SPANIAKDS IN AMUKICA. «POR CASTILLA Y POR LEON NUEVO MUNDO HALLO COLON."* 49 Tlnoughout Europe the lutolligenee of his wonderful achievement was received with the highe.t rapture and exultation-nor eou^d a spnt akc his have des.red a litter reward than in the generous tar! of joy and enthusiasm wliich men of learning ^nrl „ reported to have shed on hearing of U.^tMt:rirE:i htnd, says a contemporary, at the court of Henry VII., the whofe u uir was commonly considered "a thing rather divine thin human " Ihe real grandeur and importance of the discovery, indeed ^vet were not even conjectured, and all this exultation'.ppe s'to have been founded on the practical demonstration of the roundnes oHhe earth, and the fact that its complete survpv n,wi .!«. ,!.„,„ ., „,. _,,'."i."s; "■" "■" invested with unlimited ri'dit of dic;pn,ro,.,, a fiiieady time, brought L riv„l maio„rh " o Jt „ "^ 'V"" the globe. John, indeed, a. this ver/ ,e ,° l't7"f -""« °' ful armament, inten.Iod to anti,.in,f„^ °"' " 1*""™'- Indies, bn. ^<=^tijl!lX^^^^^ ^T'T "' "'' """ an infinity of iMri..„e and ati™ 1 P"''"-'' "'«' »""=■■ settled for a time ^ZtZZt^TT'"" ";° '""'"' "•'•'^ and seventy leagueJwest of the A 'l, """"^ '° "'™ '"'"'"'' i.. mi™":,^ rtt!^' :z!.r™;t"' r "°" '"*™"^ ™=""'-' impor.ar,ee of the diseoX! 'Tri: , de wT"'""* "'"' ''" pa.io,,of„clneveme„tsstilln,orebrill^,;;f 't ■"';'7'''r"'r" ^vhich had well-nlh proven frui' ^'^ ''■^•''"'"■^' «"^«'-««"^«»t, .« on its oLi^-t:: t:-r tr :- ^^^^^^^^^^ * "For Castile nnd for Leon 50 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOEY. an uiKlertn,king already so prosperously begun. The only difficulty was in selecting from the host of ardent volunteers, who, moved by cupidity for wealth, ambition for fame, or zeal for conversion, thronged eagerly to join their fortunes to the enterprise. "Ilere- iipon," says Galvano, "there grewe such a common desire of trauaile among the Spanyards that they were ready to leape into the sea to swim, if it had been possible, to those new found parts." With remarkable promptitude, seventeen vessels were equipped, and loaded with materials for the foundation of a colony. Twelve pious ecclesiastics were provided for the conversion of the natives — an object deeply at heart with the benevolent Isabella. It had been intended that only a thousand persons should embark in the expe- dition; but by stealth, importunity, or favour, at least fifteen hun- dred got on board. The multitudes of disappointed applicants wlio thronged the shores and watched the departing sails, regarded them as the most fortunate of mortals. On the 25th of September, 1493, with all his honours confirmed and augmented, and with the happi- est auspices of success, Columbus set sail, with favourable breezes from the harbour of Cadiz. The commencement of this voyage, and the busy days which preceded it, were undoubtedly the happiest of his life. For one brief interval, the brilliant sunshine of prosperity shone fairly on a life clouded, almost throughout its duration, by per- secution, misfortune, or neglect. At the Canary islands, with a provident forethought, M'hich added greatly to the future wealth and comforts of the New Woi'ld, the admiral took on board a variety of live stock, and a quantity of the most useful plants and seeds; and then, on the 13th of October, once more launched fortli into the Atlantic, now by his genius and bold- ness for ever divested of its ancient imaginary terrors. The wind was propitious and the fleet sped rapidly westward — keeping a course, however, rather more to the soutliward than in the former voyage, with a view to effecting fresh discoveries on its way. On Sunday, the 3d of November, the lofty peaks of Dominica (so named in honour of its discovery on the Loi'd's Day,) were hailed with shouts of exultation. With a gentle breeze, the fleet swept onward into that splendid archipelago, whose summer islands unite every beauty and variety of tropical and mountainous scenery. One of these, at which the admiral touched, is still called ^farigalantc, after the name of his ship. On the -Ith, he landed at Guadaloupe, where the natives fled in alarm I y difficulty ho, moved jonversion, e. " Here- of trauaile > the sea to equipped, '. Twelve 3 natives — t had been 1 the expe- fteen hun- ieaiils wlio irdod them aber, 1498, the hajjpi- ole breezes oyage, and ■lappiest of prosperity oil, by per- hich added World, the itit}' of the tober, (Mice 3 and bi)ld- The wind ig a course, ler voyage, n Sunday, named in \'ith sliouts iward into ery beauty )f these, at ■r the name ed in alarm THE SPANIARDS IN AMERICA. 51 from the footsteps of the white men, leaving their villages deserted. In their huts, whieh were neat and comfortable, the Spaniards found various ingenious implements, and to secure the good-will of the fugitives, bound hawk's-bells and other trinkets upon the children which, in their hasty flight, had been left behind The vis tors' however, ere long, were horrified at discovering numerous humln remains, such as skulls converted into" drinking vessels and oSier domestic utensils. ''Our men," says a contemporary, "found In S houses all kinds o eart^iien vessels, not much v;i]ike unto or 1 h y fo ind also in their kytcliens, mans flesh, duckes flesh, & goose flesh, dl m one pot, and other on the spits ready to be layd tf the fire Entriiig into their inner lodginges, they found fa.^ottes of he bones of mens armes and legges, which they reserue°fo mak leades for their arrowes, because thej lack iron, the other bones they cast a.^y when they have eaten the flesh. They found like wise tlie head of a yong man fastened to a j.ost, and y^t bleeding' Ihese people were the Caribs, a fierce race of cannibals, of whom the Spaniards had heard on the former voyage, and from whom th^ lands and the adjacent sea still take their name. The aecouilof their enormities were received with lively interest in Europe as eon firming the reality of cannibalism, which by many had been sun posed a mere figment of poetry, engendered in the lively iniagTnat ons of the ancient Greek writers. ""aginations At tliis island tlio fleet was detaincl for several days, awaitin. the lies and cruell countenances tlian do tiie li™,. , f r i • , poreoine tliciselnes to bee boiin i "l vit rt!?-^''' "''"" "l? .0 beliold t„™, but ,10 sliall feele lii:'^^: els gl tr^th^rtate 52 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOEY. • CHAPTER?. ARRIVAL OF THE FLEET AT HAITI. — THE DESTRUCTION OF LA NAVIDAD. — CITY OF ISABELLA FOUNDED. — EXPEDITIONS TO THE INTERIOR. — SUFFERINGS AND DISCONTENT OF THE COLONISTS. — EXPEDITION OF COLUMBUS TO THE WEST. DISCOVERY OF JAMAICA. INTERCOURSE WITH THE NATIVES. — TEDIOUS COASTING ALONG CUBA. — SUP- POSED TO BE A PORTION OF ASIA. — EXTRAORDIN- ARY PROCESS. — THE RETURN VOYAGE. Still keeping north-west, the fleet discovered and touched at the beautiful island of Boriquen or Porto liico, and after making further discoveries, by the 22d arrived at the eastern extremity of ilayti. The Indians came off to the ships with their accustomed confidence and friendliness; but terrible misgivings were soon awakened by the discovery of several bodies decaying on the shore, one of whicli, from its beard, was evidently that of a Spaniard. On the 27th, in the evening, the voyagers arrived off La Navidad, and fired cannon as a signal to their friends on shore. No salute was given in reply, and all on board remained in a state of grievous suspense, until the arrival of messengers from Guacanagari, during the night, coulirmed their worst apprehensions. After the departure of Columbus, it would appear, the turbulent and mutinous spirits, whom he had left behind, soon abandoned all restraint, quarrelled with each other, and maltreated the Indians. Eleven of tliem, athirst foi- the possession of treasure, had .set out for the golden region of Cibao, a region ruled by the fierce Carib Caonabo, who had obtained the sovereignty of that province, and was an object of terror to all the surrounding chieftains. Jualous of the intru.sion, he had massacred the adventurers, and tlien, joining his forces to those of a 'leighbouring cacique, had stealthily marched to the attack of the Ibi'tress. The garrison, surprised in the dead of niglit, after a vain resi.staiice, were .shuightered to a man; and the village of Gua- canagari, who faithfully stood by his guests, was burned to the ground. These disastnjus tidings were ccjiiiirmed by the scene, which the morning light revealed to the eyes of the Spaniards. The ibrtress lay m ruins, ami the Indian village in ashes. Guacanagari was found •^p— ^ HHHIH m 1 ■ M " M ' .« THE SPANIARDS IN AMERICA. Suffering from a wound received in the contest, and shed tears over the misfortunes of his allies and his people. Several of the latter were wounded, evidently by Indian weapons Despite these confirmatory circumstances, many of the Spaniards doubted the truth of the tale, and insisted that aLcanagariTmself had shared m the destruction of his visitors. Father Boyl, the ch 01 the fnars, advised his immediate execution. But 6olumbus believing him innocent exchanged presents with their accustomed friendliness and invited him aboard ship. The chieftain and his people were again fi led with amazement at the new and marvellou productions of the old world, or, as they still supposed, of the distan realms heaven; and gazed with especial wonder on the horsTs now for the first time beheld , by Indian eyes. But he saw tl^ to many he was an object of suspicion and hostility, and by refasii ' to wear the cross, he increased the ill-will of the mte faZ!TZ^ afterwards, he re rcated into the mountains, taking with him some Indian women, whom the Spaniards had cap'tured on their v^y, and whom he succeeded in enticing from the ships Leaving this ilbomencd neighbourhood, on 'the 7th of December the governor weighed anchor, and proceeded in quest of a more favourable location for his settlement. About ten leagues eaTof the lo% promontory which he named Monte Christi, alve se 1 compel cd him to put into a harbor. The place pres ntcd g ea nat nral advantages, as well for building as fortification. Two r ve,s flowed into 1 , and the golden mountains of Cibao lay but a mediate distance in th. interior. Here, therefore, he determined to ]• y ^ Si;r::i:2ir'i;?cs:-::i; the wor. of disemb.l.ng :;:tr Si^ZZS^^^^^^^ and squares were laid out; a church, a public magazine d a lout I ms If was prostrated with illness; but in some measure to sa is^y th d,sai,pomtcd expectants of inmiediate wealth, resolved to del patch an expedition to the interior, to survey its resources nd to % open the way to the anticipated region of treasure. A o, "o d^ Oj da, a young cavalier distinguished for daring and activity ws put in comnunid of a small force, well arined^and resd t 'w , 54 THE TEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY, wliicb, early in January, 1494, he set forth for the interior. Tlie task of exploration proved difficult from the forests and mountains tlirough which their course lay; but they were received, as usual, with much kindness at the Indian vilhiges, and were elated at find- ing in the sands of the mountain torrents glittering particles of the coveted ore. Having been absent for a number of days, they returned with encouraging reports. Reassured by these favourable tidings, Columbus now dispatched to Spain twelve of his vessels, with specimens of the gold and the natural productions of the island, and a number of Caribs whom he had captured in his cruise among the Cannibal Islands. These pagans, he requested, might be instructed in Spanish and Christianity, and thus become useful as missionaries and interpreters among their anthropophagan bretliren. Further to promote the work of conver- sion, he proposed to establish a regular trade with the mother-country, by which live stock might be furnished to the colony in exchange for a regular supply of cannibals, duly to be caught and sent home for their spiritual good and the merely incidental value of their services as slaves. This notable scheme, (by which, it was believed, "a vast number of souls would be snatched from perdition and carried as it were by main force to heaven,") fell through, from the benevolent disapprobation of the queen. Hardier had the vessels taken their departure, when the imjiatient colonists, dispirited by work and sickness, and disai:)pointed in their golden hopes, began to exhibit signs of mutiny and a desire to aban- don the settlement. A scheme for seizing the ships was detected by the vigilance of the governor. A slanderous memorial against him was found concealed in one of the buoys. The chief ringleader was sent home to Spain, atid others were moderately punished; but enmities and resentments were awakened against the admiral, readily obnoxious as a foreigner, which were destined greatly to thwart and embarrass his future undertakings. On recovering from his illness, his energetic spirit at once found employment in the task of explora- tion. Leaving his brother Diego in command of the town, he set forth, on the 12th of March, with four hundred men, well armed and equipped, for the interior. Crossing the beautiful Y(>ga Real, or Royal Plain, and every where received with wondering curiosity and unbounded hospitality by the Indians, the expedition finally entered the rugged passes of Cibao, or tlie " Region ofStones," through which the heavy armed soldiers toiled with difliculty, though con- THE SPANIAED8 IN AMEKICA. 55 soled for the hurdslups of the ^^'ay by tlie sigl.t of golden particles ghstcinng amid the sands of the streams. The most flattcrin- accounts were given by the natives of treasures locked up still deeper in the recesses of the mountains-lumps of gold, they said, were to be found as big as an orange, or even as large as the head of a child Ilaving marched eighteen leagues, n.ostly through a rugged and d.mcult country, Columbus halted his forces, dispatchinga sin-ill party to make further exploration, and employing the remainder in the erection of a fortress. His scouts brought back fovourabl<3 reports of the wealth of the country, and leaving fifty-six men, under coin- mand of 1 edro Margarite, at the new post, he took his way to Isa- bella, where he arrived after an absence of seventeen day.s. Here much to h,s satisfaction, he found the E,iropean plants, which he had committed to the earth, flourishing with remarkable exuberance Wheat came to perfeeton in a little more than two months from the sowing, and the sugar canes, destined in these islands, at no distant day to supply the markets of half the world, had thriven most kindly in the virgin soil and tropical climate of Uayti But the influences so benign and propitious to vegetation, were falling with deadly and withering effect on the frames of the colo- nists, as yet unacclunated to the dangerous atmosphere of the island Fevers and other tropical maladies prevailed; and that mali-ni dis- order, the terror of licentiousness, contracted from the natives, filled the hearts of the Spaniards with a novel affright and dismay. De- spite these unfavourabe circumstances, the governor pusued on his plans; the work of building and cultivation went forward; but by compelling he hidalgos and cavaliers in his train to share in the labours of the infant settlement, he awakened enmities which exor- cised an unfavourable influence on his interests at court. Short allowance became necessary, and Father Boyl, with his ghostly con- lederates, was aggrieved and disgusted at being included in the gen- eral or er for stnited rations. Many of the^nfortunate colo'^ s perished from diseases incident to the climate, aggravated by uinc customed labour, and by change and insufllciencrof diet ' 1 he ill-conduct.of the garrison of the inland fortress of St. Thomas soon provoked the enmity of the Indians, and tidings came , o countiy. To refresh the colonists by change of air, as well as to over-awe and conciliate the natives, Columbus now pr pared a e^, a grand expedition. Ojeda. with four hundred men w s sen toth ''**^.. M 66 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. fortress, with directions to assume the command, while ^^arga^ite, witli the army, was to make fresh surveys of the country, visiting the various caciques for the purpose of securing their good-will, as well as displaying the power of the Spaniards. Caonabo and his brothers were, if possible, to be secured, and any injuries com- mitted by the Indians were to be summarily punished; but strict injunctions were given that the natives, in general, should be treated m the mildest and most conciliatory manner, and that no provisions should be taken from them without a proper compensation. But these just and politic instructions were little heeded by the rude spirits once fieed from his personal control. The expedition, on the 9th of April, left Isabella. Eager to pursue his more congenial vocation of maritime discovery, Columbus now delegated his authority as governor to his brother Diego, with a council, and on the 24th of Ai)ril, 1494, with the Nina and two other small caravels, set forth on a new voyage of explora- tion. Steering to the westward, he soon fell in with Cuba and coasted along its southern shore, enjoying, wherever he landed, the most kind and hospitable treatment from the native inhabitants. A great island they informed him, lying to the southward, was rich in gold; and therefore, on the od of Hay, he again turned his prow in quest of the ever-fleeting Babeque. The lofty summit of Jamaica soon rose above the horizon, and two days' sailing brought him to its shores. The people of this island, brave and warlike, at first opposed the landing of the strangers, assailing them from their canoes, and hnrl- ing their javelins, in great numbers, from the beach. They were put to flight, however, by the superiority of European weapons, and tiie admiral, landing, took jiossession of the island, which he named Santiago— a name, indeed, which has proved unable to supplant the beautiful original. The Indians, with their usual placabilitv, were soon on good terms with the victors; and the little squadron, as it coasted along, was continually surnninded with their canoes. One of these, hollowed fum a single tree, probably the Ceibn, was niiu-ty- six feet in length, and eight in breadth. These people seemed moro ingenious and industrious than any yet seen by the Europeans. Finding no gold in Jamaica,' Columbus again took his way to Cuba, where he found the curiosity and rcviTcnco of the natives highl,y excited by the reports of tliose who had already met the expedition. They knew of no end, tliey siiid, to the land in wliich they dwelt, and ho therefore supposed it to be a portion of the main- f ^^'ItiSi THE SPANIARDS IN AMERICA. 57 land of Asia Proceecl.ng westward, he pushed his way, with much danger and d.fliculty, through the intricate navigation of that beau- iful archipehago, winch he named the Queen's Garden, and wliich he supposed to be the same as that described by his favourite author Finally, gammg the open sea, he again landed, on the 3d of June and hdd n.tcrcourso with the natives. Their reports confirmed his error, and even mspred his mind with hopes that he was in the ncighbou hood of that fabulous potentate, the renowned Proster John, with whom ,t had been the fruitless aim of so many sover- e,gns to cornmumcate. With sanguine hopes, he pressed on, meet- ing the kinc OS reception from the inhabitants of the coast, who thronged with debght about his vessel. He supposed that by keep- ing along the shore he should, ere long, arrive at the Gulf^of tl e Ganges and the Arabian Sea an.l thence pass to the straits of Babel- mandel. He even conceived tne daring project, with his little fl^ct of open vessels, of coasting around Africa, triumphing over the riV tirglu'r '""""' "^ "'^"^ " *'" ''''' circumnavigator of But this splendid design, had his theory been correct, must have fallen through from the inefficient state of his command. Tl c ^r avels were wretchedly leaky and sea-worn. His provision h id nearly given out. The navigation had again beeomi pe i ou intncate in the extreme, the coast consisting of low swamn . d' v s thickets of mangrove, and being covered, for and nea " t ll and archipelagos of innumerable islands. The crews, vo out bv to, and exposure, earnestly remonstrated against procoklin. f.^.ef Colninbns reluctantly admitted the necessity of retlirn ; but t^ autl 0": fcate ns supposed ascertainment of the loca]it3, took a s^ "r preeautum Being, it is supposed, somewhere nc. the B.'v o P H PP-.-a all hands were solen.nly questioned, before a not Ty publ as to the,r op.n.on of the coast they had surveyed. PrZt' d by a desire for return, and probably placing implicit futh nZ t^I. ment of then- commander, the whole command, includ n Vv tl exj^eneneed gj^graphors and navigators, unanimously ^^^^i^' .a the land t ey had so long followed was no other tl a tie o. [ o Asia; and tl.e notary proclainunl grievous pcnalti J"a stTv M-ho should afterwa-ds recant his opinion " " At the time of this extraordinary process, Columbus was so near the ostern extremity of the island, that two or three days' sail wouM l ve brought him to the Gulf of Mexico - " •niuouidhave I'o the day of his death he f: inn h' 68 THE PEOPLE'S UO^K OF IIISTOKY bclioved that Cuba was the eastern projection of tlic continent of Asia. On the loth of June, lie turned his prow to tlie eastward, and ere long discovered tlie Islo of Pines, wliich he named Evangelista. The re- turn voyage, retarded by storms and contrary winds, occupied three months, during which much friendly intercourse was held with the natives of Culxa and Jamaica. It was not until the last of Septem- ber that the squadron regained Isabella; Columbus, exhausted by five months of continual anxiety, watching and exposure, being car- ried ashore completely insensible, and apijareutly at the point of death. CHAPTER ?L IIISCOXDUCT OF THE SPANIARDS IX IIAYTI. — HOSTILITIES r T li E INDIAN;! — THEIR D E F E A T A N D EN s\ A V E M E N T. — INJURIOUS TREATMENT OF COLUMBUS. — APPOINT- MENT OF AGUADO. — THEIR RETURN TO SPAIN. DuniXG the protracted absence of their commander, the mutinous colonists, relieved from the weight of his pcisonal authority, had fallen into much license and anarchy. Margarite, instead of fuHillino- the duties of his important mission, by visiting the caciques, concili- ating the doubtful and overawing the inimical, liad only sought the gratilication of his own self iniijortance and licentiousness. Ilis peo- ple were not slow to follow his example; and the natives, with alarm and disgust, beheld their provisions, their little stock of gold, and their women, forcibly wrested from them by those whom, so little time before, they had welcomed as visitors from the celestial regions. Diego Columbus, wanting suOicient energy, had been unable to re- press these disorders; and finally Margarite and Father Boyl, hav- ing plunged the whole colony into trouble, seized certain ol' the ships, and, with their faction, dreading the return of the admiral, left hast- ily for Spain. The army, abandoned by its leader, roved through the country, committing all manner of outrages on the Indians, and exciting their implacable enmity against the Eurojjeans. The island of Ilayti, at this time, was divided into five native principalities or kingdoms, each ruled by a separate eacicpie, to whom all inferior chieftains in his district paid submission. That of ilarien, TIIK SI'AMAUIJS IN A.MKKICA. gg iu the .orthorn part Of the island, and surrounding the settlement c/lsubellu, was heklby Goacanagari, the Ibnacr irieud of CoUuubus. Over he beautiful V e,a lea], or iioyul I'Jain, the riehest portion of the .sland, ruled u powerful chief culled Guurionex. Thj province 01 Xaragua jnc.d.ng the lake of that nan.e, in the we.t. was .lov- erned by Behecluo. Cotubanama held «way over the t rritorf of Il.gucy, in the east, and the dreaded Caonabo ruled over Maguana luclu nrg the golden n.ountu.ns of Cibao. The population of thJ •n - !'^^ ' f "-^"^P^ -'^ exaggeration, to have amounted to a millioa 01 souls. ""^ " Tho.se people though, for the most part, placable and unwarlike now, ollended by repeated injuries, had commenced reprisals- ■ nj though not ven turiug on any open attack, had .ut oif s r gglcr: a one instance to the number of ten, and otherwise harassed tll^nlr'ad crs Caonabo alone, deeming the time propitious, and rememb i .. Ins numph a La ^avidad, ventured on overt warfare. II. ,narc f with a great force, against the fortress of St. Thomas, where 0,".; was stationed with only fifty Spaniards; but the latter stronldv'ib tified, made a gallant defence, and after a siege lasting thirty day tne Indian, weary of the attempt, at last broke up and displed to heir homes, aiieir indomitable cacique, still bent on the nu,- lon of the invaders, now applied all his energies to form a I^' 1 confederacy agamst the common enemy. All the caciques ret urJd favourable answers, exceut Gu-ip-i. ,■,,,.>,.; i • "1, ="*^''"riieu lus white allies, and who hi conZl'^ ''""'T^ '""''"'''^ ^" and depredation ii-om th^ :dX^:g;:;r^^^^^' ""^"^"'^^^'^ Such was the condition of affairs, distracted by domestic .edition and menaced by native hostility, when Cohuubusf prost 1 btd gerous Illness, was borne into the harbour of Isabella. The wtt' ZZ' B^tl 7 "" "^'^'' '"* ''' ^^- circumstance . " biothei Bartholomew, a man of stern and energetic character ib any ye.u-s the sharer of his hopes and disappointnicnts, Xr m ' li abseee, had arrived at the port, in command of u snia 1 ^ dio fre.«Ute with supplies. Incapacitated by illness fi^om d j^ n he au-s the colony. Columbus conferred on this brother thom of Ade antado or heutenant-governor-an office for which he w^! t .e .cope of the admiral s authority~but a measure reoarded with m 60 THK I'KOl'l. K'H U(,i)K OF HISTORY. Tlio now deputy took vij^orous inoasiircH for tlui (1cf(>nco of tlio colony ami its ivstonitioii to order. A lio.stilo I'oreo of the IiidiiiriH wiiH deleated, witli iiiueli loss, luid ji new fortress was erected in tlie A*ei,'a. Ciioiiubo, the invoterato onctny of tlio whites, wns secured hv an extraordinary pieeo of erafl and audacity prac^tised by Ojeda, 'I'iiat redoubted cavalier, with only ten eoinpanioiis, marching for sixty leagues tiiroujj;h the forests, suddenly presented himself at the court .f tl le savaiio (Uiit (lain. Tiie latter, chunned with his boldness, received iiini well, and oven ajfreed to aeeom ment. iiev set lor th accon liiiirb pany him to the .settli y, with a large firce of warriors. and on the way, tlu; wily Spaniard, under pretcn(ui of ornament, contrivi>d to fasten on the wrists of his companion a pair of brilliant steel shackles. Having induced the fettered caci((ue tt> mount behind him, he gave spurs t*) his horse, and after a diilicult march, suceeeded in bringing his prize safely to the settlement. The fierce eaiitive, undaunted l>y liis misfortune, maintained a bold and hauglity de- meanour, even to the admiral, and boasted of the destruction of La Navidad. t)jeda, inde<'d, he treated with high respect, admiring, witli true savage appreciation, tlie audacious tiick by which he had been entrapped. One of his brothers, a brave and able warrior, resolved to (>l1'cct his relea.se, raised a force of .several thousaml men, with which ho mari'hed against the SjKinish settlement; but these unclad and feebly-armed numbers wove unable to withstand the unwonted terrors of cavalry and nni.sketry, and were defeated, with much slaughter, by Ojeda. In the autumn (M04\ much to the relief of the colony, four ves- sels arrived i'mm Spain, bringing siipjilics^ nnd also a considerable nnndu'r of mechanics and husb;indmen. On their return, Columbus sent home a considerable quantity of gold, and, in accordance with the barbarous usage of the day, by which all inlidels and j>agan.s were held as ju'ojier subjects for oppre.'Jsion, five hundred Indian captives, for sale in the sl;ivc-market ol' Seville. To the honour of IsalH'Ua, on their arrival, slu> countermanded the order lor tlieir sale, and directed that they should be returned to tlieir homos — dispatch- ing at the .same time, unhappily with little efl'ect, strict cu'ders for kind and conciliatory treatment toward the natives in general. Indignant at the captivity ot'thcir fellow-sovereign, all the eaeiquos, except (luacanagari, entered into a fresh and formidable confederacy against the Spaniards. Tn March, llt'.'>, a great force, sufrieient, it was thouj;ht, to oyerwhelm the feeble settlements of the whites, TlIK Hl'ANIAKDS IN AMKUK'A, 61 nuistcrcd not far from IhhIjoIIu, ColimibiiH, mm recovorod fmtn liin illness, with nartliolomovv, ut tho lieail of only two hundred men, the whole availuhlo lorcoof tho eolony, marched forth to give them 'bat- tic. 'I'hc disparity of Ibrco was less than might he supposed, for his men were armed to the teeth, aflor the European fashion, and were provided with horses and bkxxlhounds— both objects of especial terror to the Indians. He fell in with tlic ill-arrayed and undi.sci- plincd masses of the enemy, near the site of tho town of St. dago; and by a skilful manaiuvre, at once succeeded in throwing tlicni into confusion. A charge of cavalry had its usual elfect; luid the ferocious bloodhounds, the .lisgrace of Spanish warfare, sprin-in-r ia their midst, and tearing their halfclad bodies, completed the^Jlribut Many were slain and many more nuido prisoners; and tho Indian army, seized with a panic, broke up, and took refuge in the mount- ains. The i)ower of the confederacy was completely overthrown Ouaean:.gan, who had taken part with the Spaniards, unable to endure the general hatre.l of his countrymen, betook himself to -x solitary place, where he perished of inortilicatiou and remorse Nearly the whole island, after this decisive action, submitted to the victors; and Columbus, marching through the eountrv, dictated conditions of peace to the vanquished caciques, severe in tlfe extreme J^ortresses were erected in their several provinces; and to sunplv the heavy tribute demanded by tho con.pieror, their people, ii, elfeet were reduced to complete slavery. Kaeh native over the a-e of ou. teen was compelled to furnish, every three „,onths, a iKuvk's- bc I 1, led with gold dust-these tinkling toys, which, so lit.Ie belo.e -1 charmed them as the gifts of heaven, being, bv a pitiful eoinei! donee, selected as the measure of their toil and enslavement The jHl.H.ration which we feel for the genius ami tho virtues of Colum- bus ,s most unpleasantly eheckod by tho remembrance of his sevcM- 1 ..s toward tlio..e who had welcomed him with such kind:,es, ,o tlHMr shores, and whose feeble enmity had been excited onlv l,v repea,e ,ns,n,ss,ou of treasure, charged Ins conseienee with ,i,o en. u.wnt of a w u,le people-^a light charge, he n.av have .hou .1, - IKU day ol nUoleraiK-e and cruelty, when unbelievers were Md o h.ive no nghts at all, or, ,f any, only to ,l,c dry exchange of .la. oornoral serv.ees f .r ,hc priceless onportunitv of conversion 62 THE PEOPLE'S ItOOK OF IIISTOKY. Ihe careless indolence find the gonial dependence on propitious nature, which heretofore had made the happiness of these simple people, was now for ever at an end. Their slender frames, unaccus- tomed to toil, were exhausted by the weary task of searching the sands of their rivulets for a scanty pittance of gold, or of raising food a.Kl cotton for the use of their taslcmastcrs. Vainly hopin-^, bv ne- cctmg these supplies, to induce their oppressors to depart," th "y 1-naIly abandoned their homes and plantations, and took refu/e among the mountains. Thither their masters pursued them, to enforce a return to their labours. Ti.ey wandered from one retreat to another, vainly attempting to elude the vigilance of their merciless ' pursuers. Many thousands perished of exposure and starvation, and the remainder, despairing of escape, returned, and once more submit- ted to tlie commands of their conquerors. While these affairs were going on, the malcontents who had returned to Spain, filled the ears of the court with clamorous com- plaints or whispered slanders, fatal to the credit of Columbus His rigiits were infringed by permitting others to fit out expeditions in the same direction, and a commissioner was appointed to investi.vato the aflairs of Ilispaniola. Juan Aguav!f< ,if TT,,, ,■• '"■ i^'h nuts, aiiu tlio "^'Hi, .uui, a.s tai as she could, protected Lis. intercut? 64 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY. against tlie rajjacitj of rival aspirants. She even oriered to create him duke, with an extensive principality in llispaniola; but, fearing to excite fresh envy, he declined the tempting proposal. 'J'lie dinicnlty experienced in fitting out tlic desired exi)edition, and tlie reluctance of adventurers to enibaik, formed a striking con- trast with tlie disphvy of royal favour and popular enthusiasm, wliich had marked liis last departure from the shores of Spain. The intrigues of Fonseca, tlie superintendent of Indian affairs, and liis secret enemy, produced delays intolerable to liis eager and adventur- ous spirit; and the alarm excited by the reports of the disappointed refugees, withheld volunteers fi'om hastily embarking on a doubtful cx|iedition. Ai'bitrary orders were finally issued for the impress- ment of vessels and their crews; and to supply the deficiency in the required mnuber of colonists, resort was had to the miserable expc- dient i)f embarking convicts anil other ill characters ibr the settle- ment of the islands. It was not until the 80th of May, 1498, tliat Columbus, w ilji six vessels, set sail from the port of San Lucar, on bis third voyage to the Xew World. Touching at the Canaries, he dispatched three of his vessels, freighted with supplies, Ibr the use of the colony, and with the rc- maiiuler, on the oth of June, again took his departure, steering south-west, that he might make the .shores of Asia (as he supposed)" in the neighbourhood of the evpiator. This course, ere long, led him into that terrible region of heat and dead atmo.sphcre, extend- ing lor several degrees on both sides of the line, and known to navi- gators as "the calm latitudes." It seemed as if the old fables of the torrid zone were to be verified, for, (says an ancient writer) "hee was so vexed with maladies and heate, tluit his shippes were almost set on fire." The tar boiled I'lom the seams, the ca.sks shrank and iell to pieces, the provisions spoiled, and the crews were withered and pro.strated by the heat. By the time he emerged frt)m this bale- fid region into cooler waters and more favourable bre(.'zes, the ."Squad- ron was in such a condition that it was neces.sary to seek land as speedily as possible. Accordingly, having .steered westward a long tune without seeing land, he headed more to the north in search of the Canibean islands. There was only n single cask of water iu each vessel, when, on the olst of July, land was seen from the mast-liead. The admiral had piously resolved to call the first land he should fall in with after the most Holy Trinity; and that before him con- ed to creato but, fearing expedition, iti'iking coii- ;iasin, wliich 5pain. The irs, and Jiis id advcntur- lisappointed I a doubtful he impress- iency in the 'ruble ex})e- ■ the t^ettle- , 1498, that I Luuar, ou lii.s vessels, nth the re- re, steering SUp])OSiHl), .' long, kxl fe, extend- vu to navi- d)les of the liter) "hee X're almost hrank and witliered 1 this bale- the scpuul- 'k land as ■ ard a long ■ 1 search of ■ f water in ■ I'roni the 1 lie should 1 i him cou- 1 THE SPANIARDS IN AMERICA. . . DO sisting of three mountainous summite, he re-irded fl,« • -^ as a special providence, and according vfwthmuth. l'''"''^'r stowed on it the title of La Trinidad-thVT ti i. u '''^"'""'tJ^' be- The voyagers coasted alon. this b autif!l l 7^"^ '' '"'" '''^^^'■ scener,, the .ate, and ^^a^S^^^t;''''^^^ ''' perceived on its shores. The natives, a fof/^lT^/^'^^ *^«^ came around the ships in their cinaoJ hJ ?, Ji«"dsome race, venture on board. On the Is ofT ^^'^ "°* ^' ^"^^««d to the, ..pposed to be anotl^e/tllC ^ .1^^^ h"^f ^''' reality a part of the South AmovuL ' "* ^^'^'^ ^^s in gerous strait which selmttsl "^ T^""'- ^''^"'"^ *^« ^-- whichhecalled'-BocaSse^ tr fT '^' "^'-^^"-^^"d' «"^ bus entered the Gulf of Pant^ ^ ' ^^^'"^^ ^' '^' S^^P^^*-) Colum- As he advanced, the water orew frpeanour. l^ec ved H^'^'' r'-1 '^ '^'^"^^ ^^^ '"-^-^ and ^eadilyparted wkh treto ^^'^""^^^'^ ^^'^'^ Profound reverence, tbo cupidi^of th i^ ti : rw""^''^""'' "^"^^ ^"^^^ -^"-^^ Vol. hi -5 "^ ''''^"^^^^' *^« •'^^"^^^^5 P^od THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. out of the gulf by its northern outlet, a narrow and tumnltuons strait, to which, on account of its perils, he gave the name of "Boca del Di.-^on," (Mouth of the Dragon). Soon after, he discovered the the islands of Margarita and Cubagua, famous for their pearls, and would doubtless have prosecuted farther his search for the Terrestrial Paradise, but for a painful disease of the eyes, rendering him inca- pable of observation. Altering his course to the north-west, in five days' sailing, he made the island of Ilispaniola, and by the 30lh of August, cnme to the river Ozema, near the lately-discovered gold district. Age, exposure, and constant anxiety, as before, had done their work, and he came into port suffering grievously from a com- plication of maladies. During the absence of the governor, his brother Bartholomew, whom he had left in command of the colony, had displayed great energy and judgment in conducting its affairs; but the disorderly elements of which, for the most part, it was composed, had proved too turbulent and refractory even for his vigorous rule. His admin- istration, indeed, commenced auspiciously. He founded the city of St. Domingo, on the Ozema, near the new mines, and skilfully ap- plied himself to developing the resources of the country. Tie made a visit to Behechio, the powerful cacique of Xaragua, who, witli his subjects, received him with much kindness and hospitality. These kindly people left no means untried to cheer and divert their visitors, and for their amusement performed their national games and tour- naments, fighting with such spirit, that numbers were slain or wounded. The cacique readily acknowledged the sovereignty of the Spanish authorities, and agreed to pay a large tribute of cotton and other valuable jjroduce; for his country ailonled no gold. "There is something exceedingly atreeting in the cheerful and gcnerous'spirit which these gentle beings always evinced towards their visitors, until driven into resistance by oppression; and the readiness with which they yielded their simple allegiance to the evident superiority of this handful of strangers, proves the ease with which their hapi)incss and the prosperity of the white men might have been reconciled by a humane and considerate policy." But while the adelantado wa^ absent on this visit, the brutal and rapacious colonists inflicted such oppressions on the unhnppy natives, (heir serfs and tributaries, that, as we have already mentioned, great numbers took refuge in the mountains, hoping, by this abandonment of their labours, to starve the oppressors into departure. Considera- tumultnons ne of "Boca icovercd the ' pearls, and e Terrestrial !g liim inca- west, in five the 30th of overed gold 'e, had done from a com- artholomew, ;)layed great e disorderly had proved His admin- il the city of skilfully np- '. He made 'ho, with his lily. These lieir visitors, ics and tour- ere slain or signty of the f cotton and ,ld. "There nerous'spirit visitors, until ; with wliieh ipcriority of 3ir hap[)incss 'econcile the dead of night, and carried of f„{,rtoe" Ifft „ri„ ^^ ''""*™ Two of these were executed and • „„ TS i principal caciques. hastened to submit. Gna:;!;,:::^ iZ^:^7^: "'° r"™' ries which he h.id received, wa,, with „o i.t d ^"''* '"J"- the victor, and „eacc, for a'time; ^ r':t dtTSS'""^' "' It was much easier, ndeed for tl.o cL. a "^'/^'""Cl. .0 overawe and concibate 1 11 es Z^ "^ ?"f°™»« •'<'P'«y over the mutinou., colonists, by Xom heT, ' T "'" """""'■'^ and to whon, tl,e wholesome slric esTof I Tf '' "' ■'' ''""''e"'"-. doubly odiou.,. One I'rancis ! r'Znth "' T'^'f '™ of a menial in his kitchen r„I, i , ""'' f™™ "» P« ™ised to the office „ Set :;:? ' 'T™",'^' f' •*'■'!-■ '-" mover of sedition. Byp omi'f.,! °',"'' '■*"«'> "^ 'I"" '''■irf J-ge band of idlers a d'^Z^.C l!; d TT' '? ™"'="'»'»'' " nought the amiable but feeble d„?,t'' ''■>' "■'"'"■ '"= «" "' bella. ri„,ally these reo,„l„, , "'.^'"li"' ™"' governor of Is.v warelionsesofll tt^ °ds "^^ ""■,"'"■" °''" "■= f»Wic •ook up their march S-'xlrrteT"" '"'"l" "'" ™"'™'^' with fitting indignation " tldSi ? ^ ^ '''" """""■ "^ "le <'»}', of ndsehict, robC V^^^^^ll^T ""'* '"'^'^ ■" »" ''"■^« both wyves and vir°ins " Tl ' ° *, "'"""■<•.)•. ™e value of his discoveries, and the immense powers which their rule conferred on him, were becoming every d'w morJ Private expeditions, dispatched in inf^ngem^t'^ ^ i^^'Tla demonstrated the existence of immense territories lying in the west ern ocean. Nnio, one of his pilo^ in 1499, sailing in a small Lnv ' had voyaged along much of the northern coast of Sout lA "" ' and had brought home a rich treasure of pearls and gold V 'en e 1 ni.on, in January of the following year, had crossed the "line m de further surveys, and had discovered the mic^htv river A Sebastian Cabot, in his voyage of 1497, had :sc lirU eT^- t onc(> of an extensive continent at the north- and the P ? ,'":^:;; s ■! ^";r;r -^ "- -"-"; -T' ^^^'^^ m wu 1 MTA/Al All these regions, and those discovered bv Pnlnn, bus h„„.el,; .ere, however, still roga,,le,l as ponio s 'L ^t He promised the admiral that if ho would wait f„r , ""''1 the troubles of the colony should be nuird bv ,n 'T"' acceptable to all, he should, at the end of tha 1^ Tn "^'"'^ stated n all his powers and dignities. AVi h h s S; n,, '' '"" Columbus was compelled to ap^ar satisfied n N^e : '1^^^^^^ a man of agreeable manners and of some ab litv b , f '^"' n"d cruel in the evtr.Mno , f •^' "^ "''^''^"' ^'^P'leious, O'^'-dy, by soi:mn irt^ hzt: c^''^^''^'"^ ^^--^^'-i and islands discovered Iv^n , Columbus) over all lands was trusted t it Til ;L5 " '"i ^'''? ^" '''' ^'^^ ^^'°^'^1- ^t -ry outfit whi , '1^^^^^'^ -^'-'•'^>'. -J the extraordi- ;^-ed V the mal-adSlTLn^ t SfCl^'^^r'^^V'^^- hnt unprincipled rule the H,.pnt,-. ^^o'^adiiJa, under whose brief ous excesses, and ex rcil d Z ^ ""'"'' ^'''^ i''""='-^^^ ''^ -^-- -tives. On the ^x^ 5:::::'^jf ""If ;r"' '^^ """"^^'^'^ t^venty-five hundred person "'f; of' T "''' ''^""^''"^ tinction, and bearing^he "C of n i"" "' '''''^' "^'^ '^^^■ t^Uure day, to be the ntin^f;;:"!^^^^ f-'o^, (destined, at . 74 T;iK I'iiOl'LK'S IJOOK Of HISTORY. Ill u U-niblo stoini, which aroao just after his doimrturc, oiio of Ilia sliijjrf, with nu huii(h'oil nnd twenty souls, was swullowod up. 'i'lio shores of Spain wero strowod with artirles thrown overboard by the rest; and tlio sovoreigiis, in anguish at tlic supposed loss of the expedition, shut themselves up for niuny days, incapable of con- solation. But the remainder of the fleet, reassembling at the Cana- ries, held on their course, and in the month of April, arrived at St. Domingo. The restless spirit of Columbus, defrauded, for a time, of its con- genial career, endeavoured vainly to engage his j)atrons in a crusade for the rescue of the Holy Sepulchre; and failing in this, turned to a scheme more honourable, useful, and suitable to his genius — a scheme for fresh and brilliant disccjvery. The J'ortuguese, after many futile attempts, had at last succeeded in reaching Indii by doubling' Africa, and the value and importance of the newly-opened chamicl of trade, excited emulation in all rival maritime nations, 'j'he ailini- ral by this time, had come to the conclusion, that South America was a main-land by itself, lying oif the shores of Asia, much in the same manner as the insular continent of Australia does in realitv. Cuba he still ilrmly held to be a portion of the great Eastern Con- tinent; and the impetuous current which flows betrt-cen them, could issue, he considered, from no other source than the Indian Sea, which dischai-ged its waters into the Atlantic by a strait somewhere in the neighbourhood of what is now known as the isthmus of Darieii. This strait, opening, as he supposed, a direct communication with the golden shores of the Orient, lie proposed to discover and ex{)lore; and the sovereigns, the i)recedent for infringing his grants now fully established, willingly lent their countenance to a j)roject for extend- ing their d(nninions and increasing their wealth, conducti.'d by a iium whom experience had shown them to be, of all others, most fitted to the undertaking, lie was accordingly permitted to lit out an expedition, and take with him his son Fernando and his brother Bartholomew ; and interpreters, learned in Arabic, were provided to assist in his expected negotiations with the Khan. But the intrigues of his enemies, and especially of Fonscca, as usual, greatly retarded his preparations; and it was not until the 9th of May, 1002, that, at the age of sixty-six, with a frame broken by hardshij) and exposure, and a mind de])ressed by ingratitude and persecution, he set sail from Cadiz, on the last of his voyages of discovery. Four small caravels and - i hundred and fifty men composed his rturo, Olio of tvul lowed up. ru overboard [)oscd l().«a of [jublc of coii- at the Ciinu- 1, arrived at c, of its con- in a crnsndo i, turned to a IS — a sclionio after many by doubling ined channel The iidtiii- uth Aiiieiicu much in the es in reality. Eastern Con- tlicm, could u Sea, which imewhere in IS of Darien. licatioii with ind exj)lore; ts now fully ; for extend- L'd by a man' most fitted J (it out an his brother provided to he intrigues tly retarded u02, that, at d exp(«urc, set sail from j mposcd Ilia j THK SPANIARDS IN AMEKIOA. yg command On the 2oth he left the CanaricH, and after touching at the Caribbee IS ands, arnvcd at St. Domingo, where ho trusted to re,, ace ono o his vessels, which was nearly unfit for use. IhU the jealous Ovando, dreading his j.resenco, and fnhiUing the selfish cui- nmn.ls of the sovereigns, ordered him out of the harbour. On this Columbus, whose maritime experience foretold the at,„roaeh of a jurncane entreated the governor at least to ,lclay the sailin-r cf the fleet which was ready to return to Spain. His warning was unhecdc.l .•uul he hastened to take refuge in some lonely harbour of the coast' Ihe f eet .saile.l, and a earful tempest arose, in which many of the vessds were lost, mcludnig the principal ship, i„ which were Iluldan and Bobadilla, with the captive Guarionex, and a great amount of treasure, extorted fr- m the sufferings of the Indians. Only one ves- .sel was able to continue the voyage to Spain Narrowly escaj.ing shipwreck, the admiral, in July, resumed his tIJSonhlf '^rT""';?'- ^"' «'--« -"th-west, on ;..ichhadprobaUy:Lj^:;'t-:;-^--^^^^ a loutc, which, ,f followed, would soon have led him to the we-dthy Fovmces lying westward of the Gulf of Mexico. Eager how vf to discoyer the supposed strait, he passed over to the continenT a i doubling Cape Honduras, stood eastward along the eoa t eeli from the natives much kindness and hospitality. For t'ty 1 ' ? succession of storms and hearl-wi,,,!. ... i i i ^ '•>'* '* strug.din.r to the e.st ol t ''^ '^'^ squadron, slowly ouuf^^un^ lo ine east, and U was not until tho l-ttl, ,.p g \ i .l.at I. ,.„„„Jcfty anticipations which had elevated Columbus above all personal interests; which had made liim regardless of hardships and perils; and had given a heroic, character to the early part of his voyage. It is true he had THE SPANIARDS IN AMJiKlOA. 77 been ,n pursuit of a mere chimera, but it was the chimera of a splendid imagination and a penetrating judgment. If he was disap- pointed in his expectation of finding a strait through the isthmus of Danen, it was because nature herself had been disappointed- fo she appears to have attempted to make one, but to have attempted CHAPTER II. riSASTROUS ATTEMPT TO POC^D A SETTLEONT.-HOSTI, ITIES WITH THE INDIANS.-THE VESSELS EINALLY STIIaTded 4 THE ISLAND OP -- A M A IC A.-EX T lU OO I N A RyTe yjc p OF ol\V^\7''\T' '' '''' ^OLLOWERS.-T.EACHE . ' OF 0;aND0.— RESCUE OP THE C R EWS, — A TROCITI E3 COM.VITTED ON THE NATIVES OF HA YTI.-RZTURN OF COLUMRUS TO SPAIN.-HIS TREATMENT - HIS DEATH. — DISPOSAL OF HIS REMAINs'. Involved in fresh tempests, the sea-worn squadron laboured back and in January, 1503, arrived near the river of Veragua S gold was colh-cted from the natives, and Bartho]omew,°with s^^ty e.ght men, explored the country, whieli he reported ti be rich n the piteous me^l. In this inviting region, which he supp To he the Auroa Chcrsoncsus of the ancients, Columbus resolved o found a se tlement. The erection of a f ,rtress and of dwel i Zl ^ commenced with mucli energy, and eighty of the con.pa ^^ w ^ selec e.l as colonists. This j.omising .scheme, howev r by ,1 e onnnty of the natives, was presently disconcerted, with n uch lo and embarrassment. Quil>ia, the cacique of the country, a brave, fierce, and powerful dneftam, ad .t first treated the intrn.lers wi;h civ litv, exZn then- speedy departure. But on seeing these vrcmv.fd. ^^-MHUing ;r':--''^>'^«''"'-;i"^'i-orritorieM.rXSr ::, i^^^ gh once captured and twice defeated, sueceede.l in killi ^ 1 of the Spaniards, and hokling the remain.ler of the settleme.rt for nuK. .lays in a state of alarming siege and ' ''"^t-utiiea hv -1 most .nhtU T ^ cunning genius of their leader, h a most subtle device, rescued them from the anticipated evil Kno ying, from his observations, that an eclipse of the moon would speedily occur, he announced to the cacioues in . ,rv.^A -7 , the God of the Spaniards, enraged at tSrtr ^l" ^i^ If pers, intended to visit their island with pestilence-in token v r o he moon, that very mght, would grow dim, and leave her ^ce in the heavens. At first they scoffed at the ominous intelligence b as night drew on, watched witn some anxiety for the predict! «;' uas cized with frantic and uncontrollable terror. The island re- Ins cabin, and reapnoarino- ..ftp^ „ .1 . • , ' '^^"rea to ♦1 f 1 • •. ^"l'l'<-a'iiife, alter a decent im^uva , informed tho.n tiiat his suit was cranted •md +l,nf «i > '^uinitru lucm * J . 1 , «= ''"'^'^'' '""^ that the moon would nrescntiv h^ restored to her p ace in the lu>avpr,« it - presently be Light months having elap.sed since the departure of Mender nnd Iicsco, It was suppo.sed, cf course, that their slender b.ri s 1^1 h n swallowed uri in the ocenn 'Pl.^,. i i , , ^ ^^^ " after a voyal of 4 irfZ'^ffi ' "«y«rtheless succeeded, and promised, mi^ht nfrisli ,-' ^.r..,.. i , ''^'-* ^'^^^ o"'"to, in ji-pison, to the asswtance of his 80 THE rKOl'LK'S HOOK OF HISTORY. shipwrockoil companions. At length (i)crl>aps to satisfy liiniself that Cohunhus was tleaa) he sent a small vessel, whieh, after a brief stop- pa^o, returned without taking a single man from the wrecks. The rebels ashore, headeil by Porras, now resolved on plnnderinr. the vessels and seizing the person of their commander, but Don Bar" tholomew, with iifty men, eciual to the number of tlie hostile faction met them on the roa.l, an.l routed them, seizing Porras, and killing several with his own hand. The defeated liiction, with the mos°t nb)(vt servility, now submitted, and took oath of allegiance on a cross and a missal, imprecating terrible penalties on their heads in case o( any future n,iseonarpose; then, without a word of warning, he let loose on the unarmed multitude his ferocious soldiery, which committed J ft liorriblo massacre. The minor, w„„ u »livc by firing „,c ,,„,acc in w| M, Tv . V"™' ™'-'' ''"™°'l province w,. ravagll with «:':,' tlr::;;""""- . '^''» "'""" ,.»., wore ro.I„ced .„ .he ™,t wrcS '.iTvtrv """""^ '"'«"" resolution and nia-mnimifv 1, '":'^"'' ^"^'"^'t^J « most king! yr numbers of Li. p ° :^' ;--:^ -» -f executed, and gr°ea^ ^nents. Tl:e wl.olo native no'" ""'"' '^' "^°^^ «r««I tor- Cohunbu, on bis arriv 7^:^10 ^1""" '"^'^'"^ °^ "^^^""'"'^^-l- -.ce I left this island^si;; J°„^^^^^^^^^ "^ ^ ^"'"^"'^'^ ^''^^* dead; f tbrongh iU-tr^atment 1 ^ .^X" s ''^ "f ^^^ ^^« otiiers by blows and cniel us-.crn ', \y ' ""'"e ^>y the sword, g.e:,t<.r part have peri.slJdt T^^^^J^'Tf ^'""°-- ''^he hiid lied, from no bein-r able toT ? /""^ ^^''"■'' ^'^"^''«>- ^''oy ^'-.." But the ample^re ;t :,r n ^"^^^^ "P- quitics, were, with Ferdinand n, '! 1 ^ ', "^ ^"'^ ''^ ^^ese ini- tio; -«I though l.is cZ ;,:iStr^rl'^^^^^^^^^-- I.ro^uHe that Ovando should be d 1 ! ^^1° ^'''""'' ^'''""ed his the trouble to fuKll it. ^^ ''''^^' ^^ "^^^^ g'-^ve himself Columbus, without power to repress thp«<> nn • • not without rejnorse at the fruitfof tha o, '" '"' '"'' ^'''"^"'''^■^ l^een the first to practice Instead IW. '"'^''^^^«'"«»t which he had exhausted in juxlviding 'f^T h t ^ ^ ^rT" '""^'^ ''' ''' ^^"''^ 1- always had especial\are, e J^^ £ 7'^ ''''''' '''' "^'^-« Lucar. Thence, enfeebled by ol 1 a-e Ja r ' '''"^'*^ "* ^^''» to Seville, where the few Z^^ ^::^';:;^'^ ''« ^ ^^rne l«ss."d, while vainly attempting bv the Tnt ?• ' '''''' '"'^'^''■^ - touch the honour or Justie:'o 7t ^^t ^^"i? ''V'^""-^'' actual povertv, as ai.pears bv an ^mJ ^ '''''' ^^'^"^^'^ to " I-i..lc have -l' profltLd ' l^^Htf ^t^r?'' ^" ^ '«"" ^<> ''- -• --'' toils and perits, ^inee tr^^entVl" V"°'"^"^^' ^^"'' Jf I d left him dependent on thl ^''^ ^'T' ^^"^^"^^^"^'^^"■"^i^^tiee, Vo,. jn -(• "■°'"''"'^' «^ ^^'^ «^'fish Ferdinand. I TJIK SPANIARDS IN AMKRICA. 88 CHAPTEH I. DIHCOVKRY ANI. S llll V K Y OF CirDA, — ITS CONQUEST IIY VKLAS-^ • .VmaN. r '"'■~'''"^''"^''''''^' "" JAMAICA,!! T, «'^«nKNT.UnK,,T,KSOF,„.S,.AX;iL^^"- Af'<-OUNTOF AMKJtICUS VJiSPUCJUS. ' H...i I.y most or I,is c.o,,t ti ^'^''''"' '''"' '■"^'■'^"^^•'^ ^y him Asia. In im, anat^ ;: rr V"'"" "' '"' ^'^"''"-'^ "^ cxt..nsivosu,.vo;Horii'; ;"i ""^ "'^'"^f ^' 1^^'^- 1- made v^jagcof survey. Tl.,t c.'', with "tlHT natn 1 J] t i""''^ "'^' oonvenieneo of ^<.;;.-...eonn::;i!,:^:,;;;;:r^^^^^^ rl.")tin.M)vandoi,tlHMnle "'^'^'V^V" '"'^'''^''^■^' •'" ''^"t>- ••'■''•- •'undrednu>n,n:;j;:r.r;:\i;;X -'"I'-st and eol xation of the i t f> "^"''' '"' ''"' tl-t island, had taken .1,, j,. (""j^ m •"' «"^^"'^'^^'<>" of ■"-v-like, were easily dofc^te. 1 ' i r ''"' '''''^' ""'^ capture,!, was senteneed Wh f. ' ""^'"•^""''t- ^^''ief; bein^, nl.ve. IVin.r nr^ed a^ s fl '"^ '"'''"l"'^ ooncpu-ror to he hurned nndseeuretf;/ n";;-,"" ;;V''r '^^'!'^^'/" ^h-ce Christian,tv, be there; and I .1] /" '"'",T'' '^ -- Spaniards would >',„ told that there wonld, nu.de the ever-memorable TIIK I'EOI'LK'S BOOK OV HISTORY. .'iiiswcr, "I will not bo :i Christian then; for I would not go ngain to a place where I mnst lind men so cruel." Thanks, however, to the good odiccs of Las Casas, the generous advocate of an oppressed race, who accompanied the forces, the eon- quest of Cuba was disgi'aced by comparatively few of these atrocities. Indeed, the gentle and unwarlike character of the natives induced them to submit, with very little resistance, to the assumed authority of the strangers, and to embrace the ])roflered religion with greater readiness than any others of their race. The town of Baracoa was first founded by the invaders, and by 1514, the whole island had been overrun and examined by the increasing nundjcrs of emigrants. The towns of Santiago and Trinidad, on the southern shore, were founded, and tho.se of Bayamo, Puerto Principe, and Santi-Esjiiritus, near the centre. Batabano, in the south, founded in July, 1515, at first, in honour of the illustrious di.scovercr, received the name of San Cristoval de la Havana — a name, however, transferred, in 1519, to the capital at j)rescnt known under the last portion of the appel- lation. The advantages of this s|)lendid site appear to have been first duly appreciated by Hernando dc Soto, governor in 15JJS, who erected a foitress, still standing, and otherwi.se improved the Havana, ju.st before his memorable and fiital expedition to Florida. So rm- idly did it increase in imimrtanec, that ten years afterwards, it was adopted as a residence by the governors, and in 1589, was formally cc!on».dcrable lonncl for .he dctfuclTn „Y tbt S^a^'il'^d: '°'"™' ™"'""-""^ "» thole island,,.^ c"„z.i7 Id:;/'''?:,""'' ™"'-''='''' """ "- i» Hisraniol,,, ,o a «a, o of co, "kr 1 *'"''«''- '"luccd, a, a«ndcxi,editio,,totheNeivWorl^> ir' ^°'""''^"'. "' l"s J0.-0 of Cuba, that ».,„a„'»"., :::i::i,';: .™J revenue.. An illu.tr u- ^ f ''"«''l»'7 liignities tliat e„,iueut bo e:,."";"=° '"■"'."■"'' '"» P-'l-e d -»rl, ever, „oi„t\'„' li 'f X ""wi|r;™,' l"?' '^'I"".' '-''' dinaud only partially eoiunli,, ' I nghtc.ona deeision Fer- ...ont of Ili, Iniob Vro « 't '"\ ''"'""'"' '" ""= «-"-=™- Ha. had allowed. Ii„, lin.Iin, t hat , f " /of ';'""'"" "' "''■' -^-'rw....n. hi» „..n ju„.„ieti"„n, i,adte':'™i,;7;"rcr: * Brynn Eilwjinis, Es((. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // V. 7/// x^ *<°Mp (< ^ 1.0 I.I 1.25 |50 ""'^^ IIM 1.8 U III 1.6 & w n / -c^i ^a %" >^'' /A <9l o / Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 ) 4.^ «. 9." 86 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. t4^ #-»-^ to Ojeda and Nicuesa (then busied with their schemes for the settle- ment of the main land), he determined to anticipate their movements. Accordingly, in November, 1509, a force of seventy men was dis- patched thither, under Juan de Esquivel, a gallant cavalier, and a man of humane and magnanimous temperament. To his eternal honour, the occupation of the island was disgraced by none of those atrocities which have left their indelible stain on the names of nearly all other early Spanish adventurers. Though the island produced no gold, a moderate and settled prosperity was the natural result. " The affairs of Jamaica," says a Spanish historian, "went on prosperously, because Juan de Esquivel having brought the natives to submission wiihont any effusion of blood, they laboured in planting cotton, and raising other commodities which yielded great profit." This humane and honourable officer, however, having founded the town of New Seville, and established a flourishing colony, died within a few years of his appointment. The settlement appears to have increased with surprising rapidity, for, in 1523, only thirteen years after the arrival of Esquivel, Fran- cis de Garay, then holding the command, fitted out an expedition of eight hundred and fifty men, many of whom were cavalry, for the conquest of Pauuco, a territory on the Gulf, which, however, Cortes had already secured to the Spanish crown. The customary scenes of cruelty and massacre followed hard on the death of the first governor, and so rapidly did the work of extermination proceed, that in little more than half a century, it is said, nearly the whole native population, consisting of sixty thousand, had perished. Many caves in the mountains, still thickly covered with human bones, attest the miserable end of these unfortunates, who, fleeing from the sword or lash of the oppressors, died from hunger in those dismal recesses. Singular to state, the capital of New Seville, after attaining, in a few years, considerable size and importance, was abandoned — accord- ing to some accounts, by reason of a destructive attack of the natives, and to others, on account of the invasion of an innumerable swarm of ants. Neither of these legends are probable, but it is certain that the ruins of extensive buildings, some unfinished, yet remain, iuid that a new capital city, St. .Jago de la Vega, or, as it is now called, Spanish Town, was founded at an earh' date in the history of the country. The subsequent annals of the island present compara- tively little of interest until its capture by the lilnglish, under the active administration of Cromwell, in 1655 — an act of hostility THE SPANIARDS IN AMERICA. 87 much decried by some writers, but which appears to have been only a reasonable and moderate reprisal for numerous massacres and atrocities committed by the Spaniards of the West Indies on the inhabitants of all neighbouring colonies. ACCOONT OF AfflERICUS VESPUCIUS. The renown of the discovery of the Western Continent and the eternal perpetuation of that renown by the adoption of a name were certainly due_ to Christopher Columbus, whose grand geniu^ and indefatigable industry laid open the pathway to its shores. The next chum, m justice, would be that of its first actual discoverer, Sebastian Cabot who, through a long life-time of enterprise and perseverance proved himself not unworthy of the high honour which chance accorded to his youth. But, siugular to state, a claim founded on the most glaring imposture, and unrelieved either by original genius ol- great achievement, has resulted in the eternal commemoration of a name otherwise long since lapsed into obscurity-the name of Amerigo Vespucci.* He was born at Florence on the 9th of March, 1451, of noble though decayed parentage, and received a good education under the care of his uncle, an ecclesiastic. Renato, afterwards king of Sicily was his fellow-pupil, and to their subsequent correspondence, or to a fabrication of a portion thereof, America is indebted for its present unsatisfactory name-a name representing no heroism of soul no 1 e-]ong devotedness to a great cause-but bearing in its every sylla- ble the continual suggestion of fraud, usurpation and inaptitude _ l^or many years Vespucci was engaged successfully in commerce in "s natife city, but finally, meeting with reverses, was compelled m 149o to accept an agency in Spain. At Seville ho became ac- quamted with Columbus, and was employed by the sovereigns in fitting out vessels for their exploring expeditions. He sailed with Alonzo de Ojeda in his voyage of 1499, inflimous for treachery and cruelty committed on the Indians, .and, with that daring but unnrin- cipled coramande'r, coasted along a great extent of the shores of South America. The appearance of this expedition on the coast of Hispaniola, .nd the uneasiness which it caused the admiral have been mentioned. * L.itinized into Amerieus VoHpiicius, 88 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOEY. In 1501, and again in 1503, the Florentine adventurer sailed to Brazil, in the Portuguese service; and from the interesting accounts ■which he gave of the new continent, it became fashionable to com- pliment him by giving it the title of America. In 1505, he returned to Spain, and we find him in friendly communication with Colurtlbus, and offering to use his influence with the Spanish court in behalf of the rights of that injured commander — proof almost positive that no claim to the discovery of America had then been broached by him or by any one in his behalf. He received the ofl&ce of Grand Pilot of Spain, which he held until his death in 1512. "By a most extraordinary piece of imposture, if committed by himself, or of forgery, if committed by another, the claims of Ves- puc'us to the glory of the discovery of the New World have now, for centuries, been seriously discussed — though, at the present day, few, except his Florentine countrymen, will allow them even the merit of plausibility, on grounds so utterly untenable. In a letter which he is said to have written to King Eenato, and which was published in 1507, (only a few months after the death of the great admiral) an account is given of a voyage which he claims to have made to the coast of South America in 1-197 — a year before the memorable expedition of Columbus. No assertion ever stood more entirely unsupported. By the unanimous testimony of a host of witnesses, it has been proved that, except in this letter, none of his contemporaries, or of those familiar with the Spanish marine, had ever heard of any such voyage. His own conduct and the tenor of his numerous remaining letters are all directly opposed to the reality of any such exploit; and at this distance of time we are unable to decide whether the account is a forgery of some other person, or whether, actuated by a miserable vanity, he thought it possible, at least with his correspondent, to arrogate to himself the discovery of the continent. It is certainly more agreeable to suppose the former, than to admit that a man of the real reputation of Vespucius, and to whose good character Columbus himself has borne testimony, should have been capable of such unblushing impudence and falsehood."* * "Discoverers, &.e., of America." Kysll^ THE SETTLEMENT OF THE ISTHMUS, AND DISCOVERY OF THE PACIFIC. CHAPTER I. DISASTROUS ATTEMPTS Tn pnir^r,, >fITH THJ Il,IIH).s._DISCOrERy OF lEE f ICIPIC. foring, lo. and rrppoi ::° ■ Ai°:r''!' "'* *5"'=™- ^f- Sctastia,, was founded by Ablz'o c,.- i , ^'fecuio produce ,1 ^'^''^^^s "'etal, the simple monarch replied that 'n^f^^ had no golde, and that hee neuer had any neede tWpnf ! regarded it any more then stones." But '"1!!™ ' v ' ^"' with him," he promised to br!„„- .i / ^'^'"-^ '"^^'^"* mountain's, and' toT^ d I e".""' T l'^ "^'^^^^^--g guests refreshed themselves C the ro! T 1 ' ^'!. ^"^^^^^P^'^"" latter, that the 'Svine " lore 3' H ^ T"^'' ""^ °'"^^' ^^"^^ turbed by the osXiirof't e tf "" 7^ vault at the foot of the tree tCJ^ 7\ '""" ?' ^" " '^''''' '^ dere,, i„ the desolate mou„t°::idttd::.°' °" '"™' ""' ™- spee..„ekd fol^h ^^l^Lfl "Siri: 'S^lt "'^ ^ uy a letter Horn the treasurer of Hismninlo gretX' ':":r' ",";' '"^ ""'™"- "^ "- eneZr „rt .a, .»onn,ai„s, and t „ t Jl Jr?: *° ^n^" '"'^°"'' •"» 92 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. to fight his way to the shores of the unexplored ocean. On the 20th he left the teriitories of Ponca, a chief whom he had defeated and conciliated, and was soon involved in a region perilous by its vast marshes and other natural obstacles. Quaraqua, the chief of this couiitry, with a great army, set on him, while entangled in these difllculties; but the fire-arms and the ferocious blood-hounds of the invaders were too much for the undisciplined courage and iucfTicient weapons of the Indian multitudes; they were signally defeated, with a loss of six hundred, including their cacique. Several of the pris- oners, with a cruelty habitual to the Spaniards, were given to be torn in pieces by the hounds; and considerable plunder, in gold and jewels, was found in the conquered villages. By this time, from wounds, fatigue and illness, so many of the command had become disabled, that Balboa, with only sixty-seven companions, commenced the ascent of the mountains. On the 26th of September, 1513, as they approached the summit, the general halted his force, and ordered that no man should stir from his place. He ascended alone, and on gaining the highest point, beheld the distant Pacific, never before surveyed by P]uropean eyes, glittering in the south. Overcome with joy, he kneeled and returned fervent thanks to God. His people, with uncontrollable eagerness, hastened up. A solemn Te Demn was sung by all, and formal possession of the new ocean, with all its coasts and islands, was made by proclama- tion in the name of Castile. It is not a little singular that the first European settlement on the Western Continent should have been at the only spot from which the Great Western Ocean was accessible, and that a discovery of such importance should have followed so closclv on a report of its possibility; but this very circumstance tended greatly to mislead future explorers, and to foster delusive hopes of reaching it as easily in other latitudes—as witness the attempt of La Salle by the St. Lawrence, and of Hudson by the North lliver, to gain the shores of China— the belief of the Virginian settlers that the Chesapeake led thither, and the confident expectation, so long enter- tained, of finding an easy passage to India by the north of America. Leaving a cross and a pile of stones to mark the scene of his memorable discovery, Balboa hastened to the shore of the yet-dis- tant ocean. He defeated many savages, and gained vast bootv in gold on the way. Arrived at last on the sea-shore, he grasped a banner, and, plunging into the waves, took solemn possession in the name of the Spanish crown, vowing to maintain, against all chal- THE SETTLEMENT OF THE ISTHMUS. 93 lengers, Christian or infidel, its "empire and dominion over these Indies, islands, and Terra Firma, northern and southern, with all their seas, both at the Arctio and Antarctic poles, on either side of the equinoctial lino, whether within or without the tronics of Cancer and Capricorn, both now and in all times, as long as the world cudures, and until the final judgpent of all mankind." Of all the vast regions of sea and land included in this swelling annunciation, what now remains to a nation whose conquests were stained with such hideous murder and cruelty, and whose government was marked by such oppression, rapacity, and illiberal exclusiveness! CHAPTEH IL THE RETURN M ARCH. — A rPOINTMENT OF PEDRARIAS DAVILA, —HIS EXPEDITION.— HIS JEALOUSY OP BALBOA.— MISFOR- TUNES OF THE COLONY. — E.XPEDITION OP MORALES AND PI- ZARRO.— RECONCILIATION OF PEDRARIAS AND BALBOA. — VESSELS CONVEYED OVERLAND TO THE PACIFIC, SUDDEN ARREST, TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF BALBOA. Seizing .some Indian canoes, which he found on the shore, Bal- boa, with sixty men, launched boldly forth into the unknown ocean. Storms, and the dangers of tlie coast, forbade any extensive voya-e in these frail craft, but the adventurer learned of the natives enough to fire his highest ambition and to excite his utmost energies. The land, they assured him, had no end, and far in the south° gold was to be found in abundance, and certain animals were used as beasts of burden. They moulded in clay the figure of a lama, in confirm- ation of their story, and readily furnished large quantities of gold and pearls to their rapacious visitors. Early in November, the e.xpe- dition set out on its return, taking many Indians to assist in carry- ing the treasure, which had become too bulky for transportation by Its owners. The march homeward was distinguished by extreme suffering and great cruelty inflicted on the native inhabitants. Num- bers of the Indian portens, burdened with gold, not being permitted to carry sufficient food for tlieir support, peri.shed on the way; and the atrocities inflicted on the people of those districts through which 94 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOUY. the Spaniards passed, may be inferred from the fact that, in a single instance, they "gaue four Kings" (chiefs) "to be devoured by dogges." Nearly three months were consumed in this teriible return march but the relics of the force finally reached Darien with a treasure in pearls and gold, which caat into the shade all booty acquired by previous marauders. Meanwhile, the enemies of Balboa, possessing the ear of the court, had procured the appointment of Pedrarias Davila, a man of a cruel and treacherous character, as governor of Darien. The accounts already received of an ocean, and of wealthy kingdoms lying bevond the mountains, had inflamed the public mind with sanguine expecta- tion; and accordingly, for the first time since the memorably-disas- trous voyage of Ovando, cavaliers and speculators flocked in crowds to join an expedition to the New World. With fifteen sail, carry- ing two thousand impatient adventurers, tbe new governor, on the 12tJi of April, 1514, took his departure. Just afterwards, arrived a messenger from Balboa, announcing his splendid discovery, and bearing dazzling specimens of the wealth of the isthmus. Pro])iti- ated by these tidings, Ferdinand, regretting his precipitancy, at once dispatched fresh instructions, constituting the fortunate discoverer Lieutenant of the South Sea, and conferring on him the rule of important provinces in the adjoining region. Pedrarias, on his arrival, fcmnd the colony, by the indefatigable exertions of his predecessor, in a state of considerable j)rosperity, Darien already containing five hundred European inhabitants, with thrice that number of natives. The de])osed governor readily sub- mitted to the authority of his rival, and the latter, with excessive meanness, having, by a pretended iriendliness, gained full informa- tion of the late surveys and discoveries, began to attempt his ruin. On the arrival of the royal missive, he wi^thheld it (or a time, and finally, through the interposition of Qucvedo, bishop of the province only so far relaxed his injustice as to permit its acceptance on con- dition of the dependence of the Lieutenant on his own authority. His jealous and irritable temper was further inflamed by the arrival ot a vessel from Cuba, with seventy hardy adventurers, who had come to accompany Balboa on a fresh expedition to the Pacific. He arbitrarily forbade the projected excursion, and it is said was with dif- ficulty dissuaded from confining the object of his suspicion in a cage. His own administration, from the commencement, was marked by ill-f(jrtune and mismanagement. Of the rash and improvident mul- THE SETTLEMENT OF THE I8TIIMD8. 06 titudo which ho had brought over, seven hundred soon perished of dKseaao and hunger; others took refuge in Cuba, and manv, in n.iser- able plight returned to Spain. A force of four hundred men, which he dispatched to open a line of communication with the Pacific failed, with much disaster, from the hostility of the Indians- and .■mother, of two hundred, which, under Balboa and Luis Carillo ngam set forth in quest of the temple of Dobayba, was compelled by the same cause to retreat to Darien, with the loss of more than liall their number. A more fortunate expedition was m.'^de by Gaspar Morales, a rela- tive of the governor, who, accompanied by Francisco Pizarro, a spirit as fierce and cruel as himself, set forth, in command of sixty men, to cross the mountains. Arriving at the South Sea, (whither Pizarro had already journeyed with Balboa,) the two commanders, with a small force, in four canoes, embarked for the Pearl Islands lying some distance from the coa^t. The chief cacique, after a spir- ited resistance, was defeated; and submitting with the best grace he could assume, conducted the victors to his palace, where he received baptism at their hands, and bestowed on them a basket of pearls of more than a hundred weight, some of which were large as hazel-nuts. He took the leaders to the summit of a tower, whence he showed them the long line of coast stretching to the golden realms of the Incas- the destined prey of an obscure adventurer then standing beside him The return of this company, harassed by Indian hostilities, was marked by the most frightful scenes of massacre and cruelty A native force, attacked by surprise, in the dead of night, was cut off to the number of seven hundred; and eighteen caciques, taken by stratagem were devoured alive by blood hounds. The Spaniards worn out by repeated attacks, retreated slowly, killing the r prison! ers on the way, that the fierceness of the pursuit might be cl ocked by the lamentations of their fri.nds over the bodies; and one o e marauders, unable to keep up the march, hanged h mselfT. it rather than fidl into the hands of the avenging natives, ift^; "e": rome and wel -deserved suffering, the relies of the expedition, wiih a vast hoard of ill-gotten treasure, arrived at Darien The enmity of the surrounding tribes, now thoroughly aroused kept the settlers m a state of constant anxietv. An tniifdred S e.ghty men, well armed and supplied with artillery, attacked amo . tangled forests and morasses, were cut off to a man. The town itself was soon almost in a state of siege; and the governor was compelled 06 TIIK TEOI'LE'S HOOK OF IIISTOIJY. reluctantly to accept the services of his able and exjierienced rival, as the only means of i)rcscrving the colony. To cement the doubt- ful alliance, which was brought about by Quevcdo, it was agreed that Balboa should receive in marriage a daughter of the governor, to be sent for from Spain (1516). That active commander, permitted to resume his ambitious career, made strenuous exertions in preparing for a great expedition to the South Sea. lie built two vessels on the shore of the Atlantic, which, with almost incredible labour, were carried piecemeal over the mount- ains, and put together on the shores of the Pacific. Numbers of the natives perished in this exhausting task, but it was observed that the Spaniards, and especially negroes, of hardier frame, endured the labour with less distress and mortality. Two brigantines, the first of Eu- ropean build that ever floated on the Pacific, were finally launched upon the Hiver Balsas, and Balboa, with his companions, embarkinvould have uttii anutipaicci, and that the discoverer nP tli,. 7>„«'f n , CHAPTEE III. Tiij WOULD cmcumiavioiiji, vopge of Magellan, whoV.t™ tl b,' TZTS'T"' J«Iy due the eredi. of fl,st circumnavigating .he it T .T " of findmg a westerlv msMio-f. tr. i^.^ f ^ ^"^ ^^P^ h.d been g™dnal,,relini„i,,,e7„:t ;«7r„?„n,";! r"^^'^' contment became apparent ^nnJn , ^^ ^''*^"* ^^ ^^^^ American wit., Ponnga, ,.e. tiSrunder tv^X^I; ITlZl f"'^"" -0 Ma^e.a„, a 4eet%f .t^C^'Z^oi^dl/b- 98 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. hopes of promotion for service in 3 dia, carried his brilliant talents, his splendid courage, and invincible perseverance to the court oi Charles V. There he strongly urged the feasibility of an attempt once more to reach India from the west, and Ximenes, the enlight- ened minister of that monarch, favoured his proposals. With five small vessels and tvvo hundred and thirty men, on the 20th of Sep- tember, 1519, he set sail from the port of San Lucar. Coasting southerly along the shores of Brazil, he found a conve- nient harbour, which he named Port St. Julian, in about the fi''tioth degree of south latitude. Here he anchored his squadron, and passed the winter of 15.20, which, extending from !May to September, jirovcd exceedingly severe. A formidable mutiny, which broke out at this place, was suppressed by Magellan with great pron ptness and sever- ity; two of the ringleaders being put to death, and a third set on shore to perish. For two months none of the natives were seen, but one day a man of gigantic stature, nearly naked, vvjis seen danc- ing violently on the beach, and throwing dust on his head, in token of friendship or submission. Numbers of these people, all of great size, soon appeared, "marvelling vastly to see such large ships and such little men." From the uncouth covering of their feet, rudely shaped from the hide of the guanaco, the Spaniards gave them the name of Patagones, or "clumsy-hoofed" — a name by which they have ever since been known. One of them learned to repeat the Lord's Prayer, on which signal evidence of conversion he was bap- tized under the name of Juan Gigante ("John Giant"). Two of these poor savages were treacherously seized, as curiosities; but a vile stratagem to get possession of some of the women (to propagate a breed of giants in Spain) was deservedly defeated, and resulted in the death of one of the invaders. The Spring came on, and Magellan, getting his little squadron under way, again stood southward. In the latter part of Oct(;ber, to his great exultation, he beheld an opening in the westward through the iron-bound coast which had hitherto seemed interminable. Into this famous strait, which still bears his name, favoured by a strong current, the dauntless discoverer, with three ships, boldly pushed his way — though his crews, disheartened, were clamorous for I'eturn. lie would press onward, he assured them, even if they were reduced to eat the hides from the ships' rigging— an anticipation of famine literally fulfilled; and reminding them of the fate of the late muti- neers, sternly repressed all opposition. For thirty-seven days, amid THE SETTLEMENT OP THE ISTHMUS. Storms and foul weather thf^ r+fi throng tl.-s perilous and ;nttatl:r^'"' Tl'''' "^^^^^^ ber, the open sea was seen stretch nTS^itaUvtV''' f '''^^^- gellan burst into tears of iov anri ^^,"'^""^^^7 before them. Ma- the memorable event. ^ ^' ^^ "''^""^^ ' P^^lic thanksgiving for Having stood northward awhile i^ ■ the httle fleet for four months wa^^^^^^^^^^^ ' Tt ^^""^^ «^-^*^. and propitious, that the name of the ''plf "^ ^/. ^'"'''^ «« Bentll to the great ocean he was exnl '"' '"^^^'^^^ Magellan gave But famine pressed ^rrib ;t"t;rare1 ^^^^^ ^"-^'^^^^^^^^^^^^ secluded from the possibihi of obtafn ""' ""''"''''' «° ^°"g the 16th of March, 1521 thev nrl" ? ,^ '"PP"'^' ^"^ when, on ortheir number ^eredCaranrtS "''''• '^^'^P'"^ ^^^^ •condition of suifering and ema'atiln T""f "^^^ ^'^ ^ ^-^-n islands had been passed in thTs W J"^"' *" '''''' «"^^ ^^o those so lonely and forbidding^ S ann """'''^' ^^^^-"^' ^^ name of DesvaUaduras, or the TTnfn ''PP'^'^"^^ «« *« receive the the ships arrived at the town nn^hrrb"''". ?"" ^'^ ''^ ^^ ^P^l! of which island Magellan soon Joled. "' "' ^^^"' ^^^^^^ ^^e prfnc WUh the customar' .eal for co^™ st" Z'^'^'^Y'^^^^^y ^niance. propagatmg the faith, and by a mixtur' JV"'"''^"*"'^ commenced gained great numbers of proseTt s Tl '' '''' '"'^"^^'^^P' -«- "^l-t by an extraordinary pef of r.^" '"'"f"°^ ^^^^'^^^^^^ sovereign of Matan, a nei4boul ? T''' ^"'^ hardihood. The of Zebu, and to the\lcm nd of S"' '',"1 '' ^^'^ -^h the king "to and allegiance to Spain, re urnST 1 '^ ^'""'^ ^'^'^ '^'■ -ce and irritable, and'no; C "d ,4]!"' '^ "'"''^^- ^^^^"^^'^^ fiery Portuguese determined to end T '"""' '"^ ''^'"'^'^'«"' «^e ^^>;h forty-nine of his bravest mniT''""" ''''^ '^'' «^™rd. "^-''^'^^-clingon the reWy Ihnd '^ ""^^^^^^ ^^™«-' ^^ -Perate conflict with a force ofThret tit "' T" ""^ "'°"°^'^ ^ was ob.tmately contested for manvTn '^ T''^''' ^^'^^^ ^^^^ttle powered by numbers, were .t l^^T^n \^'' '^'' ^"^P'-^''''-^''^^^- over- ti-ugh wounded by 'a poL r^roTfl ^'-f T "•^^'- ^<-"-. oft,contuu,cdtofightwithdesp r r;I- r'' '"/"''"^"' ^^^^^ he was beaten (o the CTonn,^ J J'^^'°"' ""til, his sword arm disabled vivors, with difficulty reJn !'/.!• ^7 ^^^"^''^ ^vounded. TJie sur- r^'-od the boldest ;:^:^^^:r^-^^;-bi« obscure skirnS fortunate of that brilliant lin ot'n.yfJt \ '''''""'^' '^'^ ^""^^ ot navigators who succeeded to the 100 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOKY, honours of Columbus. At the time of his death, he had nearly completed the circumnavigation of the globe, having in a former voyage, sailed far to the eastward. The king of Zebu, seeing the misfortune of his allies, took ad- vantage to commit a treacherous massacre on a number of them, whom he had enticed into his palace, and the remainder of the Spaniards, in precipitate alarm, hastened their departure from the island. Only one vessel of the fleet, the Vitoria. a little bark of sixty tons, succeeded in completing this extraordinary voyage. After a cruise of three years, during which she traversed fifty thousand miles of ocean, this slender craft, with the mere remnant of a crew, on the 6th of September, 1522, arrived at San Lucar. She was drawn ashore, and remained for many years a monument of the most remarkable achievement of the century. Her commander, Sebastian del Cano, inheriting, as survivor, the honours due to the unfortunate Magellan, was ennobled by the emperor, and received for his arms the device of a globe, with the memorable legend: "PKIMUS ME CIRCUMDEDISTl," {Thou first hasl encompassed me.) CONQUEST AWD HISTORY OF MEIICO. 'CHAPTER L PROOllESS OF SPANISH CONQUEST. — DISCO VERT OF YUCATAN —OF MEXICO.— HERNANDO CORTES. — HIS EXPEDITION — ASCENT OF THE RIO DE TABASCO. — CONTESTS WITH THE INDIANS.— ARRIVAL AT SAN JUAN DE ULUA. The singular compound of crusading fanaticism and of practical rapacity which distinguished the Spaniards in their conquest of the New World, as well as the wonderfully-rapid successes which those traits, so repulsively mingled, insured them, are hardly to be paral- leled, except in the early career of Mahometanism. With the sword in one hand and the missal in the other, leaving crosses and stakes the tokens of his march, the Spaniard pressed on to plunder, to con- quest, and conversion, with a fierceness and inflexibility which, to tins day, have left their withering traces on the entire scene of action. The feeble and unwarlike races of the archipelago had fallen an easy prey before the invader; his footsteps were firmly planted on the main-land; and in rapid succession the two great native empires of the Northern and Southern Continents-empires strong in ancient rule, and for advanced in civilization— were destined to vanish from the earth witli a suddenness and a horror which, at this day, must surprise and appal the historical spectator. The island of Cuba, first colonized in 1511, had been settled with extraordinary rapidity, and the ever-restless adventurers began soon to look around for wider fields of conquest, and richer objects of plunder. Ilenandez de Cordova, in 1517, sailing to the Bahamas in quest of slaves to replace the half-depopulated tribes of that island was driven westward by gales, and finally made land at Cape Catoche' in \ ucatan. Ara..sive buildings, and other evidences of civilization 102 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HI8T0BY. were observed, but the discoverers, every where fiercely withstood by the natives, were compelled to quit the coast, and, after losing more than half their number, regained the shores of Cuba. In tlie following year (May 1st, 1518) Velasquez, the Cuban governor, dis- patched four vessels, under his nephew, Juan de Grijalva, iu the same direction. That officer, after touching at the island of Cozu- mel, coasted along the great southern peninsula, meeting, wherever he landed, a fierce and determined resistance from the inhabitants. Keeping westward, he arrived on the shores of Mexico, and engaged in friendly traffic with the people of that country. Gold and jewels were obtained in abundance, and after a voyage of six months, in which a large extent of the main-land coast had been explored, the squadron returned to Cuba. Stimulated by this success, and by the flattering accounts of Grijalva, the governor proceeded to fit out an expedition on a more extensive scale. Hernando Cortes, to whom he had resolved to entrust the com- mand, was a native of Medellin, in Estramadura, and was, at this time, thirty-three years of age. From boyhood, he had been of a reckless, adventurous disposition, and, at tlie age of nineteen, had sailed for Hispaniola to seek his fortune. Arrived there, he was kindly received by the governor, Ovando, who offered him a tract of land. "I came to get gold," replied the haughty and rapacious youth, "not to till the soil like a peasant." He accepted the grant, however, with its accustomed quota of Indian slaves, and was fre- • quently engaged, under Velasquez, in the defeat and enslavement of the insurgent natives. He accompanied that commander, in 1512, on the conquest of Cuba, and acquired, by mining and planting, con- siderable prop: rty. During his residence on that island, he was alternately under the favour and displeasure of his chief, who, at one time, it is said, was so enraged against him as to have been on the point of ordering his execution. They became reconciled, how- ever, Cortes embarking all his means in the projected enterprise, and Velasquez, acquainted with his courage and abilities, assuring him of the command. Under tlie stimulus of ambition and oppor- tunity, his character, marked before by levity, sensuality, and rash- ness, underwent a marked change; and all the extraordinary faculties of energy, policy, and perseverance, hitherto latent, took the com- plete ascendency. So splendid appeared the anticipated prize, tlial the colonists of the island, though hardly settled in their new possessions, flocked in THE CONQUEST AND HISTOKY OF MEXICO. 103 great numbers to his standard. Three hundred volunteers were soon assembled in the town of St. Jago, and preparations were rTade wub great eagerness and abandonment. "Nothing was to be s^en " says one of tne company, "or spoken of, but selling lands to pu;ch "se arms and horses, quilting coats of mail, making bread and ,nU pork, for sea-stores." Instructions were' made Lt^^C^j:"^^^^ enjommg the conversion of the natives and the furtherance of traf- fic with them They were also to be invited to give in theh- aU e glance to his Most Catholic Majesty, "and to manifest it l^TeHl him with such comfortable presents of gold, pearls, and pr^cli^: But, when all was ready, Velasquez, of an irritable and iealous disposition,, was sei.ed with a sudden distrust of his officer and resolved to deprive him of the command. Cortes apnrred nf \ nitention with all haste got his squadron under .^V ^nd Te, sa ul n^dnight, he enraged governor arriving on the shore just Une t witness his departure. He touched at several points on th coast strengt ening his forces and equipment, and on the 10th of Feb ruary, lol9, sailed from Havana for Cape San Antonio There he .-as joined by fresh reinforcements, the whole command con 'i in. e even vessels, manned by six hundred and sixty-three ^e" iet;-^:::rslt:;a^^^^^^^ AttheislandofCozumel, where thev first arrivpri tl, a • j ^ enci atcd idol, and replaced it with a statue of the Virgin On tho of March, the fleet again set sail, and soon arrived a "lie Roe labasco, near the southern extremity of the gulf. This ver Co es, with a part of his army, ascended in boat!, and, o tl s cond day was encountered by a great body of India'ns, d'nl ^ Tt ' bank to oppose his passage and defend their town of Tabasco A notary public made solemn proclamation that the exi^di on w^ on Cod s service and the King's," and invoked on theSs of Z -tivos the responsibility of a contest-" all which," s^ C^t^ lOi THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. Diaz,* "being duly explained to tliem, produced no effect; they seemed as determined to oppose us as they were before." They were defeated, after a pretty sharp resistance, by the novel terror of fire- arms, and the town was taken by the v ictors ; but to their great disgust, all the treasure had been removed before their arrival. Cortes, with much form, took possession of the country, drawing his sword and giving three cuts upon a great Ceiba-tree, and vowing to defend the claim of the Spanish monarch against all opponents. Learning that a great force of Indians was assembled on the neigh- bouring plain of Ceutla, he resolved, by striking the first blow, to inspire terror through the country. Horses and artillery were accord- ingly landed, and, on the 25th of March, he set forth against the hostile camp. The main body, defiling over a long causeway, en- gaged the enemy in front, while Cortes, with the slender squadron of cavalry, drew a circuit to attack them in the rear. The Indians fought with desperation for more than an hour, to the rude and dis- cordant music of conchs, flutes of cane, and drums hollowed from the trunks of trees; and flung clouds of dust into the air to conceal the havoc which the cannon made in their crowded ranks. But when taken in the rear by the novel and terrible apparition of armed horsemen, sheathed in glittering steel, charging among them, a gen- eral panic seized the whole multitude. The infantry renewed their exertions, and the unwieldy mass of the Indian army was soon com- pelled to a flight which it was considered imprudent to follow. This signal victory was ascribed by some contemporary histori- ans to the personal exertions of St. Jago, the patron of Spanish conquest. Others held that the achievement was due to St. Peter; but honest Diaz, who was present, says, " it might be the case, and I, sinner as I am, was not worthy to be permitted to see it. * * But although I, unworthy sinner that I am, was unfit to behold either of those Holy Apostles — upwards of four hundred of us were present ; let their testimony be taken." Ere long, the caciques of the vanquished nation, completely over- awed, presented themselves at the camp, bearing propitiatory offer- ings, and tendering the submission of their people. They were filled with wonder at all which they beheld — the strange persons and accoutrements of the inv.idcrs, the terrible power of the cavalrv, and the mystic celebration of Catholic ceremony. To the inquisitive * A soldier distinguished in the Wnrs of the Conquest, His Memoirs are among the most valuable, as well as amusing, of all original histories. L THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF MEXICO.' iQo demands of the Spaniards concerning the region of gold, they answered, pointing to the west, "Culchua" and " Mexico "_a name destined to a wide and unhappy celebrity Coasting westward, after this triumph, "the expedition arrived at r" t-t ^r *^"'" '^' ^^""' "PP°^^^^ *'^« P^«««»t «ite of Vera Cruz. _\\ih the natives of this place, who, conciliated by the for- mer visi of Grijalva, came off in numbers to the ships, Cortes was enabled to communicate by the double interpretation of a Spaniard once resident with the Indians of the South, and of Donna Marba T.tr"s" ' "'' ''' '^^'^ S^^^^ ^-^ by the caciques o Tabasco. She was young and beautiful, and of remarkable intelli- gence, soon acquiring such a knowledge of Castilian as to spare the necessity of a second interpreter. She became the mistress of Cortes to whom she bore a son, and in all the eventful scenes which d^sS guished the conquest, bore a conspicuous part, as his interprete Id companion. But before proceeding to a narration of thT cer" at IS proper to give some account of that singular nation, the fit and, with one other exception, the only people encountered by S opeans m the New World, possessed of regular government illus trated by national history, and adorned with the afts of cSatn CHAPTEH II. THE MEXICAN ABORIOI NES.-TH EIR ORIGIN AND APPEAKANCE.-THEIR GOVERNMENT. ll\oj OOY, MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. eret, 01 Amenca first held mtercourse, that the early l,i»twTu„ .,f be C„„,„e,^ i|,e H-ca partaker, h^ the enterprise w e " 1„^ or ,,g,,age , ,h, ,, .„ ,,,„^^, ^,^.^ admirajion.' 'I , , " r;::-r„f ':,:■ 'r;::r j':,""''"^ 'r ''"'° "^"" ^- mviiL *• T ""o'"i '^"^1 ot the rise and progress of their iicxieo, and that, after a period of power and 106 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. prosperity, bhey became reduced by pestilence and other causes, and were succeeded or driven off by the barbarous Chichimecas. Tliese, in turn, gave place to the seven tribes of the Nahuatlacas, to which nation belonged the tribe of the Aztecs, the possessors of the country at the period of European discovery. The foundation of their capital upon the lake was commenced, according to their chro- nology, ,in the year 1325. The Aztecs, like their predecessors, came originally from the north, and in their gradual progress southward formed many temporary settlements upon the route — at least the character of the ruins still to be seen between tlie Valley and the borders of Upper California appears to corroborate the national tradition of the migration. Of their general physical conformation, the following brief descrip- tion, given by Pritchard, in his Natural History of Man, from Cla- vigero, will sufHce: "The Mexicans are of a good stature, generally rather exceeding than falling short of the middle size, and well pro- portioned in all their limbs. They have good complexions, narrow foreheads, black eyes, clean, firm, regular white teeth ; thick, black, coarse, glossy hair; thin beards; and generally no hair upon their legs, thighs, and arms: their skin is of an olive colour. "There is scarcely a nation upon earth in which there are fewer persons deformed; and it would be more diJRcult to find a single hump-backed, lame, or squint-eyed man among a thousand ^Mexicans than among a hundred of any other nation. Among the young women of Mexico, there are many very beautiful and fair; whose beauty is rendered more attractive by the sweetness and natural modesty of their behaviour." Their mental caj)acity was, without doubt, greatly superior to that of the wilder races of North America. Their architectural skill and their proficiency in the mechanic arts gave proof of no small measure of ingenuity, industry, and enterprise, and notwithstanding the ferocious cruelty and loathsome cannibalism attendant upon their strange system of religion, they evinced, in many respects, a refine- ment, a moral purity, and an intuitive perception of the proprieties of life, superior to that of their European contemporaries. A gen- eral idea of the national character and customs can be gathered from the detail of the events of the conquest. The sui'cession to the crown was not entirely hereditary, but depended upon the decision of four electors, from among the nobles, who were to decide which of the deceased monarch's brothers, or THE CONQUEST AND HISTOEY OF MEXICO. 107 nephews should be dovated to the vacant office; a peculiarity so far as regards the exclusion of lineal descendants, singukrly ur form among the aborigines of America. "x y unnorm There appears to have existed a body of powerful nobles each despotic within his own district, who held their estates or offiL by a feudal tenure of military .service. The king ori-^inated Tkwf Init the chief magistrates, or judges to whom was confid d ^ i' adimnistra ion, although appointed by the crown, held office for li^ and from their decision there was no appeal. The crimina cod<; was severe, and severely enforced; many offences generally In ^^ red as venial being punishable by death. As far as can be gaZ I from the uncertain accounts of the old historians, an estab lisle onlc. and system was observable in the whole mach n ^ of gov n^^ men, m the collection of revenue, and the administration of thriaws The sp endour of the monarch's court, with the punctiliou et " quette and wearisome ceremonial by which he mainfain d Id l- mty, are described at great length in the early accounts of M ^d o Ivo prince ever exacted or received more obsequious homage from his nobles and attendants; and, as may well be supposed, the e sub ordinates were not behind-hand in ostentation and parad n he presence of their inferiors. ^ ^" ^^® In the Mexican system of religion and religious eeremoni-d ^vere seen the strangest incongruities and contrad^cSoi^ iTs" e n particulars most striking coincidences appeared between theiTform of worslnp and their code of morals, and those of the Chr t In relT g|on, in hideous contrast to which stands out their horr io s oni of human sacrifice and cannibalism. The extent to whi h ^1 i v practiced cannot now be correctly ascertained: early ompti. exacted from some subordinate ldncrrIr.rr/„ ■ nient for national ofroncer ° "'' P'"""'^'' '' '"^ «^-'^- At tlie celebration of any great occurrence, as the domi.e of th. ™v.ws n,., have ,„iiv: T^^z^zx:z'r'r""'i beach, the s,tc of the present V.ra Cruz, and tho general pn.ently reccved a v.sit from T.uhtUo, the ehief eacique of the u;l,..n.,.g region Ceremonious courtesies were interchanged, and Cor s niormed h.s v.s.tor, that tho great king of Spain ha 1 lis- patched Imn to he .- n.,y with presents and a message fcr its scv- orcgn. I he e net expressed surprise on hearing tlmt there w s another monareh equal in power to his master, the great Moute.u a but prouused h.s good oflices, and bestowed on the strangers sple 1 id present, beautdully wrought ir. gold and other n.aterials. A " I Idtry ollermg, m con.purison, was all that the Spanianls eould d s l..^h to the court of Mexico; and with it Te.itile sen^"^ ^ l-tures, drawn and coloured by native artists, of the ships, the n- Z'elnp^r' ^'"'■°^" ''^"'^'^^^^^' ^^*'- '-l-^'"" <'f The visit of Grijalva, faithfully reported by the caciques whom e encou'tered, had produced a ,leep and alarming impression o U,e nund of Monte.un.a. There was an ancient predic io , f ^ b oved m Anahuae, that Quet.aleoatl, the founder of the Ate ehgon and government, a deity of fair complexion and )CZ ji.. 0/ nature had at4::d^rmh:;;:j;:i;:f:^^^^ by Ins express orders that, on the landing of the seco.u 'eo " .,1 o7 to s n,ulate the.r rapacity, curiosity, and ambitiqn, to the ulost ^ The nnperud capital of Tenochtitlan, or Mexico, 1 v seven tvW^es . n the coast ; yet eight days after the news w;.s ais^^^Z ^ era Cru, an .nbassy fron. the Aztec sovereign, acc'on.pa iod by 112 TIJK I'EOrLE'S «OOIC OF IIISTOKY. II liuiidrocl slaves, bearing splendid presents, entered the Spanish camp. The beauty and value of these royal gifts are described in glowing terms by contemporary writers, especially those who beheld tlicm. They consisted of fabrics admirably worked in cotton and variegated feathers, mingled with gems; of gold and silver skilfully wrought into the shape of animals, &c. ; and es})ecially of a great golden sun, as large as a carriage-wheel, beautifully flishioncd, and worth, according to the value of the metal in that day, nearly a quarter of a million dollars of the present currency. A courteous message was likewise delivered to the strangers, declining a visit, and politely suggesting their return. Cortcii, with mingled exultation and disappointment, received the gifts, and the accompanying repulse; but, with his accustomed per- severance, sent by the returning ambassadors a new present (miser- ably small compared with the magnificent offerings of the emperor) and a renewed request for permission to visit the court. A positive denial, softened, however, by additional presents, was returned ; and the Spanish leader, turning to his officers, said coldly, "Truly this is a great monarch and a rich — by God's permission we must see him." Before the next morning the Spanish camp was entirely deserted by the Indians. Thirty of his people, encamped on a spot, reeking, even at the present day, with pestilence and death, had already per- ished ; and Cortes resolved to seek out a more favourable locality. To his great joy, an embassy presently arrived from the Totonacs, a powerful tribe lately subdued by the Aztecs, inviting him to visit their capital of Cempoalla. An important and hazardous experi- ment, however, was first to be attempted. Whatever good faith to his patron and coadjutor he might have cherished at the commencement of the enterprise, had been over- come by the value of the anticipated prize; and he had resolved to disown even a nominal allegiance to Velasquez in the wealthy region which he proposed to conquer. The soldiers, by his machinations, were induced to throng around his tent, and demand the foundation of a settlement. With aftectcd reluctance, he assented, and, having formally resigned his commission received from the governor, was forthwith elected (by the officers and magistrates of his own appoint- ment) as Captain-General of tue new colony of Vera Cruz. The immediate friends and partisans of Valasquez, to quiet their indig- nant remonstrances, were laid in irons; and, ere long, singular to state, they joined heartily in su2)porting the authority of Cortes. d the Spanish ■e described in )se who hehcld in cotton and silver skilfully illy of a great fashioned, and day, nearly a A courteous dining a visit, t, received the ^customed per- present (niiser- f the emperor) rt. A positive returned; and "Truly this is must see him." tirely deserted , spot, reeking, id alread}' per- rable locality. the Totonacs, ig him to visit irdous experi- le might have ad been over- ad resolved to tvealthy region machinations, the foundation J, and, having governor, was ! own appoint- ■a Cruz. The iet their indig- ig, singular to of Cortes. :^<^ ^^ v4; // /•■ /,' X.I .VI) (I I It II T r. s, T M ¥. I (IV Q y K II I) II o y M K X 1 c o. UOKN SEITKAIUKII 111. liWi; rniiK IHi; * '-1- ambitious schemes. He exrihin J ,r.u V "'S's'^noe in his rortly dignitary, the po^e of h't^er he ''"""" "'l'^"''-"' " for the salvation of souls and Imf ! , 'T'"'' ""'' ''''" '='"'' doctrinal disquisition on ^ hi i h " ..T »™"!.'™«* '""> '^ had heard him ont," savs a wi net "1 ^''°'"'"' "■« '« "»«iqilo plained l*„rly of 1 JL^ra^l' hi Xl^stS'ttt """■ This disaffection^™::^ " cTl'tt : 27rT'- ^'T""""'" arrival of live officers from the „ .7,7 '""""■"g day, the nacs .ith dismay. Tr I it, If H""""" *■"'"=" "o ^oto- imperial enn-ssarL, "'Ctr^ i ^^ „tt ri^h J;"""';" "■" state no, deigning to east a look on tl,eVf^Zl \ZT 7 gantly attired, and each hohl in i • ^ ^;^l'''"i'^rcls. Ihey were cJg- Sonailv s„.elt' at-a "t u p e ' o^r ^ "T"^' "'^^'^ '^^ -- their errand. This was no hn ^ess t ^rt^I ''7'' ^"^"'^^""^^ people for sacrifice to their c.ods in c' io f '"'^"i^^^'^^^^' yo""S i..g the Spaniards But s ^oh '" ?'^^ ''^i'^" °f ^lie offence of recei v- Cortes, tlit tl^T^ton ; at h !" " ^.'"^ "^^^"^^ ^^^'^^^ ^ a.nba.4adors in the oc S-tfa T'f' '""'"'^^' ^"^ ^'^^^ ''^'^^ iey, savin, their liv and seer^"; ' 'T""''''^''' ^y ^''^^^ I-'" pitiato the emperor ' ^ ^^'«Patch,ng them home to pro- de El Vera Cru. (aHot Z.''" V ""^ V""" ^''^"'-^^^ ^^'"''' ^^'^^ name) was founded^ I^S^^ :^^ ^7/'^ ?--"' city of that die! present.., soon arrived frZT I ''"^"''^'' ''''^' 'l'^'^'' ^-^b-ciispia^ed to r'c^rf r:z;;: ^r^^^' ^'^^^"^;^"- ^■^;j".-atetl his intention of visi^ng tl^ir::::^;' ''^'"^"" ^^''^^^• ^i ":^:^;^^^^^^^ ::r i^^ ^-- -^«- p-ised ., witl. crusading .ea] hf u ll T ^e'no„stranee. Inflamed destruction of the Idd T 1 ^ 'T''^ "'"^^'^ ^^'' ^''« ^"^'"-''"''to seized, and Cort(>s nndo . '^"'' ""^'^ '"''"''''''•d ^^'^''O V... Vrr "!'^^" '" ^«"S '^'^^^on to the aghast multit-J» 114 TIIK PEOPLK'S BOOK OF lUSTOKY. assuring tlicm of the protection of tlio Virgin, " with many other good and holy reasons and arguments, which could not be better expressed by any one, and all which the people listened to with much attention." Mass was performed, and all the principal persons of the neighbourhood, with respectful, but, no doubt, with grcatly- puzjiled attention, participated in the ceremony. To propitiate the crown, and to secure its protection against the anticipated vengeance of A'^elasqucz, Cortes now resolved to dispatch the whole of the splen- did presents of Montezuma as an offering to the emperor (Charles V.), and, by his almost-unbounded influence with the soldiery, prevailed on them to relinquish their share of the treasure. A letter, entreat- ing a confirmation of his authority, seconded by the petitions of the Avholc army, was written; and, with wonderful audacity, he assured the emperor that in a brief time the Aztec sovereign .should be made to own his sway, or, dead or alive, be placed at his disposal. On the 2(ith of July, a vessel, bearing the treasure and these momentous tidings, was dispatched to Spain; but, by the indiscretion of her commander, in touching at Cuba, Velasquez became informed of the whole proceedings. With indescribable rage and fury, he set to work to prepare a fresh expedition for the purpose of rcilucing his refractory officer, and gaining possession of the wealthy realms of Mexico. A few malcontents in the army had plotted to seize a vessel and return to the island. This piece of defection was punished with merciless severity; and, to-guard against any retiewal of the attempt, Cortes now took the extraordinary resolution of destroying his lloet. Accordingly, all except one small vessel were privately scuttled and sunk. The alarm and indignation of the soldiers were allayed, and their courage inflamed by a harangue so stirring and eloquent, that, ■when it was finished, they cried eagerly, "To ^fexico! to Mexico!'' All, indeed, could see that there was no chance of drawing back, and that the only hope of safety itself lay in victory and conquest. Active preparations were now made for the expected campaign. Juan de Escalente, a sure friend of the general's, wa-^ left in command of a small garrison at Cempoalhi. With a little more than four hun- dred Spaniards and two thousand Totonacs, on the IGth of August, 1519, Cortes set forth on the most wonderful of martial entcr[)risc3 recorded iu history — the iMarch to Mexico. THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF MEXICO. CHAPTEB I?. 116 THE UfARCH TOWARD MEXim QPTm-r,,. COUItAOEMENTS. — PunrNEss 0. rnA ''^ "^'^- OPTJIETr^SCArAvr M. ^»'^TE«.— SUBMISSION Ui' int ff'A.SCALAAS.— siNouf^.,v,ic„^ PFVrr>:a of Ja,ap.,a„d Na„,i„co, :S eT r f T"n^r *°;"'" ivhiel, tlicv rmrhed after several ,Iav. f "•■"'""qnitepco, ma„y.eocalIie,or„„u„d.to„T fdi^ .:""'"! ""'"''■ """ romonstrances of the reverend F..fln.. ni i , , ' ^'^ *'^^ oxpeciition, who, to his honour, often interfered in iJl.nlf f .u natives, and who now assured h m that flTT "^ ^^' for making proselytes ''^' '^"'" ''''' ""P^«Pitious itproteot.dby.,7,Ii!^^^^^^^^^^ ^"^P^i^'^d to f5nd J_ ^ -^ '"*''^^'''*' '^'^^ "^ masonry, built between two mount- 116 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOUY. ains, and having but a single entrance, curiously constructed for defence. No one, however, appeared to oppose them, and the little army, defiling through the gate-way, pushed on toward the capital. Their hopes of a friendly reception were soon grievously disappointed, A force of three thousand Tlascalans appeared to dispute tlieir pass- age, and though compelled to give ground before the discharge of artillery and the charge of cavalry, retreated in good order. On the next day (Seiitcmber 2d) a fresh body of the enemy appeared, who, to a formal protest, recorded as usual by a notary, replied only with a shower of missiles. A fight commenced, and the Indians, artfully retreating, decoyed their invaders into a narrow defile, where Xicoten- catl, the greatest general of Tlascala, with an army of many thousand warriors, was waiting to receive them. Amid the hideous roar of barbarian drums, the shrill notes of flutes and a terrific outbreak of cries and whistlings, the little army of Cortes engaged the enemy— his Indian allies, now three thousand in number, standing stoutly b}-^ him. Destruction, indeed, seemed almost inevitable. "I see nothing but death before us," said one of tlie chiefs; "we shall never get through the pass alive." But the little body of cavalry, Cortes at their head, charging with the despe- ration of men whose lives were at stuke, at length cleared a way for the artillery, whicli played with terrible cfl'eet on the crowded ranks of the enemy. Eight of the bravest Tlascalan chiefs and a great number of their followers fell, and Xicoteiicatl, discouraged, at last drew oft" his forces. The Spaniards retreated, for safe encamjirnent to an eminence called the "ITill of Tzompach,'' on which stood a temple, the ruins of which yet remain. Their loss had been sinull, owing to the anxiety of the enemy to take them alive for .sacrifice; but an abundance of cruel wounds were distributeil among them which, with the revolting aid of a chirurgery common in tliese wars, they dressed with the fat of the Indians who had fallen. Overtures of peace, which Cortes now made to the Tlascalans, were fiercely and peremptorily rejected ; and news came that Xieotcn- catl, with fifty thousand men, was awaiting the invaders on the road to Tlascala. On hearing these portentous tidings, .'savs the honest chronicler, "being but mortals, and like all others fearing death, we prepared for battle by confessing to our reverenil fathers, who were occupied during the whole niglit in that holy oniec." On the morning of September 15th, the little host, resolved on conquest or death, again took the road to Tlascala. THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF MEXICO. ^7 The Indian army, drawn up in a vast meadoiv ru. ■ ■ • no great distance. It formed a splendid ^ ^C^^""^ •' '' ben,g decorated with armour of gold and silver TdM 7"'"°'' be.ng gorgeous with mantles of feather-wo , Ch "r^'r^^-^"^^ unnimerable standards. Their weaoons w.r ^"ttenng of arrow, headed with copper or ^r's one^il^ v"'^' ^T' ^"' made, but feeble and inefficient in co„>n.r In w ith f "- .elegantly mnskets, and the sabres of their European foe fjll 7 "^^ *'" was their onset, that by mere force of nu^s tilk ^.'^^™'"«'l at first driven back in confusion TW n "^^''' *''« Spaniards were room was f.,ally cleared ft th'alle^^^^^^^^^^^^ among the dense ranks of the assailant' ilf ' \'''''' '''' "^'^^« tes, charged fiercely wherever thev W l.n '7' '-'' '''''^'' ^«'- • assailants with much slaug . er ^^i "^^ l' '"^- ^^°^^ "^^''^ ^^e loss, did the Tlascalans close Tiou^l^ m/"""' "f ^^^^'^^^ and Totonacs; and, but for disVZi *''™^ "^ Spaniards probably, by their o^l!Z^Z:iteroepted on the way by XicLnca en; fotcte 7"'' "' .ve defoats which he had encountered Tho ^ ? " '""'"''• %-'lvo c^whom had perished s!^ Lw'^::^; ! '^^'"f"^' ily weaned of fi: ^'-'olv remonstrated attemjitiiig to reach Mexico tl ', tlie name of which 118 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY, had become a cornnion jest in the army, or even Tlascala. But their indomitable commandei-, in a stern and eloquent harangue, revived their spirits, and assured them of the divine protection, "Wherever we have come," he said, "we have preached to the igno- rant natives the doctrines of our holy faith ; wherefore I trust we shall still receive the divine assistance, and that of my patron, St. Peter; * * * j^j^j jjg jq y^\y■^^ y^^^ gj^y ^f losses, deaths and fatigues, such is the fortune of war, and we did not come here in search of pastimes and amusements." Any further remonstrances he cut short by quoting from an old song, that " it was better to die at once than to live dishonoured," and by the firmness of his character, and the vehemence of his tone, bore down all opposition. A large embassy which Xicotencatl had dispatched to the Span- ish camp, being discovered to be spies, were dismissed with cruel mutilation; and that commander, suddenly abandoning his hopes of resistance, betook himself, with the intercepted envoys, to the presence of the invaders. He took on him.self the entire reponsi- bility of the war, and tendered the submission of his countrymen. Almost at the same time a new embassy, of five nobles, with two hundred attendants, bearing magnificent presents, arrived from Mon- tezuma. That unhappy sovereign now offered to furnish regular tribute to the king of Spain, if the dreaded strangers would forego their intended march to his capital — an impolitic overture, which only stimulated the hopes and ambition of Cortes, already fortified by the enmity which he observed to prevail between the two embas- sies, " I was not a little pleased," be writes to the emperor (Charles v.) "on seeing their want of harmony, as it seemed fixvourable to my designs, and would enable me to bring them the more easily into subjection, according to the old saying 'De monte,^ &c. I likewise applied to this case the authority of tlie Evangelist, who says, 'Every kingdom divided against itself shall be rendered desolate,' and I dissembled with both parties" — an avowal of complacent du]ilicity hardly to be paralleled even in private diplomatic correspondence. On the 23d of September, a day still observed as a festival in that city, the Spanish army entered Tlascala. The inhabitants, with a strange revulsion of feeling, thronged around it, covering man and horse with fi-esh roses, and exhibiting cxcvy token of the heartiest welcome. This extraordinary change was doubtless due to the respect which valour and superior power always commands from a half civilized race, and also to their hope of a resistless ally in war THE CONUUKST AND HISTORY OF MEXICO. ^q against their ancient enemies, the Aztecs. The city proved to bo large and populo.i^-thirty thousand persons, it is said, beinc. on pubhc days, assemb ed m the market-place; and many evidences of rehncment, such as baths and a police, awakened the admiration of the strangers. Cortes n> his dispatches, a.Iduces an odd proof of the advancement of the natives of New Smin: "There were hZ gars in the streets," he says, "as among any civilized people." °" Jha zealous polenue, with his accustomed promptitude, at once en ered or, the work of converting his new Allies.' IlollinV ' before hem "a beauteous image of our Lady, with her precious Son n. her arms," he, made a long discourse, no doubt of an ed fy ,ng nature on the Chr.st.an faith, and the rewards of i.s votarie s- "whereas, he eontmued "by persisting in the worslnp of you iLs vduch are devds, you wdl be drawn by them into their i.fern.^^ n ' there to burn eternally in flames of iire." All he could obtain how ever, was an assent to the display arnl exercise of his own faith a'd he release of v.etnns destined for saerifice-the latter, how'cv r b.ng of httle effect, the Tlascalans quietly perpetrating Iheir Zi rites, whenever their guests were out of the way. suBirrs.sioN op provixoes.-cortks MARcrrEs on choiuia -PLOT l)ISCOVKRK,..-,rAS,SAC,tE OP THE CUOJ.V ,^ 1 THE MARCH TO MEXICO RESU MEl,. -WE A K POUCY OP MON- TEU'MA.-THE ENTRANCE INTO MEXICO. -INTE R VP J" WITH THE EMPEROR.-HIS GENEROSITY AND APPABIIITY. TiiRoroK fear of the invincible strangers or from Intn.,! f .1. A.^c rule, embassies were now sent to C;;tes ^^^m^ r" r^ . i ^ endermg submission and tribute. But the people of C o I'n lent and ce ebra.ed city, the most sacred' in'all Anah (t e eeca of the Mexican races,) and still famous for its great p";,; and other massive relics of tlio A„f^ i • ^"•"rj'-cnm, mind "Tl,Pv J\ [ ^^"^ worship, were of a different rnnid 1 hey sent a very dry and nncourteous answer to our mes- f ; T '^' '"'^^'-^ Captain T)iaz, "a.^ n-!0.o„t al; ZZ «/'--." Determined to overawe this refractorv and illibea co^ 120 TIIK I'EIH'LK'S BOOK OF IIISTOUY. niunity, Cortes, iti'tcr a sojourn of three weeks in Tlascala, aceom- psuiied by six thousand warriors from that city, took up his march for Cholula, which hiy at no great distance. On his arrival, the cit- izens, witli ap{)arent readiness, gave in their submission, only request- ing that the Tlascalans, with whom they were at feud, should encamp without the city; but welcomed the Spaniards with every appearance of joy and congratulation. Nevertheless, in a few days, it was evident that secret enmity was plotting their destruction. A sacrifice to the war-god, including five children, intimated some notable attempt of a martial nature; and ere long, the visitors were utterly neglected by their hosts — the few citizens, whom they met in the streets, drawing aside, "with a mys- terious kind of sneer on their faces." Through the agency of Marina, the whole particulars of the plot were discovered, and Cortes resolved to make a terrible example of the hostile city. Under pretext of taking his leave, on the following morning he assembled in the great square a largo number of the chiefs and citizens. When all was ready, he suddenly broke forth into a fierce address, reproach- ing them with tlieir treason. The caciques admitted the plot, but laid the blame on ]\[ontczuma — with what truth docs not cxai.'tly appear. lie then at once gave the signal for slaughter, and his soldiers with artillery and musketry, committed a frightful massacre on the multitude eutrapi)ed within the square. The Tlascalans also swarmed in, and before the fury of these ancient enemies could be staved, six thousand of the Cholulans had perished, and tlie whole city was ravaged and plundered. This terrible example of the power and vengeance of the Spaniards struck dread throughout all Anahuac. ^fontezuma, trembling in his distant capital, again dispatched splen- did presents to the victors, and, after a fortnight passed in the de- vastated city, elate with triumph, and strengthened by a force of six thousand of the bravest warriors of Tlascala, they resumed the march to ^Texico. It was useless, indeed, to disguise from their minds that. aIthou"-h so far successful to a degree unheard of, they were entering on new and terrible dangers, ^^nrching with con.stant watchfninoss, ("the beard ever on the shoulder," says one of them) they gradually ascended the chain of mountains which surrounds the groat Mexican Yalley. After much sutTcring from fatigue, and from tlie cold aif of those elcvat(>d regions, they attained the summit, and cast their eyes over "that magnificent prospect, which, to -this day, charms THE CONQUEST AND IIISTOUY OK MEXICO. igl every beholder into rapture. Before ti.em, stretching for many a league, and environed on all sides by lofty mountains, ky th. ValL of Mexico-perhaps, after that of Granada, tin, richc t and love lio^ ,n the world. C usters of glistening towns and villages su.mu lo the lakes; and fur m the distance lay that might, city tho fi a pn.e of the.r adventurous career." Alarmed at L 'id otos o the power and population of the empire into which th.y w ore so darmgly mtrudmg, .ome would fain have retreated; but CoHos wi h words of eager cncouragcnent, lod them down the mountain A new embassy, w.th a great present from Montezuma, was soon In^ red, bearmg anew the impolitic offering of treasure and t 1m to ^ :; rr^ 'tl 'T ^--^-^^^ -trance il ^ capital. But the Spanish leader, his ambitious ima^rination now thoroughly mtlamed, resolved, at whatever rish fn i intended enterprise vvnatcvcr ri.U, to complete h,s ■0 moans of concilia.,-" ".S 1,^1™',"! ',""''■ '" '■="" brother, „i„ „c„„c„, a,,., «t>::tr^J7Z::^zz:fi "' we c„,„c ,l,c visito^ ae .l,c ,mL station, I h' ^ " ™" •■"" As the Spaniards annronehprl th^ -. , , . n»...ivoly conamctcl of l,o„n *n' 1 f °" ""'^ """'""^y^. ..latinn, a„,l all tl,o evi.lenc J of Tv'.n . IT 'TT' "'"'' '""P" tW 811, of November 15W tho.rfi .' '""'''■""'' ■''■''"emcnt On «-»v, aretchin,, aero,, the 1 J t °Z "''■" ™™'°""'l^- »a..,e. chielsonthern accrt^ttc : V :r "^orj:,';;';" ^'"r *"<■ ing the surface of fha ,,rof " ''^"^'^- ^''" ^'t'lor hand, obscur- Sii *:-;;;: ::~r-- «.'~4r=^ thron. ,v,,i,h no,, gl ' ; '™"''"- "» "'7 "^ "- "™.=o «i»ery, the pale Ice, an;r;:;;„";lt: "" '"" "•"'-'""•■'"■ '"= US and ijards of Europe. They u 122 THE I'KOl'LIi'S BOOK 01" 1U8TOUV. would Iianlly trust their hoiihcs. " Wo coukl comparo it to notliing," Bays till! oiil oliroiiiclor, "but tliu eucluiiitcil scoiios wo hail read of in Auiadis do Ga.n\, I'roni tho grout towors iviid tomplos and othor oililioo.s whioh socniod to rise out of tho wator. To many of us it appeared di)id)tful wlu'thor we wore asloop or awalvo; # * * never yet did man hco or dream of any thing oipial to the spectacle whieh appeared to our eyes on this day." As the little hody of Spaiuards, followed by the Tlascalan army, entered on tho great .street of the city, Montezuma in per.son, attended by a great erowd of hi.s nobles, a{)peared to welcome them. IIo was borne on a .splendid litter, froni which, at the approach of hi.s vi.sitora, ho alighted. Cortes also dismounted, and those two men, the repre- sentatives of tho Old World and the New, each the object of such interest to tho other, stood face to face. Tho emperor, at this time, was about forty years of age, and appeared, says a witness of tho scene, "of good stature, well jiroportionod and thin; his complexion was much fairer than that of the Indians; ho wore his hair short, just covering his car-s, with very little beard, well-arranged, thin and black. His face was rather long, with a ploa.sant countenance and good eyes. Gravity and good humour were blended together when ho spoke." With tho utmost courtesy, and with apparent cordirditv, he welcomed the strangers to his capital, and Cortes could not but express, in fitting terms, his thanks for the repeated instances of royal generosity which he had so often experienced. After a brief interview, the Spaniards and their allies were con- ducted through an immense multitude, to their destined quarters, in a great i)alace built by the emperor's father Axayacatl. Every terrace and houseto]) was crowded with human beings, gazing with in.satiate curiosity on tho strangers, and marvelling at the entrance of a great army of their hereditary foes. Montezuma was already in the court-yard, waiting their arrival. He hung a massive chain of gold around tho neck of Cortes, repeated his welcome, and then, with refined civility, left him to repose. But that wary general turned his first attention to fortifying the palace, and to planting cannon for its defence, with every ])rccaution against a surpri.sc. "Such was the entrance of this little band, animated by an invinci- ble hardihood, into the renowned Tenochtitlan* — the fairest and most jTOwerfid city in the Western Continent; and whether we con- sider tho audacity of the attemjit, its wonderful success, or the * The native appellation of the iiiicieiit city of Mexico. n uivinci- Hlran... ami exciting novelty .W the attendant eire.nnsfancvs it nnnt bo re«anl(j.l a« tho most reniarkahlu evolnit ..11 "...1 drHperate coura,.., in tl e r „s^^ '-I'tary ..niu.s «eiroon,..acency, -who «ave ns conra^el::;' ^ J 1 : /Z gers, and brought us safely through then,.' * * ^ * . r'"" ends, 1,0 ,,roeoe.Ls, 'the true and full aecountof our adventurous uul Av.itn.o.ti.ee:;i^^ii:::;^;-;;,;^^ c udod tins eventful d.^. On the next, CortCh^ l^^iZ. olhco... ropa,.-ed to tho royal paluee, where all wcTe -u, "a 1 luuntaiiis, the tapo-strv of .mv ,.i,„ 1 . '""a/.oil at the .«.» set nWut tl,o w,rk „f clvt , 'T;'^"'''' '" "■■"'"'■ "' evil tountenancos and worse deck" .,„ 1 • "»'Viis, ol l»,w and thoao of his subiccta from il,„ „,,',',, "'V'"" .»>™l tl,ogo„craI tl,„.l,„.,„a w,, nmir l„a arrnlll T .•c,l. , a„tl,„rit, „„., ,i,„i.^. A f„,v u,.r», .„u" t o .Z ' M from 1,,., eyes as lie iii-oiiouiieeil tlieso won, , fl... . , , , aiicicnl lioiiours to the diorn.„ „f ""■'"= """I'. «''« surren.Icr of l,is -vcro,. his chetrf^,^rc . Led" , rZt'r"''.''""^ •"" '" ■-' ^"'^fy J fl i;.i«ni" 1^ ir,^t™;;;:rrf 124 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK HI8T0EY. CHAPTER.?!. DESCRIPTION OF THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF TENOCHTITLAN OR IIEIICO. THE PALACES OP MONTEZUMA. — HIS COLLECTIONS OP NATUIIAL HISTORY. SUPERSTITION OF THE SPANIARDS. — HIDEOUS SCENES OF SACRIFICE. — REFLECTIONS Before entering on a relation of tlie memorable events which followed the entrance of the Spaniards into Tenochtitlan, and before recording the utter destruction to which those events were the pre- lude, it is proper to give some description of that ill-fated city, as it appeared to Europeans in the brief interval preceding its ruin and annihilation. "The present city of Mexico occupies the site of this ancient capital of the Aztecs, and the long causeways which led through the water still form its principal approaches. But the waters of Lake Tezcuco, by drainage, have shrunk away, and the Indian Venice which they environed is now surrounded by (Justv fields, miles from the shore. At the time of the Conquest, it wa's probably one of the most beautiful and picturesque of cities. The houses were of reddish stone or brick, and numerous canals, with bridges, intersected it throughout. The number of houses is reported to have been sixty thousand, and the population, it is probable, was nearly half a million. Forty thousand persons are said to have assembled in the market on public days. The extent of its vestiges, at the present day, indicates a city of great population. "Sanitary rules were carefully observed. The aqueduct of Cha- pul tepee brought a copious supply of fresh water into the city, and n thousand persons were daily employed in cleaning the streets. Among the peculiar ornaments of this marine capital, were the numerous floaljjng islands, of artificial construction, which supported, not only a great variety of flowers and vegetables, but trees of con- siderable size, and the cottages of their proprietors. "The palaces of the emperor were of vast extent, and contained almost innumerable apartments. Many of these were devoted to the aeeornmodation of a menagerie, the most complete and extensive, it is probable, in the possession of any sovereign of the day. Wild animals, collected throughout the most distant regions of Anahuac, THE CONQUEST AND lIIbTuliV OE MEXICO. 125 were here lodged in numerous and convenient receptacles; and the rarest and most beautiful birds, in vast numbers, were housed in magnificent aviaries, with every convenience to render their confine- ment endurable. But the fierce aspect of the caged animals and reptiles struck the half-civilized conquerors rather with horror than admiration. ' In this accursed house,' says one of them, ' were man v vipers and other poisonous serpents, which have in their tail some- what that sounds like castanets, and they are the worst of all vipers * * These beasts and horrid reptiles were retained to keep company with their infernal gods, and when the lions and tygers roared, and the foxes and jackals howled, and the snakes liissed twas a grim thing to hear, and seemed like hell itself.' In this par- ticular, at least, the science and liberality of the Indian naturalist stand m strong contrast with European prejudice and superstition Even the earned De Soils, writing a century and a half later, could hardly believe it possible that any prince should have cherished 'this poisonous Article of Magnificence,' but conceives the report to have been a vulgar error, founded on the fierce and tyrannic dispo- sition oi the Aztec sovereign. "A more barbarous, but perhaps not less royal taste, was exhibited in a very extensive collection of monstrosities. 'Muteczuma ' savs a writer of the day 'hath three great houses in a solitary place out of the way to refreshe and recreate himself in the heate of summer- in one of these he hath great plcntie of monstrous men, as dwarfes' crookebackesandrnenwithoneleggeortwoheades, &c &c ' The vast extent and admirable arrangement of the Botanic Gardens of the emperor, as well as of other great lords, indicate refinement of a certain character, to which no European nation, at that a^e had attained. ° ' "The state maintained by the emperor, the populous condition of h.s harem, and the number of his attendants, who amounted to sev- eral thousands, all bore a strong resemblance to the luxurious court of an Oriental sovereign. 'No one of the Soldans,' says Cortes in his dispatches, 'nor any other infidel Signior, of whom I ever heard has, to my beliel, a court so stately and ceremonious.' In the minute ceseriptions of the day, handed down by curious observers ue luid the great Montezuma, after his dinner, smoking tobacco fron an ornamented pipe-apparently a novelty to his guests, though Co u,„bus, many years before, had found the natives of CuLa in the liabit ol using the same herb in the f.-rm of ci'^ars. J 126 THE PEOl'LK'S BOOK OF IIISTOEY. ''^Nothing surprised the Spaniards more than the gloomy 'House of Sorrow, to which the emperor was accustomed to retire, on the death of any of his relations, or in event of any public calamity or failure. It was colored entirely black, and hardly a ray of light cou d penetrate through the little windows to the funereal apartment vitlun Inthis dismal Habitation he used to continue until the time of Mourning was over, and often,' continues the fanatical Solis here the Devil appeared to him; whether it be that the Prince of Darkness took de ight in this abode of Horror, or for the Sympathy there is between that malignant Spirit and a melancholy Humour ' "* Tlie emperor, to gratify the curiosity of his guests, four days after tl^.r arrival, conducted them to the most remarkable objects in the ci y. Among these were the great tianguez or market-place, inter- esting from the multitude of its traders and the variety and r/chness of their wares and the principal teoealli, or mound-temple, which hey ascended by a winding path, a mile in length, and whicli, from been n* P^""^f '-^ ^'''^ ^^ magnificent, that those who had been at Eome and Constantinople exclaimed that they had never Ttle h ;• V^'r T''""'^ "^^ ^^^^^^ ^^^'^^ ^-^^. pointed ou the chief objects of interest; but that zealous champi^i of the i .xith, eager for an opportunity to vindicate his creed, requested that ].e m,g lit be introduced to the presence of the Aztec deities I he ndeous scenes of sacrifice to which the Spaniards were ac- cordingly conducted, described with revolting paiticularitv by tie observers may be briefly represented. First, on the snmm"it of the teocalh, they were shown the terrible Stone of Sacrifice, on which housands c^ living bodies had been stretclied, with the brea ip Wved ,n the air, while the priest, wit,h a sharp flint knife, laid o, I ^.n'rthetff" 'Ti?^' '"' P^"^'''"^ ''''''' by main' force t .toll 1 ? 'a' S^ "' "P '"^"^'"^^ ^" ^'" ^^'"^'^'"^ «« «n offer- ing to the deity A hideous figure, resembling a dragon, presided r^'^firusl^'"^' ^"' ^""^ ""'-'^ ^-%«piltfatt'efted1he In a shrine which crowned the summit of the teoealli, were hu^e m-ss apen figures, hideous in their distortion, but brilliant ith J |;;vels and gold Of these Huitzilopoch.li, theAztec god o r h wore anecklace composed of human hearts and heads, wrol I in the precious metals, and Tczeatepuca, the god of the infe^. world, "covered with little serpe.t-tailed devils," were the mosU::! ♦ Discoverers, &c., of Amenen. TTE COSaUlST AND HISTOIiT OF MEXICO 1,7 nnd .he wall, of ,tl fhri„e\!°T "*"*''■ '"^ ''"""o™ "'™. gers. Struck wi.l, horror a. .he "^olti g' 1^1"^;°' '"°.^°; Ins voice in vehement remnn«fron„. ■ ^ fP^-^^cle, Cortes raised but only succeedeTfn shTcZl T. T"'' '^''' ''"°"^"^^^ ^^^^^^^^. who, affer the departure of ^f*?'' ^ ^^"'"' ^"^'^^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^«i renewed saer.eef th:^^!:^ ^L:^::?!^^ ^-^' ^^ orrZ^?:-r-i^^^^^^^ -nee. innuiriblfsacriC ^We ::::Vv^^ ''''' '}' '^'^ ^' says Diaz, "any name ex^^ that o'TeH ' ' -cursed building," which they visited wa. . ^.Z r " ''"''^^«'' t^ocalli of more th'ln a hundred tholn^^^^^^^ T""' ^^'''^ ^^« ^^^'^'^ n.ent may seem "in th. « ""'• ^"^''^dible as the state- enormities, wer^'ex en sive nd' ^'"T. "'"'^ "'"^^'"^^ '-^^ ^1'- tion of theVouthTf bo;i"^^^^^^^ ^^'^"""^ '^^ ^''^ ^^-- estimate ofthe horrors of Mexican theolnL ^^'^^ggerated an at this very time and ]on. SZ ;^^' '"' """'* remember that, revolting fL, ^:::i^:^^;^::;c'-^-^^ ': 'r "^--^ of Europe. On the score of {,^^'^'''f ^^,^3^ ^''^ most refined nations heart of\heA.:er:i:;^;^:;::r^^ stake of the Spaniard; while Vrtho •""■^'"''^ ^"^ *^« see little to choose b;twe 1 J h f ^^".""^^^^ ^"^^l^e^^. one can fierce Huitzilopocltli o to 1. f T° '" *''^ ^^'"•'""^ "^ ^'^^ the Heal Presence" ' ''"' '' ^^"^^ ^'^'^^^^^^ ^heo.y, sueh as 128 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. CHAPTEH ?IL UNPRINCIPLED SCHEME OF CORTES. — HIS TREACHEROUS SEIZURE OF MONTEZUMA. — BURNING OF THE AZTEC CHIEFS. — OUTRAGE ON THE EMPEROR'S PERSON. — FRUSTRATED CONSPIRACY OF THE PRINCES. — THE CACIQUES SAVEAR ALLEGIANCE TO THE SPANISH CROWN. — AFFECTING SCENE. — GREAT TRIBUTE OF TREASURE. — RAPACITY OF CORTES. A chapel was erected in the palace of Axayacatl, and mass was daily performed, with unusual decorum and solemnity of deport- ment, for the edification of the Aztecs. These, though little moved by the mysterious spectacle, continued to pay the most assiduous and hospitable attention to the thousands of strangers, botli Spaniards and hostile Tlascalans, who, uninvited, had thrust themselves within the walls of the capital. But the ambitious mind of the Spanish leader, aiming at the immediate subjugation of the country, as the only means of attaining the countenance of his sovereign and eludintr the vengeance of the incensed Velasquez, was ill at ease, and darkly revolved a plot, "the most daring, politic, and utterly unprincipled, which the mind of man could devise." This was to seize the person of his host, the generous and hospitable Montezuma, and thus gain instant possession of his realm. Solemn prayer and religious service, as usual in any case of extreme audacity or villany, was maintained by the Spaniards all the night previous to the attempt; and Cortes, during the same time, was heard pacing his room unquietly like one unable to rest from anxiety. In the morning, after ma.ss and benediction, the general, with Alva- rado, Sandoval, Lujo, Leon, and Avila, five of hi.s bravest captains, repaired to the palace. The emperor was in a joyous mood, and, with his usual liberality, bestowed rich presents on his guests. A number of soldiers, by instruction, had gradually assembled in the court-yard, and Cortes (to use his own words), "after conversing with him in a sportive manner on agreeable topics, and receiving at his hand some jewels of gold, and one of his orvn dmtgllers," abruptly changed his tone, and accused his host of the murder of two Span- jaoffTF.z yjwjj. THE CONQUKST AND HISTORY OF MKXICO. 129 .un,ri», deCared Aatt w rjlel'l '="^"^ W-anco'of Lis signet, dispatched ordc,-, Tt ,^lT ,°""'' ""'' P""'"e "T be tra„s,„i..„d for trial to the c"piHl "^^ '" ""' '"'" *<>"M he^Htrdi^rt •if;'^''.'^"''' -^^ '-■ -'"- >"'- civih-., n,ari.of;„„ad„„„ ;™x ; PTV""'T« ""^ '"-P™'' - « Perceiving his danger it^m T ''° '" ""> ^P""!* ^'Wrtem e.%. witf a ha„;x^thts::™'':";ir'«. '- .- heard that a great prince, like m^selt; ^totarilv lift L , """"• Ijeeome a prisoner in the hands of st an2s? If T J , f """ '" to such a desradation » h. „„ .■ 7™"8ersr If I should consent ■■n,ysuhjec^%t:r lu ftrl''ir'T '° ** "'^"-""^ importunity, but at lcn«h fl, J T , , ''" '''^'*'' "'eir vile jeUc. i lei^r 'rptn:?:" ;ri""''7 ^^ "■" «-- dense ranks of the Snaniard. C .. il ^'^^^ovtod amid the •nd the people, .hoi" 'Sat ^ St-f'"'' ""^^ ""j '""■•■• .ssurance (which to or^orv. „ T , ' "^"° '!""=''=') by the then.) that the Spklr^r rfriel' °M, ''^ ■''8"''^' •■= Save then, of his own accord, h ust, iT„ P f "',"' ''" """ ^oing with omitted „o attention or how „f1 r ^°«<'''.'>'» '^"'1 »«ained, he •le r„,al establish.en wa7rcmov*rr°f ,%"?*" *'"* "' jacati, where he held hhZZ T ^"'^'""'^ P"'"™ °f Axa- .™-.' The nob,»l :„: i;:tfraZ;^::;r'''; "°"^'^"' appear to have inspired ?!,. l,;„i . ■ ?""'"'"■>' °f '"" demeanour, captors; but the^gifrd d iS''" T'°" '"" ""''=°«"" '" >>'» knowing that if their imllolt' """<»"?"«'--. -ell A..popn,a.onw„uHrL™\'rS,:::rr '""■ '"^ ""* ««e"::rii:f:rp?rSr%r° '--^ -'^-^ ■" -^ "'* was committed fe, Cortes "r rati J " "I f '""'''"^■- ™"''- '»'" aeruelty, the continu^^y ™ rr^'of I, '.'? """, P""«™« caused them all to be burner! ,lL f 1 ^''■'""* '"""'■ he f"ncral pyres were eomnZl „r '" ""' "' ""= J'"'"'^''- '"'''"i' lin. taten from he roj." ar nal'T T""'"^. "l""'"™ """^ J"™" attack from the citizens Wl,°rt' '"''""'»■-* "><» ''anger of au victims underwent with tr,,Jr V ™''°"' """"=■"="■ >''"* «>e cation, Oorte wia a' ,,, ;™/T"°''°' "™ "'"'™'' i-" '^^«- =h»hcr of th^ uTtult'S: ;,r*lith t''', '""-' «"" _ Vol. III._9 ""^'^'"ima- With harsh reproaches, 130 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOliY. he ordered them to bo fastened to the feet of liis captive, and then abruptly quitted him. That unhappy prince, for the first time really awakened to the terrific nature of his fall, uttered low and half-sup- pressed moans, while his attendants, weeping, held his feet in their arms, and tried, by inserting their mantles, to mitigate the harsh contact of the naked iron. The chiefs reduced to ashes, Cortes reen- tered the apartment, and took oft' the chains with his own hands. Tlie spirit of his captive was completely broken, and he thencefor- ward submitted like a child to nearly every requirement of his conqueror. "There is, perhaps, hardly a passage in history more curious than this transaction in the capital of the Aztecs— and could the damning accompaniments of treachery, ingratitude, and cruelty be left out,, it might stand as the most splendid example of policy, boldness, and success that ever was- recorded. Its effect, for a time, was certainly to put the Spaniards in complete possession of the government of all Mexico. Little compunction seems to have been felt by the actors exultant in success. Diaz, fifty years afterwards, writes: 'Now that I am old, I frequently revolve and reflect on the events of that da}^, which appear to me as fresh as if they had just passed, such is the impression they have made upon my mind. I say, it was not we who did these things, but that all was guided by the hand of God. * * * There is much food for meditation in this,' " &c. The caciques and princes of Mexico, unprepared to prevent the unexpected seizure of their lord, and still uncertain of his exact relations with the Spaniards, though deeply concerned at his deten- tion, continued, for the most part, to pay him the most loyal obe- dience. Chief among the few who felt the true degradation of the empire, and resolved on attempting its deliverance, was his young nephew Cacama, the prince of Tezcuco. Next to Montezuma, he was the most powerful lord in Mexico, his capital (Tezcuco) contain- ing an hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants, and though by the ambition of his brother Ixtlilxochitl, despoiled of a portion of his territory, was an enemy by no means to be despised. With the brother of the emperor and a few other great lords, he now con- spired to restore the imprisoned monarch to liberty, and drive the wizard Spaniards and the hated Tlascalans from the land. To the demands of Cortes that he should give in his allegiance to the king, and to his treacherous invitations to visit the capital, this high-spir- ited prince replied that "he knew nothing of the Spanish sovereign THE CONQUEST AND IIISTOKY OP MKXICO. igj nor his people, nor did he wish to know anv tliinc of fhmn fl . i would 00.0 to Tenoehtitlan indeed, bn. :^':Z^^i:^^ to rescue the emperor and the Aztec ™d,s from slaver. ' 7 . i , ' pr^>nringtoiulfilthispatriotiethreat,iw^ri;^^l,i^;:^^^^^^ anc w,th Ins pnncpal confederates, carried in chains to^MeS ' Urte , now feehng secure in his position, proceeded rapidly with tl c wo k of survey and eolonization-his tusk being aided by a n np admirably dehneated of an handled and forty leagues o he eo's ' presented to lum by Montezuma. He next exacted from that Tv! e.c>gn a formal recognition of the authority of the Spunlh crown The eacque., summoned from all parts of L empire,' Lps' be transferred to these strangers-the same, he informed them whoso onnng had so long been foretold. -'I now beseech you're a d give them some token of submission; they requie it of me ' et no one refuse. For eighteen years th^i I have reigned I hav^ been a kn.d monarch to you, you have been faithful su^'e ts to m since my gods wdl have it so, indulge me with this one in ane of jour obedience." Tears fell from his eyes, and the caciques also weepmg bitterly, assured him that his will'had always been th r aw, and should be at once complied with. All took'^the requ ed oath, m presence of many officers and soldiers, "not one of Tom " says a witness, "could refrain from weeping, ^n behold ng heTo^i- tation and distress of the great and generous Montezuma'" W^th excessive rapacity and impudence, Cortes now suggested that a splen ■d present be prepared for his master, the king ofspain, ad act - Tn addition to the tribute thus obtained, the emperor bestowed upon liis gaoler a great hoard of jewels Ind gold wrou-Tt with .easterly skill, which had been amasled by Axa.^eat'l, Ind^'e exit 1 covered. lake tins gold," he said, "which is all that could be olleeted on so short a notice, and also the treasure which I d 'ive ..m my ancestors and which you have seen. And this wh c7 reman of his regalia with the rest, "is the last of the treasure which has remained with me." The whole amounted to the v «e of SIX or seven millions of dollars at the present day, but the a^! men soldiers hardly received a thousand dollars a-pLe, tl 7] "ns 182 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF lUSTOKY. share being reserved for the crown, for Vclusque;^, and for Cortes and his fovourites. All the eloquence and all the promises of tlio general could hardly reconcile these rough spirits to their jjalpablo defraudmcnt, and induce their acceptance of the paltry share allotted to them ; but with the true national passion for gambling, they made cards from their drum-heads, and passed day and night in staking all that they possessed. CEAPTEB ?nL RELIGIOUS ZEAL OF CORTES. — DISCONTENT OF THE SIEXICANS. — DANGEROUS POSITION OF THE SPANIARDS. — TRANSAC- TIONS AT THE COURT OF SPAIN. — VELASQUEZ DISPATCHES AN EXPEDITION AGAINST CORTES, — CORTES MARCHES AGAINST NARVAEZ. — DEFEATS AND TAKES HIM PRISONER. — HIS POLITIC CONDUCT AFTER VIC- TOivY. — HIS FORCES GREATLY AUGMENTED: Amid these miserable reverses and spoliations, the emiieror, de- throned in all but name, preserved, for the most part, a truly royal yet affable demeanour. " It is impossible," says Diaz, " to describe how noble he was in every thing he did, nor the respect in which he was held by every one around him." On the point of religion, however, he stood firm, and all the arguments and persuasions of the friars, as M'ell as of Cortes himself, who daily introduced the subject, were of no effect either on his heart or understanding. " The Devil," argues De Solis, "had got such an Ascendant over his Mind that no Argu- ments were of force enough to touch his obdurate Heart. It was not known whether he had a Communication from the Devil, or if he continued to apjjcar to him, as usual, after the SjHuu'anls arrived at Mexico; on the contrary, it was believed as certain, that from the first appearance of the Cross of Christ in that City, all those infernal Invocations lost their Force, and the Oracles became silent." It may be imagined, then, how every feeling of religion, of association, and of superstition, w:us shocked when Cortes prcjposcd that tlie great icocaVi, the most venerated structure in all Analiuac, should be yielded up for the use of the Christian wonship. "Why, oh Malin- TliK CONtiUKST ANB illSTOUV OF MKXICO. j.^g Che-'* be said "will you urge matters to ar. extremity that must surely brmg down the vengear.ce of our go.ls, and stir un an insu rect.on among the people?" But, after a conferenee with hi n ies" 'with much aguafon and the appearanee of deep sorrow he hJav J consented" that the Christians should occunv ono nf fl ^ on its summit. Aeeordingly, an ima^ V g" ^ ^TZ the Mass and other Catholic rites wore now solemnT ^efo me Thus fur the people, with extraordinary patience, and unable to ivorce m the^ m.nds the ancient authority of the emperor t,m us nsurpa .on by the Spaniards, had meekly submitted to' every ex action and encroachment. But mankind will far more reld lyput up vv.th any other species of grievance and oppression than with To least ailront to old hereditary faith or superstition. Om nou indf cufons of an approaching storm were soon visible. The Tci n an nobles held long and gloomy conferences with their sovere" and the latter finally announced to Cortes (by direct inZma fon fro. Satan says a Spanish historian) that the'^A.tec d^r^ir s^nunes profaned were preparing the destruction of the nvad For the,r ovvn sake, he counselled the Spaniards to leave the X 'i 01 escape To allay the public excitement, the general now promised to leave he country a3 soon as vessels could be procured an o he coast ILs real object, it is probable, was to gain time for the arrival of expected reinforcements Meanwhile, the Spanish camp was filled with gloom and annre ensuMi, and the strictest vigilance was used to prevent an p'ris" ho horses Stood night and day ready caparison d for servi '"nd e soldiers slept on their arms, as if i„ the very presen o b.'tL Uhile thus harassed by constant fonr nr,rl • • , *• , , "^ ^""'''^^"'^ lear and suspicion, the r onnrll , ...H.I loucning at Uiba, contrary to orders h-id hplrl .m Lucnr. The „ew8 which she brought, „„.l ,],„ ,„,,„„i„ce„i aj,. lU THE I'KOI'LK'a HOOK OK IIISTOUY. pluy of trciwuro, (tho early gifts of Monte/uMui,) now, for the first time, reuliziiig tho gulden visi(Mi,s of Western lunbitioti, threw till Sjmiii into a fever of exeitenient; but owing to the iulver.se inlhi- enecof Hislu)p Fonseeii and others, the agents of Cortes were unable to eifect any thing in his favour with the emperor, Charles V.; and in May, lu'iO, allured by .seheincs of European aggrandizement, that sovereign left his kingdom without attempting to si'ttli; the eotnniand of Mexieo, or to further the daring and ill-supplied enterprise for its ctjnquest. As for Velasquez, from tho moment ho learned tho value of the invaded provinee, and the defection of his general, he set to work with indeseribable fury and energy to wrest l)aek the authority whieli he had so ineautiously bestowed, and to aehievc an adequate revenge upon his treacherous ally and revolted vassal. By extra- ordinary exertions, he fitted out a fleet of eighteen sail, well provided with artillery and other munitions of war, and miumed by nine hundred men, eager to share in the antieipated spoil of the wealthiest kingdom in the Indies. Pamphilo de Narvacz, the governor's fa- vourite oflieer — a bold, rash, and arrogant man — was placed in com- mand, and the fleet, sailing in March, 1620, arrived at San Juan do Ulua in the latter part of April. The Tage of Narvaez, on learning of the indepeiulencc and the extraordinary success of Cortes, was extreme. lie proclaimed him a traitor, uiul sent a priest and a notary to domaiul the surrender of the fortress of A'era Cruz. But Sandoval, the youthful commander of that post, one of tho bravest and fiercest leaders of the conquest, was a devoted adherent of Cortes. He set up a gallows, avowing that he would suspend from it any who might show a sign of disaf- fection; and, on the arrival of his legal and clerical visitors, bound thera hand and foot, and sent them post haste ("like so many damned souls," says the narrative) on the backs of Indian porters, to Mexico, lielays, as usual, were waiting to receive them every few miles, and thus they were transferred from back to back, and hurried, bewil- dered by their strange conveyance, in a wonderfully-short time, to the capital, .\ccuratc pictures, as usual, of the fleet and tlie strangers had been dispatched to Montezuma by his ofliciab, and though most of the soldiers exulted in the supposed riMiiforeenicnt, Cortrs shrewdly suspected the real nature of the cxjicdition, and resolved, at every hazard, to hold fast to the brilliant i)rize which he had won. Ou the arrival of the alarmed and bewildered messengers, he \ TIIK OONdUKST AND IIISTOKV (. K MKXICO. jyg treated thorn in tho most grnciouM manner, "sni.l m many dvil tlm.gs to then,, au.l anointcl their lingers so well with goM, that in a ew days he sent baelc,u. tractable as lambs, those who had ,s..t out a,amst hnn hko marn.g lions." Uy their hands ho disputola.d . concnhatory n,essago to Narvaez, ten.lering subn.ission, if he latt.; were prov.ded w.th u royal eo.nnnssion. well knowing that he inul none, lie also sent the worthy Father Ohnedo, an ecelsiastic n.,,, ,. lar (rem lus w,t and gooddnunonr, as well as formidable fro,,, his powers of pohcy and intrigue, with a liberal snpply of gold, to .nalcc a party m h,s favour a.nong the new eon.ers. JIo next reiol ve.l , a step oextrao,.d.nary boldness an.l ha.ard. It was nothing h.s than to (hng h,n.sel boldly into tho enemy's camp, and trust To hi own popularity and the tried valour of his soldiers, to gain to entire eotrunand of Mexico. Leaving an hundred and forty mon, under chargo of Pedro do AIva,.a o, to hold the city and tho captive omperorf l.o e fonV . t e ncldle ol A ay, w.th only seventy n.e.,, on his ; ay to tho oo. kunlorced at Cholula by Velasque. de Leon, whon., with n hu ' dred a,.d twe..ty he had lately di.spatehed to foun.l a certain colo y he n,.rched to Tlaseala, a.,d was soon joined by sixty more, be .: he late garnson ol Vera Cruz, under eo.mnand of thcfdevotcl Sa .^ duval. As ho approached Cen.poalla, whe,-o tho force of Narva . was quartered, he sent forward Velasquez de Leon, a relation 7Z governor, but a staunch a.lherent to his own faction on a fresh omu,^ of msmuat.on ain.n.g the hostile forces. On a da,k and .stormy night, he arrived before tho citv, and ha.- angued h.s troops in a strain of rude a.nl forcible eloc/u ,^^0 ^ io recounted the.r perils, their losses, their wonderful ac , v .".en atcl) upon la.Kl.ng procla.ms war against us, with fire, swonl a-,d I.,, as . we were infidel Moo.-s." So tired ;ere the ^oldi '.; Ins roug . bu, st.rr,ng address, that all cried out that they we o .uKed to conquer or die, a..d that if he again spoko of dfvidil e ou,^ w„h h,s nval. they would plunge their swords into his J. Meanwh.lo the cacique of Cen.poalla vainly remo,.strated ;' 1 ^arvacz on h.s sup.nenes.s. "What are you doing?" he .ried an 1 how careless are you I Do you think Malincho and his Teules* arc ,so; I tell you that when you least expect it, he will come u,.on 3 ou and put you all to death." But that co.nn.ander, confiding in * Spirits or supernatural boliigs— diutnons. 136 THE PEOPLK'S BOOK OF HISTORY. the number of his troops and the strength of his position, treated the alarm lightly, and even boasted, it is said, that he would cut off Cortes' ears, broil them, and eat them. In the dead of night, his adversary, with two hundred and sixty men, shrouded by the storm, moved warily into the town. As he approached the camp of Narvaez, the alarm was given, and the invaders, shouting "Santo Spiritol Santo Spirito!" rushed on to the attack. Before the garrison could get foirly on their guard, the enemy were in their midst, and though Narvaez and many of his people made a gallant resistance, yet by firing the sanctuary, which they were defending, they were compelled to yield. Their leader receiving a disabling blow, crie;l, "Holy Mary, assist me! they have killed me, and struck out one of my eyes." The party of Cortes caught up the word. "Narvaez is killed! victory, for the Holy Spirit!" was shouted by all, and the remaining portions of the garri- son, which still held out, supposing their leader killed, surrendered. "With a loss of only six of his men, and twice that number of the enemy, Cortes had succeeded in overcoming a force three times greater than his own, strongly intrenched and provided with artillery. This remarkable result was owing partly to the fivourable circum- stances of the night, partly to the suddenness and fury of his attack, and still more, perhaps, to the interest which his gold had pnjcured him among the new levies. '"By this time,' says a witness, 'it was clear day. Cortes, seated m an arm-chair, a mantle of orange colour thrown over his shoulders his arms by his side, and surrounded by his officers and soldieiv' received the salutations of the cavaliers, who, as thev dismounted' came up to kiss his hand. It was wonderful to see the affabilitv and the kindness with which he spoke to and embraced them, and the compliments which he made to them.' Nearly all, both onicers and soldiers, took the oath of allegiance to him as Captain-General, and were assured that they should share in the fruits of the Conquest Ihus, by an extraordinary concurrence of policv, audacity and -ood fortune, he suddenly found himself, as if bv magic, from a desperate adventurer, the commander of a large and well-appointed force for the retention and extension of his conquests." The new recruits were still further proj.itiated by the restoration of all their horses, arms and other articles which had been seized on the night of the attack ; and such liberal presents were showered ujion them as to excite the envy and discontent of the successful faction. They compared the conduct THE CONQUEST AND HISTOKY OP MEXICO. 137 of their genera] to that of Alexanr^Pr t„t,^ v ished more favours on the vamZtiZ ' T '"'^' ^^^''^^^ ^^^• him the victory. ^^^n^^^ed than on those who had won CHAPTER II. The exultation which Cortes had evid^nfl,. r u . ■■ • success was almost imnaediately damped bvl^ "' ^'s wonderful the capital. Alvarado hi, c\LZ f..^ T^'''''^ ^'"^"'S^ ^rom miss.0.1 to a great number of the Aztec nob.1 fv / f '^ ^'''■" court of the chief teocalli, frontirt tie Sn 7l "^'''' "^ '^'' dance in honour of their Z U • n ^ ''"''''''''^' '' ^r^''^ number, unarmed a d att ireffn f ?^^'^^P«^''^''- Six hundred in ;ui;es of Aii, the; :;!:::;' :2;^';^r ^^'jiij^^ ^^■- fully engaged in this solemnity Alv.rado . . u '^ "^"'^ report ofconspiracy, with a erueitvnnrrt; T ^^ '^'^ ^^8'^^ l^ad fallen on^hes^lefencele ^ 4.gs Juf ^ '""^^^'^^' and had butchered them to a m.n I tVo ''°'^°^' ^^^'^^'^^>^ as with water after a heavy r' in a„dT T"l' f'" "'^'' ^^'^°J. in 80lden ornaments, wcTe " ^dld ^ithtr f " "^^'"^' ^^"^^ their murderers. Maddened 0/^'. « '^"^<^'ess rapacity, by peaceful and subn' t^ ;^^^^^^^^^ f'' ''' ^^^"^' '''^'^^^ ^ Seven of the Spaniardlwe fl-nT!! 1'""''' '^"'"'' ^'^« g^-^'-^i^on- Twobrigantinet;S reyh;^^^^^^^ ' T* --ber wounded. f ' -ilauts, at 'the intJ^Z!:f^t;rZ:r^:t';;' \ '^" ' 'r^'' the attack it w-m nnlv . r ^'lo'uczuma, tinally desisted from hundred Vera 138 TJIK rEOI'LK'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY. dred horscraen, marched rapidly to tlie relief of tlic garrison. At Tlascala he was reinforced by two thousand of the hardy warriors of that republic. Thus strengthened, he ])ushcd on to the Valley with all speed, and soon i-eachcd the great city of Tezcuco. Every thing betokened an ominous change. Ver}'^ few inhabitants were to be seen, and the cold, unfriendly looks of those evinced, in despite of prudence, the extent of their animosity. On the 24th of June, 1520, crossing the causeway, Cortes, riding gloomily at the head of his columns, reentered Mexico. The utter desertion and silence of the streets aflbrded a striking contrast to the eager and multitudinoiia manner in which they had been thronged on his first memorable entrance iiito that ill-fated city. Arrived at the palace, he answered sternly to the relation of Alvarado, "You have done badl>'. You have been false to your trust. Your conduct has been that of a madman." He refused to listen or speak to Montezuma, who came to offer his welcome, and the captive emperor, deeply wounded and offended, retired to his apartment. The conduct of Cortes, on this his second visit to the capital, evinces a degree of passion and irri- tabili , of which we find few exhibitions in his whole career, and wliicli was due partly to the insolence of suddenly-acquired power, and in part to the extraordinary perplexities of his position. More than twelve hundred Spaniards and eight thousand Tlasca- lans were now crowded in the jialace of Axayacatl, scantily supjjlied with food, and utterly shunned by the ALexican jwjjulation. 'J^o a renewed request for an interview by Montezuma, Cortes, to the dis- pleasure of his own captains, fiercely answered, "Away with hin>! the dog! why does he neglect to supply us? * * What do I owe," he liercely continued, in answer to their remonstrances, "to a dog who ti'eated secretly with Narvaez, and who neglects to send provisions? Go tell your master and his jieoDle," he said, turning furiously to the Aztec caciques, "to open the markets, or we will do it ibr them, and to their cost." This haughty message, faithfallv reported, increased the sullennoss of the aggrieved Mexicans; and Cortes, at a suggestion of Montezuma, dismissed his brother Cuitla- hua, who had been captured with Cacama, to treat with the jiopulacc in behalf of the Spaniaivls. I'ut the released cacique, a man of brave and patriotic (diaraeter, and the destined .successor to the throne, so far from fulfillinn' his invidious oommission, at once took command of the insurgents, and encouraged them to a general assault. The effect was almost iinnic- ition. "JV) a diate. Every roof and terrace surroundin<. tl... i covered with a dense tJironL^ of aZT ■ ^'^''''' "''^^ """^'^ of nu«siles an,ong the garr L id "'"''' ^'^^^ ^^"* '^"^^^^^^•^ sti'ong eolumn. movin/o? with ' fi '^^'^■^,^^^"^« ^^^s fiiled with a ™l. I^e.a;dle.oArCe?^L-^^;:^ to t,. edgment, "under tC very cltl '' ^'^'^^ disparaging acknowl- Eesohxtion, .naking Uslo^ ^1.^1^"'''^' "^'^' ^""-'^^'^^^ Gates, and piek fhe Tval s W '^^ Instruments to break the Shoulders to eome wi l.in ii""? ,t T " ''"^ Companions' Ladders of their own Cei and Pil ^ ^"^'"'"' ^''^'^'^ '"^^'^^ Terraces; and ail in ge'rexl ^fd'f '" f" ^^" ^^^^"^^^ --^ I^^e e , .easts. ^ ^^^^^^TaXr^-^^^^l ?^/i«A ',mr^/U have jjtmed for nallunt Action, h /,t /""''•*'^. "'''^ All day the contest raged with irreat fnru i ' ?"'^- the ran.parts with tin.bc°rs, and ' „! ^ "t'" '^^"^""° "KKie in their dense ranks bv the a ■ t H ° ""V^^'^^^'^ «f I'-voe bustible portion of the pd^ td r t7i J'f T'"^ ^'^^ ^°"'- under Diego Ordaz, nude a determined ..II •<^^"' ^iy^^n^^^^^, who, NiglUfall, according to the custn of v ^ ^''''^' considerable loss, but early the next mornin' tTe Zo i "''' '^^^^^"^ '^' ^^^^^^'^ iilled with warriors, Z^ ^^ ""''''' f^'^^^^^^^ -^ro a,. ^ Mexico, and comn^^ndJ^T^^ T W 'Suif ''''' ''''''^'' "^ Spanish general, as they approached 1 1 "' ^" ^^^■'''""- '^'^'^ musketry and u tillery .^ h . ' .1'''^ '" ^'""''"''^^ ^^''^^^'^^'S'e of I'isarm^- sallied fotf;; el' "'f •^''^"-^^ ^^'--^t portion of of the enen.y. II Xf t^Tt T"^' T ''^ ^^^'"'^^ -'--- by tbe artill^, and a ^n!^ ^ tdtl^'r' T ^^^^^'^^ peration and recklessness of life .s the S ! 7 ! ' ^'^''^ '"^•'' '^''■ before. " Some of our Soh i J , " ^ "^ "f "'^'"' "'^'^'^-^ Wa, "that neither amonJ S^i^ ^i' ^ T^V ''^ T^"'^' ' ^^'^^^ iM'ance's artillery, IukI they ever s n sul ' ""' '"'' ^^'"" '^^ f-ted in the attacks of th.L I, l''-? '^''^'''^''^^^ -^ ^^as nuni- tbo Mexicans, that no a,n L o i ^''''' ^'^^ '''« ""'"l^^''' of -^-b warriors co.::;.^ ; 1^- ^ij^';;;: ^^-'--^^ ^f- ---^th «-"nni„g uith canoes, re^. to ^, , '''r" '"' '"'^ -very eanal Nearly the whole day was pent h ' r . ^"T''' ^"^ «^^^^''''^'^^- Spaniards and Tlascdu aft V ''"^'" '""^'^^ ''"^ ^he Joscaluns, after burnnig several hundred houses 140 THE TEOI'LE'S 1500K OF HISTORY. finally, with mucli loss, reguined tlicir fortress. At nightfall, as usual, the besiegers ceased hostilities, with the exception of showers of arrows, which they kept up during the night, with shrill cries and whistlings. Their wild .ininr:als, they assured the Spaniards, had been kept fasting for two days, to devour them. They made many other threat^, equally terrifying to the imagination, and, at times, with a child-like vacillation of feeling, would plaintively en- treat that their king might be released to them. Another desperate attempt was made, the next morning, to take the palace by storm; but all who succeeded in scaling the walls were slain by those within. Cortes, founding some hope on the devoted loyalty which the people exhibited, now resolved to try the effect of the emperor's intercession in person. The unfortunate Monte- zuma was exceedingly reluctant to make the attempt, alleging that the i)eople would never listen to him, nor suffer a Spaniard to leave the walls alive. Overpowered at length by repeated persuasion, he put on, for the last time, his magnificent rolics of state, and with a few A'/tee nobles, who still faithfully attended on his i)erson, pro- ceeded to the battlements. "A change, like magic, came over the scene. The clang of instrumcnt.s, the fierce cries of the assailants were hushed, and a death-like stillness pervaded the whole assembly, so fiercely agitated, but a few moments before, by the wild tumult of war. Many prostrated themselves on the ground; others bent tlio knee; and all turned with eager expectation toward the monarch whom they had been taught to reverence."* Montezuma, in a composed, royal, and paternal manner, addressed the vast multitude, which listened in the most aksolute silence. The Spaniards, he a.ssured them, would defiart as soon as a way was peace- fully opened. He commanded them to lay down their arms and retire to their homes; the strangers should return to their own laiul and all should be well again in the walls of Tenochtitlan. As lie concluded, four principal caciques came forward, and, with toucliiii" loyalty, lamented his misfortunes and captivity. Their prayers, they said, were daily offered for his safety; but tliey had sworn to their gods the destruction of every Si)aniard. They would yet rescue him, and venerate him as before, and trusted that he would pardon their boldness. 15ut the more ferocious spirits in the crowd, enra"ed at seeing their emperor in the hands of the enem}'-, now raised a storm of invective. Stones bt ;an to fly, and though the Spaniards hastily * Piescott's CiiiiqiK'st of Jle.vk'o. TUE CONQUKST AND lUSTOUY OF MKXICO. j^^ put up their bucklers to shield his person, the unhappy prince re- coivcd three wounds, one in the head, wldch laid him senseless on the rampart. Horror-stricken at this act of sacrilege, the vast mul- titude simultaneously uttered a terrible ery or groan, which resounded through the whole eity, and then, dispersing in all directions, left the square utterly deserted. Their ill-fated monarch, borne to his apartment, was recovered from his swoon, but only to fall into an agony of grief at the treatment he had undergone. He tore the bandages from his head as often as they were applied, refused all food or medicine, and was evidently determined to end his life and dignity together. The attack, awhile suspended by this melancholy incident, was ere long renewed with fresh fury, and from the great toca^^^ com- manding the palace, a perfect tempest of stones and arrows was showered upon the garrison. With the boldness of desperation Cortes resolved on taking it by storm, and with three hundred c-iv- ahers, and several thousand Tlascalans, made a furious sortie from his fort. The summit was only to be gained by a winding pathway a .n,le in length, four times encircling the vast edifice; and as the Spaniards slowly forced their way along, huge stones, beams, and every species of missile, came thundering on their heads from above By desperate exertions they finally gained the great plateau of the temple, where, in full view of the whole city and the belcM-merod garrison, a combat, hand to hand, was maintained with the utmost valour and resolution by both parties, for the space of three hours There was no parapet on its verge, and the combatants, in the heat of their engagement, frequently missed their footing, and met a horrible death on the rocky pavement below. "Here," says Diaz, with enthu- siasm, Cortes showed himself the man he really was! wliat n des- perate engagement we had therel every man of us covered with blood, and above forty 1 do luV lie sa,d "if it were onl^ for the friendly offices/ have rendered to he Spaniards, and the love I have shown then.-thouJh i . 1'- bro^ight me to this condition! But for this I bear them no i , I.wdl Ilavmg spoken these words, he expired, on the 30t" of , .T.me,^1520, at the age of forty-one, after a reign of eighteen years i ' Sad stories of the death of kings,' none, perhaps, is more strange and affecting than that of this ill-fated ^ sovercgn of a half civil i.cl empire, in the midst of a univer al r v rence, hardly short of adoration, so suddenly struck down by the , hand of a mystenous Destiny, and doomed, after drinking theiT" I of hum:hat,on at the hands of his oj.pressors, to perish by tho of , h. own detracted people. Fierce and rude as were the dd ^on- I qu>stadors,' they appear to have felt some natural compunction at the ne ancho ly fate of one whose generous and hospitable spirit hy lad occasioned. Cortes and our captains wept for him,' says Diaz and he was lamented by them and all the sokliers who hd known Inrn as ,f he had been their father; nor is it to be wonde d a T y I., oood he ^.as: His remains, royally attired, wer d hver d h,s people, and were borne away. A distant s ,und of wd , nd lamentation was heard; but, to this day, the restin.-plaee o 1 ^ Las of the Montezumas is forgotten and uninown."- ° ^ \.^^S:^!^''^''^''f ^ ^'^"'^ ^^^) P^-'"g ^^-k and stormy, ■and eighty T ascalans were loaded with treasure : but a vast au.ntitv « .11 rcmamed scattered on the floor of the palace, "lit ve^ of dior take what he will," said Cortes; "bett r so, than that i^ should emam for these dogs of Mexicans." Most of thL soldie r^ 1 ' umbiance though the veterans were more wary in assumin- 1 burden which m ght nrove so fntnl Ar , , asbummg a and in the dead oVni ht he rehc of r^" '""^^ ^'"■'"'"'"^' nossihlo .1,-fli 1 • . "V "'^ *^^° ''^™"-''^' "s quietly as i a Iks had emerged on to the causeway, when the alarm was g'ven by a sentinel. "The Teules are going!" was yelled bja * DiscoviMCTs, &(.., of Amurica. 144 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOEY. hundred voices. The great drum on the teocalli* sent forth its dismal sound, and with the swiftness of enchantment an innumer- able swarm of Aztec warriors, with fierce whoops and whistlings closed round the devoted columns both hy land and water. With admirable strategy, though doubtless fully prepared, they had deferred their assault until the moment when it could be made with the most fatal effect. Fighting their way valiantly, the Spaniards soon came to a breach in the causeway, and, in the midst of a storm of missiles, succeeded in laying across it a strong portable bridge, constructed for such an emergency. Over this the whole army slowly defiled, defending them- selves with desperate valour against the Aztecs, who, from both sides attacked them fiercely, running their canoes against the causeway with such fury as to dash them asunder. Another breach, ere long, arrested their progress, and when the rear-gun -.d attempted to raise the bridge, it was found, by the pressure of the heavy artillery, to be immovably wedged between the piers. The Indians redoubled their attacks, and the whole mass of fugitives pressing forward, forced the front ranks into the second chasm, which gradually became filled with cannon, wagons, and the bodies of men and horses. Over this horribb wreck the survivors slowly struggled, but only to be stopped by a third breach, which finally was filled up in the same hideous man- ner. During all this time, the Mexicans were busy in dragging victims into their canoes and hurrying them off for sacrifice. Indeed, to the intense anxiety which they felt for this object, the Spaniards, in these wars, were frequently indebted for their lives; for the hope of offering the hearts of the detested strangers to their gods frequently induced them to relinquish the certainty of slaughter for a bare chance of making prisoners. During all the remainder of this terrible night (still known as the NocJie Trisk-\) the relics of the Spanish and Tlascalan force, using their weapons with the resolution of despair, worked their way onward, and by day-light gained the firm land. Cortes, on beholding how ^iiw were left, covered his face with his hands, and burst into tears. Four hundred and fifty Spaniards, in this friglitful passage, had been slain or carried off for sacrifice, and, with the previous * This drum, of immense size, was made of tlie skins of serpents, and was beaten only on tlie most solemn ocensiona. Its deep and melancholy tones could bu heard for lengups. t "Sad," or "Terrible Night." THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF MEXICO. 145 losses onlj a third of the number whieh had entered the city re- mained, lour thousand Tlascakns had met the same fate, and tins with their losses m the siege, reduced their ranks to less than a fourth of heir original number. All the artillery and muskets were lost, and nothing was eft the weaned and wounded adventurers hut the swords wih whieh they had hewed their way through the enemy But for the exultation of the victors, and the eagerness with whih they rroceeded to celebrate their ti^iumph by sacrifice, the feeble remains of e invading force might easily have been overwhelmed In the middle of the following night, Cortes led forth his men W a temple in which they had taken refuge, and marched by a circuit- ous route toward TIaseala. Suffering grievously from wounds, hun- ger, and fatigue, and diminished in number by desultory attacks of the enemy, on the 7th of July they arrived' at the summ of mountan. overlooking the Valley of Otumba. The view it afforded .•as enough, it might seem, to quench the last hope of ever reaching their homes in safety. An immense army, prepared to intercept hem, filled the valley, and being clad in white cotton doublets Ive itheappearanceofafleldofsnow. Nothing remained for h' al^e bu h courage o desperation ; and Cortes, after a brief but stirrin ' address, invoked he protection of the Virgin and St. Jago, and leS his people down the mountain. ^ ' thatit'broTe inTo^h' t"^' "' '''' '"'^ ^^'""'''^ ^"^ ^lascalan force, that t broke into the dense mass of the Aztec army, and there sur rounded on all sides by overwhelming numbers, fo^ht hand to h ml ith the fury of despair All were determined to sell their livi as dear y as possible, and the enemy, exultant with their recent vi^ tory attacked with extraordinary fierceness. "Oh, whatTt ll '- sa3-s honest D.az, "to see this tremendous battle! how 1 elsed foot to oot, and with what fury the dogs fought us!" Thlgrtund was fortunately level, which enabled the lit°tle band of sumv n^ eavahers Cortes, 01 d, Sandoval and others-to charge wT. | effect; and by directing their assault entirely against the chiei^. who were conspicuous by their plumes, rich arms, and golden orramJnt" hey succeeded in greatly disordering the .Wxican'ranks. Thfcon: e t raged for several hours, and the allies, fainting with wou. dsand ^r;T nf TP«--^' -^-» ^ brillia,:; exploU^ 1^ leadei redeemed the day. Looking eagerly for the diief cacique Cortes at last espied him, in a litter, accompanied by the great s.uk' M d-ting ^^^^^^^^^ Followed by the otlr horse'men.1iei:^d 146 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. with fury, broke through the ranks of liis atteiulants, and, with a blow of his Lance, dashed him to the earth. The banner was taken, and so groat a panic seized his forces at this ominous misfortune, that they gave ground and retreated, leaving the field cumbered with dead bodies, yielding the richest spoil. This victory over a foe so vastly superior in numbers, is perhaps the most remarkable of any in these wars, as it was gained withoyit the almost resistless advantage of artillery or any description of fire-arms. UiLXttliiTitliiai. , destroyed their dikes, and flooded the i)lace with water. So sudden w.ns the inundation, that they escaped with much difiiculty, wet to the skin, with the lo.ss of all their ammunition and plunder. ^Moreover, a large detaclunent from the garri.son of Mexico, crossing in canoes, attacked them fiercely at daybreak, and they returned, with consid- erable loss, to Tezcuco. Many cities and provinces now, from dread of his arms or enmity THE CONQUEST AND HISTOKY OF MEXICO. 151 to the Aztec rule, gave in their adhesion to Cortes; among them tho city of Chalco, lying on the lake of that name, a place of considera- ble importance. To his demands for the surrender of the capital, Guatemozin returned an obstinate silence ; but sufficiently showed his determination by energetic efforts for the defence of his city and the retention of his tributaries, as well as by sacrificing every Span- iard who fell into his hands. His people, however, crossing the lake iu canoes, sustained several severe defeats from the allied forces. Early in tie spring of 1521, tht brigantines, thirteen in number, were completed at Tluscala. Protected by ten thousand warriors, under the cacique Chichemecatl, they were carried piecemeal, by nearly as many labourers, over the mountains, and safely deposited in Tezcuco. For half a day, the long lines of porters and their escort continued to file into that city, with shouts of "Castile and Tlascala! Long live the emperor!" This extraordinary undertaking, as we have seen, had been already achieved, on a smaller scale, by the unfortunate Balboa, who, five years before, had transported his vessels over the Isthmus, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Strengthened by the arrival of these auxiliaries, Cortes resolved, while the vessels were being put together, on making a brisk cam- paign against the enemy. \\/ith rather more than half his Spaniards and the whole force of natives, he attacked Xaltocan, a strong city, lying in the lake of that name, and accessible from the land only by causeways. The assailants, stopped by an impassable breach in that which they attempted to cross, were surrounded on all sides by canoes, and, overwhelmed with showers of missiles, were compelled to retreat. By means of a ford, however, they finally gained the town, which they took by storm, putting the garrison to the sword, and devoting the place to plunder and conflagration. Next, the allies marched, with little resistance, to Tacuba, where, after twice defeating the Aztec force which protected it, they took up their temporary quarters. The Mexicans, undiscouraged by their misfortunes, engaged them daily, with various success. Once, by uu artful nuuucuvre, they decoyed the Spanish general on the causeway so fatal to him the year before, and closing on his column, with a multitude of canoes, compelled him, with much loss, to reti-cat. The caciiiues fiercely rejected all attempts at negotiation, and sneeriugly asked when he would pay them another visit. "They often pre- tended," he writes, "to invite us to enter the city, saying, 'Go in, go in, and enjoy yourselves!' and at another time they said to us, 152 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. •Do you think there is now a second Montezuma, to do every thing you wish?'" After remaining in Tacuba for six days, enlivened by continuous skirmishing, and many cliivalrous personal combats, he led back his forces, considerably annoyed by the way, to their quar- ters in Tezcuco. Perceiving that any attempt against the capital, strongly fortified, valiantly garrisoned, and accessible only by water, must at present be futile, he busied his people with lesser enterprises. Sandoval, one of his bravest and most skilful captains, marched, with a considera- ble force, against Huaxtepec, a strong fortress of the enemy, and took it by storm. Here was a splendid palace, with royal gardens, two leagues in circumference, stocked with every variety of plants! Thence this active commander proceeded to Jacapichtla, a fortress perched upon a huge rock, and almost inaccessible. The garrison defended themselves with desperation, rolling huge stones on the heads of the assailants; but the place was finally taken by storm, and all were put to the sword—the stream below running discoloured Avith blood, for the space of an hour. The people of Chalco, about this time, also defeated a large force of Aztecs, dispatched by Guate- mozin, in two thousand canoes, against their city. Overawed, or encouraged by these successes, and by the probable" downfiill of Mex- ico, numerous provinces, some lying on the Gulf, now dispatched embassies, with a tender of their service and allegiance, to the Span- ish general. But the Aztecs, unterrified at the circle of enemies daily closing around them, still fiercely maintained hostilities, and even made three desperate attempts to burn the brigantines on the stocks at Tezcuco. A reinforcement of two hundred Spaniards, with eighty horses probably from Ilispaniola, now arrived at Vera Cruz, and thence took their way to head-quarters. Among them was Julian de Aide- rete, treasurer of the crown, and a Dominican friar. Fray Pedro Malgarejo de Urrea, who, in anticipation of uncomfortai)le con- sciences, had laid in a goodly suj)ply of papal indulgences. So great was the demand for tlu>se consolatory wares, that the reverend gentleman, at the end of a few months, returned to Spain with a handsome fortune. Cortes now determined, during the interval which must elapse before the completion of the canal and the building of the brigan- tines, to make the complete circuit of tlic lakes, subduing numer- ous hostile cities by which they were still environed, wlth three r THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF MEXICO. 153 hundred and thirty Spaniards and a force of natives, on the 5th of Aprd 521. he set out for Chalco. At that city he was joined by H'enty thousand warriors, dispatched by his allies of the neighbour hood, 'and certainly attracted," says Captain Diaz, "by the hope of spoil and a voracious appetite for human flesh, just Is the scald- crows and other birds of prey follow our arn.i;s'in Italy in olr to feed on he dead bodies after a battle." Proceeding southerly, the anny slowly forced its way over rugged sierras, experiencing^ con- siderable loss in attempting, with various success, the capture of several mountain fortresses, bravely defended by the Aztecs The towns were mostly deserted at the approach of the invaders Init on the ninth day, their advance was stopped at Cuernavaca a strong and wea thy city, subject to the Aztec emperor, and, from its situation a mos impregnable. A narrow ravine, of fr.htfd dcn^t lay just before the wall, from which the defenders kept°up a show ' of missiles, greatly annoying the perplexed assailai's. A darh . feat relieved the latter from the embarrassment of their situS Two great trees, growing on opposite sides of the abyss ^^id lea in; ogether, interlocked their branches in mid-air. By-'this 1^^^^^^^ ootnig, an active Tkscalan succeeded in secretly pLng. T IV his countrymen and thirty of the Spaniards followed him-three only being lost in this frightful passage. Taken by surprise the garrison were disconcerted; and Cortes, having effected anothS approach, poured in his forces, and drove them^from tie ^^7 was delivered to plunder, but the lives of the inhabitants .i the jntereession of their caciciue, were spared. This plac m^ a 1 Crossing the mountains, the allies next fell on a large and beauti- u city on the lake, named Xochimilco, or "the iieW of flow I" attempted by the causeway, was repulsed by the Aztecs- but bv fordmg the shallo... despite a spirited resistance, the invader^ cnti'd the eity. Here a desperate battle ensued, in which Cortes arlX escaped with his hie. Ilis horse fell, and half-stunned by a b ow ^ tl e head, he was dragged away by the enemy, who mauifeste I an intense anxiety to carry him off alive for sacrifice. He w nllv rescued by the valour of the TIa.calans, and during a pa t^ battle, ascended the teocalli to reconnoitre the scene of Ltion T lie eauscways leading from the capital were crowded with troops ad 154 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK HISTORY. . the lake was alive witli canoes, all hurrying to the rescue of Xochimilco. During the night, as usual, no attack was made, but in the moi-n- ing, the Aztec army, increased by strong reinforcements, forced its way, with great courage, into the city. They were, however, re- pulsed by the artillery, and pursued by the Spanish cavalry ; but the latter, in its turn, overwhelmed by the .multitude of the enemy, was compelled to make a hasty retreat. Both armies soon became thoroughly engaged, and an obstinate battle, fought hand to hand, was long maintained. The Spaniards and Tlascalans were finally triumphant, and pursued the defeated Aztecs, with terrible slaughter, on the road to Mexico. The town afforded much plunder; but the triumph was much alloyed by the sudden seizure of several Span- iards, who, taken unawares near the shore, were surprised by the canoes of the enemy, and carried off for sacrifice. The town was burned, and the army set out for Tacuba. On the way, considerable fighting occurred. Once, overpowered by numbers, on a certain causeway, the Spaniards were compelled to retreat; and again, Cortes, with the cavalry, being decoyed into an ambush, owed his safety only to the most desperate exertions. Two of his favourite attendants were carried off alive — a circum- stance which so affected him, that he rejoined the army "very sad and weeping." Arrived at Tacuba, he ascended the teocalli with his officers, and all were struck with the magnificence of the cities lyin^ around the lake, and the vast number of canoes employed in fishinfr or rapidly passing to and fro. The grief of Cortes, on beholding the scenes of his former misfortunes, the strength of the enemy, and the prospect of renewed conflict and crime, was redoubled, and the emotion which he displayed became the subject of a rude ballad which, or a portion of it, still survives.* The friar and his officers attempted to console him, assuring him that he was not Nero re- joicing in the conflagration of Home. Ilis answer curiously betrays the secret working of a mind compunctious, perhaps, for past vio- lence, yet seeking apology for its renewal. " You are my witnes.ses," * " En Tacuba estd Corlis, cC) su esqitadron esforcadv Irisle estana, y muy penoso triste, y am gran cuidado, la vnn mnmi en la mexillo y la ulra en el coslado" tpc. "In Tttcuba was Cortes With all Ills valiant crew. Sad lie stoul .'".d very niouriifiil, Sad, with mighty cares opprest; One hand lilted to his ehcek, And the other on his breast," &c. THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF MEXICO. 155 he said "how often I have endeavoured to persuade yonder capital peacefully to subn.it. It fills me with grief when I think of the toils and dangers my brave followers have yet to encounter before we tTthe work "" ' *'"' ^^ '^"^ "'^^ ^« °^-* ^-' °- i-dH CEAPTEH III I. HETUEN TO lEZCFCO.-CONSPIEACT AGAINST COETES -HIS EXTRAOEDINARY POLICY AND SELE-COMMAND.-LAUNCHINa OP THE PLEET.-EXECUTION OF XICOTENC ATL.-DEPeIt OP A GREAT MEXICAN FLOTILLA BY THE FLEET.-MEXICO BLOCKADED.-CONTINUAL ASSAULTS ON THE CITY — COITHAGE AND OBSTINACY OF THE COMBATANTS. " AFTER an absence Of three weeks, the allied army, "fatigued, worn out, and dimnushed in numbers," regained its quarters at Tezcuco A conspiracy, of the most dangerous nature, for the assassination of Cortes and his chief officers, had been matured during his absence- but one of those engaged in it, moved by remorse, on the day befo e Uia appointed for its execution, disclosed to him the whole matter. Forthwith he privately arrested ViUafana, the chief of the conspira- tors, and found on h,s person a paper containing the names of all coi^erned in the p ot. The culprit, by summary trial, was found guilty and after duly receiving the consolations of the church, was hanged from a window of the apartment. Cortes, after glai cing over the scroll, and indelibly impressing on his mind the nLes of lus secret enemies, had destroyed it, and thert, with extraordinary pohcy and presence of mind, gave out, in a public speech, that the Z'T 1 '^" "'""'' ""^ '^"'"°^^"- ^^ thus avoided com! for of tl "• "'"'*' TTT' "• '•^^'"^•"S his already scanty force of their services;- while he was enabled to take precautions against their enmity by employing them at a distance from'^^iis perr The eana ] after two months' labour, was now completed, and the ve se Is, amid tlie firing of cannon, the celebration of mass, k De.^ and other imposing ceremonies, were launched into the lake. A lar-e sua was nl.ao..l n,, board of each vessel, and throe hundred Spaniard,' J 156 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOEY. ■were detailed for the management of the fleet. The force, in all, with late reinforcements, amounted to eighty-seven horse, and more than eight hundred foot; and a vast swarm of native allies, exultant in the prospect of conquest and plunder, summoned from all quarters flocked to Tezcuco and Chalco. The Tlascalans alone, under Xico- tencatl and Chichemecatl, numbered fifty thousand men. Half of these, with two hundred Spaniards, under Alvarado, were ordoivd to • occupy Tacuba, and command the causeway of the "Noche Triste," while Olid, with an equal force, was dispatched to Cojohuacan, the terminus of another avenue leading from the capital. Cortes deter- mined to take charge of the fleet in person, and to commence opera- tions by a fresh attack on Iztapalapan, from the causeway of which he had been recently repulsed. A singular instance of the fidelity of the Tlascalans presently occurred. Xicotencatl, between whom and Cortes there had never been any real cordiality, prompted by soiuc private motive, suddenly left his command and hastened to TIascaia. This act of desertion was punished by his arrest, and speedily afterwards by his execution on the gallows, in the great square of Tezcuco; and, singular to state, this act of unscrupulous violence, committed against their bravest and most patriotic chief, does not appear to have alienated, in any serious manner, the attachment which that warlike people had conceived to the Spanish commander. The campaign opened disastrously. Alvarado and Olid, setting forth in company, on the 10th of May (1521), soon reached Tacuba, where they took up their quarters. After some hard fighting, they succeeded in destroying a portion of the aqueduct of Chapultepre, and cutting off the copious supply of water which it had hitherto afforded to the capital. The next day they marched boldly on to the fatal causeway, the scene of the "Noche Triste." It was strongly fortified, and bravely defended by a multitude of Aztec warriors. Swarms of canoes, on either side, poured in a storm of missiles. Both Spaniards and Tlascalans fought long and obstinately, but were' at last compelled, from the natural dilhculty of the place and the valour of the defenders, to retreat, with much loss and grief, to their quarters in Tacuba. Olid, with his forces, the next day, marched, according to his orders, to Cojohuacan. The assault under Cortes, in person, was more successful, and the terrors of a fleet under sail, provided with artillery, were now first displayed to the astonished Aztecs. Sandoval, by hard fighting, had THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF MEXICO. 157 taken a portion of Iztapalapan, and Cortes, sailing with the fleet to assist him, gained a signal victory on the way rtin. .0 1 T ? missiles from a fort perehed on a'lteep e lifH" Th!S o'ft T' quess,") he landed, and taking the poLion'^Jtom pttt^^^^^^^^^ ers to the sword. As he reembarked, a vast nlLr of (four thousand, according to some accounts) crl:;'!^^ to give him battle. From their multitude ind tLT llfanTy « T native arms and plumage, they formed a spectacle bo h Lutift and terrible. Favoured, however, by a sudden gust of wtd the b^^ aiitmes bore down among these frail craft nn,l T , .' ^^"^ f ^S" asunder successively, whelmed thpiror !' ?, ' "^'^""^ *^«™ .u 1 • ^\ ^"^^^^"^^^ tJieir crews in the lake. " We hmW » says the general m h s dispatches "nn imr.. 1 ^' I Those who escaped took refuge in tho canals of Mexico and O™ I tes, followmg up liis adrantage, sailed round H,. ,• "''" ^^■ and terrace of which was covereXilH 3 if ll ""' '"^•'' .atoldngwith awe these r,.:7'j:^,2ZZ7lf:o::!7P haughty strancers A t\or fir;«„ , power ot the b..^ado^hanlta;k,r:i^Tol^^^^^^^^ causeway was intersected by that of 6oJ^Z'l %Z '" winch occupied this important nn.t wn/ ? ; ^ gamson and the Spaniards too/up'tirTulr. 3 " l^ itr'h" '' ever, with invincible courage endp,v™,™j . -""c Aztecs, how- nigh,,c.pcciall^from tl.ose K^ins w -rrc '" T="'",?' '"^ ""'' feeping up sueh .^owe.of arroTtt \ e CuTdo^S IT'"' eomplclelj covered with them. " Tho inultit';^ . r. ^ """ Ji^ove'red so s.ronl' atr "i l^^'S ^^ and that the, T inferred two thinrrs- fir>.t fl,of i / *^'^^'^«lve.s or perish, .1.0 wealth „/„*-:;xt; tr.: r n "t- '"t °^ "™' °f 1-1 given us occasion Ll con^^^^ us'IlZ T'""^' "'-" ""^ This terrible -ivowil „.„. r , ,^ *" """ni'inate them." 1 '0 ensure ils 1 hn , Th P T "'' "" ""^ ''""°" '"■^' •'"'"l""' •^e north, hit„ertr;:^t ^'^t T'::^^:^ ^ ^'H ™ --^'•i"<-a DJ' a large force i 153 TIIK PEOPLE'S BOOK OV HISTOIIY under Randov.il, and the city was thus completely blockaded. A general assault was then made from each of these three approaches Cortes, on foot, leading a heavy column over the great southern causeway, while his generals attempted those allotted to their charge. Neither Alvarado nor Sandoval, de&perately opposed, were able to penetrate the city ; but the force led by Cortes, assisted by the brig- antines sailing on either aide, despite the valiant defence of the Aztecs, carried barrier after barrier, and filled up breach after breach in the long dike which led to the great street of Mexico. As they forced their way, fighting furiously, up that splendid avenue, the scene, two years before, of their peaceful and triumphant entry, a tempest of missiles, from every roof and terrace, was showered upon their heads. They entered the houses, and by destroying the partitions, slowly forced their way into the heart of the city. They were held at bay for two hours before a strong stone barricade, which, however was finally broken down by the artillery, and at last gained the great square. Here Cortes, with a number of his companions, ascended the teocalli, and with his own hand tore from the face of the idol again enshrined in his gory dwelling, a mask of gold and jewels. As he rejoined his force below, the Aztecs made an attack so furious that the whole allied army, Spaniards and Tlascalans, were driven in confusion down the street. Nothing saved them from utter defeat except the exertions of the cavalry, who in some measure were enabled to protect their retreat to their quarters. That this daring and obstinate assault should have met with so much success as it did is certainly wonderful. The besieging force was soon augmented by fifty thousand Tez- cucans, under Ixtlilxochitl, and, with the aid of these forces, which he distributed among the three camps, Cortes planned a fresh gen- eral assault. After a repetition of the scenes already described, he once more made his way into the square, and fired the palace of Axayacatl, his former quarters, and a magnificent aviary, called '•The House of Birds," one of the finest ornaments of the city. "Although it grieved me much," he writes, "yet, as it grieved the enemy more, I determined to burn these palaces; whereupon tliey manifested great sorrow, as well as their allies from the cities on the lake, because none of them had supposed we should be able to pen- etrate so far into the city. This filled them with terrible dismay"— a dismay not a little increased, he adds, when his allies "displayed to the inhabitants of the city the bodies of their countrymen cut TI,E CONCiUEST AND niSTOliV OF MEXICO. jr, .he c.e." Wee,, .,.„„,H„„. <>:^Jc:!;^:::^z2: ^ from „eces,,ty and from ,l,e ,,„biL, of tl,o e„,„bal,,„., „ «;. to ;;rjfrLr:rj:rn:'':r ■;,:;' ;; '» --■' '"" --^ ...e .icfenee »„,, „ h.ole'eZt^f X^r™" ^'"''"■'■ Ixll, Lvocl,,.!, ,!,„ fierce y„u„g prince of Tccuco, s .„ali,e,l him and roproacics from his Aytoo «^„ * ^^h-lh, auiiu _j,ciJ3 eral wilh his own hand Alt Jo T"' ""1 ''"•^'""^ ^^"''' ^«"- ma,lc the most des Tr t'c c1- rZl ' "" T' '^"'""^ '"''^ "^«" '''"^'l and C<.-tcs In-msoir; ,;^: \-:"^^^^^^ *" «"-^ »" entrance, Tl)c Mexicans Inm^ on l^s rear V!l^ ^'^ ''"''"* '° ^''' «'-*'"?• Icssncss of life, that^nearU: a l,o°S ° T ''"'^'^ '"^^ ^"^ '''''■ tl.cy could reg.;in thei^'i , Thi^^r^^^ ^^«^« ^""-'-^ ^e^o- ensuing days,^ortes eo^tiC^ ^^^2^:"?^'^' "^^^"^ way, and the Mexicans, thoui cLTdlS f' '.'^^ ^•'°'" ^.s cause- cavalry and the superio,' nrn sof fh^ ^'^' '""^ ^^"^'^'"^ *''« ret..af with great S.::^ ^ ' T ^ ::St^ T 7'''''' ''' himself, "was certainly worthy of admirnZ r' T^' ''"' ^^"""^'"'''^ evils and losses to which the;Vere " ^^^ '/r '"""'" ^""'^^ ^''« they did not .eiax their pur^it tiu 2;^'::::::7^-^^^' CHAPTER 117. GENERAL ASSAULT ON THE CITY Ap.r„,rr OllABlAllBSTlillctlONOPTHEciTy. t«ee and eapi.n,;,™, a b nt i i/" '' "^■"'"' "" °™""- ^r 100 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIIHTOKV. camps, osjjcciivlly tlioso wliere Cortea did not command in itcrson, and onco aucccodod in soiziiig two of tho brigantiiiPB. A numherof tlio Sjumiurds, to the inexpressible delight of hifs people, had botni taken alive for siierilice, and the dread i.ispirod by this eireumstunoc iiid>iced the survivors to fight to tlie di'iith rather than encounter a similar fate. A vast swarm of Indian allies, (a hundred and lifty thousand in number, according to Cortes,) attracted by the hope of sharing the plunder of the Aztec capital, now flocked ititu t'"- Christian cani}is, and assisted in rendering the siege mure strict. They were also employed, with good effect, against the outposts and detached strongholds of the Mexican emperor, and such cities as yet remained faithfui to his sway. On the three causeways, the fighting was almost continual, and many gallant actions, both by besiegers and besieged, for want of space, are necessarily omitted in this account. "For ninety-three days together," says Diaz, who was with Alvarado, "we were en- gaged in the siege of this gr(!at and strong city, and every day and night we were engaged with the enemy. "Were I to extend niv narrative to include every action which took place, it would bo almost endless, and my history would resemble that of Amadis and the other books of chivalry." Cortes, his army swelled by vast reinforcements, at last resolved on a grand attempt to take the city by storm. Alvarado and Sandoval were instructed to use every exertion to ellect an entrance by the causeway of Tacuba, while ho attempted that of the south, and all were to endeavour to guiu pos- session of the great market-place, that a conununication migiit bo opened between the oi)positc camps. "On the following morning, the army of Cortes having entered the city, moved in three great bodies along the same number of parallel avenues, or cnuseway.s, flanked by deep can;ds, all leading to the market-place. The Mexicans made no very formidable resist- ance; barricade after barricade was carried; and the cry Tlodl IJo dl and on approaching the water, I beheld it full of Span.ards and Indians, m so dense a mass that it seemed as if there was not room for a straw to float. » « * rpj^ w^y.' he continues, 'was small and narrow, and on the sameTvd vith ,,,e water, which had been efl-octcd by these dogs, on purpose to annoy us; and as the road w,us also crowded with our allL who ivT '" ' ''"'^ '?^^'7" ''''''''y ^^•••'^^-"-^ --^bling the enemy to come up on both sides by water, and to take and dcltroy as many as they pleased.' uoauoy "Cortes himself barely escajied becoming, in person a notable sacrifice to the idols. Seized by six A.tec'diief' he 1" dr gl^d oward n canoe, and was rescued only by the loss of several of h^s f . hful attcn, ants, who laid down their lives in his defence Ge tine nt last to the bttle boc.y of cavalry on firm ground, ho led them on a fierce charge against the enemy, and brought oi the remnant Tf his unfortunate companions. All the divisions retreated fror^ the city, and were fiercely attacked in their own quarters "Alvarado and Sandoval, who had also penetrated nearly to the rendozvoiis, were likewise soon compelled to retreat before tli fur' ous assault of the Aztecs, who flung before them five bloody lad exclaiming that one of them was that of Malinehe (Cortes) wS retn^atuig, hotly pressed, 'we heard,' says Diaz, 'the dismal sound the great drum, from the top of the principal temple o^he god war, which overlooked the whole city. Its mour^iful no se w^ su. . as may be imagined the music of the infern ,1 gods, and i miV} be heard almost to the distance of three leagues. Th y wereTn t^ti^'w e then' t't.kTtl^"' ^^^"^ "^^'^^ '^ ''^ ^I^*-' ity were men to take their enemies prisoners or die in the a temp, j, ,, ^^le to describe the fur/with which th I clo ed upon us, when they heard this signall ' ^ "On tJ^j^^disastr^us^day. besides the loss of cannon and hoi.es, U2 THE I'KOI'I,K'H lU.OK OK HI8T0RT. many of the Spiitiinrds Imtl been killo.l, mwl nearly all wonnded Worst of all, sixty-two (mostly under Cortes), and a ni.iltitiido of tlioir Indian allies, Imd fhll.-n alive into the hands of the enemy, and been carried oil" for sae,riti(>e. That very evening, the dismal roar of tiio great drum was again heard; and the last rays of the setting sun fell on a long procession winding up the sides of the huge frumlU Among the victims, stripped to their waists, several were seen to bo white men; an»l the Spaiiinrds, with unntterahle horror, heh.-Id their miserable comrades, with fans in their hands, and gaudily dcek-cd with plumes, compelled to dance before the hideous idol, an.l tlien stretched upon the fearful Stone of Sacrifice. As heart after heart was plucked out and laid before the altar, the bodies were hurled down the steej) sides of the j.yramid, and prepared by the priesta below for n grand cannibal festivity, "Night after night, these hideous scenes were repeated in full view of the camp of Alvarado; and the Spaniards, with sickening hearts wore compelled to witness the fearful solemnities of a fate which any day might bo their own. " During each night of this period " m.|v» a horrified witness, "the enemy continued beating their accursed drum in the great temple. Nothing can equal the dismal impression Its sound conveyed. They were then in the execution of their infer- nal ceremonies; the whole place was illuminated, and their slirielcs at certain intervals pierced the air. * « * j^^^^ ^, reader imagine what were our sensations! 'Oh, licavenly God ' wo said to^ourselves, 'do not {)ermit us to be sacrificed by these wretches! For ten nights together were they thus emplovcd in i)iit- ting to death our unfortunate companions.' The priests ea-'cr in their horrid ministry, seemed, amid the glare of sacrificial fires like demons flitting about in their native element, and busied with the torments of the condemned."* Exulting in their victory, the besieged, every morning, made lunous assaults upon the several camps, exclaiming, with loud re- vilings, to the Spaniards, that their flesh was too bitter to be eaten- "and truly," says honest Diaz, "it seems that such a miracle was wrought. The Mexican priests now predicted that within ei-dit days the gods would deliver the enemy into their hands. Terrified at this ominous announcement, the fulfilment of which seemed her- alded by their late misfortunes, aU the vast swarm of allies .ave those of Tlascala and Tezcuco, smitten with a superstitious panic, * Discoverers, &c., of America. TIIK C0NQUK8T AND HIBTOKY OF MKXICO. igg melted away n.ul iMnpemnl to thoir l.omcs. li,,t, with tho oflsiHtanco of these fa.tlidil and poweifi.I comljiitons, the ChriHtiariH still man- aged to hold poHscsHion of tho causeways, n,,,! thrir l.rigantines coj,,. inanding the lakcH, cut oH" nearly all Hn|.i)li(.H fn„n tho holeag.iero.l city. Tho nppoinfod i)crio(l having pussod without witnesaing their .loHtriielion, the allies flocktHl biu-k; ,md the Spanish captains, bv a short hut suecessiid campaign against the few provinces Ktill faiflifnl to (Juateniozin, conlincd all hostility or resistance to tho limits of tho heroic, but solitary capital. Tho arrival of a fresli vessel at Vera Cruz strengthened the assailants, and tho siege was vigorously pressed It seemed, however, that nothing short of its complete destruction could break the invincib:., spirit of tho Azt(«cs; and acc^ordingly as the assailants gamed ground, building after btiihling was levelle.! to tho earth. The nuiterials were used to fill up the canals and an open desolate space, suited to tho charge of tho cavalry was thus gradually formed within the limits of tho hitherto ahnost-impeno- trablo city. The inhabitants, in despair at tho destruction of th.-ir homes and ,)alaccs, cried aloud to the allies, who carried (,n tho work "Go on I the more you destroy, tho more you will have to build up again hereafter. If wo conquer, you shall build for us- if your white friends conquer, they will make you do as much fbr'thcrn " Guatemo/.,n, remembering the uidmppy fate of his uncle, Monte- zuma, still sternly rejected all overtures for capitul.-ition "Let no man henceforth," he said to the chiefs, "who values his life fxlk of surrender. We can at least die like warriors." Once more 'fi-ht mg under the eye of their emperor, tho enfeebled garri.son, with des- pcrate valour, attacked the hostile camps; but every dike was swei'.t by artillery, and after terrible hxsses they wore driven back into the city. Despite their determined resistance, the palace of Guafemozin In.nself was lovelled to tho ground, and a free communication was at last opened through tho city with the opposite camp of Tacuba 164 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OV IIIBTOBY. LiiAiriJoii aV. TERRIPLE SUFFEUIN08 AND MORTALITY OF THE BESIEO E I).— - OBSTINATE RKSKSTANCE OF (I U AT EMO /, I N . — COURAGE AND FIDELITY OF HIS PEOPLE. — MEXICO TAKEN BY STORM. FEARFUL MASSACRE. CAPTURE OF OUATEMO- Z I N . — REFLECTIONS ON THE CONQUEST. As the destruction of tlic city gradually went on, the most fear- ful scenes of death, disease, and starvation, were constantly disclosed. Tlic canals were clioked and the narrow streets were strewn with cor|wos. Tlic allies, eager to avenge i)ast injuries, massacred indis- criminately all tluu loll alive into their hands. Alvarado, carr^^^ing on the same system of levelling and destruction, finally penetrated to the great tiaiujuez or market-place, and took by storm the tcocalli which commanded it. Many of the heads of the sacriliccd Span- iards weie found in the sanctuary, alTixed to beams, witli their hair and bca.ds much grown, and tears cam.i into the eyes of those who rocogni/.od their friends. As the oi)po3ite divisions met in tlie long- desired rendezvous, Cortes, with a few cavaliers, i-ode through the great square, now abaiuloncd by the warriors. Kvc-y roof and ter- race which surn/unded it was crowded with the starving j»opulace gazing sullenly on their triumphant enemies. Seveii-dghths of the city, by this 'ime, had been destroyed, and in the portion yet stand- ing was crowded u vast Tuultitude ol' wretches, sulfering all the agonies of famine, disease, and despair. Guatemozin still held out, and liis brave warriors, enfeebled by hunger, made a vain .ttempt to drive the enemy from tlie S(iuare. His position was still tolerably strong, and the 8j)aniards, their am- munition failing, were unable to dislodge liim by means of artillery, in this emergency, a soldier named Sotelo, who liad served in the wars of Italy, and wlio "was eternally boasting of the wonderful military machines which he knew the art of constructing," j)ersuaded Cortes to make trial of a species of catapult or mangonel, for throw- ing huge stones or other missiles, liut when, after infinite pains, the engine had been built, and a stone as large as a bushel had been launched into the air, instead of Hying in the direction of the enemy, it returned exactly to the ].lace whence it started, and, amid %im i,:iff|*fii|Lj-r;, I,,.,-;- '■'Ill"'" 1', fj' i'"' '■ " , '■»;' ''^■'''^'^iiJpl, I, I' THE CONQ..ST AND niSTOKV O.MEXICO .^^ :^h^r ;L:^ ^°^'^^^ ^^^ *^« -^« °^ ^he gen... dashed J that no one co'uld st p ^^'^^^ V'^'t' "^^^ ^^^^^-^' body. The emperor appe^Vlt^ilt^t^^ '°? °" '^ '^^^ the last relics of the Aztec name t ' ^"'^ ^^'"^'^^^' ^^^h .o.sternl,refusedtoHst:r;;Xr^^^^^^^^ even sacrificed one of his own n.W T , P^'^^^' ^"^' ^^^^said, to demand a surrender srr'tt^l" "1 l"" ""* '^ ^°^^- sonal conference with the SnlZdr/r^^' ^' '^''^ *« ^ P^^" Ilis people, with aSu h td^^^ obedience, though assured ot w! / ^ ^' '"" '""'"^^^^^^^ t^eir Cortes ten's us, fs he r^I nl tl t ,?"" ^he Aztec chiefs, to be the Child of the Sun but the sI ""' '?' "^^'^ ^^« ^^^^ his course over all the world-^wt win' V ""^^' ''^^' ^^"^i'^^^^ us, and relieve our suffering's? for " ^? '' ^^'^'^^^' ^^'^'roy Orchilobus(IIuitzilopoS) ITo ::i i^t^ ''^' "^"' ^^" *" ^^^^ ^^"^ The fate they invoked was C^lt^?^'"^' "''"'' '"^'^^^«"-" August, 152^ the over:,:,^^ ^ f ^.^ I^^'' ''^ !!" '''' ^' wore ordered to storm the remainder " L cit Th"'T"' '' ?"'''' without a shadow of hone Ibu^rhf n . V % "^ '^'^^'''^'' ^'^'^"Sli and warlike nation. TW p f ;I?"r" *'' ^"' ^''^^^^^ °^ '"^ ^'^-' and wielded their rude wea-mn. '""°'''' ^^'^"'"^^'^ '" t'^« van, -ted for the feeblenesrT huZ^^ o7^'^ numbers, and by the superior "^tthfH^^^^^ ''''''''''' '' and repulsed, and the allies in . i • ' ^''"^-^ ^^ere slain »n,l c„;:,„e„;.od the I^'^f I"™:''" .""'^ ""'r^^. «-'<-' i". ws Cortes, "and e,ncd-,IIv ofT "'''" ™ "'" '''V," «li"e l.c i,, but will 1,„1,1 „„ i„,„,;„; J -;• G"»<"™».„ „.,ll ,lic *r„ly, "a„d of the Tezcucans. A n:>rtali tJ so ternble dunng a s.ege of only three months, suilicier.tly iu^Z he valour and ruthlessness of the besiegers, the constancy of u" besK.ged and the sanguinary nature of the combat, in which they were daily engaged. vvun.u moy Jfhus terminated a series of events, undoubtedly the most remark- able in the whole range of American history A n-ition whi 1 valour, by natural genius, and by the far-sighted po^: e f h a gamed complete ascendancy over all surroundhig province ' whose power uid become, in great measure, consolidat by iTe and strong m hereditary a/fection, in less than two years was\os trated to he earth, enslaved, and half exterminated by a lil^ eo n. pany of strangers, so small in number as almost to reiser t beli f Conquest in a moral view, regarded as'a niilftary SL must hll us with astonishment. That a handfJof advert indiirerently armed and equipped, should have landed on th E of a power u empire, inhabited by a fierce and warlike ra e and ^ chance of the r.;,erated prohibitions of its sovereign, hav^ fore d heir way into the mterior;-that they should have do e Z wh out know edge ol the language of the land, without chart or c^ pat guide them without any idea of the difficulties th " w e ^ enco nter totally uncertain whether the next step .ni,dit brir he. on a hostile nation or on a desert, feeling their way .lot, ,,? 7 " r;;r'n' Tf "r ^ ---'-"ned by Lir .list e : '; ^vltl the inhabitants, they shouhl have still pressed on to tlie canita of the empire, and, having reached it, thrLvn themselveruXd. 168 THE PEOl'LJC'S 1!(J0K OF IIISTOKV. tatingly into the midst of their enemies; that so far from bein" daunted by the extraordinary spectacle there exhibited of powe°r and civilization, they should have been but more confirmed in their original design;— that they should have seized the monarch, have executed his ministers before the eyes of his subjects, and when driven forth witli ruin from the gates, have gathered their scattered wreck together, and, after a system of operations, pursued with con- summate policy and daring, have succeeded in overturning the cap- ital, and establishing their sway over the country ;— that all this should have been so effected by a mere handful of indigent adven- turers, is a fact little short of the miraculous— too startling for the probabilities demanded by fiction, and without a parallel in the paires of history." ^ ^ CHAPTEH X?I. THE TORTURE OP G F A TESf OZIN, — SEXTL EMENT OF THE COUN- TRY.— FRESH ENTERPRISES.— OFFICES AND TITLES CON- FERRED ON CORTES. — HIS OSTENTATION. — HIS SAGACIOUS POLICY. GREAT EXTENSION OF THE SPANISH TERRI- TORY.— THE REVOLT OF OLID. — TERRIBLE MARCH TO HONDURAS. — THE MURDEI^ OP GUATEMOZIN. Success so wonderful might well seem to excuse a commensurate exultation. The victors, their sanguinary triumph comj)leted, sat down to a feast, enlivened by the generous wine of Spain, their lon-r abstmenoe from which, while it gave a double zest to the genial draught, heiglitened its exhileruting effect. The revelry at list waxed so frantic, that Father Olmedo, scandalized at the scene, inter- fered, and a solemn religious ceremonial, by his direction, was per- formed as the litter celel)ratiou of the triumph of the fliith. A mo..t disgraceful scene was presently enacted. Disappointed by the smallness of the booty (for the garrison, as a last revenge, had sunk or destroyed tlieir treasures) the rapacious soldiery demanded that Guatemozin should be tortured to effect a discovery Coi'tcs feanng to irritate them by refusal, and perhaps sharin- in tlieir raprcious cruelty, to his eternal dishonour, complied. But the youn- emperor witlistood tlieir diabolical devices with tl,„ ., and firmness which he had di.„l.. i ™', ""^ "lo s»me courage chief of Tacuba 1 i rchtivl "^ f '" *" '^''^"'"' "^ ^'' ''^'y- '"'= groaned alo„d, iZCZJ^l^ZfT^ •'" *= ^"-^ '-=' iiess by the significant rem,rr"Ti!,^ ''■^Pn'ssion of feeble- my pleasure iu theta 1 " n' ,h^^ ^°" '"''' ""="' "'"' ^ "" '"'''"8 ...elvowal that .>.e tlurefh ^ r™:^* ht M 'T '"^°"'' all attempts to find the lost valuabl cs^Z^fr "it o s "' ''°' "T^ ™. ^^.scov^ed iu a pond in the p ^ bol^ltrhfri^t;: the old imperial ini" a„7 le Win" Tr"""' ^""'"'"'''"S overawed opposition in near - all tf ' '""*'" ""•^""-'^ former A.tcc'^etnpire. and" l^l^bl t ./bTrs'To 77' ^^ "= immediate submission to the victors Tn, !, '"'"^ '" indeed, a formidable opposition u^' , ''"""°' "^ ^'••'"™». will, gieat ferocity and cru kv bv T'""""f- '""«■•■"' ™PFOssed tl.an .our "-dreLa',: tlg^eJe TS :"n':;' 'r,""™'' "" ''=^' Iows-"by which means, God if- pra ° , »? n " "' "'" «"'• I'k report, "the province wl ,X d ' T^' °u°'' P'"'"''^'' '» immediately after his trinml I '°f°"='',"' '■■'"Kluillity." Almost n.n..e .hcir^vay ^^Til^i'l/Z'^r^"^ '^^'T '"'° course, were speedily reduced V^'':''' ""T' "' » ">'""=' »f ■.lone, on account of th "r c, "v ,' fl ^r'^S-^-'l- Tl-eala„s "-■l, perhaps, as their » lit id Tub, "r' T'"' "*'''>•' <- c.np.e.i Fulfilling the clespl^g .^ ^ l," H'"'' '"'"^ r -Izrces, Cortes at once emplovcd a vL, , vanquished ,W^li%', ou a nn.gniflcen'; i „;r ;r r^ °^^^-'» "' '■^■ Mex,colVitl,in four years, an„,Lr,";itvwr" ""'""' "' ilrals, ami fortresses » a, „„,„„i „, ° •>' "'"' P»laecs, calho. '"f opoiis so .erribivrd'Xx:,:!;:}' '"^ °' '■- ^■'-"■"•> received li-om tl>o Spanish conlttU r \ >"°''"''' ^"'^^^'' '^^^^ ""* or disapproval. Thi v ' \ " '"^^'^'''^'^■'^^ '"^''-^^'0" of Us ra^•our — ' ° ^' '"^ prize al J 170 TIIK I'KOl'LE'S HOOK OF HISTORY. stal the ilrst deputation arrived in" 10' boasted that, n. less than twenty year, nine n.illions ^ , "i, ^^ gr ^ cxaggerafon) had been gathered within the pale of th Zh Ihe governor, his ambition unquenched bv •> «,„ ' ;"""^"- U^hantof Insage, continually agiLS.e^t::~te^^^ ;l.t.on wh.ch he ntted out, under the ferocious aZ.^ ^^Z inunense expense of human life and sun-cring brou-d^u h i the wealthy regions of Guatemala TTo .V . ^ Ins sway ni;i * II 1 V '^"'"^■"'i^a. lie dispatched another under Ohd, to IJondura., and made vain attempts to discover the Ion en joctured strait which should unite the Atlantic ."^tr'"" la ter oilicer of a haughty and seditious nature, after es i iun' colony on the shore nf iUn „-,.., • ^■luiujihuing a ««i.o*y of .1 „ gZnt d „,';:::"«' "'^"V""^'"-' "■" AVI n . , ° , , ,' J^'^'^'^'^'^priiioipa tyof hisown AVI en Urtes heard of this daring defection, the veins of 1.17 In, i n-ing to i^nduras through ^:::iczz::i2:2j It was m Oetober, 1524, that, with ordy a hundred elv dry ,d three or four thousand Indians, he set forth on this terrible ad vitu the toils and penis of .hich were too numerous to be r o^ 1^ those pages. For many months, enduring every extrernUvo L rveis. Ills mind distracted by weariness and obstacles .t l.st became moody and irritable, and by a fresh crime he ir pri ^d a 1 ew and m.lelible stain on his memory. The unf^rtunrCn t .n . o,., Ureading his innuenee witlfth- n^i::!^';: ^^^l^ ^Mth him, was accused, on the most false and frivolous oround of a ])ro,,octed conspiracy; and Cortes, anxious, no dou " to b Hd of an object o perpetual jealousy, after the mere prete «; of an vc^ |g.U.on, or ered his execution. The prince, with the c" I f" couiage and innocence, said, "Malinehe! here your false woX d onuses have ended in my death. I should have fallen i;" own l>and, n. n.y city of Mexico, rather than have trusted myself to vou 172 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. Why do you unjustly take my life? May God demand of you tins innocent blood!" lie was hanged, with the caeic^ue of Tacuba, and other ehiefri, upon a huge Ceiba-tree. They died, we are told, "like good Christians, ami, for Indians, most piously;" and among even the rough spirits by whom Cortes w;n surrounded, there was but one oj)inion, that the sentence was unjust and cruel in the extreme. uiiAiriiliii AVii. ARRIVAL AT HONDURAS. — USURPATION IN MEXICO, — OBSE- aUIKS AND MASSES PERVORMKD FOR CORTES. HIS RETURN. — SUSPICION O.P THE COURT. CORTES SA1J,S TO SPAIN. HONOURS BESTOWED ON HIM. — RETURNS TO MEXICO. — EXPENSIVE EXPEDITIONS. — CORTES AGAIN RETURNS TO SPAIN. UNSUCCESSFUL AT COURT. — HIS DEATH. HIS CHARACTER. — PATE OF THE CONQUERORS. After enduring extreme suffering, the relics of the Sj)anish force finally arrived at Honduras, where Cortes learned that his authority had already been restored by a counter-revolution, planned by his friends, and that Olid was already beheaded. With his accustomed energy, he immediately busied himself in fresh exploration, but was arretted in the midst of extensive schemes of discovery and conquest b}^ the tidings that his deputies in Mexico had usurped the govern- ment. Catching at a vague rumour, that, with his army, he had perished in the swamps of Chiajias, they had seized all his property, with a part of which they propitiated the church by the purchase of eternal masses for his soul. Further to colour the report, the fac- tor, with great ceremony, erected a monument to his memory, "and then," says Diaz, "proclaimed himself governor and captain-general of Xew Spain, with the sound of Kettle-drums and trumpets, and issued out an order that all women who had any regard for their souls, and whose hu.sbands had gone with Cortes, should consider them doad in law, and marry again forthwith." On learning of tliese high-handed proceoding.s, the governor at once embarked for Mexico, lie encountered severe tempests in the Gulf, and was twice [ THE CONUUKST AN. UXSTOKV OK MEXICO 173 driven back, ami it was not until oftr.» t y»., u,a. i„ June, :.2„, rrLtl"" S'^nl' r"?'^ r^ been irreat V iniurPfl !>,, ♦!. ^»pum. iim fortune bad Iho govcrmncnt tliey l,a,l usurped opposition, ,,i"z::^t ^rruiirediir: 't:-' t-' "■' ""■"■™ -^ sioner was dispatched from ShaIm /'.""'' '^"t' » ^^^^"1^, a conunis- province. Tli functi ."^jTJ ^'^" f'^^ "'' ^I- another, who had been aj/oin;: su^ta hLTu: 'tr' " ,''' to be attributed to the iisalubritv of tl 1 ' ,''"'' '"'^ '' encn.ios of Cortes insinuated tnn \''« '^^'""'te, and not, as the The person next P, el ^^L's ""''"' '""'""^ '' '''■ solved to appear bcle tl e ctur l^V '^""°^"'^?'. *''^^ ^^ -• s...stain his waning interests Wif ^ ' ^"''""'' "''^••«"^«' ^'^ jewels, and rnanyLtu a curiosilil pT' '"''""'^' '" ^'"''^ '-^'"i l-e arrived at th Jlittle sea p^^^^^^^ 1^28, years before, had witnessed the m.n.o^ n . '"'"' ^^'''^' ^''''-^-^-'^''-^ Here, at the convent of La 11^*^ Tf"" '' ^°'""'^"-^- di-uverer, l,e fell in with iwf^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^'^^ ^' ^^-^ ^--t viding means for the Conquest of I^r^,' ^'" ''"'^'^''^ '" l"'- he furthered by liberal .dvnnl Z\ '^ ''^""'^ ^^'''''' '^ ^^ ^--^''d, -t faithful, iriiii:: 1 a ;nt:d 'v'r ''i ';"''^^"^' ^'^ o^crsb, whom his a^ieven;:::^^^!^^^^^ '^"^ ^^ Ihe journey of Cortes to the court nt .p^ , "^^^• t""-l'i.. and the most honouraUe Td cl st n , T ' '""'""^'^ nccorde.! to him. lie wis ere f ,^ ■ M '^"^ "^^"'^''^^'i ^«^^Ption was ilumlies o[ Spain. ' ^!^ u:^;^:' Z"" ^^ '' ''' -^''- ousy, stimulated by the slanders oTl;. 5 ' '^'' '"^P'^^^U^^'^^l- to allow of full justice to ^deserL 111^7' 'T'^ ''' ''^^'^ he was allowed to retain but thatif "" ""^ captain-gn.eral crown, lest such an accumuktion °^^"".^!'"«^ '^-^^ ^-^-""-I by the po.'erful for a sul^'oc ' ' '' f'T''' '^''''^'^ ''^"^'- '^^^^ *«« -'n-sts and disci^ties r\:::^t; b!7^? " "^^'- ^^-'^ a n.ind inspired with tl,e hope of frl 1 " ''' ""^' "'^'^ of 1530, he took his .lepart,!^ t M:xi:: "^""^"^^' " ''^ ^^^^--"^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // . Teran wanderer r by the mportant cause of rst ofTicc ipeaking, he royal- 1 corrupt- devoted e in the i^andered THE CONQUEST AND HISTOKY OF MEXICO. 186 for thirty months living on tho fruits of the forest, and gnawing the bonea of dead animals found in their recesses. Nor did ho emerge from this impenetrable concealment until two faithful In- dian., whom he had known in prosperous days, sought him out uMth great (bmculty; and, communicating the joyous intelligence of tho revolution of 1821, brought him back once more to their villages, where he was received with enthu.sia.stio reverence, as a piitriot raised from tho dead."* The most interesting events of tho year 1817 are those connected with the gallant but unprofitable career of Xavier Minn, a Spanish adventurer, who, with a small force, espoused tho cause of the Mex- ican revolution. After various successes, he was taken prisoner, and shot in the month of November of the same year CHAPTEB II. ESPOUSAL OP THE CAUSE OP INDEPENDENCE BY ITURDIDE — PllOCLAMATION AT lOUALA,— UNION WITH THE REVOLU- TIONARY PARTY.— TREATY WITH THE VICEROY, AND SURRENDER OF THE CAPITAL. — DISSENSIONS. ITURBIDE MADE EMPEROR.— Ills OVERTHROW AND DEATH. — POLITICAL FACTIONS, — SPANISH ATTEMPTS AT RECONUUEST. Uxpeh the viceroy alty of Don Juan Euiz de Apodaca, the sixty- first Spanish governor of .\rexico, the prospects of the revolutionists wore so unfavourable, that a convenient opportunity aiiiiearcd to be presented for the restoration of the ancient system ')f absolute tyranny. Certain franchises and a partial representation had been secured to the people by the provisions of the constitution promul- gated by the Spanish Cortes in 1812: in endeavourin- to annul tliese privilege.., and to ri5establish the irresponsible and\i„ehoc-ked power of royalty, Apodaca only hastened the final overthrow of Spaiii.sh rule in Mexico. Agustin de Iturbidc, as being a gallant and efficient soldier, and tlioroughly fovourable to the royal cause, was selected to assume « Mexico, A/tw, Siw,,ish, nnd Republican, by Enintz Mayer. 186 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. the command of the western provinces, and at the same time to proclaim the king's absolute authority, and to put an end to the constitutional system. The views of Iturbide had, however, under- gone a great change since his successful campaign against the patri- ots; and he only accepted the high office conferred upon hin^ the more efficiently to carry out his own secret purposes. These were first made known by his celebrated proclamation, issued at the town of Iguala, where he was encamped in the month of February, 1821 on his march westward. The "plan of Iguala," as this manifesto was termed, contained, among other provisions, the following bold and comprehensive declaration, as given by Mr. Mayer in his history of Mexico: "Article I. — Tlie Mexican nation is independent of the Spanish nation, and of every other, even on its own continent. "Art. II,— Its religion shall be the Catholic, which all its inhabitants profess. "Art. III.— They shall all be united, without any distinction between Americans and Europeans. "Art. IV. — The government shall be a constitutional monarchy." A junta was to be formed, under the presidency of the existino' viceroy, by which a congress should be convoked; Ferdinand VII., or, in deflxult of his acceptance, one of his brothers, was to be invited to the throne ; public officers of every grade, who should profess themselves in favour of independence, were to be continued in office while banishment, "without taking with them their families and effects," awaited npn-conformist officials; and in support of these principles an army was to be formed, to be called "the Army of the Three Guaranties," viz: "Independence, the maintenance of Roman Catholicity, and Union." Iturbide's little army of eight hundred men readily embarked in his enterprise, and, marching to the western coast, he effijcted a union with Guerrero and his insurgent forces. The revolutionists throughout Mexico, with singular unanimity, espoused the cause of the new popular leader, eager to secure independence of Spain upon any terms, and hopeless of carrying out their designs for individual liberty in the then present posture of affiiirs. Apodaca exhibited no energy or determination in a crisis which called for vigorous acti'on, and the Spanish portion of the population of the capital seized ujwn him, and threw him into confinement, as being unfit for his responsible office. Ilis successor, Juan O'Donoju, found the great mass of the people ation, and of THE CONQUEST ANBHISTOKY OF MEXICO. jgy eager in support of Iturbicle Tint onnn^o f i tions to th/Lro, for a ^^^^^^f^^^r^^^f treaty; and a. nothing remained subject to Spanish doln' ^ tl,e city of Mexico and the strong fortress SnTiTT; """''^^ offers were accepted. The caoital ZT i '^"''" ^^ ^"°^' ^''' September (182?), and a t::;'or^y^^^^^^^ of proceeded to enter upon the duties ogovlnlj^^^^^^^^ ^^ '^^'' met on the 24th of the ensuing February '°''°'''' This body, composed as it was of conflipfincr «i into great disorder. The renuhlin!! ''°"'°* "« elements, soon fell archie' 1 provisions of^e ne'~ "2 "'f "'• '' *^^ ^"^"■ no less opposed to any innovation ?'l • """"''''''^'^onalists were away by enthusiasm for thrie 2' led a't TT' T^' ''"''' elevation to the supreme authority The ll ^? ^'^^ '^''' ^"^ prevailed, and by an irre^^ular anTvlnl . . ' ^"'^'^'^ ultimately Lrbide ;mperor of Sexico demonstration proclaimed his favour, - being the^j;;r;C':::'eSy^^^^^^^^^^^ T ence of the nation, that, with wise and in • ' ^"depend- might perhaps have gained ove^^ 1 ' enem rye""""rl' '' ever, to be unfitted for power TT^iZTl \ . P'°''''^' ^'°^^- decisions of the congress L^'n n f f ^''''^^^ ^^'^' ^he to the throne, dissolved that bod v ^T,!^°'?^^^ '^'^ 1"« recession own nomination. ^''^^' ^'^bst^tutmg an assembly of his The Mexican people were ill-preDarPfl h.r o ^ , ■ to submit to a mere change of tyrlnt '0!^^'''''^'^ ''"'^'^^'°"' and soon ripened into open revo Gp. 1 n " "^"''^ ''^'"^^y^ Santa Anna, who was go™ f Ver P '"tj '"^ *'^ ^°^^''' officials headed the insurrection Til "' ""^ ""'^'^ "^^^We -b, and in March, lS2S:i;^.2^:Z:: ::^^-' '' -'' m a vessel provided by the members of tl ? ^ ''""''^'•>' he had convened for the pur^re of . / T'' '""°^^^^' ^^^^^m leaders of the new re.llufio f tooL 1 " "° ^ ' ''"^"''''"- ^^'^^^ a^-^ Pr-:^ed to U^^^l^^:: ^^ ^'^ ^^^^ of Mexico, on th:r 'o^srid r ks t^s :r^^" ^'^^ -^^^^^ quickly reassembled, as a triumvir r* ^ '°"STCss, which po'.e.. until the ««; coL ss \^ In" ^'T ^'^^"^"" ^'^^^"^^^^ In October IS'^i thiTl l^r „ ''^ "^ ^^^^ following Au-^ust ^ ^er, lS.i, thzs body hnally sanctioned the federal constiturion; 188 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOEY. which, after various revolutions, overthrows, and reforms, was readopted in the year 1847." The unwise and unfortunate emperor returned to Mexico in July 1824, in disguise, probably in the hope of restoring his fallen fortunes! He was recognized, taken prisoner, and delivered over by General Garza to the authorities of the province of Tamaulipas. In conformity with a decree previously passed by the general congress, the provin- cial legislative body at once condemned the returned exile to death and he was accordingly shot on the 19th of the same month. Upon the convention of the Mexican congress in 1825, the patri- otic Guadalupe Victoria received the appropriate reward for his suf. ferings and self-devotion in the cause of freedom, by being declared president of the republic. At this period the party in favour of a free federal government was completely in the ascendancy; various seditious attempts to overturn the constitution of the previous year had been promptly and forcibly suppressed; and so completely had the power and influence of the old Spaniards declined, that they were mostly removed from office, and their places were supplied by native- born inhabitants. The last hold of Spain upon her immense North American provinces was by her retention of the strong fortress of San Juan de UUoa. Opposed to the existing.constitution, and anxious to secure a form of government less dependent upon the will of the masses, was a strong minority, consisting mainly of landed proprietors, those con- nected with the church, and others intimately associated with the interests of these powerful portions of the community. The move- ments of this opposition were centralized by the establishment of a secret society, of Masonic formation, denominated the Escocesses. A formidable insurrection, headed by Nicolas Bravo, who had es- poused this side of the question, was quelled by the instrumentality of Guerrero, without an engagement, although the insurgents had gathered in great force, with the apparent determination to make a desperate ciiort for the overthrow of the federal government. ' ' Goinez Pedraza, the successor to Victoria in the presidential chair, was, notwithstanding, a member of this obnoxious party. At this iuncture it was confidently hoped, in Spain, that these dissensions i between different factions in Mexico had so weakened the power of ' the republic as to offer the opportunity for a hostile demonstra- ' tion upon the coast. Such efficient measures were, however, resorted ' to by the rej)ublic, that these attempts proved abortive. The Me.xi- ' THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF MEXICO. 189 can fleet, under command of Commodore Porter, of the United States' navy, not only proved sufficient to ward off the attack of the Spanish vessels, but succeeded in taking numerous valuable prizes from the enemy. An army of about four thousand men, under command of Gen- eral Barradas, was landed at Tampico for the purpose of marching into the interior, and taking advantage of the unsettled state of affairs at the capital, to reestablish the Spanish dominion. This force, much reduced, it is said, by the sickness attendant upon a summer spent near the Mexican sea-board, was attacked and defeated in September of 1830, by the republican army under General Santa Anna. Pedraza, being opposed in principles to the great mass of the community, was unable to retain his position. He had been elected by a majority of but two votes, and the leaders of the popular party, feeling assured that their course would be sustained by the country,' violently and unconstitutionally overturned his administration. The chief of these new revolutionists were Generals Antoiuo Lopez de Santa Anna, Guerrero, Montezuma, and Lobald, and Lorenzo de Zavala, the grand master of the masonic lodge called the Yorkinos, and opposed to that of the Escocesses. After a season of sanguinary tumult, order was restored in the capital. With the commencement of the year 1829, congress again assembled, and formally installed Guerrero, Pedraza's opposing can- didate, in the office of president. 190 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOBY. CEAPTEH III. OVERTHROW OF GUERRERO BY SANTA ANNA ANDBUSTAMENTE.— TYRANNICAL PROCEEDINGS DURING THE ADMINISTRATION OF SANTA ANNA. — RESISTANCE IN THE PROVINCES OF ZAC-' ATECAS AND TEXAS. — THE TEXAN WAR. — DEFEAT OF SANTA ANNA. — DIFFICULTIES WITH FRANCE. — CIVIL WAR. — SANTA ANNA REST0RJ5D TO POWER. — REVOLT HEADED BY PAREDES. — HERRERA PRESIDENT. Guerrero was not long permitted to hold the reins of government. So disturbed were the times, and so unsettled were the minds of the people, that it was easy for any subtle and politic intriguer to create a popular commotion, and certain unwarrantable or injudicious assumptions of authority on the part of the president gave opportu- nity for the formation of a new faction, whose object was his destruc- tion. At the head of this movement were Santa Anna and the vice- president, Bustamente. Mexico was soon distracted by the renewed horrors of civil war. The unfortunate Guerrero, driven from the seat of government, defeated at all points, and a fugitive on the western sea coast, was finally seized, tried by a court martial for trea.sonably levying war against the republic, and shot in the month of February, 1831. Bustamente had assumed supreme power in the republic, but was enabled to retain his position no longer than suited the views of his more celebrated and able associate Santa Anna. This arch intriguer was among the first to excite an insurrection against the usur^per, and, although defeated in the first engagement, had so far gained tire favour of the people, that he was enabled to bring about his ends. Bu.-tamcnte was forced to yield, and Santa Anna, probably for the pur]K.se of gaining over the party of the "Escocesses," restored IVdraza to his lawful position of president. The politic and suc- cessful general was himself elevated to that ofRce in May of 18-'!3. One year later, the president, relying upon the adherence of the army, and careless of longer cloaking his own inordinate ambition for self aggrandizement with an assumed spirit of repnblicam'sm, dis- solved c.ngress, and, nullifying the constitution, attcmjited to phiee THE CONQUEST AND IIISTOEY OF MEXICO. 191 the whole of the Mexican states under the control of a central mili- tary despotism. Every province was speedily compelled to submit, with the exception of Zacatecas and Texas. The reduction of the former was conducted with great cruelty and ferocity. The inhab- itants, after enduring every enormity from an unscrupulous and rapacious soldiery, were disarmed, and compelled to submit to the rule of a military governor. The proceedings in Texas, both at this period and during the more important and eventful campaign of the spring of 1836 will be found more fully detailed in our sketch of the history of that state. The Mexican army, under General Cos, overran the refrac- tory province, and without difficulty broke up the legislative assem- bly, and bore down for the time all opposition. The so-called "Plan of Toluca," by which the legislative power of the separate Mexican states was annulled, and a central form of government established went into operation; but the Texans, instead of yielding to their flxte, assumed an attitude of sterner and more determined resistance A series of brilliant victories left them free from Mexican usurpation' and the tyrannical president, a prisoner in the hands of his enemies' saw his prospects of ambition blighted, as then appeared, for ever In 1838 he had opportunities for retrieving his military reputation' upon the occasion of the revolt headed by the unfortunate Mexia' for the purpose of restoring the old republican system. ' During the following winter, the claims of France to remuneration for former injuries received by French subjects in Mexico, and in respect to various other unsettled questions in dispute between the two nations, were enforced by a hostile demonstration. The town of Vera Cruz was blockaded, and the castle of San Juan de Ulloa deemed impregnable by its :Mexican possessors, was taken after a SIX hours' cannonade. Santa Anna's services on this occasion in defending the town from tlic forces landed by the Frencli, are spoken of in terms of high commendation. The loss of liis leir, by a small cannon-shot, also served, so far as such a circumstance ^'nlH.t afreet popular fe.-ling, to secure him a greater degree of symmthy and lavour from his countrymen. Bustamente was at tliis period president of Afexico. The success- ful revolution in Texas, nnd insurrections in the eastern provinces of toMhuila, laniauhpas, and Durango, and in Yucatan, disturbed the peace of the nation; while the grievous burden of supporting the heavy expenses of the government and the armv, aroused a -x^.cfil 192 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOEY. discontent. The president became unpopular, and weighty influences were brought to bear for his overthrow. Santa Anna, supported by Paredes, Valencia, and Lombardini, had organized a powerful party and again aspired to the presidency. The outbreak occurred in the month of August, 1841 ; the capital itself was the scene of action. As described by Mr. Mayer: "For a whole month the contest was carried on with balls and grape-shot in the streets of Mexico; whilst the rebels, who held the citadel outside the city, finished the shame- less drama by throwing a shower of bombs into the metropolis shattering the houses, and involving innocent and guilty, citizens strangers, combatants and non-combatants, in a common fate. This cowardly assault, under the orders of Valencia, was made solely with a view of forcing the citizens, who were unconcerned in the quarrel between the factions, into insisting upon the surrender of Mexico, in order to save their town and families from destruction." An interview was finally brought about between the leaders of the two parties, and the result of their negotiations was the " Plan of Tacubaya," under the provisions of which supreme power was placed in the hands of General Santa Anna, until a congress should be chosen, and assembled to establish a new constitution. That any really independent action could be taken by a convention of dele- gates under such circumstances, was scarcely to be expected. The dictator, perceiving that he could not carry out his original plans for maintaining a central government, again dissolved the assembly, and assumed the entire control of affairs, through a junta of his own appointment. A constitution was formed by this body in 1843, of a character widely variant from that of 1824, and little calculated to meet the approval or acceptance of the people. In the winter of 1844, congress having been convened, a large appropriation was made for the purpose of a renewed attempt upon the liberties of the victorious colonists of Texas. Before, however, any eftectual measures were adopted for carrying out this project, the opponents of the president, under the direction of General Pa- redes, rose against the existing government. A year passed by, during which the country was distracted by a contest between three parties; for Santa Anna, having violated a provision of the new constitution, by assuming military power without special authority from the congress, had created new opponents upon constitutional grounds. In January of 1845 the party of Paredes was successful: Santa influences aported by rful party, rred in the f action, jontest was co; wliilst tlie sluame- netropolis, y, citizens^ ate. This solely with he quarrel ^Iexico, in leaders of the "Plan )ower was ess should That any n of dele- ted. The inal plans assembly, )f his own 1843, of culated to I, a large npt upon however, 3 project, neral Pa- assed by, een three the new authority titutional il: Santa Am : the j of tl ancc I ANN] ! OP ] TE I Tm i 1836 ( : were fi ; union I point I j and b} March, j success I the ne^ I Tliis j indignr I from M I passpor ments v governr Black, I the pur] Mr. Joh mediateJ Gener opposed THE C0NQUK8T AND HI8Tn«Y OF MEXICO. 193 Anna wa« taken prisoner while qndeavouring to make his escape to the eastward and General Jos6 Joaquin^ de Ilerrera, being president of the counc.1, suceecded to the highest offiee of the state, ii accord ance with the provision of a previous enactment CHAPTER nil. ^ ANNEXATION OP TEXAS TO THE UNITED STATES—INDIGNATION OF MEXICO.-SLIDKLL.S COMMISSION._rR,r,n,,ioNS IgaIN TEXAS.-OENERAL TAYLOR'S MARCH TO THE RIO , AN . -COMMENCE.MENT OF HOSTILITIES.-WAR DECLAR D- PLAN OP THE MEXICAN CAMPAION.-BATTLE OP PALO ALTO: OPRESACADELAPALMA.-MATAMORAS OCCUPIED.— RETURN OF SANTA ANNA TO MEX- ICO. — REDUCTION OF MONTEREY I ' mZ f "'^'!r'r ,°^ •^'^"'' '^'^'''^^' '^'y ^^'^^ «^^r since the year I 1836 enjoyed the blessings of u free and independent government ! were anxious to socure the political and commercial adv' iil rof a union with the United States. Their independence of M lo ," point fact, had long since been recognized by the United St^e March 1840, the negotiations for annexation were brouoht to a successful issue by the passage of a resolution, by con-^rc. admittL ' the new state upon conditions afterwards compHed wYt^by Texr' Tins measure, as might naturally be expected, excited the utmost .donation of the Mexican authorities. General' Almont mi X X^r^AU J::;r'^"'' ""^^ ^^ angry protest, dem^ndedtl passports. All friendly communication between the two govern ments was suspended until the ensuing October, when the 4x " . g vernment, upon application through the American consu M Black, agreed to receive a commissioner from the United States fo i"- jZsri ir ^""^''^^'— g--t of the disputed q:5io Mr John Shdell was appointed to this responsible service and irn mediately proceeded to Vera Cru. on his way to the c^. General Paredes had in the mean time organized a party of those opposed to^a peaceful .ttlement, and so fonnidable L ^U^: 194 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. of this movement, tlmt the Mexican ministry, prolmbly to propitiate the tnalooritents, postponed negotiations with Mr. Slidell u[)on friv- olous pretexts of irregularity in his coinniiHsion. At tlic close of tiie following December, President Ilcrrcra resigned liis oflice to Paredes, and nil efforts of the United States' envoy to oj)en, in accordance with further instructions from home, friendly communi- cations with the new government, proved fruitless. He therefore left Mexico, leaving the jiurpoaes of his mission unaccomplished. Under the military dictator who now wielded the destinies of Mexico, immediate preparations were made for the reeonquest of Texas. A considerable force was already stationed at Matunioras, and thither General Ampudia was dispatched, in April, IS-K), with a body of cavalry. Two thousand more troops were ordered to the same station. General Zachary Taylor, who had been for some months previous stationed, in command of United States' troops, at Cor[)us Cliristi having received orders to march to the mouth of the liio Grande reached Point Isabel on the 25th of March ; and leaving a portion of his troops to occupy a position at that place, moved up the river until opposite Matamoras. lie there caused works to l)e erected and stationed a battery which commanded the town. Generals Arista and Ampudia were soon upon the spot, in command of a large and constantly-increasing force. Upon communication being established between the commanding officers of the respective forces General Taylor was commanded to draw off his troops, as havifig infringed the Mexican rights of territory. Although, as has been truly remarked, the claims of Mexico ex- tended not only to the district lying between the Nueces and the Rio Grande, and traversed by the United States' forces on their march to Matamoras, but to every portion of the revolted province of Texas, the occupation of this tract by the United States has been laid down by many as the true cause of the Mexican w Tin re h some slight conflict of authorities upon the question of 'h* ■'!'. 'UA' boundaries of Texas, but the weight of authority seepifi s, Bi-oken and disordered by the lire of the artillery and infontry, they gave way in mass before a charge of cavalry, and, retreating to tlie river, left the way open for the passage of the army with its supplies to the fort. The 18th of May saw INlatamoras in [lossession of the American forces. During the summer, which was passed by General Taylor in strengtboning his position, establishing lines of communication, and gradually extending his occujiation of the coinitry, an impurtaiit politic.a change took place in Mexico. A revolutionary movement in favour of Santa Aniin, then an exile in the \V(>st Indies, over- threw the jiower of the usurper Parcdcs. 'ilie ex-presidciit was allowed to pass the United States' blockading siiuadron by espro'S orders from government, in the hope that his influence would he THE CONQUEST AND HisTOKY OF MEXICO. 197 exerted to restore a friendly communication between the belligerent countnes and to cement an honourable peace. This nieoo nf f 1 smcc evinced by Santa Anna towards the United States has con- nbuted to render .t unpopular. There can, however, be no doubt but that the act was in accordance with what then appeared the exigencies of the case, so far as information could be pro^rcd 1 to he purposes and probable conduct of the able buf unpr ncrpled leader, who has so lonsr hold t]m m^.„f • , ""punoipiea history. prominent place in Mexican In the month of September, the divisions under Generals Worth nd Tayk>r, having penetrated to their future head quT ers te l^alnut Springs, not far from Monterey, the capital of nZt preparations were made for an attack upon this h ^ t- t ci ^^ p ace was well defended by artillery, and the flower f the Mexic n r 1 A^T ,, . "^° divisions to the attack of thp oit^ f... : ■, -^ ^''^ enemy, who were enabled to fi.rlif ..n covert, and whose artillery .deed the streets, c 'i„uedt extend their occuimtion until night-fall. On tl,e '>9a th.T troops^ taking possession of ti.e buildim. on ^l^rti^lfT'''""" As tlie city was now virtually in the nower of ih. ■ [ lie had gainuJ :m important post; 198 TlIK I'KOl'LE'S BOOK () l<' ItlSTOKY, his forces wore sUlI miiucriciilly inlbrior to tliosc of the enemy; and from what coukl bo gathered from the reports of tlie Mexiean olfieorfl, there api)eared reason to hope for tlie speedy establishment of a peaee, witnout fnrtlier bloodsliod. A temjjorary armistice was there- fore arranged between the belligerent armies. SANTA ANNA'S C I[ A N (!!•; OP POLICY. — (I E N K U A I, SCOTT'S PLAN OF CAMPAIGN. — 1) K P M A T OF TIlK MEXICAN ARMY AT IIUKNA VISTA. MEXICAN POLITICS. CAPTlMiK OP V P 11 A CllUZ. M.\lU'iI INTO TlIK INTPUIOR. — llATTI.li OP CKRRO OOROO. — OCCPPATION OP PUKDI.A. — 0U.KR1LI,A WAR- P A RE. F R U IT!, K S S N K (1 T 1 A T I N S. ADVANCE UPON THE CAPITAL. Santa Anna, on liis rotnrn to Mexico, soon perceived that tlie views of centraliziitii)n which he had ever entertained must now be abandoned, if he would nuiintain his position as a popular leader. lie therefore })nblished his intentions to favour the fqderal system and the reestablishnient of tlie constitution of 182-1. With an aircctation of modesty and of. self sacrificing devotion to his country, lie declined the acceptance of prolfcred dictatorial powers in the civil govcrnnient, and avowed his determination to lend his whole ener- gies to the duties of a military commander. After a most enthusi- astic reception at the capital, and a prompt and ciu'rgctic response to his rcipiisitions for troops, he established liimself at San Luis Potosi, withdrawing liimself for the time from the political agitations which distracted the city of Mexico, and spending his time in pre- paring and equipping his line army. Early in the winter ol' 1816 his availal)K' force amounted to about twenty thousand men, and he rightly judged that by eonlirming his military authority he more elVcctnally secured supremacy than by mingling actively in factions politics. He nevertheless accepted oilice upon his election to the l)rovisi()nal presidency, which took jilace on the 2iid of December. The L'nited States' government having ajiptjinted General Winfield jncmy; and ican oll'icora, hmcnt of a ;o was there- OTT'S I'LAN AT IIUKNA I A (MIUZ. (! \'. K it WAR- NCK c(l that tlie lust now bo ular leader, oral system AVitli an his country, in the civil whole eiicr- ost enthusi- ic response t San Luis il agitations iine in pre- tcr of 18-16 nen, and he ty ho more in factious !tion to the DeconilxT. •al Wii.liel.l L_ THE CONQUEST AND HI8T0KY OF MEXICO. 199 Scott commander^n-chief of tlie army in Mexico, extensive prepara- tions were made for a new campaign, to be conducted in accordance with the views of that veteran chief. It was proposed to seze 0" Vera Cruz, and thence to march direct for the capital. In cXctin^ General Taylor's best troops were drawn off from the conquered d>stnct on the Eio Grande, leaving the army of occupation in a col d:tion me capable of resisting so formidaJe a forceCha eon 1 trated at San Luis, were there no disparity between the respective armies other than that of numbers. ■i«'>pt;cnve By the interception of a dispatch,' the Mexican commander-in-chief in the month of December, 1846, obtained information respec^^l he intended descent upon Vera Cruz, and it was soon known that he was busily engaged m preparations for an attack upon the reduced division on the Rio Grande. Knowing that he nLt prepare to encounter an army more than quadruple the troops under his com- Z''frV'''"' concentrated his scattered'regiments at the Pass of Angostura, a point in which either flank waT protected bv nioun ains, ravines and gullies impassable for cavalry, and s eely at Agua Nuev., thirteen miles from the pass, under General Wool to gain intelligence of the expected approach of the enemy. ' huSr The litf " " "' 'r° '' ^'°"* ''^' *^— d -V- skill and in so f T/ """"' ^'^'^''' ^'^^^^^^ ''^'^^ «"«^ "^'^^tary skill, and in so favourable a position, that for two days Santa Anna n vain endeavoured to force a passage. He came up'ln the Ameri- can encampment on the afternoon of February 22d, 1847, and un i n.gh -fal and throughout the following day' kep the Americ constantly engaged. The astonishing result of this hard-fought b 1 vas cluefly owing to the admirable management of the L piec I tt? 7Jrr' '^ '" '''''''''' ^^^^- P'-- On the nil of u tai^;] commenced a retreat to San Luis Potosi, l^avin. sustained an immense loss, and having witnessed the total fa lure of h s attemp against the weakened army of occupation. The n in of the neighbouring hacienda of Buena Vista has always since been applied to d.s.nguish tliis memorable and important e, ^"1'; S^ns " '?''"'"' °' '^' vice-president Farias, and the re en Iv" '^'"•^''' f""''^ "^ ^^»--^ Pnvilegcs and emoluments had recently been curtailed. Civil war was added anew to the dan- 200 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. ger and anxieties attendant upon foreign invasion. At the close of the ensuing month, the friends of the church carried their points in congress : the office of the vice-president was annulled ; the president himself was formally put in command of the armies—his place to bo supplied by a substitute during his employment in the field; and a new president was to be elected on the 15th of the ensuing month of May, according to the provisions of the constitution of 1824. Don Pedro Anaya was chosen as the temporary executive. Meanwhile, important operations were in progress on the coast. The main body of the American army, under General Scott, sailed from the rendezvous at the island of Lobos, for Vera Cruz, on the 7th of March, 1847. Notwithstanding the overwhelming force brought to bear upon the place, the authorities refused to surrender trusting perhaps to the strength of their renowned fortress, or willing to see their town battered to pieces, rather than permit the hated foreigners to pursue their career of conquest unmolested. A can- nonade was commenced on the 18th, from the ships lying off the harbour and from the batteries planted on the land, which continued, with little intermission, until the 2Gth, when the garrison capitulated. The town was terribly shattered, and the needless destruction of nearly one thousand of the inhabitants, of every age and sex, was the result of the obstinacy or inflituation of the commanding officers. During the continuance of the bombardment "it is estimated that our army and navy threw into the town about six thousand shot and shells, weighing upwards of 463,000 pounds." The castle of San Juan de Ulloa was at the same time surrendered- and a great amount of arms and artillery was taken possession of by the victors: some five thousand prisoners of war were set at liberty upon parole. The command of Vera Cruz was assigned to General Worth, and the commander-in-chief, with between eiglit and nine thousand troops, took up his line of march for the interior. President Santa Anna, having now hastened to the future scene of action, commenced a reconnoissance of the road for the selection of a suitable spot for a stand to be made against tlie invaders. lie decided upon taking a position at Cerro Gordo, where the higlnvay enters the mountain country. 1'he locality is thus described hv Mr. Mayer: "About seven leagues from Jalapa the edge of one of the table lands of the Cordillei'a sweeps down fi'om the west abi'uptly into this pass of the river Plan. On both sides of this i)reci])itou.s elevation the mountains tower majestically. The road winds slowly he close of r points in e president place to be eld; and a ing month 1 of 1824. a. the coast, cott, sailed uz, on the ning force surrender, or willing the hated I. A can- ng off the continued, apitulated, ruction of ;x, was the ig officers, nated that ;sand shot •rendered; sion of by at liberty General and nine ;ure scene ' selection der.s. He highway ed hy Mr. tie of the abruptly ri'ci])it(>us ids slowly THE 0ON«UE8T AND U.STOBY OP MEXICO. JOI .«d r„„gl,ly „l„„g ,1,0 «„„t M,, „,,i„,, ^,^^^ ^^^^ o.i.e. side .,. -o,.,„,otC;:'ri:^;;*fx ■ " ;;" ;;:: „„i,e »d ph,„gc dow„w„rdH S: i^-^^^S:, :t'''''''°';'';f •>»!» ad" j:;::r;r„:ra";.a't;tixf rr-' -'"r "^ -'"'"^ .l.ou,a,,dmonfeLl„»i;„A,r,rLLtTa:.:'T" ■■"'" '""f an attack. The fan.ouB battle of Oorro G„T' t!, "" '"'""f '^ centre and either flank h the f ' ' f , ."^ n""?™;'"^"'' "''"" "«= on, batterie.,, and cond e L u w ove d, ?"/™".*" """"'■ gave the a^ilant. a con,plete «o; i "'Z'!';, '" '"'f'"™' onen, were taken, among whom were Ave .t "' '"'"" hundred minor offleers JalZ !,T,..f ''''';.'""' ""•"'^ """ submitted without re. toatr A^ tl e"h "T '"'"'^ "'■'"'""■"" ->c, .hieh. with all i. .«n,ef;j:;:,i ,rs,.Zr;^f :? Genera. Worth, and „„ the 2%°orti:' e s t!": , 73,;:'''" =l^tt,:;rs;r:£H^ -= of >ts dofoncos, and to tl.c arousal hyeZl n ' .^ t """"'"? tbo natmnal hatred against the invudL A bin ^^'. , ^""^^^^^^ ^^ in w],ieh savao-e cruStv on i}JT. i ^'°"Jy g"enlhi warfare, attended the onward rnar .^^A « t" tl^ ''"''"^ ""^^'"■"- ______^ '^^"^ '^^"y > ^^" J the maintenance of the 202 TflK PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. garrisons and military lines of communication throughout the con- quered districts. While General Seott was stationed at Puebla, a negotiation was opened, by the assistance of the British minister, between the Amer- ican commissioner, Mr. Trist, and the Mexican president. Certain violent denunciations in a recent decree of congress against any who should propose or entertain any plans for the conclusion of a treaty with the United States, rendered both the president and the legisla- tive members exceedingly cautious respecting their movements in this emergency. The negotiation proved entirely fruitless, but it led to a singular secret correspondence between Santa Anna and the American commanding officers. The former made propositions for the appointment of commissioners to negotiate a peace, conditionally upon the placing at his own disposal of a considerable sum of money, and the promise of a much larger payment upon the satisfactory con- clusion of a treaty. General Scott, in accordance with the opinions of a majority of his principal military associates, consented to this first payment— amounting to ten thousand dollars— out of a "secret service" fund at his disposal, continuing meanwhile his preparations against the capital. As nothing of importance resulted from this correspondence, it remains merely a matter of curious inquiry whether the Mexican dictator was really influenced by any other motives, in his conduct relating to this affair, than by the hope of private emolument. General Scott's army, recruited to about the number of ten thou- sand men, by the middle of August lay encamped at Ayotla, Chalco, and in the vicinity, within the valley of Mexico, and upon the bor- ders of the marshy lake of Chalco. Santa Anna, who had collected three times this number of troops, had not been idle in preparing for the defence of every available route to the city. The exteiit to which arms and ammunition had been manufactured in the country to meet the exigency of the occasion, and the strength and scientific structure of the fortifications, ar.jused the admiration of those unac- quainted with the resources of the nation. After a thorough reconnoissance of the Mexican defences, the American commander-in-chief decided upon pursuing his march around the southern border of the hike to Tlalpam, or San Agustin, where the road joins the great southern highway leading to the capital. This position was accordingly occupied," little opposition having been experienced upon the route, on the 17th and 18th of THE CONQUEST AND IIISTORV OF MEXICO. 203 the month. The Mexican commander hiboured under the disadvan- tago of be.ng compelled to distribute his forces among the various forfficafons on either of the four routes by which General Scott might make a descent upon the city, and these posts were at such a distance rorn each other that several days must elapse before the mam body of the army could be concentrated at any threatened point CHAPTEE IXI?. "v'IrT:? 'V'' ^'^^^-«IS r^ANS THWARTEI. BY VALENCIA.— BATTLE AT CONTRER AS.— SEIZURE OP SAX ANTONIO.-BATTLE OF CHURUBUSCO.-NEOOTIATIONS.-' STORMING OF THE MOLINO DEL REY AND THE CAS. MATA.— OP THE FORTRESS OP CHAPULTEPEC — EVACUATION OF THE CITY. — ITS OCCUPATION BY THE AMERICAN FORC ES.— FIN AL MILITARY OP- ERATIONS.— TREATY AT GUADALUPE HIDALGO. Santa Anna, upon learning the movement of the Americans hastened to collect the detached divisions of his army in Ze To intercept the passage of the southern route to the eity^He took his own position at the hacienda of San Antonio upon the main ro.d and dispatched General Valencia to the defence of the llj oS^f; practicable route, that by San Angel and Cayacan, leading by a mule patl, across the rugged plain of lava called the Pedregai; and it the base of the western mountain range ° According to the arrangements of the Mexican commander-in-chief a vastly superior force could be brought into action at either poh^ where the invaders might attempt to force a passage; but his ph s were disconcerted by the disobedience and obstina^v of is , ubo'i nate. Valencia, in defiance of orders, n.oved southward w t h h i^ fo ees, and erected works of defence at Contreras, or pldi rn" between the Pedregal and the mountains; thus cutti . off coZu- n.ca ion with the army at San Antonio, a^d renderin^lnfcomnv "l nearly useless by the occupation of ground said to hav beeTp o nounced indefensible by competent engineers. ^ I he result proved the fblly of his conduct. On the 19th of Au- gust, one division of the American army, unaided bv eav airy or 20t THE rEOPLE'S BOOK OK ItlSTOUY. nrtillory, forced n piissago over tli(< rough plain of Inva, nrul attacked tlio Mexican fortiflcatioiis. Night caiiio on, with cold and heavy rain, lu-forc any ilcciMivo rcsnif, hut on the next morning the works wore Htonned, and a complete victory was gained by the Aincricians. 'I'lio M(!xican loss, of those who fell upon the field, or were taken ]u-iHont!rs, was not far from (Iftcen hundred, and great stores of artil- lery and small-arms, together with nudes, horses, &c., fell into tlio hands of the victors. The victory at Controras was hut the comtncnccmont of the bril- liant achievements of the American army on this eventful 2()th of Aligns!. Santa Anna, with a {)owcrfnl reserve, had np])roached tho scene of action during the contest, but too late to offer any eflectiml assistance. The works at the hacienda of San Antonio were forml and occupied by a masterly movement of the division under General Wocth, and the garrison of about three thousand men, in full retreat towards the capital, was met, and a second time defeated by the forces under Colonel Clarke, who had mado a circuit through tho Pedregal from tlie western road. At the village of Churubusco, on tho great road, hetweon San Antonio and the city of Mexico, strong military works had been erected. The convent of StNi Pablo, at that spot, was garrisoned and strongly fortified; the bridge by which the road there crosses a stri'am was protected by a "<.fc ik 2W7it;" and every thing connected with the locality offered advantages for a stand against the invadinir army. Little time was given to the Mexicans to collect and dispose their forces at this stronghold ere it was attacked with the greatest impetuosity. The hk de j>otit was forced at the point of the bayonet and, aOer several hours' hard fighting, the convent shared the .-jinio fate. A detachment under Generals Picrco and Shields had mean- time been engaged in making a detour to cat off retr(\it to the cap- ital. As the division of the latter approached the main road, it was encountered by some four thousand of the enemy. A severe en- gagement ensued, in which the fortune of the day was slill with tho Americans. The victorious troops under Generals Worth and Pil- low, after the reduction of Churubusco, continued to press on towards the capital; and, falling in with Shields' division, assisted in tlio punsuii of the fugitive Mexicans. The latter were now deprived of every means of defence by the sontliern route up to the walls of tlie city, and the ancient capital itself appeared already within the grasp of the American commander. tul nttftckod iitul liwivy tlio workH Airuiricriviis. wvro tak(!ii ro8 of artil- ill into tliu )f tlio hril- 111 2()tli of (mclicd tlio \y ell'octun! vcro furcal lor Qeucral full retroat ^ tliii forces 10 I'ed regal twoon San liiul Ik-cii garriHOMcd '(! crossoH a connected invading nd dispose lie greatest e bayonet 1 tlH> f-anic liad mean- to the (-ap- oad, it was severe en- il with the h and Pil- 3n towards tod in tlio ?privod of .'alls of the 1 the grasp • . " ».^;^.. Ji^~^T. GENERAL SCOTT. THE CONQUEST AND IIISTOKY OF MEXICO. 205 On the 21st, as General Scott was already engaged in arrangements for commencing an assault upon the city, proposals for an armistice were received from the Mexican authorities. Willing to spare fur- ther effusion of blood, and conscious of the extreme difficulty and danger of entering a crowded city, strongly built, and still contain- ing a large force of regular soldiery, the American commander-in- cluef wisely consented to the temporary cessation of hostilities for the purpose of negotiating a treaty that might end the war. In the beleaguered capital all was tumult and confusion The congress could hardly be said to exist, as many of its members had already left the city. Intrigues and private animosity precluded any combined and sober action, while an isnorant and infuriated mob continued to cry out for resistance to the last. The Mexicans had begun to lose faith in their president, and powerful parties were at work for his overthrow. In the negotiations which occupied the interval of truce, the American demands were considered extrava-ant by the Mexican commissioners and their superiors, and the Latter appear to have only sought delay, by means of which they micrht in defiance of stipulations, strengthen their works and reorgaiiize^r the defence of their city. General Scott therefore gave notice to the president, on the 6th of bopteinber, that hostilities would recommence on the followinrice of ceded territory; Mexican liabilities for the private claims of American citizens were to be assumed to the amount of three millions two hundred and fifty thousand dollars; and the faith of the United States was pledged to protect the northern Mexican frontier from Indian invasion. On the last of lAfay the ratification of this treaty by the Mexican congress left the belligerent nations at peace, and the United States' troops were withdrawn from the country. Perhaps in no instance in the history of the world has a victorious invading army remained so long in occupation of conquered territorv without proving a burden to the inhabitanL^^. 'J'iirougliout the campaign the provisions for the army were mostly {laid for at fair prices, and the only contributions drawn from the resources of tlic defeated nation, with the exception of some very moderate imi>osi- tions, to meet particular exigencies, were derived fi'om duties upon goods landed at the sea-porls in our possession. These duties were moreover, on an average, less in amount than those formerly levied by the ^lexican customs. The ex-))resident Santa Anna had, upon his own application, pre- viously received his pa.ssports, and permission from the Arexicau authorities and the American commander to leave the country. Ho sailed for Jamaica on the oth of the preceding month of April. General Ilerrera was soon after elected president of the republic. 1 su: C] 1 E can oper exte detai perfc little U] ■the ] pend Gulf by a sion. Calift depei such As assigr Leave Ilegf ance, able I wildei been i THE CONQUEST AND HISTOKY OF MEXICO. 209 CHAPTER IX?. SUMMARY OF NATAL OPERATIONS.— COLONEL KEARNEY'S PRO- CEEDINGS IN NEW MEXICO.— EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA- UNION OF COLONEL FREMONT WITH COMMODORE STOCK- TON.— KEARNEY'S ARRIVAL AT SAN DIEGO.— CAMPAIGN OF THE COMBINED FORCES.— DISPUTES BETWEEN THE AMERICAN COMMA NDERS.—COLONE L DONI- PHAN'S SERVICES.— MEXICO, SINCE THE CON- CLUSION OF PEACE WITH THE UNITED STATES. — RETURN OF SANTA ANNA, — DIFFICULTIES RELATING TO THE MESILLA VALLEY. Having now followed out the more important events of the Mexi- can campaign to the close of the war, we recur briefly to tlie military operations in the more remote provinces. The field" of action was so extensive, and so sparsely populated, that the adventures of the little detachments of American troops by which tho.se operations were perfortned, although replete with interest, had for the most part too httle bearing upon the grand result to require minute detail Upon the coast our navy had not been idle: besides its share in ■the reduction of the imi)ortant stronghold at Vera Cruz its inde- pendent operation resulted in the seizure of every port 'upon the Gulf of sufficient importance to justify retention, and, in the Pacific by a strict blockade, trade was cut off with those not in our posses- sion To the unfortunate conflict of claims, upon the occupation of Cnhfornia by the naval and miliary forces of the United State- depending upon martial technicalities, and in the discussion of which such infinite confusion has arisen, we can barely allude As early as June, 1846, Colonel Kearney, to whom was first assigned the duty of invading New Mexico and California, left Fort Leavenworth, with sixteen hundred men, en route for Santa Fe He gained possession of the capital of New Mexico without resist- ance, and having recruited his force by the collection of a consider- able body of emigrants, commenced his march through the western wilderness. Receiving intelligence while on the road that he had been anticipated in his intended military operations, he ordered the V^OL. III. — 14 210 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. return of the principal portion of his command, and pushed on with a small mounted company. That hardy pioneer and gallant officer, Captain (since Colonel) J. C. Fremont, was the first active agent in the reduction of California." In conformity with private orders from government, received in ifa}', 1846, he hastened from Oregon for the Sacramento valley. The American settlers in that region eagerly lent their assistance to the overthrow of Mexican authority. Few as were their numbers, this portion of the community made open declaration of indepeni' ence of Mexico, early in July, and just before the reception of the news of the opening campaign in Mexico. The revolutionary char- acter of the movement was at once abandoned, and the insurgents gladly devoted themselves to the cause of their parent-country. The ports of San Francisco and Monterey having been occupied by the naval forces of the United States, under command of Com- modore Stockton, Fremont joined his forces with those of that officer for the purpose of an attack on Los Angelos. The Mexican troops, under Caatro, abandoned the city, which was occupied without a struggle, on the 13th of August. In the following month. General Castro, with recruited forces, regained possession. General Kearney, (he had been raised to this rank on receiving his last commission,) with his little band, after a wearisome and dan- gerous march, reached San Diego towards the middle of December, having lost thirty-one men in killed and wounded at San Pascual,' where his progress was opposed by a mounted force of the enemy! The command would probably have been entirely cut off but for relief sent out from San Diego. General Kearney and Commodore Stockton, after some discussion as to their several powers and appropriate position in command, joined forces, and took up their line of march northward. At the banks of the river San Gabriel they encountered and defeated the Mexicans under Flores. That commander rallied his forces, and made a second stand at the level prairie of the xMesa. A second time compelled to retreat, he proceeded to the plain of Couenga to oppose the advance of Fremont. A parley was held between the respective commanders, and the Mexican general finally agreed upon a cessa- tion of hostilities. His troops were to deliver up their arms, and durmg the continuance of the war, to submit to the jurisdiction of the United States. The occupation of Los Angelos was resumed, and California remained subject to the American government. Colonel THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF MEXICO. 211 Fremont, having been appointed governor by Commodore Stockton became entangled in the-controversy between that officer and Gen- eral Kearney relative to their respective powers and duties in the occupation and government of the conquered territory. His loner and wearisome trial, during the winter of 1847-8, "on charcres of mntiny, disobedience, and conduct to the prejudice of good°order and military discipline," notwithstanding its unfavourable result appears to have left no stain upon his character, nor to have at all diminished his deserved popularity. At New Mexico, subsequent to the departure of General Kearney one of the first objects accomplished was the reduction of the Navahd Indians, who had assumed a hostile attitude. This service was per- formed by Colonel Doniphan, in command of a body of mounted Missourians. With this force he afterwards made his way to Chi- huahua, and having forcibly taken possession of the country, contin- ued his route to the Rio Grande. This march has been not inaptly compared, from its exhibition of endurance, and the skill and pru- dence with which it was conducted, to the famous "Eetreat of the Ten Thousand." The command of the forces remaining in New Mexico was at this period committed to Colonel Price, upon whose energy and courage the preservation of the province was soon to depend. A formidable insurrection broke out on the 19th of January, 1847, after the departure of Doniphan, which was not quelle^ without great sacrifice of life. The foregoing outline of the principal events connected with the war between Mexico and the United States, although confined to the leading incidents, may appear to have occupied an undue share of our attention, when compared with the preceding sketch of colo- nial history. The importance of the results of this war already wit- nessed, and the still more momentous changes to which it may probably lead, justify this apparent disproportion. Who can over- estimate the influence upon the destinies of the nations of either hemisphere consequent upon the extension of the jurisdiction of the United States over the recent wilderness of California? or who can offer a probable conjecture as to how long the immense resources of this new state might have remained undeveloped under the weak government of Mexico, occupied only by a scattered population, born and bred in national apathy and want of enterprise? Since the conclusion of peace with the United States the political 212 THE PKOPLK'S BOOK OF HISTOKY. history of tho Mexicun republic presents little of pcnnnnent interest. No stability of govcrnmeiit 1ms been yet attained: a "Moxiean rev- olution" has beeome a by-word: with crippled finances, a constant change of rulers, unceasing diHafVection among diilerent factions and provinces, and the decline of every source of national i)ros])erity, unless by some unforeseen concurrence of events her prosiKicts shall brighten, she must continue to decline until, as a separate state, blotted from tho list of nations. The strong arm, the subtle craft, and the iron will of Santa Anna, have recently been once more brought into requisition, to regulate and guide the disturbed affairs of the republic. If the same "confi- dence could be reposed in his good faith and patrigtism, as in his firmness and ability, no living man were better fitted to restore his country's languishing prosperity. He has commenced his administra- tion by prompt and decided measures for ensuring his own suprem- acy; whether his foreign policy, particularly in intercourse with the United States, is to be just and conciliatory, remains to be seen. A new disi)ute has arisen upon a question of boundary between this country and Mexico, which threatens to breed further di/lieulty, unless the controversy be conducted in a different spirit from thiit at first evinced by the governors of the contending provinces. The tract in dispute is the Mesilla valley, claimed by the authorities of New Mexico to have belonged to that province, and to have been conseguently included in the district ceded to the United States at the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, although by an erroneous survey laid down as part of tho territory of the adjoining Mexican state. The movements of both parties may perhaps be considered rather precipitate, in a matter which should certainly in tho first instance be made the subject of negotiation between the respective federal gov- ernments. It is to be hoped, however, that the hasty action which led to an armed occupation of the valley, may not so flir blind the minds of the parties in interest as to make that a question of feeling which should be one of right and policy; and that such action may be taken in the premises as shall avert the monstrous folly of au appeal to arms. CONQUEST AID HISTOKY OF PERU. CHAPTEH I. THE CAPITAL OP THE ISTHMUS TRANSPER RED TO PANAMA — ACCOUNT OP FRANCISCO PIZARRO.— HIS CONFEDERATES —HIS FIRST VOYAGE IN QUEST OP PERU.— RIE VOUS LOSS AND SUFFERING. — HIS RETURN.— THE VOY- AGE OF ALMAORO.— EXTRAORDINARY CONTRACT OP PIZARRO, ALMAGRO, AND LUUUE. The daring enterprise and indefatigable exertions of Balboa stunulatod by the rumour of golden realms on the Pacific, south of the sthmu.s, had laid open the way to those regions of conjectured wealth and splendor. The grand schemes of adventure and ambition winch had seemed to perish with him, were, after a brief interval revved by one fully his equal in genius, courage, and endurance! and, If possib e, his superior in fierceness, in rapine, and in cruelty Francisco 1 izarro, one of the most renowned and infamous of niankmd, was born at Truxillo, in Estrainadura, about the year 1471 He was the illegitimate son of Gonzalo Pixarro, an officer of the faiauus Cordova, and at his birth, by a piece of inhuman abandon- ment, was exposed at the ehurcli-door and left as a foundlin- Nav It .s said that for some days the oidy nourishment he received i'^ denved from a sow, which, in default of a more fitting nurse, was provided lor his sustenance. He was bred up to the calling of a swineherd, and never learned to read or write. It is from souls of high natural genius, degraded in youth by ignorance, privation, and unnatural Ignominy, that great criminals are most aptly made; and the candid observer will bestow a portion of his pity on the forlorn circumstances of T>iz..rro's youth, and a portion of his indignation 214 THE PEOPLK'S HOOK OF HISTORY. on the authors of those circuin.staiiccs, which in great degree made him wliat ho was. At ail early agQ ho ran away from his ignoble charge, and niado liis way to the Now World. Only occasional glimjwos are caught of his career, but they are such aa reveal sternness, endurance, and talent for command. Wo have already mentioned that he accompa- nied Jialboa and afterwards Aforalos on their memorable expeditions to the South Soa^ and that, at the command of Podrarias, lie had arrested the former, and brought him to Acla for execution. Soon after, the governor transferred his cai)ital from Darien, on tlio Atlantic coa.st, to a site on the Pacific, called Panama, some distance eastward from the present city of that name. In 1521, an expedition had been dispatched to the southward, in quest of the region of gold but it proceeded only a little way along the coast. The splendid achievements and wonderful successes of Ctjrtea, however, sooii gave a fresh impulse to adventure, and a few daring men, in the capital of the Isthmus, resolved on reviving the neglected enterprise of Balboa. Of these the foremost was Pizarro, who, after a life of great vicis- situdos, now, at the age of fifty, was cultivating a little estate near Panama; Diego de Almagro, also a foundling and an old soldier of fortune, was another; and Hernando de Luque, a priest, of an enter- prising spirit, and provided with funds by a wealthy friend, brought his important aid to the project. These three ob.scure and uninflu- ential individuals, after several conferences, resolved on prosecuting an enterprise, the magnitude of which, contrasted with the slender means of its projectors, sufficiently evinces their boldness and energy of purpose. This was nothing less than the discovery and conquest of that golden empire, the existence of which had first been indicated in the vague rumours of the Indiahs of Comagre, and which had afterwards occasionally been confirmed by authority no more exact or reliable. Two small vessels were procured, in one of which Pizarro, with a hundred men, in the middle of November, 1524, set sail, leaving Almagro to follow in the other, aa soon as it could be made ready. Crossing the Gulf of San Miguel, and following the coast, he first entered the river Biru, and made a disastrous attempt at exploring the marshes, of which the country ajjpeared entirely to consist. Foiled in this endeavour, he again stood southward, during the rainy season, through a succession of gales and thunder-storms, which well THK OONCiUEST AND IIISTOKY OF I'ERU. 215 nigli sent Lis frail bark to tho bottom. Tho sl.oro was still found to coM«,st of vast swamps and intricate forests. His men, worn out an.) half-hunished, were ehunorous for return, but tbcir conunan.ler .efused to rel.nartner, however, he turned northward, and rejoined him at his quarters near Panama. Exultant in the prospect of real- izing their ambitious project, each made fresh pledges to prosecute the adventure to an end. The countenance of Pedrarias had been secured, at the outset by admitting him to a share of the anticipated profits; but, thoucdAhe scheme now seemed more feasible than before, he obstinately refused to contribute any thing in aid of the enterprise; and greedy for pr.si.nt gain, relinquished his share in the future wealth of Peru on receiving a boiid, with security, for the pavment nf a thousand 216 TlIK I'KOl'LK'H HOOK Ob' II IS TO UV p>:^sos (twolvo thouaaiul dolliirs). This iiuiubuH romovcd, "the threo coiilodomtea mot at Paiiainn, ami with much form juui .solemnity cxociitcil that momorablo contract for the spoliation md divinion of tho unknown nmlm.s and treasures of the soutli. 'In the Name of the most Holy 'i'rinity,' eon)men(!os this singular document, 'Fatlicr Son, and Holy Ghost, three distinct persons, and one only true God' an,l of tho most Holy Virgin, our l.ady, wo lorm tliis partnership.' Neither VW.nrro nor Ahnagro could wHte, and their names, therefore were subscribed by tho haiuls of the witnesses; wiiilo, tho mtu'o strongly to bind them to its observance, thoy took tjath upon a jnissal, tracing a cross thoroon, in tho name of God and tho Holy l^lvaugelists. To mako all sure, tho worthy Father Luquo then administered the sacrament, giving each a portion of tho consecrated wafer, and taking tho aamo himself. So impressive was tho scene that the bystanders were molted to tears; but all these ghostly pre' cautions for amity and fair play eventually proved to be of no more value than is usual where solemn vows and lengthy protestations are used to cover lurking rivalry and distrust. (March lOth, lo2().)"* CHAPTSB IL S K X 1) V Y A (i |.; V r I Z A 1! I! A N D A I, M A (i I! . — T II l^, 1 1! S I' V r E II- INOS— FKKSII l)lS(M)VKI!li:s,~. UKTl'liN 0\' A 1, M A (li!0. — Til E KSLANIl OF (iAl.r.O— ItKSOI.niON OV I'IZAIiliO AM. TWKI.VK OTIli;iiS.— TIIKIl! DISCOVVMiY OP I'M li l'.— ITS Tl! K ASU I! KS — I'IZAIiliO lilM'AllIS TO SPAIN. — (JJiANT OF Till; CliOWN. KETl'liN OF ri/.AliliO UITII HIS IliiOTHliliS. THE T II I u I) F X r i: 11 1 r i o n r o r !■: li r , — ii \ t t i, f a t f v x a . With the funds furnislied bv Lnquo, two vessels were now fitted ont anew, nnd ellorts were made to enlist adventurers for the enter- pnse. Some diflieulty was experienced, on account of the fatal result ot tlie former expedition; but, singular to state, nearlv all the Mir- vivors again enlisted, resolved to see it to an end, and" enough more wore at hu^t enrolled to make up the number of an hundred and ♦ Discovi'iLTs, &i-., ol" Aiiierica. le tlireo 'lemnity iHioii of nrno of ' Futlier, 110 (u)(l, icrshij).' orofore, moro ujKin a Uoly then ecratcd scene, ■Ay pro- o more ODH are Hi.)"* -T]IE 1- V 1{ (it tod LMitor- result ' siir- more [ and THE C o N Q „ E „ o „ ov P E „ „. ASSASSINATED JDNK 2f,, ,541. '^' THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF PERU. 217 Sixty. AVith this insignificant force, supplied with a few }:orses and hre-arms, the two adventurers, each in uis own vessel, again se saU from Panama. ^^ ,tlu3ut touching on the coast, they 1 efd theTr way to the San Juan, where, by plunder of the native villages tly obtained a considerable quantity of gold. With this spoil ll'mTZ .as dispatched homeward to allure fresh recruits; Piza ro, with mrt of ,s force, remained on shore; and Ruiz, an experienced rH t p sued discovery southward. That voyager found the shores po hi Is and well cultivated, and gained fresh information of the wealth and splendour o Peru, where gold and silver, he was told, wle Intv as wood in the royal palaces. Having crossed the line, and ca.'ed from an Indian hum two natives of th-^t i-,-,, i . i^ip^urea pret^rs, he returned to .he etampleSr ^ ""' *" """ "' ""»'■ IWro, during his absenee, in a march through the tangled forests of the mtenor had lost many of his men from the attiteks of tl ! '*::;.r"^ e' :r:,'irs-:rdTS"r r" f '-^ " -^ con.e„ed to hury ...emi^rtW^lt'-s/rraTotdT msurerable annoyance of the musquiloes. Itevived by, h™', rn of Iiu,z and Almagro, (the latter with eighty reeruits Ul ev ! iul tempests, approached the shores of Quito Here ,. T,„ ;r t:^re^r:f v^tierr '-[ ^-^ -- -• The .soldiers, dreading starvation in this desolate scene w -3;^? sir ; rir'-'-'t °T-' vt:s.::::ss!a::3 Ihcir friend, d T "'""™'"''='-. wntriyed to send clandestinely to inoe, no. only „f„°id !™ l^^te":; Sle fo '' vL'::: but sent two ve«9ols ^^■n^.^r. ^ ei- "-^ihuinte to AJmagro malcontents fntihiy'dit;? l":„T4;;s sSd'" tI"^' ""■'": ""' °™"'' '^'°"' "-^l"-- -"•' privation ; but rizarro, encouraged 218 TlIK I'EOl'LE'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY. by a letter from his associates in Panama, pledging speedy assistance resolved to hold out to the last. Drawing a lino with his sword upon the sand, he addressed the men in a lew words of harsh but elucpient truth. "Comrades and friends," he said, "this side is that of death, of toils, of famine, of nakedness, of storms and homeless- ness; the other is that of ejiae: on that lies Panama and its poverty on this Peru and its riches. Let each man choose what becomes a good Castilian." Having uttered these memorable words, he stepped over the lino to the southward, and was followed by Euiz and twelve others— a number singularly great, considering the desperation of the n^^olve. A more signal instance of hardihood or perseverance is hardly to be found in history. After the departure of the vessels, the little band of resolute adventurers who remained, passed on a raft to the distant island of Gorgona, and there, for seven long months, suffering great extretni- ties, and sui)porting their spirits with frequent and regular religious exercises, watched wearily for the expected sail of Almagro. But the latter and his coniederate, after much delay and using everv exertion, could only prevail on the governor to allow the dispatch of a small vessel with orders to bring off the obstinate adventurers wlu) had ronuiined. But on its arrival, they joyfully embarked, and under the pilotage of Ruiz, at once steered southward. Crossing tlio line, at the end of twenty days they entered the Gulf of Guayaquil and behold before them the Peruvian town of Tumbez, backed by the Andes, and exhibiting strong tokens of wealth and population. The Indians, in multitudes, gathered on the shore to behold the stranger ship, and numbers soon came off' in their balms or native boats, bearing oilerings of fruit and several llamas, an animal before unknown to Kuropoans. Among these visitoi's was a Peruvian noble, to whom Pizarro, by an interpreter, explained that he was come to claim the alle<'-iance of the country in behalf of his master, the king of Spain, and to rescue the people from the perdition to which their evil spirits, which they called gods, were conducting them. However surprised at this impudent announcement, the chief preserved an attitude of discreet non-committal. A Greek knight, one Pedro de Caudia, was now sent ashore, where he was hospitably received, and soon returned to astonish his companions by the report ol' the treasures he had beheld. 'J'he Temjile of the Sun, to which he had been conducted, was covered, he said, with plates of gold and silver; and in the gar- THE CONQUKST AND IlISTOEY OF PERU. 219 dens of a species of nunnery, were fruits and /lowers, exquisitely represented ,n the same precious metals. Overwhelmed with joy at these weleome tu hngs the Spaniards weighed anehor, and stood along the coast to eHect fresh discoveries. They were every where treated with 'the greatest kindness and attenfon by the natives, who, from their fair complexions and bril- liant armour, gave them the name of "Children of the Sun "-their own most venerated deity. Fresh aceour.ts of the great Inca, whose capital, resplendent w.th gold, was said to lie among the mountains and fresh evidcr.ces of wealth and civilization, such as stone house and well-cultivated fields, continually cheered the spirits of the adventurers, and convinced thcni that they had arrived at last at the ong-sought region. After cruising to the ninth degree of south lati- tudc, they turned northward, and bore the brilliant tidings to Panama. face of these splend,,! omens of success, absolutely refused his coun- tenance to any new expedition, declaring that "he did not mean to deiHjpu ate his own province to people New Lands, nor to cause the death of any more people than had been killed already; for a show of Sheep (llamas) Gold, and Silver, which had been brought home " t was therefore resolved by the confederates that Pizarrofhould sail Spam and apply in person to the crown for assistance adequl he eiiterprise. Furnished with fifteen hundred duea^ to aid h ! suit, and bearing specimens of the production, of Peru, i^ the s«m- Z l.e,!S ::u:r^ -' '-'''- ^-'-^ *^« emperorCChanes V, Illiterate but eloquent by nature, he related his story, and pleaded h.s cause with extraordinary effect. The sovereign, f is sdd w4 n^oved o tears by the recital, and his interest and cupid y w" o powerfully awakened by the sight of the Peruvian treas re nd the p ospec grasping the unimaginable wealth of that distant re'iln to r;l:nd :;tl Tf""''/^''^' ^^^^^^^^^^ recommeiidatL:; nl 1 . r "^'''' ^""^ accordingly, after a year's delay u powe,, of discovery and conquest in a vast extend of countr; weie granted to ,m, with the ofilces of governor, captain-generl^ htd ? ''T'"'" ''''^'''''y' "^ '^'''' ^^-' vested in his f W :. fr ^'•"°" "^' ^"'l"^ b-'= acknowledged only by Hhght appointments. To secure the possession of these cl.gnit.es and privileges, howeve, he was boun . .mn ^[^2 220 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HiaTOEY. time, to provide two hundred and fifty men, and with them to sail for Panama. "With all the prestige of his new importance, the adventurer betook him to his native place, where many of his townsmen were found ready to embark in the enterprise. Among these were four of his brothers, of whom IlernaiKlo alone was legitimate, Gonzalo and Juan Pizarro owning the same parents as himself, and Francisco de Alcan- tara being connected with him only by the mother. All were men of extraordinary courage and resolution. The requisite funds were obtained with difficulty, and it is said that but for the opportune assistance of Cortes, with whom, as we have seen, Pizarro became acquainted at Palos, the scheme might have failed altogether. As it was, he was unable fully to complete his stipulated armament; and in January, 1530, with only a portion of the required force, hurriedly put to sea, and sailed for Nombre de Dios. Alrnagro and Luque, who were there eagerly awaiting his arrival, were exceedingly angered and disappointed at the perfidious conduct of their confederate; but he promised solemnly that all the terms of the compact should be fulfilled; and, a hollow truce being thus patched up, all betook themselves to Panama. Yery few recruits could be obtained at that place, and early in Januar}', 1531, with an hundred and eighty-three men and twenty- seven horses, in three vessels, leaving Almagro to gather reinforce- ments, Pizarro set forth to effect the Conquest of Peru. After a voyage of thirteen daj-s, he disembarked at the Bay of St, Matthew, a little north of the equator, and with most of his men, marched southward along the shore, accompanied by the vessels. At an Indian village in Coaque, which they took by surprii^e, these ma- rauders got a great booty in g-^ld and emeralds, part of which Pizarro sent back to Panama, as a'l allurement for recruits. The march proved excessively sever -tlie sun, in these low latitudes, striking with terrible power on the soldiers cased in steel armour, or half- smothered in their thick doublets of quilted cotton. Several per- ished on the way, and the remainder were much relieved by the arrival of a vessel from the Isthmus, containing supplies and a small reinforcement. Tiie invading force finally reached the Gulf of Guayaquil, and passed over to the isle of Puna, opposite Tumbez, where it encamped. The people of that city came over in a friendly wa\', to visit them, but the islanders, provoked by an act of hostility, gathering, to the THE CONQUEST AND HISTOKY OF PEBU. 221 number of several thousands atfnpl-P,l fi,« g • , a .,..d„.con...a «,H, .He; rtfp^tXt IvX^/r arms— a result attributed by the oietvof tl.^ ni .• .'"'^*^'^^,^"^^ "'^e* e.„nhc™,.„,e. Michael wL^r:^:,^^^^^^^^ angel,o ho*, %h.n,g i„ He air agai,„t a mul.itudnf d It rt»o defeat wa, s.mu taneou, wiih that of the Indian,. I„ honZ vo. .hse,„ent,, r„,ru jaftre:e:ti„t'' rsirCfgr-r despite their losses, the islandpr* «f;il ^ ■ . ■ , , "S"*^'- ■^^"» and'the Spaniards' hailed ^fhj^'hTl^r^r^^^^^^^ T'''' under Hernando de Soto, the future inv.de o F.^i ^^^^ i "'"' erer of the Mississippi. Thus stremtf ^ IP ^ ''"'^ '^"'°^- to the mainland, and pro eed at on- 1 • ' '"' '"'^^'^ *^ '^^^^^ the Conciuest of Peru '" ^'' ^'^''^"'^° undertaking- CHAPTER III. in the refinements of social^^^s f:!^:;^ZZ oA,rV"^' cans; but wide dissimilarities evi.hvl h\ , '^ ^^''-'''■ - traces of a common r.n^^^ ^^ "'^^-"«. -^^ between them, have been diseo^-er'd n ' ""^ ^-'^rnunication given 1„ the old .Z^Z^ 1 s^X"^' '' 'T"''" '^ evinces a greater de<.ree of o, " , '' repuhivo, and tl^at presented of the ^ordiuLo ■^^'"'^T''. ""^^ ^"^'*"^*' ^'^^^" is true that by the i " h l^fr f .T' ""'" ''" ^^^-'^-"--- ^t no room was left for^n tiV fe'^ver,„nent of the Ineas, of individual ;,>l;'7br^ 'T'^'T "^ ''' ^•'^ developmeni -r the general U^L^nZt;^^!: ^^^^ ^ - "P'li rmcnt. Agrarian laws — I 222 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. liave never been maintained for any length of time, except in Peru where a yearly division took place of the portion of the soil not reserved for the use of tlie church and the government. The perfection and exactitude of this extraordinary system, con- sidering the variety of races and the vast extent of territory subject to the Peruvian monarchs, are almost incredible. It was unques- tionably "the most perfect specimen of a 'paternal despotism' which has ever been presented to the eye of the world. The inca was absolute, and all the inhabitants of liis vast dominions did not pos- sess the shadow of a right or law apart from his sovereign will. Nor was this portentous assertion of authority a mere instrument of terror produced only on state occasions, to overawe the refractory or min- ister to the caprice of the sovereign. It formed an integral and engrossing portion of the life of every man, woman, and child throughout the Peruvian domains. Industry, food, clothing, shelter, domestic relations, amusements, every thing, were under the direct siijiervision of government. No one was allowed to be idle. No one was permitted to suffer from want. Education, marriage, social intercourse, wore all under strict regulation. In such a place the subject must reside; such and such work, at stated times, he must perform; at such an ago he must take a certain wife; and he must bring up his children in a fixed and certain manner. 'The impera- tive spirit of despotism would not allow them to be hiippy or miser- able in any way but that established by l.iw. The power of free agency— the inestimable and in-born right of every human bcin regulated by govern JLiiJr ™ '■"''•"''""^ •>»' ^"-"'^ stored in extensive cMp ." rpo^ h J^ rjotT'T""' "'''"'' ""' ties of provision were aeeunfuhte in ,h "'""'"■'"' I""""" .naehi„..r/a:d t:,': sr^''^^ wh'oi:7T' "'•' ^"■" ve.ed b, broad and eonvenientlgi:;:^: , 'r^- - 224 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOBY. which the most disheartening obstacles were successfully overcome. The main road from Quito to Cuzco, and thence to the soutliern portions of the kingdom, was led along the mountain ridges for a distance estimated at not much less than tw« thousand miles. It was massively built of stone, or hewn out from the native rock, and, although only about twenty feet broad, afforded a smooth and easy passage between the great cities, for foot-passengers or trains of loaded llamas. The highway second in importance was conducted through the level plains, parallel vath the sea-coast, and consisted of an embankment, or causeway, lined, where the soil was fruitful, with ornamental trees and shrubs. All these public works, as well as the massive palaces and religious temjjles, of hewn stone, seem the more marvellous when we consider that the materials were wrought without any iron instrument, as the Peruvians, like the Mexicans, had no harder tools than those manu- factured from an alloy of copper and tin. It may be readily perceived what immense facilities were afforded for military opei'ations by these roads, and by the granaries which were built and stored at regular intervals throughout the routes. The government pursued a warlike policy towards neighbouring nations, and the successes of the Peruvian armies resulted in vast additions to the empire. Wlien a province was subdued, the first steps taken were to introduce the national worship of the Sun, to establish the laws of Peru, giving to the conquered people equal privileges with their conquerors, and to introduce colonies of Peruvians into the new country, by whose association and example the natives mifrlit the sooner perceive the advantages of quietly submitting to the des- potic but paternal care of the inca. The native nobies and governors were often continued in oflice, and conciliated by favours and lion- ours, and a decent respect was })aid to the religious belief and pop- ular usages of the newly-acquired territory. In the conduct of the complicated machinery of government, ref- ularity and precision were maintained by a sj)ecics of record, crude indeed, as compared with a written language, but ingenious, and well adapted to secure accuracy in numerical computations. This was the "quipu," which consisted simply of a series of Variously coloured threads, attached at regular intervals to a cord. Knots tied in these threads, according to a certain prescribed order, sup])lied all the requisite means for registering the pojnilation of the country, the births, deaths, and marriages, the public resources, the revenue, and TIIKC0NQUK8T AND HISTORY OF PERU oven a clironological liistory of the emi)iro Ar^ ti.o,c vc.,,„j in .,,„ an,,„^vi„:„ r:;2™r,r'«'"''«p' cultivable lands was sequestered Jthe u o ot th"/ f ,"' "" ample revenue was furnislied for ti« * "^ '=''"''°^'' '''' of Ihe most magnifieerelt td Th" "'" '"' ^'"^"'"^"* priesthood. Chief amon^ thishor ^ T^'^"'' "^ ^ ""^«''°»« Leendants from tlTr yal lei ^st^^^^^ '" V '^' "^"^^'^ ^' ciated personal,, on grei aTd t lte""„f"-'^' ^'l^ ««^- objects of adoration were the sun and thT« i- ' ^"""'P''^^ stars; but we are told that beti Z'tl ^^^ ^^^o^dmate moon and and ;„perior to t'em a^ tt GoV^^^^^^^^^^ invisible ereator of all d;i " i\lt7T ""'' "'°^^' "' ''^' ancient date, standing in rXLart/'^ V-""''' *^"P'^' «^ devoted ; but for various reaso.^l 1 ; P''''"* '"^ °^ ^""«' >^a« orthe religion of ri^Jt^^^ :^^^^^^^^^^^^ a theology more ancient than the date of thlTr o '"''"■l"' "^ writers give minute and tedious deser nt on r P "^"''''- ^""'^^ rites and ceremonies, details ^^TL^^rZTJlT' ineamng and origin are no longer to b! asee" ed' "" '"* ^'^" The national traditions concerning ihf^ nnn. gress of civilization in Peru throwTiftl! l Z "'''''^'''' "^'^ P^^ tion. The mythoWical 7ol.nT p . ^^ ' ''P^" "^"^'^^'^ «P««»la- Capac. a chil'd ofX L^S;: tifT '' ''^ T"^^ ^^"- Uuaco, was said to have f m Sted T e . '"'" .^^"' ^^"^ and taught the arts of a^ricritre and 1 f f '^ «>-"i-^tion, inl-abitunts of the vale oTcuzco T "''''f'''^''' '^ the barbarous «toclcasd,stinctasrol iblewlha "oftrr '""7^ ^'^ ^^^^^ in later times, always married 1.1; *^^", f "^'"^"'''Ity, the inca, ..on was stritly P^^St^Ln ^^^^or ::nr"^^"^^^ Yupunqui, father to IZv! r '"'' 7'*^ '^'^ '^'^n of Topa Inca ti- of\; first spi:i:r;^^^^^^^^^ ^^-- - the America. Under these t.wn w^j ,^' ZlJl T t"" '°'''^* "^ ^^^^^ warlike monarchs the Peruvian territorv III. -Jo 228 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OK HISTOKY. wns extended from i\w. country of tlio unconquerftblo Araucanians in southern Chili, to the nortliern confines of modern Kquador. The latter province was subdued by lluayna Capac, who established himself at Quito, its ancient capital, and formed a connection with the daughter of its last native prince. He died about a year after the first expedition of Pizarro, and by tlie regular laws of descent his whole dominions should have passed to his legitimate son, Iluas- car. ' Atahuallpa, his son by the princess of Quito, possessed, how- ever, so strong a hold upon his affections, that he had determined to bestow upon him that portion which had belonged to his maternal ancestors. The two princes commenced their reigns with favourable auspices for long-continued peace, but, in the course of a few years, mutual jealousies and encroachments involved the country in a fierce civil war. Atahuallpa marched for the ancient capital of tlie incas, deter- mined, if possible, to dethrone his brother, and constitute himself solo monarch of the Peruvian empire. At Ambato, near the great moun- tain Chimborazo, only sixty miles from Quito, he was encountered by the forces of Iluascar, and a severe engagement ensued. Atahu- allpa was completely successful, and having annihilated his oppo- nents, pressed on to the southward, wreaking terrible vengeance on the revolted province of Cafiaris. Another great and decisive battle was fought in the vicinity of Cuzco, and the unfortunate Iluascar found himself stripped of his kingdom, and a prisoner in the hands of his rival. The successful invader established himself in the village of Caxamalca, the modern Caxamarca, where he still held his court when Pizarro landed on the Peruvian coast. Although he had no open opponent to his schemes of aggrandizement, the whole country was necessarily in an unsettled state, and he was in no condition to make a successful defence against the handful of fierce and warlike adventurers who came to lay waste his territory, and deprive him of power, liberty, and life. The remainder of the native history of Peru is but a mournful detail of the effects of foreign oppression, cruelty, and avarice. On several occasions the miserable aborigines, reduced and degraded as tliey were by ages of cruelty and oppression, rose against their enslavers, and fought for their liberty with all the courage of desperation. As late as the year 1781, one Jose Gabriel Condorcanqui, a lineal descendant of the old line of incas, headed a formidable insurrection against the Spanish authorities. The numbers of both races who TIIKCONQirKST AND HISTORY OK PERU. 227 perished in this civil wiir bpfnrfl flm ,.«^., »• „ , ally „„w„ „, Tupac A™.,, .h„ ,^.„,„t ; h « "1 r'T' wa. ,i„„,l, ukcn prisoner, and w„ puu'icl, ,„ Sd 1'^ ,7''^' CHAPTER I?. P U A R R L A N D 8 A T T r w u D ■/ ».S»F» THE AM.S^Zr^;" "";"»""« '"*- HISHE8BRVE.— STUKNOTH OP THE PERUVIANS. A P»rt,of I„i„. ave ,;;l::V„ : :e;wt:tt'"°''"''°'• r«l,imated, it is said, by a note writi™ nlT , P°" '""■" oo.n^...at it eoL. re\r a^^r r t::Let i^ ^^^^^ ated by gentle treatment i f ^^'' '^^"^"^ ^« ^""'''ili- wasm'd?i:th n^ proclarnation, at every village, the emperor and the pon^ ^'^^^^^^^^^^ '""^ eccles,,.st,cal supremacy of ing a word of the rnvX^l " '?'' *^^""°'^ ""* comprehend- consent, werfdulyeZ d^^^^^^^^ their silence being held for leagues south of Tumb .5 ^ "Tj "' "'^"^ ^' ^P'^'"' Tln'rty of his vow San Mirelnnl T 'V'^' "''^'"^^' ^" ^"^^^"^^"t region, distritlS I 'n^tr s^:f , "^'T '' '^ '^"^"^"'"°^ assigned was. "that it wouTd rfdtndr H '% n^^' ^""°" - of the natives themselve^" / '" *' "';['?;' ^°'' f "^^^ tain the settlers, and that tl.o Pi,.- r ■ , ' '^^ ""°^* «"^- our Holy Faith" Con!; ilnir',""'"''' 'ndoctrinate them in the troops. Srro ': i^Uhff to '1 f ,^-" -^^'-^ ^y 1 i.uaaea them to send back to Panama, as a 228 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOBT. means of enticing fresh volunteers to share the arduous enterprise in which they were engaged. In this marcli lie had learned much of the state of the country, and the reports of its wealth had been confirmed beyond all reason- able doubt. He now resolved to set forth on a visit to the Inca Atahuallpa, probably with no definite ideas of immediate conquest, but from eager desire to behold the extraordinary state and riches, with glimpses of which his imagination had been so long- inflamed. Leaving a small garrison at San Miguel, on the 24th of September, with the Vemoinder of his little army, he set forth in quest of the distant and unknown capital of the Peruvian monarch. After a march of five days through a most beautiful country, cultivated with the perfection of agricultural skill, he halted, and with politic bold- ness, invited all who were averse to the expedition to return. Only nine accepted the offer, and the rest, by declining it, were irrevoca- bly pledged to prosecute the adventure. With an hundred and sixty- eight men, a third of whom were cavalry, he continued his march to the mountains. At a place called Zaran, he halted for a week, and dispatched De Soto to a Peruvian military post, further on. That officer, on his return, was accompanied by an emissary from the inca himself, bear- ing presents for the Spanish general, and a friendly message, inviting him to court. By the aid of interpreters much civility was exchanged, and a courteous answer Avas dispatched to the Peruvian court. A few days' march brought the Spaniards to the foot of the Andes, behind which, at the town of Caxamalca, they were informed, Ata- huallpa, with his army, lay encamped. An easy and level road, leading to Cuzco, the Indian capital, con- trasted with the terrors of the ascent, and the dangers which might lie beyond, caused many of the soldiers to waver in their resolution; but Pizarro, with his customary eloquence, urged them on, entreat- ing that they would not expose themselves to the contempt of tlie inca by drawing back, and assuring them that the Lord would ever be found fighting on their side. The march up the mountain proved toilsome and dangerous in the extreme, the cavaliers being compelled to lead their horses along frightful ledges and precipices, where a single mis-step would prove destruction; and where a few resolute men might have withstood their march altogether. They also suffered greatly from cold. At night they lodged in a strong fortress of stone, and at day break resumed the march. A friendly embassv from the THE CONQUEST AND IIISTOKY OF PERU. 229 inca, bearing presents, met them on the wav nn.l oft march of seven days, deseending with dSltv 1 ' "'•'°'"' thej came in view of CaxamaJca ^ '"^'='^ ''''''^> That citj, inhabited bv a refinprl on^ ,-v,/i ^ • ams; and at the hot ba^hs a lea-np ri;=fo V ^ -^ ™°''''*- • 1 . ""'"^ 'i league distant, was encamnnd th^ ;„ penal armv, covering the hill.^ifU.= fx. -i '*.=' ^''^'impcU the im- cotton, /'feeling Icltyt^^'XZ,^ '"T °V"°"^ visilois. "So many did thev »„n!!, » ™ "'^ audaciona ecrtain we were fllfed wi h dreT for T^T "' "'?' ""'"' '"' tlie Indians eould have held ^ n / """" "^"""^"■^ """ pitched with such skill rt.e hS where f """' "^ "" """^ '""''■ the Indies, and ca.sed in all it Sm 1""" """"' '"=''°"= '="" '" howbeit, it would neve" have dte to ,1*"^"' '■"".'""'' '=°''f"™"-- recoil, for if „„y sim of weT I ^ "• °' '" "«" '«"■■" '» -cdintfthevalleXt^^^^ The town was deserted, and Piznrrn fnH^, i • great square, dispatched lis brot ^11; fjl^ '" ^'^^ few of the cavalry, to the camn nf tl r ' '''"' ^' ^^'-^ ^"^^ « lightsummer-ho'e, .t tL bad. t :: Tn '-^ ''^ ^""^^ '^^ ^ low cushion, surrou'nded by 1 s l^s T f ""'' "^^1 °" ^ he w^re on his forehead tl.Lrimson L«" f ' ?' ""^^^^' ^"' imperial dignity. Uls demc^ rCltr/; 'el^^^^ r""^^'" '' even apathy. Without dismounti^ t I V . ""''' ""^ native interpreter named Fe lin .V ^7t '"'''''^'•^' ^^ '^^ included aciunts of tUgr^r^^^ ^"^^"^' "^'^^ of instruction in the Foith Tnd L / ^7 ™""''''^' P^°^^^''« Spanish camp One of ^ nit 1 ^^"'''. °^ '" ''"^'''^ ^'^^^ ^^ ^he , 1 11 ' ^"^ "^"^^s answered, "it is wpll-" K„f A* iHialipa preserved an appearance of entire a ntl v .n 1 ' " ■' ne.« till Hernando entreated a persorn ren v U u»conscu,us- Bmile, he turned his head, and !Z^ "Til"' "'^^ ' f'''' keeping a fast, ' -- the - - , w.r uui speed of his animal. Returning in 230 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HlSTUliY. full career, he reined the impatient charger short upon his haunches, so near the person of the inca, that the foam from his mouth lighted on the imperial garments; but Atahuallpa still preserved a demean- our of calm and almost unconscious apathy. Returning, the emissa- ries dismayed their companions with an account of the power and state of the inca, and the formidable number of his army — an alarm- ing report, fully confirmed at night by the sight of iunilmerable watch-fires in the camp of the Peruvians. CHAPTER?. CRUEL AND AUDACIOUS SCHEME OF PIZARRO. — THE VISIT OF THE INCA. SCENE AVITH THE FRIAR VALVERDE. TER- RIBLE MASSACRE OF THE PERUVIANS. — SEIZURE OF THE INCA. — HIS FORTITUDE. — PLUNDER OF THE CITY AND CAMP. — EXTRAORDINARY OFFER OF RAN- SOM. — THE MURDER OF HUASCAR. Whether Pizarro had undertaken his march with any definite purpose of violence or attempted conquest, it is not easy to conjec- ture; but, his followers once placed in a position whence there could be no retreat, he resolved on a course the most audacious, perfidiou.s and perhaps hazardous that could be conceived. This was notliin-^ less than to follow the daring example of Cortes in that conquest which doubtless seemed a model to all adventurers of his day— to seize the person of the inca, and thus at once to secure the obedi- ence of his realms. He neglected nothing which could animate the courage, rai)acity and fanaticism of his soldiers; and the chaplains of the expedition, well knowing the fearfully hazardous nature of the attempt, spent the whole night in "discipline" (self-llngellation, it would seem), in weeping, and in prayer "tliat God wouldliward due success to his most sacred service, the exaltation of the faith, and the salvation of .such a number of .souls!" Pizarro then made his f)rce "a right Christian har/mgne," and all rai.sed their voices in the solemn chant, "Arise, oh Lord, and judge thy cause!" "One might have suppo.sed them," .siys Mr. ProscoU, "a company of martyrs, about to lay down their lives in defence of THE CONQUEST AND IIISTOEY OF PERU. 231 their fuith, instead of a licentious band of adventurers, meditating one of the most atrocious acts of perfidy on the record of history!" These pious prehminaries adjusted, Pizarro posted them, sword in hand, m the numerous halls and passages opening into the square with orders, at the discharge of a musket, to rush forth, and make an indiscriminate slaughter of the Peruvian nobles. All day these fierce and cruel men, in a fever of impatience, re- mained on their arms-for the inca did not take up his march till noon, and the cumbrous pomp of the imperial progress delayed his journey so long that he proposed to defer his entrance until niornincr 15ut an artful message from Pizarro induced him to proceed and surrounded by an immense crowd of nobles, resplendent with golden ornaments, he approached the city. At the gate-way, as a token of good faith, he ordered all his attendants to lay aside their arms "A little before sunset, he entered the great square, borne on a si)Ieiidid throne of massive gold, overshadowed with the plumes of the guy birds of the tropics. Before him went four hundred menials clearing the way, and singing their national chants, 'which in our ears,' says one of the Spaniards, 'sounded like the Songs of Hell ' Prom liis lofty position, the inca calmly surveyed the multitude of his followers, who formed around him in courtly order When about six thousand of them had entered the square, he looked around itiquinngly, and said, ' Where are the strangers?' At this word came forward the reverend Father Valverde, Pizarro's chaplain, with a crucifix in one hand and a breviary in the other, and made a Ion- harangue, commencing with the Creation, and thence proceeding through the fall of Adam, the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrec- tion, the appointment of St. Peter as God's vicar on earth, the apos- tolical succession of Popes, the bull in favor of Castile, and endin- logically with a formal demand that the inca should submit his spir° itual guidance to the Pope, and his temporal allegiance to the kin- of Spain. All this was duly translated by the interpreter, Felipillo" who, by way of expounding the doctrine of the Trinity, explained to his royal auditor that 'The Christians had Three Gods and One God, making Four in all.' '"To the which words,' says a bystander, 'and much besides that the Reverend Father said, he remained silenc without returning a reply. He then said lie would see what God had commanded" as he was told, m the book; so he took the book and opened it, and looked It over, examining the form and arrangement.' lie next held 232 THE PEOrLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY. it to his ear, nnd saying contemptuously 'this tells ine nothing,' flung it angrily away. 'I'hen, with a couutenanee flushed with emotion, he made answer to sueh portions of the address as he had been able to com{)rehend. lie would be no man's tributary, he said; and as for the great j^riost beyond the waters, he must be nu\d to talk of giving away countries whieh he had never seen. Nor would he change his faith. The God of the Christians, according to their own account, had been slain by his own creatures, but the eternal Sun, the great Deity of Peru, still shone on his glorious and beneficent course through the firmament. Excited by the insults he had received, he declared that the Spaniards should render a strict account of their doings in his territories. The di.scomlited friar, seeing the ill suc- cess of his eloquence, picked up the book, bowed his head, and hivs- tencd to Piziirro. 'Did you see what passed?' he cried— 'while we waste time in fooleries and arguments v/ith this dog, full of pride the square is fdling with Indians. Set on them at once! I absolve you.' The fatal gun, the signal of slaughter, was fired, and the S[)aniards. horse and foot, rushed furiously irom their lurking-places. 'J'akcn by surprise, utterly unarmed, and bewildered by the unwonted discharge of artillery and fire-arms, the unliaj)py victims were slauidi- terod without the slightest means of resistance. The nobles, with afiecting devotion, flung themselves before their master, to receive the blows of the nmrdorers, and, by clinging to the legs of their horses, and striving to pull the riders from their saddles, for some time, kept back the press from his jierson. But they died by hun- dreds around him, and Piicarro, darting through the throng, seized his captive with his own hand. A most wanton and merciless slaughter was still kept up, and did not cease till the shades of night blinded the assassins, and 'Till' iiaiid wliieli slew till it ooiild sliiy no more W;is glued to the sword-hilt with Indian gore.' ■\Vithin less than an hour, four thousand of the unarmed and harm- less multitude that had so gaily entered the .square, with their songs and their holiday attire, li;y nmrdered on the pavement. A more atrocious and unprovoked massacre is not recorded in history. Not one of the Sjianiards liad ncei/ed an injury."* Atahuallpa, with true Incuan stoieism, despite this tremendous reverse and all its appalling concomitants, maintained his accustomed ♦ Discoverers, Sic, of Anierieiu THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF PERU. 233 serenity. As he sat at supper with the victor, he remarked simply, 'I IS ho fortune of war," but no expression of emotion escaped hi^ statue-hke hps, or betrayed itself in the nsual stern gravity of his face 1 he next day, the prisoners, of whom a great number had been taken, after having been compelled to cleanse the square and bury the corpses of the victims, were mostly dismissed. Numbers however, were retained by the Spaniards as attendants; and the army of the inca, terrified at the seizure of their sovereign and the massacre of the nobles, gradually melted away and dispersed without any attempt to avc;ige the outrage. The plunder of the city and the camp was exceedingly valuable, and it is said that in the royal mag- azines the quantity of fabrics delicately wrought in wool was suf- flcient to freight several ships. The captive inca espied a hope in the greediness for gold with wWch he saw the invaders possessed; and he offered, if Pi^-^rro would re ease him, to cover the floor of the apartment in which ley stood with gold. Seeing the indecision of his captor, he redoubled his oflers, and standing on tiptoe, pledged himself to fill it with the preoous metal as high as he could reach. Pi.arro, hoping, at least to secure a portion of this magnificent bribe, at once accepted the proposition, and a line, nine feet from the floor, was drawn around the room, which was twenty-two feet long and seventeen broad A smaller apartment was also to be twice filled with silver, and a solemn contract, assuring the inca his liberty on payment of this unheard- of ransom, wns drawn up. He issued orders, forthwith, to his officers that the golden ornaments from the palaces and temples throughout the empire, should be sent to Caxamalca. The ill-fated Iluascar, who was confined in a city not far distant, now, by allurmg offers, endeavoured to secure the favour of the Span! lards, hoping by their means to regain the throne; but Atahuallpa. with a dark and cruel policy, availing himself of the power ve remaming in his hands, avenged the attempted intrigue by an order for his secret execution. He was privately drowned in the river t^^^{'T'^ 1 ^'?'"'' '"^^'""^ '^'' ^''' ^''-^^ -variably sel cted by the royal authors of such deeds, affected deep sorrow and laid all the blame on his officers. ""I'ow, 284 THE PBOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. CHAPTEH ?L THE EXPEDITION TO PACHACAMAC. — THE SPOILS OP CtTZCO. DIVISION OF IMMENSE TllEASUUE. — THE ATROCIOUS TRIAI,, SENTENCE, AND MURDER OP ATAHUALLPA. — HYPOCRISY ' OF PIZARRO, — REFLECTIONS. — FATE OF THE MURDERERS. IIerxando Pizauro, with a small force, was now dispatched to Pachacamac, the Peruvian Mecca, a liundred leagues distant. On tlie way he was struck with admiration at the massive excellence of the road, the innumerable herds of llamas which pastured in the hills, and the frequent signs of industry and dense population. The treasures of the temple, however, had been removed by the priests and the only satisfaction he had was in the destruction of their most venerated idol, lie also ("in defliult of a better," he modestly re- marks) made a sermon to the people, and taught them the sign of the cross, as a charm against the devil. He then marched to Xauxa whore a portion of the Peruvian army lay encamped, under Challcu- chima, the inca's chief general; and that commander, to' secure whose person the Spaniard was anxious, willingly accompanied him to Caxamalca. In spite of Indian stoicism, the old chief was affected to tears at the sight of his impri-soned master. "Would that I had been here!" he exclaimed; "this would not then have happened." Great quantities of gold, in plates or wrought into ornaments con- tinued to pour into the Spanish camp; and, at the instance of Atahuallpa, Pizarro dispatched a small embassy fo Cuzco to secure the treasures of that ancient cai)ital of the incas. Borne on the shoulders of the nati\-os for six hundred miles, these emissaries apparently a coarse and brutal-minded set, arrived at the city, where they were bewildered with the sj)lendour of its treasures — though not to such an extent as to preclude their instant seizure of all that appeared portable. Seven hundred plates of gold were stripped from the Temple of the Sun alone, and with eight hundred Indians, Indcn with gold and silver, they took their way back to the Spanish camp. ^Meanwhile, Ahnngro, with a reinforcement of two hundred men, had arrived at San Miguel, and on learning tiio startling events whicli h;i(l transpired, hastened, with liii, command, to the camp at Caxamalca. (Fobruar^^, 1533). THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF PrRu. 235 Though the room was not quite filled with gold to the stir.ulated he.ghM'izarro thought ,t prudent to satisfy the elan.ours of I is n^n by an ™medmte d.vKs.on of the spoil. A fifth part was set asid! for the Spanish sovereign, and with it were selected some sple dhl specnnens of Peruvmn art^among them beautiful imitationiof the Luhan eorn, the ear being composed of yellow gold, and the husk partly open, with the beard or tassel, of silver' With the^e lit nando was to proceed to Spain, and fortify the interests of his family at court The remainder of the treasure was mostly melted lo bar, and It. value, on estunation, proved equal to that of fifteen nnlhons of dollars at the present day-being the greatest amount oJ plunder, m proportion to the number of marauders, ever acquired by n^htury violence. The share of Pi..arro, including the thron of the inea, formed of solid gold, amounted to nearfy a million. The cavalry received an hundre trance. Almagro and his people were not permitted to receive more than a nominal share of the spoil. Meanwhile, the inca wa. still d'ctained in captivity, and was even secured with a chain; while Pizarro darkfy r volved the Ta'sof n ding himself of one who could yield him' no further s rvice and whose very ex^tence. considering the devoted loyalty of his pe'ol was a source of constant uneasiness to his gaolers Atahn.lln! V' treasure distributed, haJ earnestfy demandrlTs^hbel ^^^^^^ Z Spanish general, with a vile affectation of good faith, which makes his treachery and cruelty more hideous stUl, caused his nota^to execute a full receipt for the stipulated ransim. But p'telff r the destruction of the unfortunate sovereign was already'p pa J" nd Pizarro to secure himself from interference, dispatehifDe Soto' avaher of L,gh qualilies, and a friend of the intLded vi^tL on d,stant expc.l:t,on. lie then taxed his captive with a pre tended plot for u.surn.t,on, and the latter, secretly alarmed, but w h n -r of gayety, replied, "You are always jesting with n e. A ," Jt::Lf;£;/^^^\-t:^ -— ---..-^ -^ - at, , . amazed, says Pizarro, in his account to see such cunning in an Indian." account. Nevertheless, a villanous indictment, charging the prisoner with -at y usurpation, adultery, and intended insurrection, was 21 e ty l,acnedup-.-a badly-contrived and worse-written ioeu n -' ->s a Spanish contemporary, "devised by a factious and unpr nei- 236 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. pled priest, n clumsy notary without conscience, and others of the like stamp, who were all concerned in this villany." On the strength of this shameful inst,i'.,i( ni, ri/.urroand Almagro, sitting as judges, with the assistance,,*; the i ' nl-rous Friar Vulverde, went through the mockery of a trial. The testimony of Indian witnesses, (falsified by the interpretation of Felipillo, a creature of Pizarro's, and a jier- sonal enemy of the inca,) was taken, and judgment was given that the victim should be burned alive the same night in the square of Caxamulca. The honourable remons!trnr,.< . ..f '' .uch efi^t, upon t^thick rl^^J^^J^^'^l,:;^ was great, on perceivino- fmm th^ t, j i ■ ? -^"eiraistiess and wielding a lo,,/Ll Itir"*'""^''''™*'''^ "™"'"'. were »„„„3,ed b, showe. of S f C HeZ rVv" '^*""' m the night, after desperate figh,i„J t^k i.T °' ^ " 'rPV* flnng hin,.elf headlong from the s™Li! ' ^« "" ™ '" ""'■ hundred, none of horn htw/verr '.T""'''® '" ""■ '" f"" a.taeked and mostl/cur^^iXcordm l" ?""""« "■ ''°'"« forces of the Peruvians PiVll ^o ,nsxORV OK PEKU. 243 savage recesses of the A^ IhII f 7'" ''"'■'■■''' '" ""' lying at inu^rval, fron, I^ L,,ll ^ " "^^ ""--' ""'' '"'■ ™« '-SO on .,,„ Span? ds'dp;:™::™' '«"'"'*'' tortured to death one of ,l,e wiv s "f t.^ ,,,""• "'' "'""^^^• «:r!cr^on,r-''"'^^^^^^^ 244 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY. r I! of Peru appeared completely overawod by the continually-increasing force of the Spaniards. The country, of course, from the brilliant attractions presented by its wealth and enhanced by the sagacious policy of Pizarro, was settled with extraordinary rapidity. The government of Quito had been assigned to his brother Gonzalo, a man of high enterprise, who Iiresontly made great preparations for fresh discovery. With three hundred and fifty Spaniards and four thou.sand Indians, driving a vast herd of swine, as a resource against famine, in the year 1540 he set forth for the eastward. Crossing the Andes, amid terrible difficulties, he entered the Land of Cinnamon, and thence, attracted by alluring reports of treasure, pressed onward to the Napo, one of the tributaries of the Amazon. By this time, all the swine, as well as a thousand dogs provided for warfare witli the natives, had been devoured or lost, or had perished on the way; and the adventurers, suffering grievously from famine, wore compelled to feed on wild roots, on toads and other loathsome reptiles, and finally even on the leather of their belts and saddles. To evade the almost insurmountable difficulties of following the river, Gonzalo commenced the building of a vessel, converting the shoes of the horses into nails, and the ragged garments of the sol- diers into oakum. By two months of constant labour, it was com- pleted, and Francisco de Orcllana, with a small crew, was put in command, with directions to proceed down the river and procure supplies. After waiting a long time in vain for his return, the army again took up its march along the banks, and, after two montlis mor> of extreme toil and suffering, reached the Amazon. From a Spaniard who had here been set ashore by Orellana, they learned lliat that commander, carried downward by a fierce current, had reached the Great liiver in only three days; that finding it imj)o.«si- ble to return against it, he had abandoned his companions to their fate, and continued his course down the Amazon. Extraordinary to relate, after the most memorable inland voyage on record, he reached the sea, and arrived safely in Spain. No cour.se now re- mained for Gonzalo l)ut to retrace his stejis, antl accord in "-I v after more than a year consnnied in this terrible 'nareh, and an equal time in the return, in .Inne, lAJ'i, wit', the remnant of his eonimai)d, he snceeed(>d in re;i2aiiiiii ^ 11 j tliat (lesp( deatl numl cryiii Marq the g, tlie ch atteii) bodv half-b THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF PERU. 245 called, were mercilessl?oonfl«. t'd J!'X r^""" '""''"' ""' that once powerful pany witS' """^ *« »'>a'tered remains of them^elvef to Lima "her! 1! iT5 °'''''^.''' "'* ^•"^' ^<^^ »idera.io„. Sunk .^ fte L't l-S '" ™'" '■°''."'"'" "' ~"- which was aggravated b^r slel rf .LTf^' *? "^-'"'"^ "^ these unfortunate partisan' finall/weXe™' P°' '"T""- ever, treated ther enmitv with im,v 7=1"=""«- Pizarro, how- tho. who cautioned ht'^dll ^^ "Slrd^Tr;^"'^™^ "^ bad luc. enough. We wiS not ttuble *! to t' '"F '^ ""^ under no concern " he hni:fTJit;i,r „ i ^ "luie, ^^ ^^^ "ahout n,, life, 'it L^ff irri': 'r''" «"°"*--. trator of these civil discords 1 ■,, 1,.7? ,i ^ "°"'" "^ "* the as.,assination of rXv 0„"c T.r'"""'^' "'"°"^'' "" conscientious scruples, rtvIledL „kt in T """''''' ""■°"='' fessor „..te„ed tol/tbe partl^.^':;:;^!::;:"!? B„"; Pizarro, deeming the statement impossible said -tZ I' a bishopric," and was with difficulty pruaieSbv hi f '^T. '''"*' at home on the day appointed for L-fdL^tfiorf "^"'^ '^ ^^^^ Un that day (Sunday, June 2fi l^^ll ^ ♦!.. nn,nber, were assembl^J at .he 1'^ f'ltar'^r^dtf'f '" the governor as he returned from mas,. Perceiv ni- f^Lt , ° t .at their plot was discovered or a. leas sustS „ a "^^ faporation, they rushed into the street cr , r?.Lo'„L,i f' ° death to the tvrant!" Pizarro it ,l! ,^ *' ^""gl'-^U'ekingl ."■n,ber of his'friends, wh n a L«« e T' "" "' ''''""'• "'"' " cO'in,., "Help! help! 'a„ t "e Me „ CMitr""™'™' "" """"• -Marouisl" Most nf ih. .,„. . t " °°"""8 '» '""'•der the .;.o ,Lden, .r;C^X;,^Srret"l^T''''"'"'^ '"^ ll.e d«>r, while he buckled on his arni t1 1 ■'""l '° '' '-.brother, wL was asTJ^'J^; I'm" | m L 246 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OK HISTOliV. sprang to the door, and, with a few of the governor's household defended it vaUantly; but, after doing some execution, was over- powered and slain. Pizarro now flung tway his cuirass, which he had vainly endeav- oured to buckle on, and, with a cloak wrapped round his left arm sword in hand, sprang like a lion into the fray. "Ha, traitors 1" shouted the old viceroy, "have you come to kill me in my own house 1 Courage, my friends, we are yet enough to make them repeut their audacity.'' He killed three of the conspirators with his own hand, but was at last struck to the e-irth by the numerous weapons of his enemies. Seeing his death, he besought a confessor, but none was at hand ; and, tracing a cross on the floor with his own blood, and attempting to kiss it, he murmured, " Jesu!" and yielded up his soul under numerous sword- thrusts. The triumphant assas- sins rushed into the street, brandishing their bloody swords and crying, "The tyrant is dead! Long live the emperor and his gov- ernor, Almagro." The Men of Chili, still three hundred in number, at once rallied around their youthful chief, and proclaimed him governor — the par- tisans of Pizarro, completely overawed, venturing on no opposition. That same night, the remains of the victim, wrapped in a coarse cotton cloth, and attended only by his wife and a few black servants, wei-e huddled into an obscure grave in the corner of the cathedral. They were afterwards, however, removed to a more honourable place, and commemorated by a monument suitable to his high rank and great achievements. " Thus, at the age of about sixty -five, perished Francisco Pizarro, the Conqueror of Peru, the most remarkable and perhaps the worst man of that host of discoverers and conquerors by whom the early history of America has been illustrated and disgraced. His career forms the best commentary onliis character. Ambition and rapacity appear to have been his ruling traits; but he was not avaricious; for his immense acquisitions were devoted not merely to his own aggrandizement, but to the nobler ofRce of building cities, settling colonies, and laying the foundations of an empire. Though bigott'd in the extreme, he had none of that crusading zeal which so emi- nently distinguished Cortes, and he was far more anxious to seize the treasures and to enslave the bodies of the Indians than to con- vert their souls. Doubtless, he was as brave as a man can be, and possessed of a fortitude and perseverance perhaps surpassing that THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF PERU. 247 of any character recorded in history. But he was cruel, remorseless, and perfidious to the very extrernest degree; and his name has ever been held in deserved execration by the great majority of mankind "* CH AFTER II. VACA DE CASTRO.— DEFEAT OF YOUNG ALMAORO AT CHUPAS -^ BLASCO NUNEZ DE VELA,— UNPOPULAR DECREES. — REBELLION HEADED BY OONZ. -^ PIZARRO— OVERTHROW OF THE VICEROY. By a singular coincidence, devoutly ascribed by an early writer to the special interposition of Providence, a legitimate successor to the viceroyalty of Peru had already arrived in the New World at the time of Pizarro's assa.ssination. This was the Licentiate Vaca de Castro who came over from Spain ostensibly as a royal commissioner to lend the aid of his legal knowledge and ability in the adminis- tration of government; but with private instructions to keep close watch over Pizarro's conduct, and to make report to the Spanish court of any undue assumption of power, or threatened infringement of the royal prerogative. He was also provided with formal authority to succeed to the government, in case of the death of the reignine viceroy. ° = The timely approach of this official gave opportunity to the opponents of the rebellious Men of Chili, to unite their forces and take a definitive position. Alonzo de Alvarado, and Alvarez de Ilolgum, two of the principal military officers of Pizarro, were both m command of trusty and veteran troops, and readilv lent their assistance in opposition to the Almagran faction. Vau Je Castro had not been bred to arms, but the courage and spirit natural to a Spanish cavalier su.cained him in his dangerous position. He has- tened to Qui.o, and collecting what forces he could muster, proclaimed bis comnHss.on. and prepared to enter upon a forcible assertion of his rights. Messengers were dispatched in various directions to set lorth his clauns in the more important towns. Young Almagro, in the mean time, having furnished his little army at Luna with abundance ol' martial equipments and with * Disiiovcrers, &c.. of Auieiica. 248 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. lioraes, hastened to out off the approach of Ilolguin, who, having established the legitimate authority at Cuzco, was on his march to join the forces of Alvarado. At this juncture the cause of the insurgents suftered heavy loss by the death of the chief conspirator, Juan de Rada. The quarrels between two rival claimants to his position in the army occasioned such difficulties and delay, that Ilolguin completed his march without impediment. Almagro therefore proceeded to Cuzco, and having taken posses- sion of the city, devoted himself to preparing his forces for the anticipated struggle Cannon were cast, under the superintendence of Pedro de Candia himself, who had espoused Almagro's cause, and gun-powder was manufactured, saltpetre being procured in the vicinity. Arms plundered at the former siege of Cuzco were also brought in and delivered to the troops by the subjects of Manco the Inca. In the midst of his preparations, the young commander vainly endeavoured to negotiate with the new viceroy, offering to confine himself to the occupation of his paternal inheritance of New Toledo. Vaca de Castro having joined the forces of Ilolguin and Alvarado and having personally assumed the command of the army, moved forward towards Xauxa. With a small escort he visited Lima, where he was enthusiastically received, and where he procured fresh recruits and supplies of arms and ammunition. From Xauxa he marched to Guamanga, thirty leagues distant, and thence to the plains of Chupas, where, on the 16th of September, 1542, he encountered the army of Almagro. The latter was posted in a favourable oosition, v/here the artillery, of which he possessed sixteen effective pieces, could be brought to bear upon the assailants. His forces were numerically inferior to those of the viceroy, whose whole array amounted to about seven hundred men, but in arms and equipments his troops had greatly the advantage. As the forces of tlic viceroy approached, the battle commenced by a discharge of artillery ; but, as was supposed, from the treachery of Pedro de Candia, the guns were so misdirected or mismanainds of the iule and , ,"" "V"^ " ""'"'■•'■' ""«" i» '1- the eonoueror b, !!;i™ "^ i""™'"^ "> ^l'™"''"' «"' "'rath of aimed. GoTio en" " , "h ■' '""" '''■" ""= "»'"°" •■" "'""h he and was f„™ yt , .^ ""'' , "7"' »^"° -^ -•-"'ony, f"rthereom„,„„i„„Z , ,1? ' "■'""'' ''" "■»' '" '"''^ ""til His aceession ™ Si bv "i ^T"'"' '""" "'« «''»"'■'" -»«■ '""ted by the inhabitants with general rejoicing. If • 252 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. CHAPTEH I. FORCES RAISED BY NUNEZ.— HIS FLIGHT NORTHWARD,— DECISIVE BATTLE NEAR QUITO. — DEATH OP THE VICEROY. — SUFREM- ACY OF PIZARRO. MISSION OF PEDRO DE LA GASCA. — HIS POLITIC PROCEEDINGS. — BATTLE OF HUA- aiNA. — PIZARRO AT CUZCO. Although the new governor was now apparently at the summit of his expectations, circumstances speedily arose to embarrass him and call for the exertion of all his skill and energy to maintain his position. Yaca de Castro, by the assistance of the captain of the vessel on board which he was confined, contrived to make his es- cajie. The result of this proceeding did not, however, materially aftect the interests of the governor. The fugitive reached Spain only to be thrown into prison upon various charges of mal-adminis- tration in his colonial office. After twelve years of imprisonment his innocence was finally recognised, and he was raised to an hon- ourable position in old Spain. An active enemy to the new govern- ment of Peru yet remained to be crushed. Blasco ]Sruiiez,°by the favour of Alvarez,, one of the judges who had been commissioned to conduct him to Spain, returned to Peru, and, proclaiming Gonzalo and his adherents rebels and traitors, commenced the enlistment of forces for the reassertion of his own legitimate supremacy. Ilis quarters were successively at Tumbez, Quito, and San Mio-uel from which latter town he moved precipitately upon the approach of Pizarro with a superior force. Sebastian Benalcazar, the com- mander at Popayan, had communicated his determination to the viceroy to lend his assistance for the support of the royal cause, and towards the district under that officer's jurisdiction Nunez conducted his little band, with Pizarro and his forces in hot pursuit. The sufferings of either army during this terrible retreat, in which every imnginablc difficulty, from the inhospitable nature of the country traversed, was added to the horrors of war, would have disheart- ened troops less accustomed to danger and privation than the old Spanish adventurers. Nunez made his way to Popayan, and Pizarro, after having followed his enemy into the territory of Benalcazar, without having been able to draw him into a decisive THE CONQUEST AND HISTORY OF PERU. 253 conflict, returned to Quito to await his approach with the expected reinforcements. By a feigned retreat from the ancient capital, Pizarro succeeded in deceiving his opponent, and in drawing him from his distant place of security. Just without the city, on the 18th of January, 1546, the fate of the viceroy was decided by a final engagement. He fell, fighting bravely, and his followers being slain or dispersed, none remained to dispute the supremacy of the popular usurper, Gonzalo was possessed of many qualities calculated to secure the favour of the colonists. He was in every respect a man of the age, and his gallant and chivalrous bearing, combined with the remem- brance of his share in the conquest, aroused the admiration of a people accustomed to look upon military excellence as the grand essential for a ruler. An insurrection, headed by Diego Centeno, in the southern provinces, having been crushed by the efficient and unscrupulous Carbajal, nearly simultaneously with his successes tt the north, Pizarro was for the time complete arbiter of the de ^nies of Peru. He maintained his position with great pomp and magnificence, yet in the midst of his success and popularity, must have brooded with no little anxiety over the probable results of the reception of intelligence respecting his movements at the Spanish court. Car- bajal openly advised him to throw aside all thoughts of obtaining favour and countenance from Spain, and to depend upon force alone for the retention of his power. Unwilling to hazard such an extreme measure, Gonzalo neverthe- less took the greatest precautions to guard against the entry into his dominions of any emissary from the royal court, and prepared to send an ambassador to Spain, charged with the vindication of his conduct and the request ofgconfirmation in his government. When news of the rebellion arrived in Spain, Charles V., afler deliberate consultation with the principal officers of his kingdom determined upon essaying gentle means for the restoration of his colony to allegiance. A learned and sagacious ecclesiastic, named Pedro de la Gasca, was nominated by the council as commissioner to settle the affiiirs of Peru, and such confidence was reposed in him by the emperor, that he was armed with the most unlimited discre- tionary powers. As the first essential to a cordial reception on the part of the colonists, he was authorized to revoke the unpopular decrees which liad caused the ruin of Nunez, and to grant complete 254 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. pardon to all offenders, particularly those concerned in the insur- rection Under the title of "President of the Eoyal Audience," he was in effect clothed with all the powers of royalty, being responsible only to the Spanish court. _ When Gasca arrived in the New World, in July, 1546, and received mtelligence of Pizarro's complete supremacy, he employed the most judicious and artful policy to gain over the people before making an open demonstration. In accordance with his own wishes and advice he came without any military force; he made no ostentatious display of authority ; but relying upon the loyalty natural to the Spaniard and holding forth the royal promises of amnesty and protection, he ca ed on all true subjects of the empire to join him in a peaceful settlement of the disturbed affairs of the colony. Despite Pizarro's caution he succeeded in distributing missives and proclamations throughout the principal cities, and occupied himself in the mean time in gaming over those officials to whom he could obtain access Uernan Mexia, the commandant at Nombre de Dios, -received the royal commissioner and espoused his cause. The next effort was to Avin the favour and assistance of Hinojosa, the governor of Panama at which port the Peruvian fleet then lay. ' Gasca proceeded thither in person, and although at first unable to overcome the scruples of the governor, had opportunity to open direct communication with Pizarro, and to further the extension of his own influence. The usurper would listen to no proposals which did not favour his own retention of supremacy. He sent his reply by one of his most trust-worthy adherents, Lorenzo de Aldana who was commissioned to represent to the Spanish court the state of the country, the existing quiet in the province, and the satisfaction of the inhabitants at their condition and prospects, should the governor be confirmed in his powers by the emperor. Arriving at Panama, Aldana had audience with the commissioner and was so awed by the extent of his legitimate authority, and struck by^his wisdom and moderation, that he speedily abandoned his master s cause, and joined the partisans of Gasca. Hinojosa and the principal naval commanders at Panama followed this example and on the 19th of November, 1546, the whole fleet was puW^ and formally placed at the disposal of Gasca, and its officers; receiv- ing anew their commissions from his hands, took oaths of obh^ation to the crown. ° The president's course was now plain. He began to collect forces THE OONCUESI ANB HISTOEV O, PERU. ^j. for open hctiMe^ ushg y, „„|i„ij^3 ° ™,„g fortunes of the ro.al party. Jthe »,„thern Z „^e Dieto f„. acco^ioa to hU force f„™ .he'^r^udt Xlr/rr sequences o „dhermg to the popular ruler i„ hi. co "l« with the crown, or who now dared for the first tim^ t„ .i 7 .nets, he posted himself by Lake Titi^I "' '"^^ """■ Pizarro's chief counsellors and offloers m fl,:. „ ■ j Z H7u ^ " 'coadjutors of the unfortunate NuOez The fa. of these, generally as prudent in council as savage an" Lorse less m war, advised compliance with the roval „ffi., ■ ., feeling himself, perhaps, to'o deeply irrjl^^^^^^^j;^:^ death of he viceroy (especially when considered in XencelTis own posmon under the rule of that olHcer,) to hope for a share in til =^^r;s;:fT«^:lrrhTmn^^^^^^^^^ ^d hazardous cou.e: he theretrdetted ht Z:j1Z-^Z the arming and recruiting of his diminished forces a. the caS comrnd'tf rfriefe-mC'lM-^ T' ''^•^'- Lima, and marched to tl ^ T ?1^ t,"' H™ """"": '"'" capitaland fts™ nit^w rZlT'"' '' *° '"'""'■'•■'"''"f «1- still greater enthJ^ltair hi Zdtrrr' "*°~' '"^ F tne mountain passes with a vastly superior force. 256 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HI8T0EY. That staunch loyalist was too well aware of his advantage to allow the enemy to escape from the toils by which he was surrounded He would listen to nothing but an unconditional surrender, offering however, his personal influence to propitiate the clemency of the government in behalf of those who should lay down their arms Pizarro, therefore, collected all his energies for a desperate and decisive struggle. Near the small town of Huarina, by Lake Titicaca, he was met by Centeno on the 26th of October, 1547. The latter was in command of about a thousand men, while Pizarro's whole force was less than five hundred. When the two armies joined battle, the cavalry of the royalists completely overpowered and routed that of their oppo- nents, and the fortune of the day seemed for the time decided in their favour. Carbajal, however, maintained his position with the little band of musqueteers, and having received and successfully repelled the charge of Centeno's infantiy, was prepared to oppose the attack of the formidable body of cavalrv. After various disor- derly and futile attempts to break the squares into which the enemy were formed, and after sustaining heavy loss from the constant fire kept up from within the protecting lines of spearmen, the royalists were thrown into utter confusion, and were driven from the field. Elated by so brilliant and decisive a victory, and justly deeming that the prestige of the achievement would reassure the minds of those who at heart favour^^d his c.t^ase, Pizarro abandoned his inten- tion of seeking an asylunp. in Chili, and marched to Cuzco He was received with enthusiasm by the inhabitants, and having taken up his quarters in the city, he resolved to await the arrival of rein- forcements from the neighbouring districts, and to strike only where a favourable opportunity might present, or when he should be com- pelled by the movements of the enemy. THE CONQUEST AND IIISTOEY OF PERU. 26'/ CHAPTEH II. CAUTIOUS MOVEMENTS OF 0A8CA.-HI8 MARCH TO CUZCO BLOODLESS VICTORY AT XAQUIir A on . v » I CU/,CO.-- rARBATAT awtT^ ■^^'^^^^aouana.— execution op OP OASCA ll\'^^'-''^^^ ADMINISTRATION OP GASCA.— SUBSEQUENT DISORDERS — THR COLONIAL SYSTEM.-THE MITA AND BE PARTIMIENTO.— INSURRECTION OP 1780. ..d .„ whosa judgment ha sabmitted in n,u^rTletZJ: engaged in gathering fresh adventurers to air! in *l f ^ his conquests in Chili venturers to aid in the extension of The followers of Pi "ar^ S . " T'^ "=" ^'"Sularly obviated, with a .uperi^^! :::U tlHt f'f %T"' °'""'™*"« ft.s o.a.^p. op.^ waa .he faiehle. Jpeda X, Il'-^^T^t 1 258 THK PEOPLE'S BOOK OF JIiaTORY. advance of his troops, suddenly put spurs to liis horse, and notwith- standing a hot pursuit, niade his way in safety to the enemy, A complete panic and confusion presently ensued: the army of Gonzalo was disi)orscd without a battle, and the rebellious chief delivered himself up a prisoner. Those of his followers who feared at the last moment to trust to the mercy of the president, scattered in various' directions, and sought safety in flight. His old and faith- ful lieutenant, Carbajal, was seized by some of hia own party, and carried captive to the enemy's camp. This veteran chief was no less than eighty-four years old, but although his body was enfeebled by the infirmities of age, his mind retained all its original energy and stern determination. When condemned to the disgraceful death of a traitor, he manifested no emotion, but submitted to his fate with the utmost apparent indifference, maintaining to the last the vein of dry, coarse humour which was ever habitual to him. The most remarkablo circumstance attendant upon his execution, considerin<' the age in which he lived, was his refusal to make confession, or to receive ghostly consolation from the priests. He asseverated that he had nothing on his conscience except his remissness in leaving a debt of a half-real unpaid to a shopkeeper of Seville. While behig drawn in a hurdle to the fatal .spot, "the priest who went with him exhorted him to recommend himself to God, and to say the Pater Koster and the Ave Marin^ and they .say that he said, 'Pater Noster' and 'Ave Maria,' and that he would not speak another word," Gonzalo Pizarro also perished by the hands of the executioner but without the circumstances of indignity which attended the death of his lieutenant. He spent the short interval between his con- demnation and death in devout exercises, and met his fate with such calm intrepidity that a strong feeling of sympathy was excited in the breasts of the stern and rude soldiery in attendance. The recollection of the important part enacted by him during the war of the Conquest was also remembered with respect and gratitude by those whose prosperity had been secured by the overthrow of the ancient dynasty, A number of Pizarro's inferior officers were also put to death ; and banishment, confiscation of estates, and the fate of the galley-.slave, sternly awarded to others, served to convince the nation that the new government, if mild and clement to the loyal or submissive, could execute rigorous justice upon offenders. The manner in which Gasca reduced the unsettled aflfliirs of the country to order and system; his cautious and conciliatory, but THE00N,UKSTAND„I8T0KV0KPKRU. 259 eflective legislation ; and his e/Torts in behalf of t>,n . i • of the soil, gained him universal respec Wi ^ ^^'''" ""'"'' for the acquisition of wealth and Tn \ '"'^'"^ opp,.rt.Mnty personal ambition, ho sZ on"f fo h T'"^\'' "^"""-^ ^- Ltted to his chlrgeanTfrr'thth '/''"' '"'°"^'=''"^- crown. When his m ssTon waV^m ',"1 '"^^'""^^^ °^ ^'"^ reiinqu.hedhisves;r:;:;e^;.:":— ^^^^^ large sum of mL;;:: e^^t^^^rt ll^^^^^^^ ^ tinued tribute to the rojal treasury. long-d.scon- Ilis distinguished services and uneonnllpri cnir 7 • i ■their appropriate reward, in «ecurL tie "SI u'fh"' "'' "''^ and the favour of the emperor Hp 1 ^'''^Y'" f '^'^ countrymen iJurmg the long continuance of Spanish rnlo in A • enactment respecting trade and infercou s ° " H ^f "'l''^^ ''''^^ a co„.i„„a, J,:, riir:: : ;; :r:r,;?^r'r '^•"' "■'" "^Uves. By a regular conscription, called ,l,e ..Jri..,," one«™ ,h 200 TIIK I'KOI'LK'S BOOK OF 1I18T0KV. of the Indian jxipulation, from the ngoof ciglitoon to llfty, wiw con- fltantly kept cinployod in tlio ininos. Tho term of Hcrvico for eiich division wiw noiniimlly Hix rnontliH, altliongh fiwiuontly oxtondcd • and HO wvcro waa tlio labour enforced, and bo influnicientthe Hupport l)rov»4led by their Uiak-iniwterH, that a largo niiyority of the lal)onr('i\s are said to have periwlied before the expiration of a Hingk) period of Hervico. The intrtiduction of spirituous liquors also proved as diHiw- trous aa in nil other portions of America, to the native population- and from the combined eflects of this destructivo agent, of labour in the mines, and of that deadly pcatilenco the small-pox, the deercaso of the Indian inhabitants of IVru, during the two centuries succood- ing the Concpiest, is computed by millions. Olio grievous form of imposition practised upon the luitives, waa that known as the system of tho rcpanimiento. This was a Hpecioa of monopoly, by which tho Si)ani8h governors, or eorregidora of tlio dilVcrcnt ditllricts woro empowered to furnish tho Indians with Kii- ropoan commodities. These they were compelled to receive, and to pay for at cxhorbitant prices, whether in want of tho articles fur- iiislit'd or not. It is .said that the })lan waa first devi.sed with the benevolent intention of securing tho ignorant natives from tiio deceptions practised by unprincipled traders, but that the temptation to take advantage of their exclusive privilege })rovod too strong for the integrity of those to whom the charge was committed, until tho whole system became i)ne of barefaced frauil and oppression. In addition to the great wrongs sanctioned by law, tho Indian.*) had none, or tho most insuirieient redress, for every sijccies of enormity which was privately indicled upon them by tho usuri)crs of the soil. For more than two centuries they laboured under this juaupportablo tyranny without any combined cfibrt to obtain thoir freedom. An unsuccessful revolt took place, indeed, in 1741, amomr .several of the dilTercnt tribes. At Uust, in the year 1780, the cae'que of Tungasuca, Jos6 Gabriel Condorcanqui, claiming descent from. Tupac Amaru, the son of the Inca Manco, stood forth as tho cham- pion of his people. Multitudes of tho natives thronged to enlist under his command, and in the battles which ensued, displayed nil the energy and courage of their anccstons. !^^ore experienced in European warfare than these, they were not subdued without mucli bloodshed. The very women took part in these contests, and evinced surprising bravery and determination. The death of their leader, who was taken i)risonor, and, together with his wife and children, w THE CONQUEHT AND HISTORY OF PERU. gfll put t., ,lo«th with barlmrous cruelty, gave no check to the rebellion A Kucnliu warluro wuH still waged with unrcMutting perncvcn c and a nephew of Condorcan.,ui, named Andron, collected a s ./lie force to lH.Hct t e town of Sorata. The place wan defended by cart en c.ubanlcM.ent, behin" October, 1810. an army ' , " ''" ' ^"-'- """ gamed inifortant v dories over tlia rojal,.„s a, C„u,garU> and Tupiaza. Thisofflcer took up his quartet 2&J, 'I'll !■; I'lioi- 1. K',s UdoK () K II isi'oii V Wl til a I oirti (if Ml I' lour tliou.siful men, jit tlni oiitlot of l,iil naval loree a lu'liored /onl Coel iraiie, otV Callao, where, on the night of November f.lh, eommandmg in per.son, sueeeeded in eutting out and eai)turiiig tho Spanish iVigate Ksmeralda, whieh lav under tho protection ol' tho gnus ol' the I'orl, and in I'ompaiiy with a number of smaller armed vessels. 'I'liis o.xploii is eonsidored as one of the luo.st brilliant aohievemenis of the kind on reeord. The main body of Chilian troojm wa.s traii.sported to Iluara, about seventy-live miles north of tho eapital, while a d oral Ar 1 vision, under (ieii- Aronales, was maivlied into the interior, with the intention of elV-etiiig a iuiieii th Irish ollicer C every day brighter. They guiiicil large a'eoessions >n with the prineipal force by land. On the routo IS commaiuler defeated a superior Ibivc of the rovalist.s, under the leiicral O'Reilly. The }U'o.sj)ects of the pat tl lose of the inhabitants wlio f of riots yrew recruits from ivoiired a revolution, and it was pi that tho great body o( tho people hailed their arrival with tl joyful aiilieipatioiis. On the []d of DecemI tho Sfiauish battalion of Numancia, consist Columbians, joined the invaders. un le most icr, ail entire regiment, iiig in groat measure of As San Martin, after 1 .iin«, the city was thrown into the utmost iome months' delay at Iluara, tidvancod ipoti confusion. The Spanish authorities fuuiui it ueoessiu-y to evacuate the place, and the inhabit- r? TlIK CONCiUEHT AND H18T0KY OF PERU. 263 a.itH, m tt goncrul panic, .iiul ui.cortiiin as to what was to take nluoo bcKaii to lly with their cllbets towards Caliao an.l other places of .Mup,H.mi Heeurity. Throi.^lu.ut tl>e night preceding the evacuation by the Spanhsh troops, the narrow streets were nearly inipaasablo from the multitude of veliicles in which tl", terrilleil inhabitants wore convoying away their e/fects. Captain Hasil JIail, who was upon the spot, says: "For an h<.ur or two uRer the viceroy's do- imrtiire, the streeUs were iiUed with fugitives; ],ut Uy mid-day scarcely an individual was to be seen; and in the course of the afternoon, I accompanied one of the English merchants durin- a walk of more than a mile through the most p.^jjulous part« of Lima withcutmeeliiig a single individual: the doors were all barred thd window-shutters closed, and it really seemed 'some vast citv of the dead.'" '' The old Marquis of Montemir^-., who had been left in authority called together the principal inhabitant.s, and aft.Tsome er)„,sultation' with the lussent of the town council, an invitation was extended to Han Martin to occupy the city, nominally for the purpo,He of j)ro- tcctnig the inh;a)itants from a suspected uprising of the slaves from the Indian allies (,f the patriots who threateiuMl a descent from' with- out, and from a lawless mob of the lower orders within the walls The general entered the city on the 12th of .July, 1821, unaccom- ]iaiuod by his army, and experienced litth; difl-iculty in satisfying the terrified inhabitants as to his good fuith and the lionesty of his mtention.s. All went on prosperously for the cause, and on the 28th the independence of Peru was formally proclaimed, amid the great- cat exhibition of enthusiasm on the part of the poj)ulace. On the M of the ensuing month San Martin assumed the title of Protector of J'eru. No important military movements took place during a considerable sub.sequent period, 'i'he fortress at Caliao remained in i)osHession of the royalists, whither the division under Canterac the viceroy, quar- tered atXauxa, was marched in the latter part of August. These troops were soon afterwards withdrawn, and the stronghol.l, left under command of General La Mar, capitulated to the protector on the 2lst of September. The independent army remained at Lima, for the most part unemployed, during a nundjer of months sub-se- quent to these events, and their ju-esence began to be felt as a burden by "le inhabitants. In April, 1822, a severe reverse was felt in the surprise and caj^ture, by Canterac, of a very considerable body of 264 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOKY. the revolutionary forces, at lea. More than a thousand prisoners were taken, and a great amount of arms and military stores fell into the hands of the rojaliata. An interview toolc place in the month of July, of this year between the Protector and the great champion of freedom in South America, Bolivar, then in tlie full pride of success in the northern provinces. The result of the meeting was the augmentation of the force at Lima by two tliousand Columbian troops. During San Martin's absence the tyranny of his minister, Monteagudo, who°mudo the de{)uty protector, the Marquis of Truxillo, a mere tool for the execution of his private projects, excited an outbreak, which was only quelled by the arrest and removal of the offending party. In the succeeding montli the first independent congress was assembled at the capital, and San Martin, having resigned his author- ity, soon after took his departure for Chili. Congress appointed a junta of three persons to discharge the duties of the executive. Under this administration the affairs of the new republic fell into great disorder. A miserably futile attemi)t, by sea and land, against the royalists in the southern provinces, created great public discon- tent, and on the 2Cth of February, 1823, the principal officera of the army, in a remonstrance to Congress, demanded the appointment of Colonel Jose de la Hiva Aguero as president. After some opposition, that body complied with the proposition, backed as it was by all the real power of the republic, and Eiva Aguero was proclaimed accord- mgly. General Santa Cruz, a Peruvian, and partly of Indian descent, then second in command, shortly after, upon the departure of Are- nalos for Chili, assumed the position of commander-in-chief of the army. A second expedition to the southward against the royalists of the Puvrtos Intermcdios, left the capital insufliciently guarded, although three thousand additional troops had been marched to the city by the Columbian general, Sucre. Canterac seized the opportu- nity to possess himself of Lima, and with nine thousand men, on the 18th of June, er.tered that city. Tlie patriot forces were insufficient to make any effectual resistance, and they evacuated the capital on the approach of the enemy. ^ The Congress, holding its session at Callao, now invested General Sucre with dictatorial powers. Upon the fortress at this place, Can- terac was unable to make any impression, and considering it useless to imuntain possession of the capital, he withdrew his troops on the 17th of the succeeding month of July. The division of the patriot forces at the south fared no hpUny ^v, xi. . , . A disastrous and disorder]; 'l^^^^^^^^^^^ Y' ^"^^^^^ ^*- the almost entire dissolution of reariv 'llT'^^'^ ^«-^'«d in the enterprise of the revolution now seemed to resTunonth"'"'' '". of foreign assistance, and this wn«. f^.f., * i , P°" ^^"^ ''^''^^val ivar, the liberator o Venlreirand t "^.'^ "^- ^'"°" ^^^■ champions of freedom in Sou L a1 " "^^^^'^^'^S-^i^hed of the affairs ofthe recently constituted norfT; T '° ^^^ "'^"^'^^ ^he that he was enabled to t^r^l s Zl^ TT'r'^'''''^'''^^'y^ of the Peruvian patriots L 1 oel^^^ ''" ''f """^ ^-^^*'- and entered Liiil on the ill TsllZ::?^^^ ^^^^ his i,revious brilliant successes and th?.r'fi , .T "^ ^'''^'-^ ^^ as a general and statesman, give rLwim/"" '^' ^" ^'^ '-^b"'''- He was received with ^rea reLl^-n" 7 " *° '^'' P^*'''^^'^ «^^"«e. supreme power, both ^a^Z^' "" ^^ °"- "--^^d with CHAPTEH I in. I SUCCESSES OP THE ROYALISTS if.,,r„ at hi, removal from a.uhorilj, was carrvL „ ? '^■T"' '"'"='"»"' ...t" oxilo ll,„,c .vl,., remam,.,! firm to 117 °?°™' ""'"'"S A*c.i„„ prccto,. atr, blX^rN" 7"'"" ""'"'""• '"' avail, but by the treachery of ™?,7i,i,'''8°"""? 1™>""1 <'f "o «™.a.io,,of.oi:i;r^:;:;;:::-:;:;; --"-^ 2(ifl TIIK TKOl'liK'S nooK OF IIISTOUY. sUvto of iillairs only served to cull forth the full energies of the groat genorul. lie had under his cotninand about ten thousiiiul troops, the niiijorify of whom wore Columbians, stationed near I'ataviica, 'I'lie available foreea of the royalists were at this periixl nutiiorieully far aujH'rior to those of the j)atriots, but confidonee in the triod abil- ities of their leader nu)ro than eomi)ensatoil the latter for their info- rioritv in numbers. "'Phere was a eharm," says Miller, "in tlio nanui of IU)livar, and ho was looked u]) to as the only man eapablo of saving tho republic." The army of tho royalists was quartered nt Xauxa, and no elVort was made to cheek tho advance of tho independent forces until they had elVeeted tho dangerous passage of tho mountains, and were in full march lor Piuseo, Great praise is awarded to General Suei'o, tlio chief of tho sUdl", for tho admirable Ibrothought and prudent precau- tions by which the diniculties of this march were met and safely overcome. An action, which, however, did not become general, took place on the j)lains of .lunin, in which the patriots gained a decided advantage, further inerojised by numerous subseciuent desertions froiu the eiuMuy. lUiIivar was at this period unwilling to risk the chances of a deci- sive battle, and maile little opposition to the retreat of Canlcrac to Cuzco. At Guanianga a numth's halt was made by the patriots. In October, the eornn>ander-in-chief, supposing that, on account of tlio .reason, no present attempt would be made by the enemy, returned to the coast, having directed Sucre to take up his quarters at Aiula- huaylos and Abancay. Contrary to Bolivar's expectations, tlio Sinmish viceroy, having ell'eeted a union of his main divisions and nuule the most strenuous exertions to collect an overwhehniiig force, now reconuueneed hostilities. Sucre was placed in an embarrassinif position: his forces were greatly reduced by sickness, privation, skirmishes, and Indian hostilities, but with his usual militarv skill he so ordered counter movements and retreats that the greatly supe- rior force of the royalists was unable to attack him at a disadvantage. Ko general ongageinent took place until the Dth of J\>cember, when the decisive battle of Ayacueho, one of the most remarkable in its details, and imjiortant in its results over fought in South America, gave a death-blow to Spanish power in Peru. The attack was commenced by the royalists, under command of tho viceroy. Their numbers very considerably exceeded those of tho patriots, being set down at over nine thousand, while those of the latter fell Til K CON (; II KM'ii 1 1. . ' '"' ^^'^ nis'roHY OKI.KKU. 267 wliort of Hix thouaand. It w»u i\u i or the day waa to ,l..,oido tirit'V 7'"'"''/'-^ "" '^'"* ^'^" ^"^^uno « ^^> ''- -clvv<.undedaliUlole«sthanono tand 1^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^f " '^'"^■'' renamed of his seattered forces C- Z ";'^'^' ->"^"«tc>'t"l'^tion. U .s tl.e capituIution°dl Z ^ii^'i^r^' " 7"' ' ^"'^ ^^^ the tenns of .surrender. These re,ai« t^^ /"^ '" / T' -^'"^ "''^^ ^"""^ *<> at Cu.eo and Are,uipa, S .r^ ,"T^f ' ^'"^ '^ *''« «---"« t'oups under Oh.Li. i;/(J ^ 't^' '^ ^ f 7'^^ ^"^^ ^^^^ ^l-'i^l* forced to yield in April, mio their I i'^- ^"' '^'^'^"«" ^^''■'•« an insurreetion of hii o;.. foiwls "' '^' ^''" ''^''" '" -a'^^iaiS Jr ';: -ir t tr ^^ ^^"- ^^^" ^^«- l^ca and land; buts.Lh C'the e X^trVf '^ '''''''' de cnnination of the Spanish co,ni,,audf 1 1 ^ '' ""^ *^'« ""t'l the 19th of January 1826 Tl ' , ""^^ "^' ^^^'"''^'I was agreed up<,n. Throughouf h,^ '" ^'""""^-^'« capitulation -u and the royalist ^it^^ZoZ^2T'^ ^' «'^«« ^'^ t-'i" stronghold of Spain upon tlTeeot h f F'''"'''"''' ^" ^^^^ J"«t fron. disease and fan.ina Tho " 1 ? ' "''""' ^^^^^ -^^--'^r ^'-I Porished previous to the surS^ '"^"^'"" ^' ''' '^^^^^ liohvar was still elothed with fho .,^ and his position as goveno of Coh 7"' "' ' ^'^^'^'^^ ''" J'-"- and extended his inH^enc nd Lt r ^ov'Tf'^ strengthened cpatod territory in the northel p^t^n' "so' H a" ''""'^'^ ^^'-"■ anxious to bring about the adopS bv fl p ""'"'■ "« ^^"'^ code known as the Bolivia "K,.^ i ""'"' "^ '^'' -'^''l unsatisfaetory. While he rlaC' r' '"' ^^ ^'^^^^^ ^'^-'-"7 P-p;ooverwhelmedlun.withpXL ^' '^ '^••^'''' "^'- ^:"» ■" language unsuitable to Z bo n T i^' ^'''' '"^"^ '^^^^''^ssed t'on took plaee notwithsta.K^,! (.^j" u , " ''" ''"■^^•" ^ ^-- ^""o, and iiunibeng wore found ready 268 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. I accuse this truly great man of selfish personal ambition, of careless- ness for the true interest of his country, and to impute to him the most unworthy motives in all his efforts for colonial independence. The continued presence of Columbian troops, who remained quar- tered at Lima, was a cause of great complaint, both from the expense of their maintenance and the prevalent idea that they were kept there to suppress any free and independent action of the people, and to render perpetual those extraordinary powers conferred upon the commander-in-chief to meet the exigencies of civil war. These apprehensions were removed, during the year following the reduction of Callao, by the revolt and removal of the obnoxious forces, and by the election of General La Mar to the presidency of Peru. The government had not, however, the elements of stability, and the country remained a prey to factious disturbance and civil war. In the words of Commander Wilkes, the history of the state "may be said to be merged in biographical memoirs of its several rulers, who have, without an exception, acted for self-aggrandizement, with- out ever looking to the benefit of their country, its peace, or happi- ness. They have, in their public decrees and acts, been lavish and prodigal of the words honour, liberty, justice, &c., in order to extol themselves and decry their opponents; yet, without exception, the moment they have attained power, they have pursued the very course they before reprobated, and the country has continued to suffer." At the present time Peru is involved in difficulties with Bolivia, threatening, if not indeed amounting to an actual state of war. The limited extent of available sea-coast belonging to the latter country renders her peculiarly dependent upon Peru for commercial facilities; and among other offensive acts, a heavy transit duty has been levied on all goods destined for Bolivia. Possession has also been taken of the port of Cobija by a Peruvian squadron. CHILI. CHAPTEH I. EXPEDITION OP ALMAGR0.-C0MMI8SI0N OP PEDRO DE VALDIYIA -ST. JAOO FOUNDED. — BATTLE WITH THE MAPOCHINIANS. — EMBA.'^SY OF MIRANDA AND MONROY.— DESTRUCTION OF THE QUILLOTAN MINERS. — VALDIVIA'S MARCH SOUTHWARD.— THE ARAUCANIANS. Elated by their triumphant successes in Peru, and with their thirst for riches unappeased by the possession of tl>e untold treasure the inca, the Spanisl, invaders turned their attention to the unex- plored sea-coast at the south, as a further field for their rapacity. rDiZ";'"A 1 " 7^"'^*'"" *° ^^"'^ '''' accordingly assumc'l by D ego de Almagro, the comrade in arnjs and rival of pfzarro and a well-appomted band of adventurers, numbering, as is stated five close of r ^^^^"^i'/«\f-«> -"der his guidance, towards the d se of the year 1536. A vast army of native Peruvians, com- m ded by a brother of the new inca, accompanied him, hop ful of better fortune under a European leader, than their countrymen Ind Ins d of following the sea-coast, Almagro took his course over the moun a.ns, as being the shortest route, a choice which resujted in ernble de.strnction to his forces. The snow-eovcred Andes were be crowed by an army worn out by long marches, insuffic end - "o! SmZd, '^^.f ,Pf •\-''^"/--iliaries and about .ne-fourth of the bpaniards perished during the pas,sage. In the province of Copiapo, one o°f those formerly brought under strength and sp.nt of the army. According to the historians of the 270 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. expedition, the invaders were received by the native Cliilians with respect and hospitality, but opportunity was not long wanting for a full display of Spanish cruelty and revenge. Two straggling sol- diers—for what offence is not known— were put to death at Guasco and, as a lesson to the inhabitants, Almagro caused Marcando the ulmen, or chief of Coquimbo, together with more than twenty of the most considerable persons in the community, to be seized and burned alive, without the shadow of trial, or even the accusation* of having taken part in the offence. It appears that the general conduct of the Spaniards on their march was replete with cruelty towards the harmless peasantry of the villages through which they passed. Fresh forces had now arrived from Peru, under command of Rodrigo de Orgonez, and Almagro directed his course southward through the rich and flourishing districts heretofore rendered tri- butary to Pern. Still another reinforcement of recruits was brou-ht out by Juan de Rada, who bore dispatches to the commander-in-chtef of a nature to turn the current of his thoughts from the present theatre of warlike operations. These containe.l his formal appoint- ment, by the crown of Spain, to the government of a large dis- trict lying next south of that already confirmed to Pizarro! The imperfect surveys of the period had not definitely fixed the "line of division, and Almagro was assured, by letters from his friends in Peru, that the capital itself lay within his newly-acquired territory That active soldier would not, however, immediately give up h'is dreams of conquest, although the extravagant hopes of his compan- ions in adventure, as to the acquisition of further treasures in gold and silver, were by this time greatly damped. He pushed on to the banks of the Pio Claro, where tlie warlike Promaucians rallied to oppose his further advance. To their astonishment, the Spaniards found themselves engage Cop.apo, Coquimbo, Quillota, and M li ] ^ ^^^ m ^?"T "^ tility and beauty of the cnujJ , ,^'r' ^ ^^apocho, the for- bis first settlemL upon he b-k o"f tl "T?'" *" ^^^'-^^"'^'^ of the province. The citv of St T '"'' ''^'''^ ^'^^^ *''^ "'''"^^ tl.e 24th of February 15fi "^'"^ ^'"^ accordingly founded on the •^:f;::;s;:^n:^:sSrT: ^^^^^-^^^ °^^^''^^' -^ intruders Thp inn -i ^""^'^'^^ ^''"^^ 'leternimation to expel the to prevent their stlZ.' 7' ' „■ ■■' '""''' °'^"'«^ """■ C"<=li« ."»l, adv.,t.ge of t^, c,o;:.„ J ,* X: ::r- •;3'» «"«..». "t»lromptly "e of the her pro- nfidence n of her ing that rourable the un- t is not further g a mo- de their !ru, bore OH I LI. 273 intelligence oftho condition of thnPl.n; . ..i di^oHtcrs, to the governor Vacate]' "^^''^'^^'^^^anJof their own Kccruit« were at on o^o el T v'' "'""""'^ ^" ^'^''^'"^■ by land and «ca. In Lo of ""^'''fr'"'^'-! to St. J„go, both fered Hcverely from t I T r^'n'urcemont«, the coltny „ui: Nearly the en'ir ""00" Ced'atTh' o'^n'" "" ^' *^'" -'-- by an ambuscade into 2rthe^'^;,^"''''^'^"^ '"''"" "«« «"* ««" by one of the Indians Thf.v . v '? ""^ "''""''' "^^'^ <^«-«^" the information t abunirnce m '" '' "l^ ^"^ '"" ^^ ««^^'' -•>' locali.-.so excited tTro^ZZZr^^^^^^^^ of any kind, they hurried o^ { ^'^hout order or precaution s.royciatadiHad7„ntge V ;:i^^ 'T' "'"^ -- easily de- "lander and a noL^ro foth nf J "'^ ^^^^'^^''I'^'^' ^'^^ ««'" Valdivia sustained' aM'otr hTr'f '''' "^" ^«""^«^^- «nd of the armed vessel bui t rC Je ^ H^^^^'"" "' ''^ T""''' by the- natives. ' ^"*'^ ^^ ^^'I'^l* were burned preparations for pushing his onZ T f "'"■^''' ^' '"*'^d« proiincesatthesouthwLl Zn rr." p" ''''"'° ""^^^^''^^^^ who had broud.t oTn "*"*^ ^''''*'""' '^ "^^«1 o^^cor, mro now rngi„„ and the n,nir "■= "cas became involved, PrcsWent Git, T. governor lent his assistance to ll,o »f J™ »d Lr";:::T:a:rr"'°' ■'' "'""■'"" """"■»' 274 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF lUSTOKY. Several years passed away without further attempts against the unsubdued tribes of the south. Meantime, the settlement at Co- quimbo had been destroyed, and the settlers in that province had perished by the assaults of the Indians. The city was rebuilt in 1549. In 1560 Valdivia collected an army of Spaniards and Promau- cians, and set out in hopes to accomplish his long-cherished scheme of southern conquest. In the month of October, having reached the bay of Penca, the natural advantages of the place induced him to pause, and lay the foundation of a new city, to be called Conception. While the Spaniards were engaged in this work, an opportunity was afforded to the natives of the vicinity to effect a coalition with allies of M'hose courage, fortitude and military skill, no adequate concep- tion had been hitherto formed. These were -the celebrated A - -.na- nians, who derived their name from Arauco, one of their smaliti provinces. The power of the incas had never been extended so far as the district in which the Spaniards were now establishing a foot- hold, and the Araucanians, who had from time immemorial main tained complete independence of every other nation, promptly determined to march at once against the invaders, and not to wait the expected violation of their own rights of territory. Of this singular people, the early historian of Chili, Don J. Ignatius Molina, gives accounts so highly coloured, that his veracity has been called in question, but he solemnly avers that all which he gives as fact was drawn from reliable authority. The apparent exaggeration of his eulogium may be confined to the imaginative conclusio'ns which he has drawn from correct premises, and may arise from the enthu- siasm naturally excited by the detail and contemplation of the won- derful intrepidity, and unequalled spirit of endurance which have ever characterized these hardy mountaineers. Their country was separated from that of the Penconeo by the river Bio-bio, and across this stream an Araucanian army was led by Aillavilu the Toqui, a military chieftain of the country. CHILI. 276 not to wait CHAPTEE II. U A PITCHED battle took place on the V..„v. „f .i. . _, ,. the tot time the Spar,h,^Zl,, , ° ^''^''^''''- "''''' f''' novelty of eavalryatrarlT^trnei^h 'T' '" "'■°™ "'^ With true ™ili J, ,m AiZnr.: , he /a„t;°fT ^"'"''°''- and fell upon them in front and rear with tL . <'PP'="en^ As the foremost ranks of the a^Ztltr^l^T^rrrr- their places. The deatlof'the C u "'"' ''""'P"""- '° '"PP'/ a. e„e.y, and profe^ed :oti 'a rr,, ZZ ^f ""'""'l the salvation of the armv fnr +1, a ^' ^^'^ P^'^^ed .;;;;o-«..er.n„lestatio„t„eontirr^^^ itiiiiur_y. lie crossed the Bio-bb n 1 ''i'i9 nn,i i>. '^ pa^ed .hrough the prov.ncos of E c d" P ef ^11:7^ fo..nda„o„s of the eit„ „f „„,„™, „„ ,,, ,„„, ^^ r":! Cant™ ossessiou of the country, (for Lincovan did [secure 276 THE I'KOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. not venture to measure liis strength with that of the Spaniards,) Yal- divia made extensive assignments of territory to his subordinates. He commissioned Alderete, an officer in the army, with sixty followers to commence a settlement on the lake of Lauquen, and, with recruited forces, continued his march to the southern bounds of Araucanin. The river Caliacalla divided this country from that of the Cunches who at first made great demonstration of resistance, but, after some negotiation, laid aside their hostile attitude, and permitted the army to pass the stream. Upon its southern ban'v was founded the ill- fated city on which the governor bestowed his own name, Valdivia. Without proceeding farther, the commander now took measures to secure his supposed conquests, and returning through Puren, Tucapel and Arauco, he built a fort in each province. No efiicient resistaiiee was made by the natives to these offensive operations, although many battles or skirmishes took place during their progress. Historians ati,ribute this uncharacteristic want of energy to the stupidity or over- caution of the Toqui Lincoyan. Valdivia, considering the country as subdued, and the natives as permanently overawed, thought only of increasing the number of his settlements and extending his terri- torial occupation. In the district of Encol, he founded his seventh colony, calling the new city the City of the Frontiers. It afterwardtj went by the name of Angol, and previous to its destruction is spoken of as having become prosperous and wealthy, Alderete was at this time sent to Spain with magnificent reports concernino- the con- quered country, and with instructions to procure for his superior, if possible, from the emperor, a special commission of authority.. Tliese events took place in the year 1553. Meanwhile, an important movement was going on amono- the Arancanians, An aged ulmen of Arauco, named Colocolo, di.sgusted with the supincncss of the Toqui Lincoyan, exhorted his countrymen to combine lor the expulsion of the foreigners. He travelled through- out Araucanin, boldly advocating tlie deposition of a leader who had proved himself without capacity for his responsible office, and the appointment of one whose valour and energies rnigiitsave his people from Spanish tyranny and aggression. Great matters of state, involving the interest of the nation at large, were decided, anion" these primitive people, by a council of the ulmenes, or caciques of the difibrent provinces, held in an open field. Such a meeting was therefore appoint-d, and discussion ran high as to the fittest successor to the dictatorship, to be vacated by tlie removal of Lincoyan. CHILI. One Tucapel, a chief of a-rpnt miKfn., nent candidate, but as his electl ^ ^ ''"'^"' ^^^ *^« '^^^^^ P^-^^i" it was finally determfned to .nh ?? "T"'^ ^^ " P^^^^^-^^ P^^^^, old chief no^inateTcl Xt' 1^^^^^ Colocolo %i^ accordingly installed amid univesaTZLl^n %?"'"' ^^° ""'' candidates, including the famon^ t7 , ^'".''?'°"- ^he unsuccessful from envy .r iealo!sv aZ ^^^^''^'^'"""^^"^^b^^fr^^dom new toqui^ ' ^' ''°'P*^'^ subordinate positions under the All were now ea^er for war bnf On,,^ v petuosity until he could make Lnl? ^1'''^" ''''''''''^ '^'^' ^"^■ blow. The fort at AraZ w^r « "l^' '"'^^'^"^ ^° unexpected the Indian auxiliaries to the S • f '^f '* '' '-^"^^k" Eighty of collect forage f^he ho t ^'"'''^^' ^^^° ^^^ ^een sent ouMo back to the^fort tupo'an Z%T^'^ ^"^""^^^ «^ ^^^^^ ^7 best warriors, who wirthe L, ' ^^'"'^^ ^^ '"^""'^ "^^^er of his and hay, eas/ly effete Vn^^^^^^^^^^ ^ ^'^ trusses of grass before the Araucanian army could ,^1 .» '^"'''* '"'"^^' ^^^ assailants were driven out and ^h , v ''/ '''"' "^ ^«*^«"' ^he a fruitless endeavour to Lm^^^^^^^^^^ -« -i-d. After content himself with reduci^c, i? T 1/ ^''"P<^^'^^" ^«« obliged to but the garrison escaped at"??h ch"". '^ '''" "«^ ^^-^^d. the full speed of theif horl fnl '1^"!'^'°"^'^ '^'' ^^«'«8-« -t tiou to Puren. ' ^ '""'"'^S *^^^^ ^^3^ ^^ithout obstruc- ^:^^i!z:::^z!^: --''] *^« -- ^- with that of Tucapel, Caupolican "d ^^^^ff "^"^^^' ^^ ^^^^"^ ^' part of the Spaniards. ValdivTa'I. nT'' 7''''''"' °" *^^« amounting, it appears to spvI. M '^''"J^''''^^« ^^^^lected his forces, sands of his InZ aUos and Irch ,'' '^"""^'^ ^"^ ^°'- *'-- i.^ «till greater force, J r' pr p" " fo^.T '"■' '^^ ^"^^'^^^^"^' -'-> t- armies met before the fort a Tut , ■"^''? ^^S'-^gement. The 155;i As the Spaniards appltell'Ilc'' ". ''■"' ^^'^^"^^^^' stricken with comster,,ationTt , f f"' ""^ ^'^'""' ^^'^^^ ^^^re of their number, w lo h d been Tf "'^ ^^'^'"^ ^'^^^« ^^ ^'^-^^ -:;,bungfrom\het:et'bX wt^^^^^^^ ^^ ''''''''''''' '^' ^^^' Ma:;L;:f:;i:;::::;::^\t[:^TT ^t ^^^ -^- — -^ of Marianta'comm c d e , r ^T 'f '^ ^'" ^'-^"-'^ '^'-^Pel- ;;;ee^^i. engaged in ^ :tt ^ ^ ^l! ;f 1^^ f ^^T 7^ 0- ^....r oecasi.. that the thunder ^::;i^e^ ::n:;^^ 278 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOEY. produced no confusion or dismay on the part of the Araucanians those behind pressing forward with the utmost eagerness to take the places of those who fell. Again and again they made an orderly- retreat, only to form anew, and rush with renewed fury to the attack. Victory at last seemed in the hands of the Spaniards; an immense number of the enemy had fallen, while the rest were in disorder, and began to crowd confusedly together in their retreat from the chari>o of the armed and disciplined soldiers of Valdivia. Among the Spanish troops was an Araucanian youth, only sixteen years of age, named Lautaro, who had fallen into the hands of Val- divia on some former occasion, and who served as his personal attendant. Excited by the discomfiture of his countrymen, at the moment Vhen the Spaniards were rushing forward with exultiii'-- shouts, this young Indian threw himself amop.g the fugitives, and seizing a lance, exhorted them to rally and preserve the honour ami safety of their country. lie hastily represented that the Spaniards were worn out with fatigue, and must give way if the contest could be longer maintained. "The Araucanians," says Molina, "ashamed at being surpassed by a boy, turned with such fury upon their ene- mies, that at the first shock they put them to rout, cutting in pieces the Spaniards and their allies, so that of the whole of this army, only two Promaucians had the fortune to escape, by fleeing to a neighbouring wood." Valdivia was taken prisoner, and when brought into the presence of Caupolican, made supplication for his life, promising to abandon all his undertakings, and remove with his people from the country, if he were set at liberty. Lautaro, retaining a regard for his former master, joined in these entreaties, and Caupolican appeared about to yield, when an old chief among the bystanders put an end to the discussion, by striking the prisoner dead with his war-club. He then justified himself, with the remark, "that they must be mad to trust to the promises of an ambitious enemy, who, as soon as he had escaped from this danger, would make a mock of them, and laugh at his oaths." On the succeeding day the victorious Araucanians gathered with their friends from far and near, to celebrate their success. The heads of the slain Spaniards and Promaucians were hung from trees as ghastly trophies, while the toqui and his officers, decked in the arms and habiliments of the Europeans, presided over the fes- tivities of the day. en ILL 279 and Vniarica, they shu. .he Jelve?"" ' u,?rSt'«°'' ''"™' divia and Conceotion Tn *i 7 tortifled towns of Val- -lege. La«a.o O!, Zl '^.^ "XrtiZr TT '"'" command in the army as a rownr^ f I- ^''V °^^* ^"^^'''^'nate was posted, with a 'poZmZe ton T^"^ ^1 r'"''-' Mariguenu, a mountain which mu^ft^iK '"°^'^ heights of into Arauco from the r:!;^:^^^^^' '''''' "^^^^^^ marched without dday to the rX tf hTh ^ '."^'""^ ^«'"^^' tance southward from the Biotio I "^"^- ^ ^^^«" ^is- guard of Lautaro's division w ici L 1 TTv'''^' ^''^' *'^^'^"««'l of three fours' duration;^;;" Jel t,^^^ contest Araucanians were protected hvoi ^ '^'' '"ountain. The sible to force their pCi b^uU IVn ' " '' ^"^^^ ^'"P- to bear upon the entrenchmcn.rri ' f ^'f ^'I^^^^cs were brought kept up at a eonvenien d L^^^^^^^^^ telTr,'" f " ^' ™^^'^^^^^ -« the cannon, Lautaro ordered one of hTsoffi. ."r" ^""^'^ ^^ storm the battery and brin^ ntnw '' """'''^ I^eucoton, to ^eturn without LcolXS.^ ^JP^^T' ''"' "^^ ^^ pletely successful- the cannnn , \ ^ ''"''"'P* ^^« ^om- a sudden and simlneorjhltT '-"f 'f ^'^^^^ ^^' *^"^^' ^^ utterly routed, and driven n conLi ^°'"?' *' ^P""'^^^« ^^^'^« mountain. A party pr'ious v 1 " .T". '^' "''^^" P^^'^ ^^ ^^e mander had thrown ZZlZ rT f ^^' '^'' ^^^mcanian com- defile, and the fu^Uives h„ 1 1^ ^^ "'' '' ''"" """ ''' The governor, wtth a\w " "„! "" iT^*' "-^tly perished, forcing his way throu<.h the enTmvT /°^^^^^«' succeeded in At that city their arrival f''''^^'^^^""^^P^'°'^^"'^^f^'ty. Molina, "indeLb bl^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ P^^^^^^' - the words o'f family but had the loss of ol i T '"'''''''''■ ^^^'^ ^^« "ot a greatly heightened ; the nXslfte '" '^^^"^- ^^^-^— s Villagran, who thoult t ,n f , "'"' ^PP'^^^^ ^^ ^^'-^^'aro. P-i;itat;iy thetSn rme":^^ l^^tf 1 ^H '^^' T^'^"^^'^^ two ships that were then fr.rf,, . , '• , ''^"'''''''° «" ^'""'"'1 "f the captains to co due p^o^^^^^^ ^ '\' ^^'^^'^"^' ^^^ ^^^ to Paraiso; while wi h th/ I r *^ Imperial and part to Val- land to Santlac:o." ''' "' *^^^ ^"^^^'^'^-^^«' ^^ Proceeded by t' 280 THE I'KOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. Lautaro and liis forces entered the deserted city, and, after collect- ing much valuable bcjoty, left behind by the inhabitants at their hasty departure, entirely destroyed the place, levelling the fortress with the ground, and reducing the wooden buildings to ashes. Vil- lagran was enabled to throw frcsli troops and supplies into the he- sieged cities of A'aldi via and Imperial ; and Caupolican perceiving that the reduction of these places would involve great loss of time and men drew off his army, and effected a junction with that under Lautaro. ' CHAPTER II L MORTALITY AMONG THE INDIANS. — DISPUTES RESPECTING THE VICEROYAI.TY.— SECOND DESTRUCTION OF CONCEPTION.— LAUTARO'S EXPEDITION AGAINST SANTIAGO. DON GARCIA DE MENDOZA, INVASION OP ARAUCA- N I A . — C ADPOI.ICAN'S DISCOMFITURE. — EXPEDITION TO CIIILOE. The Spaniards in Imperial proceeded 'to plunder and lay waste the country in their vicinity, storing within the walls all the pro- visions on which they could lay their hands. In their excursions for this purpose, some of their number, being infected with the small- pox, communicated that disejise to the natives, and a mortality more fearful than the sword tjf the enemy ensued. There was one prov- ince, the population of which amounted, it is said, "to twelve thou- sand persons, of which number, not more than one hundred escaned with life." ^ In accordance with the settlement enjoined by Valdivia, two offi- cers of note, Alderetc and one Francis Aiguirre, had precedence of Villagran in the government, but their absence at the time ofthe first viceroy's decease, hft him without a rival. The return of Aiguirre to Chili threatened to involve the country in a civil war, but it was finally agi-eed to submit the question to the Koyal Audi- ence of Lima, a tribunal of supreme authority over the Spanii^h provinces of South America. In the course of the year (1555) Vil- higran was formally confirmed in his viceroyalty, and was specially instructed to rebuild the ruined city of Conception. lie complied CHILI. 281 w.th tl>o order although against his own bettor judgment, and had as.coMd tunc he morfficution of hearing tha^ tlfe Anlucanian.^ under Lautaro, had roade a descent upon the city, had shun or expelled the jnhab.tants, and had left the place a smoking waste of ruin's llus success encouraged the natives to renew their efforts against he colonies Caupohcan again invested Imperial and Valdivia, while Lautaro w.th the most audacious self-confidence, undertook to n.areh tl, Bio-m>, and proceeded northward, his appearance being hailed with acclamations by tlie natives of the districts which he traversed laving crossed the river Ma.ule. and reached warrior, named Anfiguenu lor then- toqui, retreated t<. the nu.rshy wilderness of ;;;;;'";;'• J".t'"« ^^-^^'-e pi-"-' of eoneeulment, Antiguenu devote,! i'.'M«ll (o diseiplining the youth enlisted to take tho j.laee of the veteran warriors who ha.l perished in tho lato disastrous war «nd soon began to commit depre.Iaiio.us „„ the m.,re e.N.,osnl Spanish settlements. When his force had inerea.sed suHicienlly ,o J..stify open hostilities, he fortified himself upon M<,unt M.^riouemi tlu-scencM.f the brilliant exploit <>fLautaro, and had the good fbrtu,^ ; '^ ."t.aeked III this stronghold by a Spanish army, under a son of S „•;:;■•'• ^'" /^''-'-"';'- --- -^-Hy succcsslul, and tho ^I'iiiiish ft)rce was almost entirely destroyed. Without delay, Antiguenu now fell upol, ami reduced the fortress of Unete, and dispatched a large army to make a new attempt upon the my of Conception. At the same time, he laid siege to the fort , Arauco, then in command of Lorenzo Bernal. The city proved t.'-o f dis blocUd.d but the obnoxious fort at A rauco was taken and ,K- ti^ed. '1 hus far the Indians were successful, but, (in the year 1. , 4 ) ^ An iguenu ..s upon his march against Angol, he wa^on,.,,' to engage the wnole Spanish army, under Bernal, who attacked him TO., .he bank of the Bio-bio, near the mouth o/the Ver^osr Tli brave toqu. was slain, and his followers were destroyed or'dispersed. 287 •an., C„j„„c,.rn, „,„1 a„k.gu„l„, „or. ll,„ ..J, .li.,ii„.„w,° S' till! pcaccublo islotidcrs siili.niltcil i„ r..r,^i,„, »"'(]'<-■«"■, ai«l 1.. 11.0 j.„ar inmi ti,„ ii,i„ „rs,,„„i,i, .„„„«,„« k™„ to m™ ».-./..«....,,,». ;:rL,r:;r,irj r-^::;;^-- be the only plZ' ' "^ ''^'^^"""f '"^ ^hcse might eventually all in. .- ttrnclants jhtisI..,!. Simultaneously viti, this evl l the n.lnnrahly concerted arran.rcrnents of tho V ""' '''"'"^'. ^^ throughout Araucania, as well as 1^ Cun h 7n' • ", ""'^^"' in muss " Rrnr,, « ■ , , '-^•"^■'"■s iuid IIuillidicH, rose V'lldivi. Viii • '^^''^. 1*"^ ^^^ Tu ;; V the provinces in their dependence, and returned loaded with spoil to his country."* During the three years succeeding, all tlie Spanish settlements in Araucania were destroyed, and the whole country south of the Bio- bio was regained by the natives. A singular mixture of races resulted from the adoption by the Araucanian conquerors of the prisoners taken at the reduction of the principal towns. It appears that the half-breeds who thereafter formed a portion of the inde- pendent population of Chili, were the most implacable enemies of the Europeans. From this time until the year 1618, the Bio-bio constituted the boundary between the hostile races. Many ineffectual attempts were made by the Spanish viceroys to recover the lost ter- ritory, and equally futile proposals for the establishment of a peaceful communication, for the purj)ose of missionary enterprise, were set on foot, in conformity with the wishes of the zealous but bicroted monarch of Spain. ° From 1618 to 1632 the office of toqui was held by the warlike chieftains Lientur and Putapichion, who not only maintained pos- session of their own territory, but made continual inroads upon the Spanish settlements, bearing off prisoner.'^, horses, and other valuable booty. The Araucaniuns were at tliis time luibituating themselves to the art of riding, and to the use of fire-arms, as far as they could be procured. I'he war continued until the year 1640, when the viceroyalty of Chili was conferred upon Don Francisco Zuniga, Marquis of Baydes, who had before done good service for SpaiiHiI the wars of tlib Low Countries. Tliis officer perceived that little was to be gained by continued hostilities with an enemy whom no reverses could dispirit— no .severity subdue. The Spanish army was greatly reduced, altliougli from time to time reinforced by fresh arrivals from Peru; and the Araucanians, in the midst of the misery and destitution consequent upon such long and bloody con- tests, appeared no less determined than when they fir.st made a stand against the invasion by Valdivia. Always well versed in military tactics, they had now become far more dangerous opponents, from their acquisition of horses and from their experience of European warfare. ImnuMliately on his arrival, the marquis took measures to procure a personal interview with Lineopichion, the toqui, and preliminary arrangements f.,r a pea<-e uas agreed upon. A great meeting was held, lor the purpose of ratifying and concluding the treaty, at * Molina's History of Chili. CHILI. 289 that no foreimera of n„v „,!,.„ '""' P'^'^™""" 'o inssrl a proviso upon the ALca ia„ cLt ThH- 1°,"" '" """"'^ '° '-1 f™ effort, of the DutcTL av!u Cst^rofZ c^'^'T '' the native inhabitants in thpJr nffo " ^^^^^^ °^ ^^^e cooperation of In 1643, a Dutch C Lm B^ 7 ."^T"^ '^' ^"^'^"'^'^ i" Chi)i. and fortifications we comlfo.. T ' *'f ^-bour of Valdivia, thus secured. andTe ass^treof l". ""'' *'"'* ' '^^^'^^^^ '^^'^ b ing it. The good faith of ir A "'*'^'' "^^^'"^^ ^» ^^^ntain- rendered this fit lli';^""^™^ ^--^« the Spaniards CHAPTEB ?, RENEWAL OF WAR.— peatf op ,^,, OF THE ARAIICANIAN8 -T r. 1'"— ^^^^^^^ CONDITION CIVIL WARS.— ATTEMPT OP RAMON FREYRE REBELLION UNDER TIDAURRE.-EsJab LISHMENT OP THE REPUBLIC. agi™ etnlrat^nlC; :'/T ''' ^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^■^-^t'- the miseries of a ten y S it ""t.^ T '"' "'^^^^^'^ ^^^^^^ -" season of hostility, tL Cuf Clen " ''"P"°"^' ^"^''"^^'^^ defeated the Span ards in a nV . i T "^"'""^^ ^"'^^^^f^^- ^e Colcura, St. PeTo "nd othe t J ^'^'^^^ the fort, at Arauco, -,ed the city oi^i^'jnX:7l! Z^T' '^ Estancia del Eej. Nothing hnf t},. ! Christopher and prominent -on.^f t,,if :ia't:te";i:3 1:,-'!'."" "' '"^ Wive, whose dimtistaion LX 1 d .1 °''^,'""', '"""'^ "^ "'^ "ont peace was effected bo, c 2 tf im" iT • ".?'";■""■ ■Merval,,l,cgr„,vtl,ofthosel,l„,„JtC,,\"H ! 7^ " '""" Vol.. m._l9 •'"""""JeJ, and an enormous 290 TIIK I'EOl'LE'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY. expense incurred by the government. Useless campaigns, wlaich resulted in loss to both parties, and in which no definite or perma- nent advantage was gained on either side, furnish but a wearisome theme for the historian. Under the government of Francisco Xavier de IMorales, a lasting peace was concluded. The toqui, Curignancu having consented to a conference, to be held, in accordance with his demands, at St. Jago, exhibited a skill and firmness in negotiation equal to his bravery in the field. The old treaties were renewed and, in spite of much opposition, it was agreed that thereafter a resi- dent minister from Araucania should be allowed at St. Jago. At the close of the eighteenth century, the only possessions of the Spaniards south of the Bio-bio, were the fortification of Valdivia, sit- uated in the Cunchese territory, the island of Juan Fernandez, and the Archipelago of Chiloe.' In the northern provinces of Chili, their settlements increased and prospered, while the Araucanians remained in peaceable and triumphant possession of their original territory, a possession maiTitained and secured by more than a century of lios- tilities. No uncivilized nation, of equal numbers and resources, lias ever in the history of the world maintained so protracted a struggle with European armies, provided with all the means and appliances of modern warfare. It is remarkable to what a degree these brave and chivalrous people differed from the generality of the aborio-jnal Americans in their system of strategy. Their campaigns did not consist merely of a series of secret manoeuvres and midnight sur- prises, nor did they offer battle only in situations which would fur- nish ready places for retreat, or supply coverts from which the warrior might discharge his weapons in safety. In the words of Kobertson, "they attack their enemies in the open field; their troops are disposed in regular order, and their battalions advance to action, not only with courage, but with discipline. The North Americans, although many of tiiem have substituted the fire-arms of Europe in place of their bows and arrows, are notwith- standing still attached to their ancient method of making war, and carry it on according to their own system; but the Chilians resemble the warlike nations of Europe and Asia in their military operations." Such ardent feelings of patriotism as have ever distinguished the Araucanians, are naturally associated with strotig attachment to the customs and manners of life peculiar to their ancestors. This is par- ticularly noticeable in the doubtful success met witli by the Catholic missionaries whose efforts, from time to time, have been directed to If-' CHILI. 291 tlieir conversion' ancl in +i.« . • conspicuous in their go'rlenffrf'' ""P^'^^*^ -^'«^ - «till I oipal addition to thdr rerrcr:'/^^^^^^^ ^'^^ P"- occupation and pursuits consTsts in t1 '°"^^^1"^"^ ^''^"ge in their cattle, to the raiing of whTch hei ^^^'/"'f''^"'^*'^'^ ^^ Worses and The European colonitof Ch '^^' ^'" '^^^^^°^- the period of confusircoLealr'^'^^"'^'"^ ^° ^^^^^ ""^^1 ea..paisns; a period orig n rnHat T" f''''' P^'""«"^- resultod in the loss to the ^tt'e ^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^-^ tuicntal possessions. Bv the ^ir.n, a American con- Conquista, the captain-g'^^ntl Chih "T °' u" ^°""* ^« '^ a-.bl, of landeS propriety's t^'lZnTZt:' ''''' ^? concerting measures for an overthrow of th^qu P^^P««e of having for its president the eoun himself ^ ^7''- "^ J""*^' and an election was ordered t^llf' """' ^^^^^^ingly formed, Entering upon their o^nZ:^:j'Z:\^^^^^^-^^^- bers of the mdenendpnt ^^„„ , ujooasfiect, the mem- t'^e court of roy!rX::ZTrZtt *^ ^"""' ''' ''-''' ^' equahty to the inhabitants. ^'''' '"'^"""^ liberty and Three brothers, named Carrera, who had fnV.n in opposing the partial system J ''''':. *'^«° ^ promment part tricts, after Lt abuse h d C eo/reI7b ? ' ''' '^"*^"' ''^^ a new disturbance, and, gain ng ove^ 1 'if.^'" .^°"^^^««' ^^'--^ted party, succeeded iL disLlvin^first tl ' 'f ^' ' considerable wards the congress itself, leavLth^r^^t!rr'.T •'""''' '""^ '''''■ in the hands of a coun il of three amon! f" '"^^^^*^°^ ^^ ^^-^3 own number. ' """"^ ^'^'^"^ ^^s one of their . m .hro„ing off L fl. with WW * etrr:'',°*r'' "™ tnei Tl,c disaflbaion of ,l,e inhartTJ ami ,f r "* "" ''"• «ak-e„ed the power of the solf-crerdlTe Irf nr"'""'' "''"'' "itoipositio.1 of the Peruvian »„tl,„ . f ? °'"''' """""I ""e -ording,, dispatched a;;:;trLl, p' """'^ "' ^""" the country. That officer in IRl T I / '"'"^'^ '" "«i^e "1'"" over the tip, „ CoZ.Ton ' 1 Tl , '"1° ""'"'• "'"'■ «»"'"'8 -ted a. hi, -ca.p,„c:r:i,r::^^t"r;iu2"fh.'j^ "": " Jicnorai Gorcr^ co„.in„i„g ,„ ^arr, ,„a.t„r, „,th a high haud, '■I* ' -Ml 292 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOKY. and making use of his military commission to commit many acts of tyranny and oppression, was deposed from his command, and the office of commander-in-chief was bestowed upon the celebrated Col onel O'Higgins. With his brother Luis Carrera, he was shortly afterwards taken prisoner by the royalists. The patriots, under their new general, eftected little or nothing until the spring of 1814 when such signal advantages were gained over the invaders, that a treaty was negotiated, by the terms of which the Peruvian forces were to be withdrawn. Meantime, Chili was distracted by new revolutions and disturbances. The junta was dissolved, and Lastra the governor of Valparaiso, was created dictator, only to be dis- placed by the intrigues and influence of the Carreras, who had made their escape from captivity. The royalist general neglected to comply with the treaty, and maintained his position until autumn, when powerful reinforcements having arrived from Peru, he overran the whole country, and com- pelled the rebellious provinces to submit once more to Spanish oppression. "The inhabitants became the victims of royal ven- geance; arrests, imprisonments, punishments, and banishments fol- lowed, filling the country with terror, sufl'ering, and horror. More than one hundred patriots were exiled to the desert island of Juan Fernandez, three hundred and eight}' miles from the coast."* For the final establishment of their independence, the Chilians were indebted to foreign assistance. An army of republicans, under General San Martin, governor of the province of Cuyo, in the eaily part of the year 1817, was marched across the Andes, and, joining the patriots, annihilated the Spanish power in Chili for ever. The subsequent campaigns of the combined armies of that country and of Buenos A^'res, e.-^pccially those connected with the liistory of the establishment of Peruvian independence, will be found briefly nar- rated in another portion of our history. In the year 1825, a constitution was framed by the congress of Chili, in accordance with the provisions of which the country has been subsequently governed. O'Higgins remained at the head of aflairs in Chili for the term of six years from the jjcriod of his elevation, April, 1817. lie was generally esteemed, both for his military services, and his good in- tentions in the conduct of the civil adiniiiistratii)n; but the unsettled condition of the country in those early days of the republic, required * Nilus' History of Scmtli America and Mfxioo. CHILI. 298 a i5rmer hand in the correction of nh , ^^' Bight and control over subordinate nffl'^'rl '" '"°'' thorough over- the patriotic, but negligen dTeet iT f'-'" "^^^ ^-'^----t-^ V to Peru, where he was rece ved w.» r '' '^'^"^'^'^^ ^« ^^^-^-l where his services in the caZo{7eluT"' "' ^'^^^"^^'^"' -'^ an appropriation from the governmenr '"" """'' '"^"'^^'^ ^y For several years nft«r r»TT- • turbed and tumultuousstte tS' "' '^'^"^"'•^' ""''''' ^^ - - ^lis- to maintain order, or to carry ^ J'.^ '''"t'^'^^^ P'-esidents were unable the government. la 182980 o • ?'"' ^'^ giving stability to of legislation being claimed CplrvTlvf "^..'"^^ '"*' ^'^ ^^^^^ president, and by a junta appoi S h ^ ^ ^'^^ '°"S^^^«' ^^^^ the from the various disaffectedTown 1n^^ '^"'^^ ^^"* ^^ ^« Santiago General Prieto, flavoured the "nta an,"'- "':' ^'^ ^™^' ■-^°- gressional forces, under General R '". '^^"^^' ^^^0' ^^e con- O'Higgins' successor in the rreir^r°" '''^''' ^^° ^^^ been At a general election, held immed hpl Vv ^""^P^^^^^J defeated. was chosen president of the rubhc ^ ' engagement, Prieto Under the vio-nrnna ^ i • • advice andassis^anr ft::j;;::f^^«^ ''''' °^^^^^' -^-. ^y the avoided the errors and con 00"; T "^^'"^^' ^'^°- ^-^^^-^ powers of government we reTo^d fl?'"' "' ^"'^ P^^^^^^^^«^°^«' ^'' 1-hed. The organi.atioroVrmt ^/f"'°^^'^"^^^ -'^ -tub- effectual check to the enterprise ':::,• '" "^T"'' ^^^^^^^^ - J«d.c.ous financial measures revived I "i;"'^''"'^ adventurers; -stent course of firn., and necei L ! ^"''^ "•^'^'' ^"^ a con! ^a^vs;, gave security to life and prope fv ^'"' administration of the The year 1836 was memonlX f •^" ox-director, Ramon Freyre to hi '^ unsuccessful attempt by the ^^-- L.ma for Chilocrt'efding folr^ I ^T^^^^^""" ^« ^^^^ -"-ast of Chili, but Iho gov nLe„t " * "^^''^ '^'' ^-^^l'--" a';t;c.pated the moven.ent 1 w w ^'^"^ "'^'^^ "^ ^^« ^^-S"«, -; h,s shipa fell into the handtof trcTr '" '^'""^' '''' <'- 1 f'e d.sa/lection of Colonel vtl ^'^'*'"'- anny of Chili, produced more 2aT' '''"",^ ^" '^"'"'"''^"^^ '» the ;^-^- of rebellion was t s " ^of T^''^- '''''''' ^^^™- 'e was reviewing the troops ', ""' ^''''^''' "^ )^;'v,I war. Vidaurre atta k^d y.Unn "'" ;"""^^^^^^^'^3^ fo"owed ^'^' -x'ed, and he saw his followers ', ^"' '^"^ ^^^^ ^«« ^^^'^ "■'^«''^'">ate Portales loll , "-^n^ "^'^''f ^"^ scattered. The •'^•^''"tothedisappomtedrageofhis 2t)4 •ni K I'KOI'I.K'S IK. OK Ol'' lUKTOIiV. OMptors. He liml rcCiiscil to liMul liiinst'll'tit Urn viows oflliti rcvolu- iioiiiHfs, iillliouiili Wiiriu'il thut his lilb (U'luMulcd upon liiHtclccision. NVIicii l-lic Hill' of the (liiy wius lU'oidod, the ciiptivo iiiiiiistcr was Hliot, aiitl, tlic lii'Ml lilt' not, i'nily tiikiiifj; od'ci-t., wiih dispiitcluMl hy bnyoiu'lH. His hiuly was louml lyinj; in tlui roivil \v1um> the insnrgcnt IbrcrM had (lispiMsod. 'rii(> principal loniontcrsoC this ontbivuk })ai(l tlio roilbit of (hiMr ivlu'llion with tlioir lives. 'I'li(< natnral n-sonrci's of the Chilian ropnltlie are groat. Tlio soil is exi'<>etlingly IVniti'iil, and the peenliar conformation ol'tlK" eoniitry renders n system of irrigation extensively availal)le. The niines of the preeious metals aro rich and pnxluetive, wiiile those of copper are among the most valuahle ever disoovered. (lood harbours and a, favourable geograjthieal position alVord facilities for an (>xt(Misivo eon\meree. Sueii advantages, combined with a delightful variety oi' elimaU' and seeni'ry, render Chili a desirable place of residence but it.s growili lias been hardly in proportion to its resouives. It apjiears that the government has lately held out new inducenieuts to iinmigrant.s from other countries, and has olTered faeililies for their estublishuient, well calculated to attract the enterprising uud industrious. ^'1 I" L 11 I D A. CHAl'TEB, I. J lU N r N K hf. ],]>() K I, , « V n V . -IIIN inUTII. — l.rsAHTUOIJH AT AN I. NAItVAia.~||,,;,(,K,\,^.„o I, K A. — HIH KXl'K- «AIU;|( TO TIIK I, NT Kir I a It. — CONTIiSTS WITH TIIK INlMANs, I' T II H HIH TKMI'TS ov AYM.ON HOTO. — AIM'OINTKI. (n.VKIINOUoKriMI DITION TO P 1,0 II I DA. TiiK ])ejuitifu] name of Florida rpstrir.fml r <•> -^ «ingle province, and rJVT^ st^"" •'•" "\""""'^' Insto,^ of America, applied to a v.^t'Sr^.""? '" '^ ^'"'■^^ 'H-arly all the eastern portion of .1 , ""*''^' «"''"■'''^'>'^' Af ■ r ' "' ^''" W""ifi'it, ])etwc('n r.it..„1.. , I Mexico. In narrating tl.c settlen.ent of the wlTj \ ]i;i« hcen made of Tn-m TV>. i t "^ '"'^'^■^> ""^"'"'ii tlio.sc wjio bathed in it T r , restore youth to 29(] TlIK rKOl'I.K'H HOOK OK IlISToUV, cii'imil S(i iilliiriii;:-, hy rciulj voliiiitoni'M, on tlui .'M of ^^il^■ll initj lie set sail iVom I'orlo Ifico. 'I'oiicliing at (iuanaliaiii, uml iiiakiiMr in(|iiiri('s willioiit .success, Cor lJuMli'sin>(l rc|^noii, lie liciil on to fja. n..rlli-\vcst, and on I he L'Ttli, canui in n\'^h\, of land. On \\\(\ 'Jd of April, lii> anclmrc'l near the inonlli orwliat. is now culled tlie, St. .lohn's river, and landin.i^', on tlic followinfr day, took po.sscssion of the country in tlic^ name of the Spanish sovereigns. It, was Pulm Sunday (Pascnii Florida), on ucooiitifc ofwliicli, a.s well as oCtlu; gay and (lowery nppoaran<'e of tlu^ eounlry, lie bestowed on it tlie namn <■>{' I''loiida. For ,s(>veral weeks lie stood .southward along the sliore rreuiid, aggravated by mental uneasiness and di.sap- liointincnf. .V Latin (>pitapli chronicled hi:- name and exploits: ".l/o/f sitli lute Jiirtis irijitirscan! ossii Leimis, Qui licit J'liclis wmiina imif^jia siiis." Boiu'iitli tliis iiKiiiiid ri'st the bones of tlii> viilijiiit I.ion, Who ill \m doi'ds 8ui-|mssi'(l tho niinu'.s of l\w t'iimous. Snliseciuent expeditions to this land of natural beauty and imagin- ary expectation, I'ov a long pi>riod, {ire.^ent but a repetition of sulfcr- ings ;ind di.-^asters. f.ucas Vas(|ue/, de Ayllon, .sailing, with three hundreil men, to what is now known as South Carolina, was cut oil', with nearly all his command, by the hostile Indians. Pamphilo de Narvaez (def att-d and captured by Cortes at Cempoalla, in ^fexieo) in lo'JS, with four liundied men, landed on tlu> western coast of l""lorida, and penetrated, in the vain hope of treasure, through the marshes, to Appalachee. A third of his command jierished of liun- '\ FLOUIDA. 297 gcr, or were slain by tl.e r.nli.ns, on their rotnrn, and ti.e rem.inclcr ]osu,g he,r way, were iinally stopped by an ann of tl Ja ' In tins extremity, the almost hmolis task w.s nn.W l con.tn.c.ing vesse^ wherewith to rO^in th J:^;,;^^ : ^t:^ J m act the rehcs of a cavalcade into a squadron, i> po«sib fo CS jfll. Sfrrups, spurs, and every article of iro, wroucd.t on a r"de forge, were converted nto nails; the tails and manes °o the hor es wisted wuh d)res of the palm, were used for rigging, and heir sS for water-casks. The shirts of fl,r> 0^1 r ° "^ *i, 4- -11 ^'^^ soldiers, cut open and sewed to Am.imn) live miserable barks were natel,e,l tn™il ,., , ^ whiel, forty or my „en, elosoly ero v e ' °t ll '".T'' "' d»p,.r,cth thcr lances, now forcing the enemy back to the gate and now m turn repulsed by missiles from the rampart. T vv o hundred cavahers finally dismounted, and, leading a desperate charge forced their way :nto the town. The houses were fired, and in the midst of a terrific conilagration, the battle raged wi h unabat d ury-the Spaniar s, choked with heat and smoL, quenchim ttir durst from a small pool, half blood, half water, near the pdis d The rear-guard, under Luis de Moscoso, hastened by the sound o I he conflict, at last came up, and after a desperate struggle, lasting I for nine hours, victory fell to the Spaniards ^ The whole town had been destroyed by the conflagration, in which gea numbers of Indians also perished-among tircm, it is proba ble, Tuscaloosa himself, lor nothing more was heard of him. Tw nty- five hundred bodies wore scattered without the walls. Eigluy-tni> of he Spaniards had fallen, and seventeen hundred woutds^^re (hstranited among the survivors. All their baggage and treasure was destroyed, and the.r slaves had escaped. Sufli^H^g grievouslv ior want of surgical aid, the, dressed their wounds (like'tCe sdd rs of Cortes inhis Mexican campaigns) with the fat of the dead In- dians. To do them justice, they treate.l with kindness the wounded and dying enemy, of whom great numbers lay around. No further .s.gn of hostility appeared, for the Tuscaloosau warriors had mostly ponshed or been disabled in the battle. ^ Lingering amid the ruins of Mauvila, De Soto heard of the arrival of sInpH upon the coast, supposed to be his own fleet, which he Ind ordered to rendezvous at Pensacola. To his despair and indio,„tioi :;;::;::' --'-.'-f ^h,. ..avallers propose to seize them a°nd pro-' ud u, Mexico 'Ihis inutmous .lisposition, combined witli for ner osses and misfortunes, completely overcame his spirit. "AH his OS soon... to have been in vain; the sacrifice of ills Immense J lor nothm. 1 hore nas no treasure to s.,i ! to ('„l,a to attract fi-esh for nothiiirr, D 302 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. volunteers; he became a moody and disappointed man; but in his secret soul resolved never to return without having accomplished something commensurate to his former fame and anticipations. But the fire of ambitious enthusiasm was burnt out, or quenched by dis- appointment. 'He no longer pretended to strike out any grand undertaking; but, stung with secret disappointment, went recklessly wandering from place to place, without order or object, as if careless of time and life, and only anxious to finish his existence.'" Qa the 18th of November, 1540, overawing the seditious by the stern- ness of his demeanour, he again set forth for the interior. CHAPT-EH IIL DE SOTO MARCHES WESTWARD. LOSSES FROM INDIAN HOSTIL- ITY. — REACHES AND CROSSES THE MISSISSIPPI. — MARCHES TO ARKANSAS. — RETURNS TO THE MISSISSIPPI. HIS DEATH AND BURIAL, — FATE OF THE SUR- VIVORS. — THEIR VOYAGE TO MEXICO. Crossing the Black Warrior and Tombigbee rivers, at the end of thirty days, De Soto arrived at the village of Chicaza (Chicka- saw), where, for two months, he encamped, on friendly terms with the surrounding tribes. At length, to avenge certain injuries, the latter, by night, made a fierce attack upon his quarters, which they fired with burning arrows. They were finally repulsed, but the Spaniards lost forty men and fifty horses in the fight and conflagra- tion, and during the remainder of the winter, the survivors, their lodgings destroyed, suffered terribly from cold. On the 1st of April, they again took up their march, and on the way lost fifteen more in storming a strong Indian fortress, named Alihamo, defended by a gre-^t force of the enemy. Still pushing their toilsome journey through desolate and marshy regions, the Spaniards at last came upon a mighty river, which Soto called the Eio Grande, and which is now known as the Mississippi. Here the invaders took a village, named Chisca, to the intense rage of its cacique, a little, withered, diminutive old man, who, how- ever, had been a mighty warrior in his youth, and who now' ruled FLORIDA. 303 L_ hi. by yielding „p W, p,„„,,, and "tn™, p IS ^tK aiong tte.; and pn^'^I^, aCrnier::!:.;^^ s^cators, "to see IhL InTJ ^'""^''"V'sH" «ays one of the Le, aad very k ge wTth .heir pl^r' **,«'« ">»»' "»"% Standard, Iha^loofekrLte.^rgaS' "^ '"^'*' ™' The Spaniards, however, crossed the river* witlnnnf and resumed their mareh t^ the westward TheTot T°' I'"' , encountered, appear to have berd::;^ i«TitI tl 7 g:ous ceremonies of the strangers, and.Vuring a g eatlo^^^^^^ rain to the God te bh LZs' " Got ''' T'^ " ^P"^^^ '''' i pious Las Casas, " willingto how th. t Z " T'^" ^'^^ '^' ! to them that ca 1 to hTm n trut^ f ^j^^^*^^"^' '^^' ^^ l^^teneth ■ ensuing niglit a t^entrus . .' T ''''"' '" *^^ "^^"^^^^ ^^ ^'^^ o "b"!', it plenteous rain, to the ffrent inv r^f fU« t j- .. L,e,e;.re,i„;r;,^;rnni„rdr:L:2^;;t-rr (the Mississ np ), and thoro huUrV, u • / ^ ™" Grande Cuba for .a,';^,^ If ':::^l:*t^„r Tz liii^rt^ with the caciu of , i, ttT , T ~'" °" ''"'-■■"'li' '«""» ^'.--, .. «,e,y p_„,, a:.i"::;-e.. '::,r:;- :- *At the Lower Chickisiw Uli.ff •♦ u "^ places; bet.eon t,. 3.th and SStLtlnrrn^IS;" "' '"^ ""'"' '^^"^^'"^ 304: THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY, was dispatched across the river, to endeavour to gain intelligence of the distance and direction of the sea. At the end of eight davs, the messengers returned, with the report that the whole country ap- peared to consist of vast swamps and forests, through which the river, with many windings, made its way. What with toil, disappointment and anxiety, the unfortunate Soto now fell ill; but, to maintain his accustomed ascendency over the natives, dispatched an embassy to Quigaltanqui, the cacique of a great province bearing the same name, on the opposite side of the river, with the customary announcement that he was the oiTdpring of the Sun, and requiring submission and a visit. But the shrewd and haughty chieftain sent back the reply, "That whereas he said he was the Child of the Sunnc, if he would drie vp the Riuer he would believe him; and touching the rest, that he was wont to visit none; therefore, if hee desired to see him, it were best hee should come thither; that if hee came in peace, hee would receive him with speciall good will ; and if in warre, in like maimer hee would attend him in the town where he was, and for him or any other hee would not shrinke one foote backe." This proud and magnanimous re- pulse aggravated the illness of the disabled general, who, says the old history, "had betaken himselfe to bed, being euill handled with fevers, and was much aggrieved that he was not in case to passe presently the River and seeke him, to see if he could abate that pride of his." Death, however, was at hand, to relieve his humbled pride, and to quench the feeble rays of hope and enterprise that might yet be lingering in his bosom. Seeing his end at hand, lie appointed Luis de MoBCoso to succeed him in the command; and taking an affection- ate leave of his surviving comrades, entreated their prayers for his soul, and charged them to be loyal to the crown, and peaceful and loving with one another. "Next day," says the old Portuguese, "being the One and Twentieth day of May, the Magnanimous, Vir- tu ou.s, and Valiant Ca]itain, Don FcriK.mh de Solo, Governour of Ciihn, and General of Florida, yielded his soul to God." In this forlorn and miserable situation, at the early ago of forty-two, perished one of the bravest and most enterprising leaders of adventure in tlie New World — the gradual decay and melancholy extinction of his fortunes strangely contnisting with the suddenness and brilliancy of their culmination. "Uis burial was a strange one; but not unworthy of his extraor- 'LOBIDA. 805 dinary career and of his great discoveries TJ,« Q • ^ conoealed his death from tho Tnr) ? Spaniards carefully encouraged to rise again! h.,:Z' 'T"^;-*/^^^ should be oak was cut down, and a ho wTa "e if Z t"^^' '"/^^^^"^'^ trunk. In this singular coffin thi hT ^.^ '"*'^ °^ '^^ ^^^^7 carefully secured, a'nd in the dead of nUt aJ^ ^^^ 'T""' ^^^ and chief cavaliers, was solemnlv Inched tto.f '^-^'^ ^""^ river, nineteen fathoms in depth Tw! T ' ''"*''" °^ *h« hundred feet below the surf! e" and Ton^ *^- -^e receptacle, a wreck and drift of three centuir ni ^ ""'' "^^"''^"^ ^"^ the renowned adventurer and the " ''^°'' *' '^'"^^"^ «^ *h« rolling over the bones' of is d icoXl^T "Ir' ''' f''^'''^'^' monument to his fame "* '°°^^^«^. ^rms a fittmg and enduring we».w»rd, hopi„gtore*VeTo„Trier''f M™""- *° '"^ 1% to October, thev pursuod .1,1,1 """'=.'"™'= "f M™eo. From in.0 the rece«; of S ; WorH tT'""™'^'^-'™''"* ^^P distant viow of the EockTMo„,^L":'' r '"'"f '' ""'"' '=™' " l«,*sMhe, lr.r,-.r ™; i.^ i the precious melala were eherlh d 'L"''.'!' '"' "'"'"S '"^"""■■'"f necessar/husbandry Before Wn , fH'" °' '""^''^ ""'' .areathLe.t.erM„(w'?r„ e;Ter:.h1*!rf\""7"^ the country, when Ribanll lrri„.j "f '"''P'""'°f'''""idoimig flee, and aWndantXptr'"' °" *'' °™'' '"* ^ welLappointed Eardlj had the sufferino- coloni^tq t.'nn.. ♦ • • able reinforcement, when th^; wercatd iTJ^ TJ "J' ""™- against an enemy more cruel 3 i " i T ^ ''"'^"^ them.«lve, wU territory they were Mabliaher*^ A^t ■'T.""' """-S^' '" Pedro Menend^e. d/Ayil,re*,''off it:: fl'e" -^ "Z after an attempt at the seizure of some of Rib-inlt'« 1- u t ' :rri;Se^'n";hr"""'^"'^^^^^^^^^^^ 01 OL Augustine On this occasion was founded the town of thit name, whose ancient and dilapidated walls, narrow streerand Fu ropean architecture, notwithstanding modern improveme ts s^ill" carr, us back to the earliest settlement of the country The lar'e ...d^o.ingthehLL"«:j:S2r^ Eibault did not wait for another attack, bnt, hopeful of securing iSre'^He:::'^ --„»„. .,le, in ;,Z. with hH treacherous coast. Menendez tool !d!rn *\''''"««™»'' "'"I .« elapse before the .renci 2', ttr f \- ' ^ it'irriatT to make a rap.d advance on the unprotected for^ on May rive ' No effectual resistance could be made, and the whole of the oZ ».s were taken captive or slain in the encounter. A, The men *p:rr:.re'bir;iS'r'^ ^"' '° ^-"■-•' - ;™ placed, i„.,cribcd J:^^:2^^^:^^^l^rT""' but as heretics." ^ ' ^°* "^ Frenchman, -!Srpatroftba;:,'r:r°' ^ "■? -'"^— ■ "■» '"'i- l>aiiy oi itiDauJt, althou<<;h numberintr n^t- p.,.. <• • liuiK red men mide nn ^ffi^.f * 'mmoenng not far from six deternrined 2 l^c cd b tnd t^lT^r U ''' /""""'J " ''" an u„c„„d,.,onal surrender to the Spaniards. ° •'n^^l't^r:^. 308 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. two companies; the first, consisting of two hundred men, proceeded up the coast as far as Matanzaa Inlet. Here they were met by Me- nendez, who had, with forty soldiers, sailed up the sound to recon- noitre. A French soldier was sent across the inlet to learn what terms could be obtained; the messenger was detained. The boat was then sent across for ten Frenchmen, who were taken behind a sand-hill and murdered. And in this manner were the two hundred men decoyed across the stream by tens, and all massacred and left on the sand, to be devoured by the birds and beasts of prey."* Ribault, with one hundred and fifty of his followers, gave them- selves up a few days subsequent, only to share the fate of their mur- dered countrymen. The remainder of the party fortified themselves upon the coast, and were engaged in the construction of a vessel from the wrecks of the fleet, when they were set upon by Menendez and driven from their position. Terms of favour were now proffered by the conqueror, and were accepted by all, except a few who still feared to trust to the promises of the treacherous Spaniard and who betook themselves to the wilderness in the interior, where they probably perished. The outrages perpetrated upon the ill-fated French colony were in a measure revenged in 1569, by a private expedition, fitted out and commanded by the noted Dominique de Gourges. With a small but effective force of adventurous volunteers, he came upon the coast, and under the guidance of one of the old companions of Lardo- niere, attacked the forts which had been taken from the Frencli four years previous. These posts were surprised and carried by storm, although garrisoned by a superior Spanish force, and little mercy was shown to those who fell into the hands of the assailants. The remains of several of those put to death by Aleneadez, still hanging upon the trees, were taken down and buried by the orders of Gourges, who directed Spanish prisoners to be h mg in their places and aflixed this label, "Not as Spaniards, but as murderers." Hav- ing dismantled the forts, the invaders made good their retreat, and sailed for France. Menendez remained in undisturbed possession of St. Augustine and as no fartlier attempt was made, for a long period of years, by any other European nation to encroach upon the Spanish possessions on this coa.st, full opportunity was afforded for carrying out the views of the colonists in the propagation of their faith among the * Williams's Florid/i. FLOKlJvA. 809 natives, and the extenm'nn r.f *i. . furtherance of tins object confro.:; °^'° missionaries, in events which preceded CsuToeZ <£?"''' "^^^ *^« blo;dy sy^- They dispersed thrs^e^ J r^S"' °' ^'f P^^^^' and, trustmg entirely to their {^ood fni^J, . T^"^ *^« ^"^ians, «ion from society, a.d in ardno boir'^fo' f^^^^r ^" -'- conversion of the natives. Thev succ;p7^ / ' civilization and 'n gaining over the confidence of thZ a ""^ '^'^^"'^^'"g extent the Atlantic sea-coast far into the uo!,.' ^^^ertainers, and from numberless tribes were brc^Lht to ,, ? ^ '""'" '' *^^ ^««*' the Catholic faith. ^ *° ^* ^"^'* ^ "0">inal acceptance of In 1586, and again as late a^ iflfiR *t- « Florida suffered from the a ttaekVof 1 .^^'"f ""'«'"«"*« of er-nsers. On the latter oco Jon h/b '"^ '^^'««« English •''"'i plundered the town o T A.tt '°'T' ""^^^ ^^^^«. ^^^-d an Knglish colony was founded on trt "f T ^""«" «^^---^<^« country like Florida, where tt buVl ^^' "^ ^'"^^ ^'-«^- I" '^^ Pe-hable nature, and where thV:!! Xt'l"^ '"^^"^ "^ '^ the necessity for any impression on the ToH in th """'' ^'''^''^'' a few years of desertion suffice to oh 1 ''''''°" of houses, -ttlement. A new growth of wootf? ^T'' '^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ « acterfrom the original, serves to mfl?"!"*^^ '^' ^'^^^«"* «har- flelds; but the traveller unlllto Jd\ ' '""'^'^^^ °^ ^^^ ^^^'^^^ed pancy, would scarcely suppo e t^.^fj^ ^.^^'^^^'^^^ ^^ ^rmer occu- ^0 him the primeval fo est tht he ^"r° """^^'^ ''^'' ^PP«-« ever echoed to the busy .ouUstftili:?^^^^^ around hi.\ad f;^quent changes of Jurisd^' o^ I S:, ^^t"'" ^^^ ^«'^^^*' '^ changes. Thriving villnc.es or to^n!? I- ^"* "^''*"^ "f those or English colonist; ux-rf L " J M /^'^^ ^^^"^^' Spanish, -J -rce a vestige now rem'JZ; t , t^te ^ ^'^^^^ P^^-^-. J he commencement of tv,. • l '*-''^ existence. I.™<1. Every thing promised Z!,^ "'"' •■^'»''»'' V sea and gnn ,„.„ p„„.^^j^| reiulbreements Lad 810 Tll K TEOriiK'S HOOK OK IIISTOKV. nrrlvcil from Spain. Two ixrined vcsscIh apjx'nrcd oll'tlio const, and Mouio ciVoctod an iininodiato ri'troiit, leaving his licet and stores a j>ivy to tlio enemy. Ilis principal ollicer, Colonel Daniels, to whoao ciiergv the first successriil operations of the cxjiedition wcro due, was at this time absent, having been sent to Janiaiea for a snp|)ly of artillery, prior to an attack on the fort of St. Marks. Ho returned only to find the position of the English abandoned, and the Span- iards in complete possession. The sci'ond attemj)t, in 1704, was iijmm) the Spanish and Indian towns in West Florida. Unable to ])roeurc assistance from the legis- lature of the territory, Mooro collected a few companions, and, pro- ceeding to (he head-quarters of the diflerent tribes of friendly Creeks, readily secured their cooperation in the proposed campaign against their old enemies, the Yemasecs, Appalaches, &c. A post known as Lewis' Fort, ami garrisoned by a consideiablo body of Spaniards, under command of Juan Mexia, the colonial governor, was the first point of attack. Mexia imprudently gave battle without the walls of the fort, and was completely ovcrj)owered. Ilis followers were mostly slain, and the place was destroyed. Following up their ad- vantage, the invaders ravaged the Avhole of that portion of the country, breaking up the missionary establishments, and dispersing or destroying the Spanish occupants. Vivst numbers of the native inhabitants were carried oil' as prisoners, and those who were not doomed to slavery, were settled in the vicinity of the English colony, to the northward of the Savannah river. The jjower of the Span- iards was afterwards mostly confined to their settlements in Eiist Florida. A garrison was nevertheless maintained by them at St. Marks on the Appalaohe. FLOKIDA. 811 CHAPTER ?. THE YKMASKKS.— INVASION OP FLORIDA II OKSSION TO OltKAT IlltlTAIN V OOLKTIIOIU'K.— ■""■ TUItN HUM, '8 L'OI OM V -^CESSION TOS,.A,N._,NVA.S.ONOP KAST P,', inAPHOMTirKHMTKH STATES -AC.mrio; OF FLOIUI.A HY TUP UNITKI) 8TATK8. In the frontier Indian war of 1717, ti.o Vumasees of Flori.!-' who bad at one period favoured the English colonics un tl, . 7' ;i- ..into .. general eon.binatioJ of ^o^ZZ'^Z^'X t cr dcloat by General Craven, they settled in East Flor da ... r ther h|,a..Ksh allies a,.d proteet<.rs. They we.-e, howev .'c u w.t severity by t^.e territorial governor, Ayola, and vv"e ";, Ijl d to aba..d().i their first settlements, where thev h ..1 ),„iu '^"" I'^^'^'f a.ul to ta.e u, their .narters H.rU.er I^J!;:^^::;' A ' C £!; th..s co,npu sory migration, the less able-bodied, t<.gc.ther wk hr :'Th::":L:^nr.f'''''^''^"' ^-'^ '-' upo.r Ame^ 1!:^ l.cse, says Will a.ns, "wore presently discovered by the Knulish ^^l.o pursued the fugitives in their launches, on which tev hid . ountod swivels; these they brought to beilr on tlie rn si I •starving rabble, who had not a tree or bush to protect tZ W were murdered ni col,: blood. Four hundred weiJthus a Iter^ ■H of three thcnisand that now survived, more than two t^Js ched m k.s than a year, by hunger and discLes." ^' n 1719 the fort at Pensacola was the scene of some hard nghti... g.irr..on. 1 he fort was taken and retaken ; but after several severe llle I'jench, and wns destroyed. The enmity of more dangerous neighbours at the north was sul«e <)»M,lly exerted to active hostilities. Tl,e Indian allies ofTl I" »« were in the habit of making inenrsil' ""t ,e X ' ^nt^ giouing English colony to encroach upon Spanish territory 812 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. The marauding expedition of the Yemasees was promptly revenged. A body of volunteers and Indians, commanded by Colonel Palmer maruhcd southward, and destroyed most of the Spanish settlements north of St. Augustine. A period of comparative quiet ensued, but an old ground of quar- rel still remained. Many of the negro slaves employed on the Englirth plantations continued to find an asylum in Florida, and the refusal of the Spaniards to give them up to their owners, coinbineil with the recollection of other wrongs, finally determined the colonics upon a systematic invasion of the peninsula. The plan was set on foot by Governor Oglethorpe, the most noted of the pioneers of Georgia ; and, as the coast was clear as far as the mouth of the St. John's, he collected at that point (in May, 1740) not far from two thousand whites and Creek Indians. Marching thence, ho seized upon the Spanish forts, Diego and Mo^a, but did not follow up his advantage with sufficient celerity to make an effective demonstration upon the capital. Delay in the operations of the English naval force also gave opportunity for the introduction of supplies of artillery and j)rovi8ions into the harbours. No impression could be made upon the Spanish fortifications by storm or battery, and in the attempt to reduce the place by siege, sickness broke out amoiiir the troops, and compelled a retreat to Georgia. In retaliation for this invasion, a large force, concentrating at St. Augustine, and placed under command of Manuel Monteano, governor of East Florida proceeded in 1742 to attack the English colonies. With no loss tliaa thirty-two vessels, bearing some three thousand men, the governor entered the Altamaha. Oglethorpe was driven from his position on the island of St. Simon's, but retreating to Frederica, he made an effectual stand against the greatly superior force brought to bear upon him. Nothing was eftected by the expedition. At the period of the cession of Florida to the British crown in 17fi,3, its prosperity had completely declined. The few remaining Spanish inhabitants for the most part removed to the West Indies leaving the experiment of colonization to immigrants from Great Britain. One of the most remarkable transactions in the modern history of the country is connected with the introduction of this new population. One Dr. Turnbull, in 1767, proceeded to the Levant, and engaged a considerable number of Greek families to accompany him to Florida. Touching, on his return, at Corsica and Minorca, he procured a further supply of emigrants, and sailed for the New FLOaiDA. 838 Wurl.1 with about fifteen Imndred .souls aboard his vessels. A term of throe years service on their part was to be the equivalent for the expense of transportation, of present support, a..d of a bounty of land at the expiration of the contract. A grant of lands wn. obtained near Mosquito inlet, and plantations were hud ou on an extensive scale. The principal crop raised cxc usive of the necessary reservations for supplying thecoh.ny witli foo.l, was inc igo, and this proved exceedingly profitable to the pro pr,e or. 1 aking advantage of the ignorance, simplicity, and isolLd romtion of his employees, the doctor ere long reduced thorn to a .■omhtion of hopeless servitude. For nine years they were kept at the severest labour, on the most scanty allowance of food, and n arly .Institute of clothing. Cruel and excessive puni.shment ;as inflicted or any neglect in the.r task.s, or for any triHing offence against their yrant or his overseers. At the period of their emancipation, in In J, their numbers were reduced to about six hundred he manner in which they obtained their freedom is "very graph- ically described by Mr. J. L. Williams in his history of Florida. It appears that several Englishmen, while on a visit to New Smvrna c name of Turnbull's settlement,) were engaged in conversation spectmg the imposition practised on the immigrants-" some of them made the remark that,.if the people knew their rights they would not sufTer under such slavery. Vhis was remarktd l.y n intelligent boy, who told it to his mother. The ohl lady summoned a council of her friends in the night, and they devised a plan to Z .0. ,,.tel gence.''_ Emissaries were secretly dispatched\o St Au gustine, who, naving communicated, by good fortune with the nttorney-general, Mr. Younge, and received encouragement flm h returned, and reported to their companions It was promptly concluded to march in a body to St. Augustine w ifohl r "«^^««'rP'-^>«^^• "The women and children, d witilZ l' ""■' P^'^^' " ^'^ ^«"*^«' ""^ th« stoutest men armed with wooden spears, were placed in front and rear In this d^a^^ T' T' P'°"f ^' ^^"^ "^"^^ b^f-« the ovc^eers «M.overed tl at the place was deserted. Some of these were well r eased, and jcnned them. Others informed the tyrant, vhowa some distance from the place. He rode after the fugiti;es, anc W 81-i TllK rKOlM.K'S IJOOK OF IIISTOIJV, t,()ok tluMu before tlu'j rciiolicd St. Augustine, unci uaed every exer- tion to persuade them to return, but in vain." The rights of thu.so jiersecuted people were speedily established, and a tract of land in the north part of tlie eity was granted to them by the authorities, 'i'heir descendants, at this day, ibrni no ineonsidcrable portion of the inhabitants of St. Augustine. When Spain came again into poasessiou of Florida, at the close of the war (jf American revolution, these Greeks and Minoi'cans were almost the only portion of the population that remained in the conn. try. 'i'he establishments of the Englisli were generally deserted, and in a few years the greater portion of the cultivated districts were little less a wilderness, than when white men first set foot on their shores. Movements were set on foot by the government of the United States, in the year 1811, for tlie aetpiisition of the Floridas from S])ain. Commissioners were apjjointed to confer with the goverudr of i'ensaeola relative to a cession of the western province, :>nd powers to proceed to hostile measures, both re.S])eeting East and West Fl.ividn were conditionally conferred upon them: the intention of our gov- ernment being to prevent at all risks the acquisition of Florida by any other foreign power. Mistaken reports concerning this proceed- ing became jirevalent; and, in accordance with tin; idea that the jurisdiction of the United States was to be at once forcibly extended over tlie peninsula, a large number of Georgians and American inhabitants of Florida, congregated near St. I»L;ry's, and organized jilans for an immediate hostile demonstration. Proceeding by wnter to the Spanish town of Fernandina on Amelia Island, their formi- dable array induced an immediate capitulation. The revohuiom'sfs had made appointments for a jmwisional government, under which John II. Mcintosh assmncd the ofTiee of director. The Seminole Indians at first jirollercd their assistance to the rev- olutionary party, but, from motives of hu-nanity, the leaders of {'le movement, acting now in concert with General Mathews, one of tlic commissioners deputed to We«t Florida, declined availing themselves of their services. The con.'^ecpience was, that the Indians took up arms in favour of the Spanish government, and their depredations, and the cxjvditions fitted out against them, formed the most iinpoit- ant incidents in the snbsecpient hostilities. The question of the invasion was nn.dc a matter of dipilomatie adjustment between the governments of Spain, Great Britain and the United States. The overt acts of hostility were disavowed by the latter power, and, in l''l-OI{I]>A. 815 May, 1813, tl)c C.w rcnannng American troops were withdrawn from 1,0 country, an amnesty being at the «ame time proclaimed by Z log, nuue governn.ont, for all olFenees connected witli the atternpted rcvolu .on. JJunng the long period of. desultory hostilities, the se, t]c.nonts and j> antat.ons of East Florida were extensively dsstroye, I)unr)g the last war with Great Britain the western districts of ]' .rula were nuule the scene of some important encounters, and many >ne.ust.ng particulars of the Indian campaigns of that period are rel tod, the natives having generally been enlisted against the United States. About the middle of November, 1814, thetown and Zf: cations at I'en.saeola, strongly garrisoned by Spanish aiul E„.]i.sh roops were taken by the Americans, under General Jackson,°an. the nuhtary works were destroyed. The Seminoles continued hostile to the Ameneans after the conclusion of war with Engh! .d a J proved formidable enemies to the border settlers, until the year 1818 when their territory in the northern and western districts of Fiori.l.; was completely overrun by the forces under command of General Jackson. In this war the negroes, who for many years had been incroasmg m number by accessions of fugitives from the plantations of the adjoining states, enacted an important part. They had formed .:xier.s,ve settlements in the Indian territory, and in defence of their possessions and fortifications, not unfrequently fought with .lesperafe courage and determination. It appeared that the Indians had been fiinnshecl with supplies and munitions of war by the Spanish author- n,os at Pensacola, and in the month of May, 1818, General Jackson with httle opposition, again took possession of the town and fortifi- calions J he governor and the Spanish garrison were compelled to htxwii the country. •' The Fk)ridas were ceded to the United States by treaty concluded .th Spain, 11. the summer of 1821, and General Jackson received he appointment of governor of the newly-acquired country. In the following year, ,t was regularly constitute,! a territory, with ai.p,.o- pnate rcj>resentative powers. The population is so sparse that Flor- Hla would probably have enjoyed at least equal prosperity, had she continued to remain under a territorial government. In the opinion of inany of the most intelligent inhabitants, the .satisfaction of enioy- ^ng the independent position of a sovereign state has hardly com- I'cnsated for the increased expenditures rendered necessary by the change of government. This state was admitted i.ito the Union at the session of Congress held in the vo.-ir iS-i-^. [TTie Revolutions of Mexico, Peru and Chili, and (he erection of those Provinces into independent States, have been already described in the preceding articles.] COLOMBIA. CHAPTER I. LOYALTY OF THE SPANISH COLONISTS.— ARROGANCE AND TYRANNY OF THEIR RULERS. — CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION. THE ^ ESTABLISHMENT OF JUNTAS.— MASSACRE AT QUITO. - THE JUNTA OF CARACCAS IN VENEZUELA. COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. — DE- CLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. The principle of loyalty and national feeling, so inveterate in the Spanish character, had preserved to Spain the attachment of her numerous colonies through centuries of oppression and mi.sgovern- ment; and nothing except the most fatuous arrogance, cruelty, and obstinacy on the part of that nation and its colonial agents, iJuld possibly, in so brief a space of time, have alienated a people so attached to the land of their origin. When the distracted and im- poverished condition of the mother-country, at the commencement of its contests with the French under Napoleon, afforded the fairest opportunity of throwing off the yoke, so far from availing themselves of It, the Spanish-American colonies, with devoted loyalty, loner continued to furnish supplies of treasure to the state, and to exhibi't the liveliest interest in behalf of the fortunes of their rulers. In default, however, of any settled government in Spain, the colo- nist.s, in emulation of their countrymen at home, began to agitate the formation of juntas or associations for national defence; and these attempts being suppressed with great severity by the colonial govern- 8PANISH-AMEKICAN REVOLUTIONS. 3^7 ors, first sowed the seeds of disaffection. The viceroys of New Gran- ada and Peru, cornbimng their forees, revenged, with'^.avageXooitv a scheme of tbs kmd matured at Quito, committing ITJZToi three hundred of the citizens, and delivering up t'he town to the rapmeof a terocious soldiery. This and other similar actsof oppres mn, smgular to state, did not suffice completely to alienate thl affecfons of the people from the provincial governLnt but 1 L J the apparently complete ascendency of France, the co oniste wer! anx>ous to adopt measures to secure their independence against the encroachments of the latter. Actuated by this feeling, the ci tz .! of Caraccas, m Venezuela, in the year 1810-proceedlng, how ver in the name of Ferd.nand Vll.-deposed their colonial officerrind appomted a junta of their own. ^^y^cm, ana The imprudent arrogance of the old Spaniards towards the pro- vincals, first diverted this current of independence into a li loval channel and the vindictive measures of the nominal Spanish 'otrn ment, which on the news of tlii^ and other similar demonstrations hastened to declare war against the refractory provinces nrecinitr'i hostilUies The w,,,e Spanish nation, indee'da;;ear;o^^^^^^^^^^^ exceedingly indignant, and although unable to contend successfullv w, h the French at home, managed to ship off considerab bod"^ of troops for the purpose of suppressing by force the spirit of ince pendence abroad. Th,s movement increased still further'the popu t disaffection, and Venezuela first took the lead in assertinropea 811, the delegates from the various provinces of that state in i^^ ation of that memorable conv.nti!', pr..|,»,„g („,i|, „ucre*d oommcrc.ial polioy) „ s^mZ^C ■""'"'"'•'■■ -■ ''^ '- *■"'». "-J ev„r,exe,.ti„„ to favor h^ it 818 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOEY. of insurrection in the Spanish- American provinces. The govern- ment of the United States, to whicL m envoy had been dispatched hesitated to commit itself by openly countenancing the cause of the liberals, though the sentiments of the people were ardently in their favor; and the British ministers, their overtures repulsed, announced that they should observe neutrality, but with a reservation in favour of the Spanish crown, as represented by Ferdinand VII, ^ The original junta of Caraccas, of 1810, after deposing the author- ities, and dispatching several of them to the United States, had made many useful regulations, of a liberal nature, but had experienced some difficulties, arising from the unsettled state of the country. A hostile collision with the royalist party in Maracaibo, resulted in considerable fighting, without any decisive result, and dangerous conspiracies, fomented by the agents of the Spanish government rendered that of the junta insecure in the extreme. But the decla- ration of independence, and the regular appointment of a popular government, as already mentioned, infused fresh energy into the councils of the leaders of the revolution. An alarming scheme for their overthrow and slaughter was detected, and ten of the conspira- tors, after trial, were executed, and their heads, after the barbarous custom of the people, placed on poles at the entrance of the city. At the same time, Valencia, in the interior, had been secured by the royalists, and General Toro, who was dispatched to regain it, had experienced much loss in taking possession of an outpost. General Miranda, already famed for his repeated attempts to excite insurrection against the Spanish rule in Venezuela, who was next dispatched thither, took the town by storm, and entered with his forces. But the Spanish garrison, fighting with courage in tlieir barracks, finally repulsed the patriots with much loss; and the roy- alists in the town, from the towers of churches and convents, anrl from the roofs and terraces of houses, discharged such destructive Vulleys of nm.sketry, that he was compelled to evacuate the place, and retire to a fortified position at some distance. Being reinforced in the following month, he again assaulted the town with four thou- sand troops, gained posession of it, and dispersed the enemy. After the declaration of independence, public attention was deeply engrossed by the formation of a constitution; and the phin of a feilerative rt^public, similar to I'lat of the United States, was warmly urged by the most enlightened friends of freedom. An instrument, resembling in form the celebrated constitution of that republic, but SPANISH-AKEKICAN REVOLUTIONS. gjg quite inferior in principle, was Drenarp.l h^r +i.. 23d of Pece.,er, preLued ^T^^^t"^^^::^::^ provided for a senate and representatives, a judiciary and other bmnches of government, with an executive of three person^- I.T •sad torture, the slave-trade, and the tribute o the' di^. and estabhshed the Catholic religion as that of the state. Tl to;n o^ •Valencia was ceded to the federal govern.nent thus organized and t:tZS:i^'' ''' new constitution held itslirst ^2t CHAPTER 11. THE AFPAIRS OF NEW ORA N A DA.-EX PULSION OF THE SPAN lAKBS FROM SANTA FE AND QUITO.-BISSENSIONS op TH E i MEITr"T7E^':r""" '' '^"^ ^OrAUSTs'iniEir A QUITr r.; ' '' ^^ATir.-.-FRESH MASSACRE AT QUITO. — ALTERNATE SUCCESSES OF THE PATRIOTS AND ROTALISTS.-THE EARTHQUAKE AT CARACcls -ITS EFFECT.-OVERTHROW OF THE LIBERALS. " Having thus briefly sketched the progress of events in Venezuela we cc>rne to those of Xew Granada, soon destined to be clo ly coa! nee ted with its sister-province. In July, 1810, on receipt of uVwe - come t,dings from Spam, a >«^a had been formed at Santa Fede B gotu, the capital of that state, which had arrested the viceroy lu oher royal officers, and had dispatched them home to Spa n "^ Ou of the twentytwo provinces of which this colony was'c'ompo d nu,e responded to the call for erecting a provisional go e. Otes espoused the royal.st faction, and a civil war ahnost in.n e ,a^>ly bn.ke out. Tacon, the royalist governor of Popaya ^ s defeated by the patriots; and the people of Quito, in A.^ust soo afu^rthe massacre already mentioned, exasperated bv the Ijn vZ ^ ^i.unsh commissioner, armed only with clubs and knives, att icked luuard the close of the year, the ja.la of Santa Ke entered into au alliance for mutual protection with that ofCaraccas. of X'iT T' f ""7 ^""^''''' '^'^'^''^'^'s - '^ t'-^ ^-- ui government to be adonted \vi« .,m. ;, . i i • t V. auupitu, was jon involved in a disgrucel'ul i I 320 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. i menial feud. The forces of the congress, in attempting to take by storm Santa Fe, where Narino, the president of Cundinumarca was quartered, were repulsed with terrible loss, and the royalists' taking advantage of these dissensions, inflicted great atrocities on the defenceless country. In Cuenca, an army, raised and commanded by the royalist bishop, and officered in great part by priests, carried black standards, and assumed the terrible name of "The Army of Death." This force having defeated tlie troops of Quito, the Peru- vian army, which hud lately retreated from that city to Guayaquil on the 6th of November, 1812, under the ferocious Monies, reen- tered the city, and murdered one-fifth of the inhabitants who re- mained. The prisoners taken by the royalists in their successes were, with unsparing vengeance, put to death. lieealled to their senses by this dangerous movement, and the friglitful scenes of massacre by which it was accompanied, the con- tending republicans at length saw the necessity of laying aside their feuds and providing ibr the common safety. Their forces, eio-lit thousand in number, were accordingly united, and placed under the command of Narino, who marched against Sainano, the successor of Monies in command, and defeated him at El Atto del Palace. The royalists, ri-inforced, again offered battle; and at Calivia, in Popayan a most obstinate battle, contested with all tlie fury that disgraces civil warfare, resulted in their renewed discomfiture and retreat. Narino gained, thougli with severe loss, several other victories over the tyrannical faction, but finally, inarching to Pastas, in pursuit of tlie enemy, being deprived, by an artful stratagem, of the support of his rear-division, was in turn defeated and made prisoner. Cabal, who succeeded him in the command, was compelled to retreat to Popayan, hotly pursued by tlie victorious royalists. Most of their prisoners were murdered by the successful party. (June, 1814.) These disas- ters, occurring at the same time that the bigoted Ferdinand was restored to the throne of Spain, threw an aspect of deep gloom over the cause of freedom in New Granada. Meanwhile, in Venezuela, the republican cause, at first so prosper- ous, by a strange accident of nature had been plunged into ruin and defeat. On Holy Thursday, the 2()tli of March, 1812, when the troops and jieople, throughout the state, were crowding into chnpel and cathedral to participate in one of the most impressive cere! in nits of the church, that terrible earthquake, one of the most fatal k >:or(lcd in history, in a single minute laid waste the ill-fated province, and crushed the cause of liberty, for a time, to the earth C Guira, Menda. and many other towns ^ere kidTn i ''°''' ^^ ru.n. Nearly twenty thousand souls^r Id-lot Th ""^^''^^ bigoted cler^,reS;rht^^^^^^^^^^ -^ the ism, assured the people from tLil^i ! / ^"^ '"'^"^^^ of despot- occurring on an'oeeliotTo o!l'n C a sP'^'r^^^'^^'^"^^^^' the wrath of Heaven a-ain,M>.!' '^'^Z ^'g"^! manifestation of and his troop were fted 1 '""^''"'^ '^ «^I%overnment. Korah people, thoroU .^n^ byllE^^^^^ ''' ''' ^^« a ready ear to the miserable assumZn of ^^ superstition, lent Public credit rapidly depr"3 and .1^ ?."*"'^ ^'^^''*«^«- peared so alarming tlfat lecZreT^^^^^ ^'''^''' ^P" Miranda dictator for the time withful' ' '" ^''^'''' '''^''^ commonwealth, in similar erne Le„eL '' t ' "" ? '^^ ''^ ^^"^^^ took no injury." Thev then n!r !' '"" *^'"* ^^« Republic traverse tht p'ovinclC "inf bTelo '' T^ ^" *'^ ^^"'^' ^ ^« .spirit of the people. With S] f'"* harangues, the fallen saved from tL 'u ns Th r l„l7'?^ """' ^™^ ^^^^^ -u«kets who, on learning thesL t stCt ifglTad'ml T^ '''. ^"^'"^" teverde, toward Caraccas, overcomiriw "^' ""^°'" ^^«"- cient attempts of the liberal foZf ^ '"^'''°' ^"'^^' *"« i^^^- were continually reinLSom ho .?fP''' *'""• '^^^'^ ''-ks who thought to avert the div^ ^'' '"P'^''^'^'^"«P'-°-i"«ials, banners oJancienTo^tsfoT ^^^ ^"^ cult pass on the roid tn Pnm J , ^^ ^"^ Cabrera, a diffi- ofpie .he advlr o^h?™^"!'. t:° : ," i"*^. >■« -■"-. 'o ™s tic mountain bv a diS'f„ . .t ^''^ ™"""'S '■^"''" «? .0 Victoria o„„ a%':t * te''f iSX'"'"',"""'"' ntbcked the town with n,„ch sli, 1,?,.^ v "'^"'"" ''™7 •ere repulsed with loss Mil f ^ i '°'"= '"'''''='•>' ""'.i'lood, Cabello desert™ of tm„„r °, J '°"''™' '" "'= '« »f Port<^ »«t iu the ruins o C.r 'c„° 1 °«™"/<^."' """d «g»ins. the dominant party : announce that th^ 3an,a ^^^.^^ itltytolT °"T"1 '" , retaliation. The war thcncefLafd became lit'r,,, T "' '" i <=.llcd-& :,„.„„ „ „„^fc_,.„„ ,0 ,he dTaA " S' ' , ".:" J superstitious feara supplanted bv irritT.- . lu P^fple, their ties of the royal pa"y now IwA "■" '"'"''"'"«' ""<»=!■ standard of BoW^Ve Lill .,'" ?'"' "'°'"''™ "'o""'' ">» I the ISth of Au^s ISlsTnf' ' T"- """"" *" "'<"'•«• On I oppressed liberXeScto:ar,;l%r:.^sT/:-'''^'°r ; extreme, and the dungeons bei„„ \.J ""snffeotmg ,n the 'ive, were restored .0?^, t\ o Zth""""' l'" """""S ""f .... eastern provinces, the rLl yoSw al,„T' ^l" "' "°""° '" :t:Se'.::ei:^h;ffr^^^^^ -ihie los. ne:rrh;rJstrcttr;TiL^r::!f '">' -"" «:rh;r:;'a ".^rsXrr '- '^^ -~> <: sl'r.r. i-Iicedg^tcruettsn^ 1 °°'"""'"'' "^ P°"° C»b«"", and fortress. % nTI , ™v! TT-""' ''"""""^ ""«'"»' '" "'"' wie e.pose"'d :fI^rl;a?:;i*1„tn:^s^t /" ''^ ^ "J (jfar tlie patriots from ilrino- 824 T 11 K 1' K O r L K ' 8 HOOK U F i: 1 S T O V. V Tho luttor rctortocl with similar crueltioH, and tho war of extermina- tion rugcd more fiercely h, .. i . . 'Rolivar gained possession of the town, but wuH unablo i/» disJofl.^c tno garrison, on account of tho strength of tho fortn- 's, and the desperation of its defenders. Tim loyalists of the pruvi'ice t)f Coro, the staunchest stronghold of des- potism, rt'inforeed by Spanish troops from Porto Rico, marched into the territory of Caraccas, hut, after gaining some advantages, were routed, in three actions, by the Liberator. To avoid the evil;! of a continued military rule, Bolivar now iamiiioued all th<> iirincipal persons of the state, with the intention to resign his auU, rity int., their hands; but it was judged expedient, in view of the critical position of affairs, that he should hold the authority of dictator for some time longer. (January, 1814.) Tho royal i)arty, burning with revenge at their successive discom- fitures, now took the mad and desperate resolution of exciting the slaves, seventy thousand in number, to insurrectiim. This nefarioua project, for a time, met with complete success. The blacks, attracted !)>' the hope of freedom and of plunder, enlisted with great zeal under the incendiary agents. Puy, a Spaniard, and Pulomo, a mulatto and outlawetl assassin, at the head of such a force, carried desolation through Barinas, Guiana, and other towns; while Boves and Rosette, with an army composed of similar materials, laid waste a vast tract of country in anotlier direction, killing every inlmbitant who refused to join them. Their force, amounting to eight thousand, consisted almost eutirely of slaves, and with such suddenness ami fury was the rising effected, that a portion of the servile army ad- vanced within ten leagues of the capital. The Spanish prisoners at thaV place and at La Guira, encouraged by these circumstances, concerted a revolt; and Bolivar, excited by the atrocities of the royalists, and dreading the result of the insur- rectionary movement, cau.sed them, eight hundred in ininiber, to be executed without mercy. This cruel and impolitic dei'i' was resented by an act of equal ferocity at Porto Cabello, all tlio republican pris- oners there, several hundred, suffering a similar fate. This massa- cre committed, Bolivar marched against the enemy, and gained .> of May, 181 1, Cigigal, the new royalist captain- general ol' V'eiiezuela, with forces largely strengthened by cunceii- r BPANISn-AMEUiCAN REVOLUTIONS. The patnot general, by .n indiscreet uch to fear fron. the Kuropear. nations. Notwithstandil t L cessions at Bay on ne, an.l the torrents of blood which the F !n h have shed by the war in the Peninsula. Ferdinand Uas been r Lto h1 to .pan; and the country, now freed from the French, will lu ve sutlue L!""' '"' ''" ^'' '^ ''''' ' ''^--^^^'^ --V again :: "Ye people of New Granadal contemplate your fate, and that ofyourposteruy; you may easily judge of it; and let yc^ur reso t.on be formed accordingly and nobly. Again, we repeat, Toul clc«t ny depends upon your own exertions." (September 1st 1814 btnngent measures, dictated by necessity, were taken for the connnon safety. The chiefs of the province of bundinaalvn. refused to join the confederacy, Bolivar, in December, 1814 w°s .patched to us capital, Santa Fe de Bogota, to force a compllare He took the suburbs by storm, and the president, Alvarez, mak nt cdcracy. Ihe federal government, thus strengthened, appointed a tr-ple executive, and proceeded to pass many" ibcral and Iht ry acts. Monopolies and tribute of the Indians were abolisl d foT eigners were invited to the country, and the liberty of the p res ' was assured. Among the clergy, many of the more intelli|en not .nbraccd the popular cause; and the friars of St. Dominic ii TZ t.ular>owed their patriotism by presenting to the nationa Ur asu^ the uealth which they had long hoarded in their sanctuary ^ Caba and Urdeneta, with reinforcements, were employed in dif fe ent a-ections, against the enemy; and Bolivar, with the ap oh t me t of captain-general of New Granada and Venezuela, in com n"nd of three thousand men, raised by great exertions, marched Jw t^::ST^ ^T '"'T'"- '''' '''^' ^^'"'"-^^'^ with sSS ^ commander of Carthagena, h,s i,ersonal enemy, delayed his march M 328 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. to besiege that city and bring the refractory officer to terms. This civil contest, entirely breaking up the original enterprise, and per- mitting the royalists to gain great advantages, was carried on till news arrived that the great Spanish expedition, prepared at Cadiz to crush the republican cause, had arrived off Venezuela. Recalled to his judgment by this alarming intelligence, Bolivar ceased the unnatural contest, and, leaving the remains of his army for the defence of the city he had besieged, betook himself to Jamaica to fit out an expedition for its relief. CHAPTEB ?, ARRIVAL OF THE SPANISH ARMY, UNDER MORILLO. — TERRIBLE BLOCKADE OF CARTHAOENA. — RENEWED EXERTIONS OP THE PATRIOTS. — ALTERNATE SUCCESSES. — MORILLO CONQUERS NEW GRANADA. — SEVERITIES EXERCISED ON THE VAN- QUISHED. — MARCHES INTO VENEZUELA. — SUCCESSFUL DEFENCE OF MARGARITA BY THE PATRIOTS. The armament of Span, the most formidable which that nation had over dispatched to the shores of the New World, consisted of to)i thousand of her best troops, conveyed in fifty traii.sports. The f(jel)le resources of the country, e.\liaustcd by war with the French had been almost entirely expci'dod in preparing it. Morillo, the conunander, first took tliv; i-land (jf Margarita, where tuaiiy of the patriots of Vonozucla, u; -lor H-.-rmuda."*, had taken refuge; and thence proceeiod in Uarac-'as, where, and at other cities on the coast, he laovl'd two :;'.ousani.i. men. In August, ISlo, he laiil siege to Cartliagcni;. Tliat city, stvongly fortified, and bravely defended, stood a siege of four '-notith.s inohiding two bombardments; but being strictly invest".], bofa l>y laud atid water, the garri.son suf- fered terribly from far.iine. On the fith of December, the deaths amounting to a hundred a ilay, they evacuated the city, two thou- sand in numl)er, in eleven .sliip.s, making good their retreat, and "epulsing the Spanish arinament, by which they were attacked. They mostly proceeded to Aux Caycs. "Tlie horrible appearance of the city," says Montalvo, the captain-genera!, "is scarcely to be SPANISII-AMKKICA.N l: K V O L U TI O NS. 329 described; the streets, and even the houses, were heaped up with dead bodies, or with those who were expiring; the atmosphere was in a pestilential state, which nearly stopped respiration; groans and lamentations assailed our ears." Castillo and other distinguished patriots were executed. ° Before Bolivar could mature his scheme for the relief of Cartha- goiia, that city had fallen; and he once more turned his attention to Venezuela. Many rjuerllla parties, as in the peninsula war, were now formed, and inflicted much annoyance on the enemy. In com- pany with a wealthy and patriotic Curacoan, named Brion, he fitted out an expedition of a thousand troops from Aux Cayes, and pro- ceeded to Margarita, where the standard of revolt had been success- fully raised. On the way he took two Spanish men-of-war, and early in May, 1816, landing on the island, gained complete possession of It. He next took Carupano, on the main-land, and proceeding to other ports, issued a proclamation, declaring that "justice and policy demand the emancipation of the slaves, and henceforth there shall be but one class of people in Venezuela— all shall be citizens." At these unexpected successes of the patriots, the rage of the royalists was unbounded, and they inflicted the greatest cruelties on all within their power. Bolivar now unfortunately divided his little army, placing a part under the command of McGregor, a Scotchman, and being attacked by the Spanish troops, under Morales, was defeated, with a loss of two hundred men, and of nearly all his best officers. The victor then pursued McGregor, with such confidence of success, that he dispatched to Caraccas, in advance, official accounts of the defeat and death of that officer, and the capture of his entire force; never- theless, coming up with him at last, was himself completely beaten m the two actions of Alacran and Juncal, and the republican oflicer tc^v possession of Barcelona. Bolivar, after his defeat, proceeded ih.rgarita, where he summoned a congress, and then repairin.r to iiarcelona, formed a provisional government, and repulsed the attacks of Morales and Kcal with great loss. Most of Guiana had also now been gained by the patriots, under Piar. Morillo, after taking Carthagena, had invaded New Granada with an overwhelming force, in three several directions. The con-ress of that state had bravely opposed what resistance they could, eTther entering the army or traversing the provinces to excite the people A muuber of batth-s ..„,d skinnishos wore fought, in most of which 380 Til K I' Ko 1' I, K'S lioolv OK IIISTOUY. tlio royiilisls luul llio iidviuiliigd; iiiul liiiiilly, in the Haiif^uinuiy con. flictof Ciu'liiru, tlio llowor of tlio (iruiuultiii army ])erislit)(l, uiid tlio survivora find to Loh LIumom. In .luno, 181(5, Morillo oiitorod iSiinta Vo do Hogotu, tun], witli tlic ciiHtomiiry jiolity of tlio coloiiijil agciiita lit oiu'o coinincnooil tlio worlc of prosiM-iptioii and oxiscution. Moro tlmn six Imtidrcd juuvsons, ])i'OMiin(!iit in the iilliiirH of the govorn- nient or tho iiriny, were shot, hiuiged, or exiltMl, and the prisons wore fiUed with otliers, awaiting tlieir fate. Yet, in his dispatclies that coinniaMvler vaunts of having "displayed that elenieney, ao much reeoniniended by tho king, which was unbonnded." Many of the victims wore men of peace, eminent for their science and learning, but had incurred the hatred of the .Spanish authorities by their elocpient denunciations of tyranny. " In Santa Fe," writes tho victor, "there are hut few blacks and mulattoes. Fn Venezuela a eoiisidi-rable jiart of the white jiopulation has perished in tho revo- lution. 'Pho itdml»itants of Santa Kc are timid, those of Venezuela bold and sanguinary. In Santa Ke niueh has been published diiriii" the revolution, and tlie learned have ruled all with their pens; but in Caraee.'is they displayed earli(>r the naked sword. * * * wi is etVeeted by tln^ rebels from Venezuela. They are like ferocioius beasts wIkmi they fight in their own country; and if they get ablo commander.-^, it will require many years to subdue them, and even then it will be done at tho expense of much blood and considcrablo sums of money." In November, 18 1(5, to suppress the Venezuelans, Morillo, witli two thou.'^and men, took up his march for (^araecas. lie was attacked on the way by tlu> patriots, under I'aez, with considerable sueceas; but in the absence of Bolivar, the town of Uarceiona, the only post of importance held by the republicans, on the 7th of April, 1817, was taken by the nn'alists. In the following month, thev were reinforced by the arrival of sixteen hundre subdue that refractory island, the scene of their earliest repulses, tho Sjianiards, in June, disp.'itchcd an e\p(>dition of seven vessels; and in the following KJ-ANlKir-AMKUJCAN It K V OLUTIO NS. gSl n.o„tl. (Inly Mtl, 1817) Morill. in perso,,, with three thousand flvo nndrod roop.s and a.hhtK,n,d n.vul /brccs. prococclo.l there in per on Ho too. by .storn,, nitor u dcsponUe rosiHtancc, the fortress oVlZ' l.atar tl,e strongest on the ishuul. and resolved utterly to e:^..; ^ ale a 1 who resisted. The entire j.opulation of the island was t t<. the lust. With such gallantry an.l ohstinm^y did they contest the ca.npa,gn t at, after fighting live battles, and inflicting on atrocious butcheries on all who fell into his hands, the savage Moril lo avn,, los a thousand of his troops, was compelled to°e]inqu h the aucn.pt at subjecting them. A n.ore signal instance of patriot! m aiK detonmnatK,n has seldom been witnessed on a theatre so s aT as. .hU^eish^id, the earnest of the provinces .nsucecs^^^^ I;' ')c't''l-r, 1817, a lamentable incident occurred in the treason ofOciiora Piar, who had fought with bravery and good succ rfb^ t n,.ub can cause, and who suflen3d execuLn aAhe ,^y . Ins amb, lous schemes. On the 11th of the follow Lg m^t tl \ eiiczuu an congress o.ice mor3 assembled at Angostnr-r i rcelec tec J3ohvar as presi.lent of the republic. The prot e ■ ll ' patriots had b.ghter.ed exceedingly-Guiana, G^inarerPanpl innas and portions of other provinces havhi been r eoC^^ b hciu, but Bohvar, who, ,n conjunction with the bravfc JV. rnad o vigorous campaign against the enemy, was unable, as yet to exp Loin frorn Venezuela, and, after considerable fight n./ ret un.ed'^ 332 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOEY. CEAPTEH ?I. ATTITUDE OF FOREIGN NATIONS. — BRITISH VOLUNTEERS. CAMPAIGN OF B I, I V A R IN NEW GRANADA. BRILLIANT SUCCESSES. DEFEAT AND FLIGHT OF THE ROYALISTS. GRATITUDE OF THE PEOPLE. UNION OF THE STATES OF NEW GRANADA AND VENEZUELA UNDER THE TITLE OF COLOMBIA. REVERSES AND SUCCESSES OF TEE PATRIOTS. During this terrible internecine warfare, which had now lasted for nearly nine yeans, the patriots of Venezuela and New Granada had sustained themselves, unaided, against the powerful royalist fac- tions and the forces dispatched from Spain to effect their resubiusja- tion. Unsuccessful application for assistance had been made to the British government, and several missions, with no better fortune had been dispatched to the United States of America— that country still feeble and in its infancy, not daring, as yet, to hazard its newly- acquired liberties by any unnecessary step, involving a war with the European powers. Overtures for the same purpose were finally made to Napoleon himself, the very enemy to resist whom the ini- tiatory steps of revolution had been taken; but when arrangements were actually making for the effective aid of the republicans, the battle of Leipsic, crippling the power of the emperor at home, left him without the means of aiding tlie ciiuse of freedom in South America. Some tardy movements in favour of acknowledging the independ- ence of the suffering provinces at length took place in the United States, and some volunteers, with supplies of munitions, were afforded by private sympathy. To the honour of the Briti.sh nation, consid- erable numbers of its people embarked in the same genorous cause. In 1818 and 1819, several hundred volunteers, with large supplies of arms and munitions, and commanded by experienced officers arrived at Margaritn, and were .soon transpo ted ;o the main-land. Bolivar now resolved on carrying the war into New Granada, where the royalists, for some time, l;,id been completely in the ascendant. Tlie particulars of this remarkable campaign, one of the most brilliant, considering the small forces engaged, on record, rnii.st be briefly detailed. Taking with him a force of picked troops, SPANI8H-AMEKICAN KEVOLUTIONS. 333 including the British auxiharies, the president, in the month of April, commenced a march obstructed by extraordinary difficulties "The rainy season," he reports, "had commenced, and the plains presented only vast sheets of inundation; the frozen summits of the Andes lay ui our route; the sudden mutations of adverse climates were to be encountered; a well-disciplined army, three times our own number were in front of us, and occupying all the military posuions of those regions." At Casanare, where he was joined by Saiitander, he issued an eloquent proclamation to the people of Neu- Granada. In a terrible march, lasting an entire month, through tint provmee, the patriots underwent the greatest hardships and sufferings. J hey finally came upon the enemy at La Guya, on the 27th of June, 619, and dislodged them from a strong position, which might have been made good, even against an overwhelming force. A succession of bnlhant victories ensued. On the 1st of July, in the Valley of Saga.noso, in Tunja, Bolivar encountered the royalist army, under Bureyro, and after an obstinate conflict, protracted till late in the night, compelled it, in great disorder, to retreat. On the 2oth of the same month, at Pantano de Bargas, after a battle of five hours, con- tested with great desperation, the royal forces were again defeated, and fled in confusion, leaving their artillery, baggage, and treasure^ on the field. Pursued by tlie army of liberation, they were over- taken, on the 7th of August, at the bridge of Bovaca, and again sufiered a defeat so overwhelming as almost to decide the fate of the war Ihe.r general, with a great number of officers and sixteen hundred men (more than half their number), were made prisoners- a great quantity of munitions of war fell into the hands of the patri- oLs; and the rehcs of the royalist troops, pursued by Santander fled h'oni the scene of action. On receipt of this startling intelligence, the viceroy, Samana, pre- cpuulely quitted Santa Fe, leaving all his military stores and a trea- sure of so„,e millions of dollars. The whole fell into the hands of tlie patriot army, who were received at the capital of New Granada with the utmost exultation; and Bolivar, his title of Lberator con- '"•mod by these extraordinary exploits and tl !: .plendid result, was -•coined by the people with a l-ansport . ,,; and enthusiasm. 1^,1''", nuhrd, well earned their gratitude anu admiration, havin.r •" i- brief space of three niont.s, in the face of innumerable natural 'l-l--l.'>-, defeated and .lispcrsed an army three times greater , mi '"■^ "« li, and Iiherated, in rapid succession, the mo.st oppressed prov- 384: THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. inces of New Granada. Improving with the greatest diligence these advantages, by the 20th of September, he had two armies on foot for the hberation of the provinces of the north and south, still in posses sion of the enemy ; and having established a provisional government he posted with Avonderful rapidity to Angostura, where the Venezu' elan congress was in session. (December, 1819.) In an address to that body, after commemorating the achievements of his little army, he announced the desire of New Granada for a political union of the two states, and his own conviction of the necessity of the measure in ensuring the Independence of South America. So great was the weight of his personal influence, and so apparent were the advantages likely to result from the arrangement that on the 17th of the month a law was passed, providing °for the union of the two provinces, under the title of the "Eepublic of Co- lombia," consolidating the national debts, ordaining the erection of a capital, to bear the name of their deliverer, and summoninrr a general congress, to meet in January, 1821, with power to form a constitution for the new commonwealth. This resolution beinl punishment against all transgressors; "if the enemy," 'he adds, "should disre- gard these regulations, we shall not imitate them; the glory of Colombia shall not be stained with blood dislionourably shed," SI'A»,8„.A„KK,C*N KBV0LCT.0N8. 337 : command i but yield ^ ^ " '""'°f ■■"'''° «""> «'= chief ™ili,„j, I oonsontcd for a to cTcoVn „ .P<^-'-»»ions of tl,at body, ; dernrt^el in bi» IglJ C™ ™"'" "" ""'"'P"™ "' l"'* , Core. Another Son u'r? "t' ''^''^"^^'''' ^^^^^^ "P- session of Caraccos'^lf b tl '"^ n' f"^^ ^^^''^^^^^ ?«- ' I" the month of jun^l ; :: :7f^' '^ T: '^ '''''''''• an army of six thousand me^i nn 1 • . ""'''' '"''^ «on«^'»trated of liberation, nearir he Ta in ^ T'^ "' ^'^'■"'^^'^- ^^'^ ^"'7 ' brave Paez/on the 04 ,' ofT, ""'"^'''' ""^'^^ ^°''^«'' «nd the , mountains, on^a^ed them 9,f l"'' ^"f '"° '^'"^"Sh a defile in tho ! t..ttber;.alSttc^:;,f^^-:^^^^ in Porto Cabello. were com,.lnf.l ^[7^'°" ^^ --^ few, who took refuge of the patriots, in S Cl wo Yf ''^ ^^"'"""^- ^^'^ ^»- ; i"^orLdi4rtoc::;:in:t: rS::r:^^ ^^^^ "pirist ll,e discomfited eno.nv 11 "'"i '"l-ra other measurea I .„ieh eity, abandoned tt^',.::: tl"' u' I'T', ""'''"^ : amid tho cxultino- tran^norf, ni . "' '^""''' ''« »"tored On the 23,1 of SepteX c! ^ '"' ""^"""^^ ^^ ^''^^ P^P^- ' under Prion, Cuf^an wa^ ^J T" '^"^^^"^'-^^ *" ^he ^quadror. tlie istlimus of Paiiam-i Th. i.., i '•'''olio, Qmto and , int ' ' "" "'""^ "^ ""°" .l.on. forces .a. Piehitell Sercst^^Vara"''' "^ '"^'""™"^^^^^ i^"vic.ory,d„e,i„g.eatn.ea:„;T\ e :eZ tnT'b''™™'''''" fa'neral .Sucre; and the libenatin^ army a,„i t . '!"" ^.'""'' Morale X ,;'LT:iri:ri '^^-''^--^^^ --"-t-o by ftrc. but who e flee. I^ ^n an d , T ." 'T " "'' '"""'°»l "- ■«^'8, was utterly de;ClT:'lX:dXr Cof f °""'T' i-on, under General l^adilhi Tl,. q , T (^olombian squad- and prisoners, nearly two ^^^^^^^^^ Vol. mUT '""' '"'^ ^°'''^^^^' ^" consequence; 388 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOBY. was compelled to surrender at Marncaibo. Despite the atrocitiea wliicli lie had committed, and the forfeiture of hia rights m a prisoner of war, he was treated humanely, and, with his men, was I)erniittod to embark for Cuba. ]*orto Cabollo, the Spanish fleet destroyed, was closely invested both by land and sea; and on the 1st of December, 1823, La Torre, who commanded it, was compelled to capitulate. With this event ended a civil war, lasting for twelve years, con- tested in a hundred battles, and distinguished f(jr almost innumera- blo scenes of courage, of cruelty, of indomitable patriotism and obstinate tyranny. Though the arms of the patriots were disgraced by numy excesses, it must be remendjcred that they were the last to adopt and the first to relirKpiish that savage system of internecine vengeance which converts warfare into murder, and reduces man to the wild elements of his barbarous nature. These excesses on the part of the republicans, may be palliated, in some degree, by the insidious, but not altogether inadmissable plea of necessity, while the wonderful qualities of bravery, endurance, and i)i'rseverance displayed in their protracted struggle, must always .secure the respect and admiration of the historical reader. In August of 1821, the congress had adopted a constitution, and Bolivar had been elected president under its provisions. The nation first to recognize the independence of the new republic of Colombia was, of right, that which had first .set the exanij)le of resistance to foreign domination — the United States of America, The European powers, though in general tacitly admitting the actual existence of the new state, were more tardy in nuiking formal acknowledgment of its independence. The transactions of Bolivar in Peru, after the liberation of his own people, have already, in the history of that country, been briefly described. Having traced the Colombian revolution from its com- mencement to its final success, to the expulsion of the Spaniards, and the establishment of a rc})ubli(!an goveriunent, we leave it— the subsequent domestic troubles of the new republic, and its separation into the independent states of Equador, New (Jranada, and Vene- zuela, not coming proj)erly within the limits of our subject. Of late year.s, indeed, in the South American .states, revolutions anil pro- nuncmmentos have .succeeded each other with such startling rai'idity as almost to bafile the compiler of news, and to warrant their pres- ent exclusion from the province of history. BOLIVIA. TlIK RhVOLtrTION ,N ,a PAZ.-A JUNTA ESTABLISHED -THE CITY TAKEN ,, V THE UO Y .LISTS.-TH KIR CRUEI.T. E.^ -TO PATRIOT ARMY MARCHES FROM liUENOS AYRES— ITS SUCCESS AND SUBSEQUENT DEFEAT— SECOND ATTEMPT AT ItEVOLUTION.-MASSACRES IN COCHAIiAMRA AND POTOSI.— SECOND EXPEDITION FROM BLENOS AYRES, — ITS DISCOMFITURE.— GUERILLA WAR- FARE.— BOLIVIA EMANCIPATED BY THE I VICTORY OF ATACUCHO. TUK seven provinces now known ns Bolivia, and formerly as I Lpperleru, were the earliest theatre of war between the patriots a.Hl the tyrants of South America; but, the operations in the.se terri- tones havn.g been mainly carrie.l on by the republicans of Buenos Ayres, (or the Un.te.l J'rovinces,) their relation ,.ay be mostly deferred o the account of the revolution in that countrv. Other our"titie ' "'*"'"'*' ^''""^' '"'*'' exclusively to the subject of The citizens of La Paz, deservedly distin,n,i.shed for their conrac^e a d mtelhgence, on the 2oth of March, 1«09, excited by the exa.nnle ;; :ir t" 7 V"''"'"" ^^^'^^•""-"^ J^^I^ a pubHc meetin. in th t c,ty to consider the.r political prospect. Having deposed the colo,na author.t,es and created a provi.sional exeeutive,'tlu v p " kmned the,r n^t to an elective government, in the same ma.Lr exercsed by bpa.n Uself. To suj.press this popular movement ar,ny, under C.eto, was dispatched against them by Cisneros, the viceroy of Buenos Ayres, and another fron. Peru, unck-r the fero io Goyeneche The latter, arriving first before J.a Paz, to<,k it a resolute defence, ar.d executed numbers of the principal citi s C neros, to whom he ar,,lied for directions, commanded that a In P^.on should be put to |eath; but fortunately, before this .san-nun- rv n>easure was accomplished, the revolution .n Buenos Avres over thrown,. h,s authority, s.ved the lives of a portion of the .iZ PI IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. O ^^ .^^ip. i is A i- Q. 'Us 1.0 I.I 1.25 ■ 50 ""'^= u Sii ^ 1^ IIIIIS^ 22 1.8 U IIIIII.6 V] > //a 7 Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 4^*, % 'v.. 8i0 TliK PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HI8T0BY. Il# > La Paz, however, was almost completely depopulated; and the inhabitantg who escaped, betaking themselves to the mountains and forests, maintained a desperate defence against the royal forces until they perished b}'^ famine or in battle. The revolution in Buenos Ayres having broken out, and a popular government being established there, an army was dispatched against the royalists in Upper Peru. Balcarce, the commander, alter gaining several victories, and exercising some sanguinary reprisals, with six thousand men approached the royal army, somewhat less, under Goyeneche, at the village of Desaguedero. An armistice for forty days, however, was concluded, which enabled the latter to strengthen his forces, and by appealing to the religious fanaticism of his igno- rant soldiery, (assuring them that the Buenos Ayreans had come to take away their religion, and that the Virgin in person had taken charge of their own ranks,) inflamed their zeal and courage to the highest point. His object effected, on the 20th of July, 1811, with- out waiting for the concUision of the armistice, he attacked the patriot army at Guaqui with such suddenness and fury, that they were completely routed, and fled from the field, leaving all their artilli>ry and baggage in the hands of the enemy. Upper Peru, after this decisive defeat, remained, for the most part, in the hands of the royalists until the memorable victory of Sucre, at Ayacucho, in 182i and his liberation of the long-o])i)ressed provinces of Peru. In 1818, enkindled by the victory of Belgrano, in Salta, over the royalist army, the flame of revolution again broke out in the depart- ments of La Paz and Cochabamba. The Spaniards were expelled from the latter by the patriots under Arce, and a junta was established in its capital. Goyeneche, with tlie flower of his army, marched against that city, and, though the junta w(juld have submitted to his superior force, the inhabitants, preferring every extremity of war to Spanish mercy, resolved to hold out to the last. "The city was defended with matchless valour and resolution ; the inhabitants ibuulit with a fury and desperation which nothing but tyranny and cruelly could inspire; the women mixed promiscuously with the men, and combatted with equal ardour and courage, regardless alike of hanl- ships and dangers. But the patriots had more bravery than discipline; their efforts were irregular, and they were iu a great measure desti- tute of arms, but they fought with the b"l weapons they e;)uld obtain. After a most fearful struggle, the royalists entered tiie city over the dead bodies of its inhabitants; such as survived were SPANISH-AMERICAN U E VO L L' TI NS. g^j devoted to massacre and raninp TKn ,.:» i ,. lawless plunder of a ferocrsolcS^a^d"^^^^^^^^^ ''' '^ ^^« desolation and horror."* ' ^' ^-^^ibited a picture of While these atrocities were enapfin^ in p^ i, i. , insurrection, which had broken out nPoto.?''' '"'^^'^ Emas, an officer of Goyeneche with h. ' ^^^/"PPressed by . .„ '-'"j'enecue, with the same savage fernnitv at .h»n ..xty vniage, were laid waste, and the con^^^LZZl into a d«rti and the brutal commander, when flnaV satiated ,v^th massacre, amused himself by cutting oS the ean, of ttrm. i* .hom he captured, and setting them, thus disfigured al ClT Reinforced by troops from Liim tV,o>.^„„v * r -, „ ' ""^"7- and tl,e army of Lenos A vrl in ?' °™' ''*'''"'' ^'^'='™'''> The survivorl from T n astCe „ o-h TT"''' »"««gements. Valla Grande, and unitin; vTh he pSTf =' 'TV' '"'" "" indeed, »me signal advalges; and r^C .fw^;^, Sr^gS by great rancour and cruelty on both sides, was wace 1 „ th it^ success to the republican arms. La Paz was re.ak™rl;™ tl.e rov absls, who m the.r malice poisoned all the sprin»s of water n Z ::r;i?irs:^eh\!::ThXtS'^ ra^e, that they cut the Jo^^f Z^l :i;::a'ne''ii ^^^ °"'- E verses soon overtook the insurgents in their defeat by Pezueh and tl,e„ forced retreat toward Cu.co. Conspicuous in the r ranks was an Ind.an named Pomakagna, who, in the war wiTh Tu"! Amaru, had taken the royal side, and had been rewarded with the %.,.. he defeated u.Voyaii;;::*',": r' r::^,,^: ;tT governor and comm^der-in-chief; bn. was Una ly defeated' Tte fcplaymg the most heroic valour, by Pe.ucia an'd R mfr ; Z w.d, other pnsoners sn/Iered death by execution at Cuzeo ' Kondeau, commandinnr an army of Rnpur^o A ,,„ "gnal defeat, the Buenos Ayreans were unable to tn.intain pfslio" • Nile.' HiMor, „f K„„ll, A,»,.*a ,„rf Mexito. 842 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HI8T0EY. I '' of the upper provinces, and the war was reduced to a guerilla con- test, in which Padilla, Warnes, and other popular leaders, still main- tained the cause of independence. • The great victory of I3olivar's general, Sucre, over the royal army at Ayacucho, in 1824, was decisive, not only of the fate of Peru but of the adjoining provinces. The victorious general marched into Upper Peru, where many of the royalist garrisons surrendered with- out opposition, or declared in favour of independence. Olaneta, the chief commander in that region, after an ineffectual resistance, wag slain, and all the troops in the country, to ihe number of five or six thousand, surrendered. The total result of that splendid victory indeed, was a loss to the enemy, in the two Perus, of more than eighteen thousand men, in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The Brazilians, who had commenced aggressions against the distracted state, were comjielled, by the prompt resistance of the patriot general to withdraw their forces. The country freed from foreign domination, a general congress convened at Chiquisaca, on the 6th of August, 1825, published a declaration of independence, averring that "the happy day has arrived when Upper Peru has become liberated from unjust power from the tyrannic and wretched Ferdinand VII., and this fertile region has escaped the debasing relation of a colony of Spain; that it is important to its welfare not to incorporate itself with any of the co-terminous republics, but to erect itself into a sovereign and independent state, in relation to the new as well as the old world* that the provinces of Upper Peru, firm and unanimous in their reso- lution, proclaim to the whole earth that they will govern themselves) under their own constitution, laws, and authorities, in that way which they may think most conducive to the prosperity of the nation the inviolable support of the Catholic religion, and the maintenance of the sacred rights of honour, life, liberty, equality, property and security. To carry into effect this determination, they bind themselves through this sovereign representation, by their lives, jjroperty, and sacred honour." It is supposed that Bolivar, whose armies had accom- plished their liberation, had desired the union of these provinces with those of Lower Peru; but he offered no interference with the free action of the people he had served. In honour of the Liberator of South America, the title of Bolivia was adopted by the new state, and suitable rewards and honours were decreed to Sucre, and to the patriot army to which it waS indebted for its rescue from Spanish tyranny. UNITED PROVINCES OF LA PLATA. uitiAirxiliiiJ,, CAUSES OF THE REVOLUTION IN BUENOS AYRES. — THE VICEROYS LINIERS AND CISNEROS. — THEIR EATE. — WARS WITH THE ROYALISTS IN UPPER PERU: IN MONTE VIDEO, — DISSEN- SIONS AMONG THE PATRIOTS. — RAPID CHANGES OF GOVERNMENT. — ALTERNATE SUCCESSES OF THE PATRIOTS AND ROYALISTS. S^iN MARTIN. FALL OF MONTE VIDEO. — ELECTION OF PUEYBEDON AS SUPREME DIRECTOR. The almost interminable civil feuds — the innumerable succession of general or local rulers, and the inextricably tangled condition of domestic politics in the government or governments of those exten- sive provinces, watered by the Eio de la Plata, and since known as- tlie Argentine Eepublic, (or Republic of La Plata,) during their pro- tracted revolution, will iiecessaiily confine the account of that strug- gle to the facts most important in their emancipation from Spanish authority. The first impulse to that emancipation was given, as with all the South American states, by the disturbed condition of the government at home. When, in July, 1808, news arrived at Buenos Ayres of the "cessions of Bayonne," and the consequent ascendency of the French interest in Spain, the viceroy, Liniers, exerted his influence in favor of Napoleon. Elio, the governor of Monte Video, accusing him of treason, separated his own province from its allegiance, and found his conduct approved by Goyeneche, agent of the Spanish revolu- tionary junta. The latter, as we have seen, however, used every exertion, and committed every cruelty in attemjiting to suppress a spirit of revolution in the colonies. i I II 344 TIIK PEOPLK'S HOOK OF IIISTOKY. The leaders of the patriot j)arty in Buenos Ayrcs— Castelli, Uel- gratu), Cliiclaiiu, 'I'lionipson, and others — undeterred by the terrihle, exainph; of tlie jiatricits at La I'a/, resolved to take advantage of these disturbances to creet u popular government. By secret iiidu- once, they gained over three reginienta quartered in the city, to the popular cause, and when, in May, ISIO, news arrived of tlie proba- ble subjugation of tlie peninsula by the French, the municipal authorities summoned u ine(>ting of the citizens^to consider their condition. At this assembly, after long and animated debate, the peo{)]c, protected by an armed guard, i)asscd resolutions deposing the viceroy, Cisneros, and creating a j)rovisional government. At a meeting of the citizens of Monte Video, these procccdino's were approved, and adhesion was promised to the new governmeii"- but the Spaniards in that city, landing troops from the vessels in tlio harbour, were enabled, by the aid of the deposed vicerovs, Liniers and Cisneros, and the Spanish governors of Paraguay\ii'id otlior provinces, to create a formidable opposition. 'I'liey were, however defeated by the popular forces; Cisneros and others were compelled to (piit the country, while Liniers and other commanders who'hiul openly levied war and ravaged the country, were executed. The patriot army, which, under General Balcarce, had been dis. patched against the Spaniards of Upper i'eru, at first n.et with complete success, defeating the royalist army, though strongly posted, after an obstinate action, at Suypaeha,' and executing the captive generals Nieto, Sanz, and Cordova. The victory of 'I'Spiza followed, atid the Buenos Ayrean army was in possession of a great part of the country; but Goyeneehe, violating, as we have seen"^ the armistice agreed upon, defeated them, afid regained possession of most of the country. His army, however, was greatly annoyed by numerous j^arties of guerillas, wnich harassed it with continued desultory attacks, and preventeatriots. Artigas claimed and .seized the government of Monte ^'ideo, and Alvear (.lanuiirv, 1815) gave deep discontent by ohtiiininiT the chief ilireetorship of lUienos Ayres. Civil dissensions prevailed until tlie latter, an object of jH)pular odium, was compelled to leave the country. Foreign disasters succeeded these (h)mestic (piarrels, By the victory ol' Sipesipe, in November, lyio, the most important provinces in Upper IVru were again thrown into possession of the rovalists, aud linally, after revolution on revolution, the supreme directorship, under better auspices, in March, 181H, was conferred on Juan Martin I'ueyrcdon, whose election quieted the factions ia the capital, and for a time gave stability to the government. 8PANIBU-AMJSKI0AN REVOLUTIONS. 847 CHAPTER H. PKOS OP THE PATRIOTS.— OBSTINACY OP ARTIOAS— THE PORTUGUESE TAKE MONTE VIDEO, AND DEPEAT THE .REPUDLICAN ARMY. — SAN MARTIN, — HIS PASSAGE OP THE ANDES AND VICTORIOUS CAMPAIGN IN CHIU. — UPPER PERU.— CONTINUED RE- SISTANCE OP THE UANDA ORIENTAL. After providing for tl.e defence of the eountry against its external cneniicH, the director turned bis attention to reconciling or crusiiin-r Its Jon.cst.c foes JIc sent a supply of arms and munitions to ArtU gas, at Monte Video, to assist him in repelling the Portuguese; but that officer, liavmg received them, refused to listen to overtures of liiendsh,,). At Santa Fe, despite the attempts of the capital to over- awe ur negotuue, the citi/.ens maintained an attitude of determined hostihty to the general government. Notwithstanding these untoward circumstances, the congress, convened from a number of states on the , "! '^"'{'„^^^^' ^'^"^"'^ * rnanifesto, declaring the independence of the Lnited rrovmces of the liio de la Plata Meanwhile, in Upper Peru, the arms of the patriots again met ^mh considerable success. Colonel Padilla, attacked by a division of the royalist army, entrusted the command of several posts to his captauis, and one to his roij,. The enemy assaulted furiously, but were co.npletely repulsed and defeated, and were pursued by the victors till they arrived at a place of defence. The lady presented her husband a standard of the enemy, taken with her own hands and was afterwards api.ropriately rewarded by government with the cornnnssion and pay of a lieutenant-colonel. Another victory was obtained by Warnes over a body of a thousand men, commanded by the bloody lacon, in which the latter were almost entirely de- stroyed. In the provinces of Salta and Jujuy, Guemes and other guenl a leaders waged a desultory, but highly successful warfare. In December, 1816, the Portu^n^cse made a grand demonstration against the new commonwealth, droops were shipped from Lisbon a.id an army of ten thousand men was collected at liio Grande! iliKS iorce, m three divisions, under Generals Lecor, Silviera, and Urau, invaded the Banda Oriental. Desp.ite some spirited local 348 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY, opposition, this overwhelming force took possession of the capital Monte Video, and Artigns was reduced to practice a guerilla wurfuro against the invaders in the o[)en country. These disasters were suc- ceeded by a severe defeat of the patriot army, under La Torre wiio after a sanguinary action at Arayo de los Catalanos, were routed with great loss. In the face of these miserable reverses, and of the gener.'d desire of the inhabitants of his province, Artigas still refused to unite with the confederacy. These misfortunes on the sea-board were in some degree compen- sated by the splendid success of San Martin, in his memorable cam- paign of Chili. The latter country had assisted the United Provinces with men and money, against Elio; and San Martin, now governor of Cuyo or Mendozn, conceived the project of serving the cause of freedom in both countries, by a vigorous assault on the common enemy in their strongholds of Cliili. Though his province was thinlv peo- pled, and much wasted and impoverished by the Spaniards, so" great was the personal devotion of the people to their chief, that they placed all their means and services at his disposal. Six hundred slaves, three hundred horses, and ten thousand mules were provided for the service of the expedition ; troops were transported from Buenos Ayres: and after a year spent in preparation and discipline, the darin,"' commander set forth on an expedition, from its difTicullies and extra- ordiViary success, one of the most memorable in martial history. "He had to cross tlie majestic Andes, with an army accotiiiianied with baggage and artillery, which for three hundred miles presented rugged and almost inaccessible summits and narrow defiles, adrnittiinT of two persons only abreast, along the giddy verge of frightful pre- cipices, where eternal frosts hold their undisputed reign. This pass- age with an army over the highest mountains in the world, is an achievement more daring and difficult than that of the renowned Hannibal in crossing the Alps; and perhaps there is notliing on the page of history that surpasses it. But no obstacles could shake the purpose of San Martin ; no difficulties were too great for liis genius to overcome. In thirteen days the frozen Andes were vanquislied and passed, with the loss of five thousand horses and mules and of a few men. The liberating army, soon after, encountered the enemy at Chacabuco; and the veterans who had conquered the Ande?, expe- rienced no difficulty in vanquishing the instruments of tyranny. Seldom has a victory been more complete or a triumph more splen- did. 'In twenty-four days,' said the commander, 'we have crossed SPANISII-AMERICAN KKVuLUTlONS. 849 the most elevated mountains of tlic globe, terminated the campaign, put an end to the sway of tyrants and given liberty to Chili.' The rcnuiaiit of the royalists took refuge iiv Taleahuano. Tlic inhabitants forriKHl a junta at Santiago, and as a reward for his services offered to San Martin the dictatorsliip of Chili, which he declined, and this power was vested in Picrnardo O'lliggins. "After this splendid victory, thr General of the Andes, as San Martin Win now called, returned to Bnmios Ayres to concert a i)lan with the f^'ovornment to direct the victorious arms of the republic against Peni. As he approached Mendoj5a,the capital of Cuyo, all the in- liMhilanlP of the town flocked out to meet him; the youth strewed tlio rcnid with roses, and all demonstrated the most lively sensations ot'iianiiration^and joy at beholding the hero of the Andes and the Liberator of Chili. At Buenos Ayres, ihe same sentiments prevailed, and proj.arations were making to receive him with every mark of respect and honour; but being apprized of what was intended, he stole into the city unobserved, to the no small disappointment of the people."* In r].per Pern, the talent and energy of Belgrano had now, in greut measure, redeemed the re]>ublican cause. Serna, the chief commander of the royalist forces, was compelled to retreat bef.i'e the attacks of the guerillas, and the ferocious Facon was destroyed, acci- (lently (or iirovidentially), by a .stroke of lightning. The Banda Oriental, under Artigas, still maintained an attitude^ of hostility to the rest of the republic; and two successive detachment.s, dispatched by tbe director to red ice the refractory province, under Jtlontes de Oca and Colonel Balearce, were furiou.sly attacked by the Monte Videan chief, and completely defeated. * Niles' South America. 3uO THE PEOPLE'S BOOK 0? BIBTOBY. CHAPTER HI. AFFAIRS IN Clliri —DISASTERS OP THE PATRIOTS. —ncTORT OP SAN MARTIN AT TUB PLAINS OF M A Y PH — I N D E PEN D- ENCE OF CHILI SECUP E D.— CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED PROVINCES— RESIGNATION OF P U E Y R E DO N.— CON- TINUED CIVIL DISSENSIONS,— FINAL RESTORATION OP HARMONY— THE REPUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE UNITED STATES, In Chili, San Martin and O'Higgina were now strenuously attemnt ing to reduce the strong fortress of Talcnhuano, the last'refucre of the royalists in that country. But the viceroy of Lima contriv^ed to throw a force of fifteen hundred men into the disputed post; and not long after, resolved to anticipate tlie intended attack of San Martin in Peru, landed five thousand troops, under General Osorio at the same place. That commander, with a force of eight thousand men, now assumed the offensive, and marched for the capital of Chili San Martin, after somewhat annoying his march, on the 19th of March, made a successful attack on the enemy, whose van was driven into the streets of Talca. But that same night the rovalist general in turn attacked the encampment of the patriots with such suddenness and fury that they were completely routed, and San Martin, with the relics of his army, was compelled to retreat to the pass of AnTiilcnni Undismayed by this disaster, he betook himself to the "capital' where, by extraordinary exertion.s, a fresh army was rais.Hl whicV on the 6th of April, 1818, on the Plait.a of Muvpn, again en-a-rcd the enemy. A most splendid victory, in which the sliani,sh "armv was nearly annihilated, was the result. The independence of Chiii and Pern was secured, and San Martin, the object of enthusiastic gratiturlc and admiration, his project fully accomplished, returned to Buenos Ay res. On the 25th of May, 1819, the congress of the United Provinces publicly proclaimed a constitution, of a federal nature, and not ma- terially differing from that of the United States of America. Le-rig. lation was vested in two houses, one composed of deputies electcd'by the people, and the other of senators elected by the provinces. The exrcutiv(^ pcnver was placed in the hands of a single person,' called I "''A^'^J'-AMKKICAN REVOLUTIONS. 351 tl>e .liroctor. Equality of nil citizens, freedom of the proas, &o, were niuionnce,! Soon after, Pueyredon. eonaiderablo diHuflection to hig rers,,n existing roH.gncd the office of supreme director, an.l Jo.seph , Rondeau was chosen temporarily to fill his place, until the election of a new director under the constitution. I ny a singular complication of hostilities, Artigns, who had lon« c..n bravely defending the Banda Oriental against the overwhelming forces of Brazil, afler receiving the assistance and rejecting the uilf Zl f ZZT'f^'' '''" '""i"t'^i"«^l hi« ^lubious position, n February 1820, the director was defeated by the guerilhL culled the Monteneros headed by Ramire., an officer of Artigas, and such was the effect of this disaster that the authority of the central «ov. ernmont was completely prostrated. The victor, with three thousand nion, advanced wnh.n seventy miles of Buenos Ayres; and Puevre- ■lon, with \n. friends, the chief objects of enmity, fled to the Portu- guese for safety. Rondeau, after his defeat, returned to the capital, but his authority was at once overthrown, and a provisional govern- ment was ai,pointed by the municipality. Treaty was then made with Ramirez, an.l a most rapid succession of revolutions placed the capital in the hands of one ambitious chief after another. A disgrace- ful secret negotiation with France by the late congress was discovere.l intomled to place the republic under the control of that country and all the members who had favoured it were put under arre»t The state of anarchy, especially in the capital, which succeeded these events is almost beyond description, and the lives of manv estimable citi/ens were sacrificed in the civil feuds by which the whole state was distracted. The various factions under Ramirez Carrera, and Alvear, and under Dorego and Rodriguez, were en- gaged in civil war, which finally, after various vicissitudes, resulted in the ascendancy of the latter at the seat of government. (October, 1820.) Carrera, indeed, still continued dcsper.ately to rava-e the country; and Ramirez, the army of Artigas having been defeated and almost destroyed by the Portuguese, supplanted that chief in the command of the Banda Oriental, and threatened the citv of Buenos Ayres. On the 21st of July, 1821, however, he was completely defeated by the government troops, at Francisco, and died on the field of battle, only two hundred of his men escaping. Carrera whose whole career had been distinguished bv great ferocity and carnage, was also defeated, in the following month, and on the 4th of September was shot in the public square of Mendoza. Two of 352 TlIK l'K(jrLE"g r.OOK OF IIISTOEY. his brothers had perished on the same spot, and the only flivour he askcv. was a burial in the same grave with them. These civil wars at last brought to a close, the legislative junta and the executive, to quiet the rancour of the contending factions passed an act of amnesty, and turned their attention to reforming tlie administration of affairs. In September, 1821, a congre- from the several provinces assembled at Cordova, and eflbrts were made to bnngabouta federal union, but various sectional jealousies prevented tlie adoption of the plan. "The commencement of the year 1802 found the affairs of the United Provinces in a more prosperous cw' dition; the internal enemies of the republic had been destroyed or driven out of the country; ihc voice of faction was silenced- the government had acquired energy and respect?, and was eni .ly.y.vs y.v i'UEsK.VLE of THE ij\ia u.va. PART III. ^t piin^um k %\\mm. BE AZIL. CHAPTER I. BISCOVERY OF BRAZIL BY CABRAL.-OF RIO DE JANEIRO BY SOUSA. — FRENCH COLONY.— AGGRESSIONS OF THE DUTCH — THEIR CONQUESTS.— COUNT MAURICE OF NASSAU— HIS SUCCESSES.— HIS RECALL.— IMPOLIC Y OF THE DUTCH —THEIR EXPULSION FROM BRAZIL. In pursuing their splendid career of African and East Indian dis- covery, the Portuguese, by chance, came upon a region vastly more extansive and valuable than their most coveted acquisitions in the opposite direction. Alvarez de Cabral, in 1500, sailing with thirteen vessels, on the route to India, to avoid the calms experienced on a former voyage took a cou,se more to the south-west, and accident- ally discovered the coast of Brazil. On the 3d of May he lauded .a about seventeen degrees of south latitude, at a harbour which he cal ed Porto Seguro, erected a cross, performed mass, took possession ot the country, and named it "Terra Nova de la Vera Cruz " The natives appeared of a gentle and kindly disposition, and their com- plexion strongly resembled that of their visitors. He sent home a vessel, with an account of the discovery, and left on shore two convicts to learn the language of the people Expedi^tions were soon dispatched from Portugal to the newly- Vol. hi, — 23 364 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. discovered land, and territorial disputes with Spain were settled by an agreement that Portugal should possess all the country between the two great rivers Amazon and La Plata. A dye-wood of great value was soon discovered, and imported in quantities to Portugal- and from the name of this commodity, (Pag Erases, or wood of fire ) the appellation of the territory, by degrees, was changed to Brazil. On_^the 1st of January, 1535, Martin Alphonso de Sousa, sailin" to this coast, discovered that splendid harbour, called by the natives Nitherohy, and which, supposing it to be the mouth of a great river he called Rio de Janeiro — the River of January. Various settle- ments, however — as those of San Salvador, Pernarabuco, St. Vicente and others — were founded before the natural advantages of this ad- mirable locality were turned to account. A colony of French Prot- estants, dispatched by Coligni, was planted in the new country; but the clergy, by their indiscreet zeal, became embroiled with the Por- tuguese, and their establishment, in 1578, was attacked and broken up by the latter. The work of settlement by the Portuguese proceeded slowly, but uninterrupiedly till the year 1626, when the Dutch, ambitious of inheriting a share in the New World, established a West India Company, and dispatched a fleet to Brazil. The intruders took possession of its capital, San Salvador, and the surrounding country. War with Spain and Portugal immediately ensued, and San Sal- vador was recaptured by a powerful Portuguese fleet. In 1630 forty-six Dutch vessels arrived off Pernambuco, where they landed three thousand troops. That province and several others were sub- dued and acquired by the invaders; and so successful were they in naval operations that, it is said, during the war, they captured five hundred and forty-seven ships, fitted out against them by Spain, together with a treasure of forty-five millions of florins. In 1636, John Maurice, count of Nassau, with the imposing title of "Governor of Brazil and South America," dispatched from llol. land with a large force, landed four thousand men on the coa.st. and defeated the Portuguese, afler an obstinate battle, near tlie for- tress of Porto Calvo, which, with other places, he soon after took. Four years afterwards, a fleet of ninety ships was dispatched by Spain to expel the Dutch from Brazil. A desperate action with the fleet of the lattei', under IIuygen.s, lasting for three days, ensued; but the Spaniards were at last terribly defeated, and being driven on the shoals off the coast, great numbers perished by shipwreck and of ^:^:^L^'^' "-* -™"^. only «ve V J, cended the Ihrone. Count SlrioTh'!"' "^ "' ''™8an.a, a,- harbinger of peace be:: „''p:r::U iTll ''r"' '°/= "■= exertion, to extend h« conquered Zr 1 ' '•"="'™*'W 1>« (pace in Europe, and a ^^^ ^J^tt t^T'^ "^' plished, he had taken vr1„,m« America) was accom- hold, both in BraS and Afrt """""' ''°'' ""i"*"' """J" thilaLTntanL 'Itiorf "^'"'^ °' ^°"»^- *-" V policy and n,isn,ra3n7hrr°' ""t™" '« ''^ "■o ™ Lpany. That corporat „n W '^™'^ """ ^"'"'^ ^« I-'-i" exaction, on ,he pZIu"'s^I,:,':'::'7 ■'"'''"' ""'' '"'J"'''-'' excited groat discontent? a"dM«nC ^^ri™"") P'-inoe,. .bi. nnjnst and hazardou^ polie "r^^a^ed wTTf ''f"" ofwar, and the greater part of hi forceTrnT644Te 1 *'f=",*'P- tliat time, seven provinces lhi«„ .„ ' j ^ ' ° '"" ^™^''- ^t bee. broight b/hilS untr^ f'S'^d '"":rr '''^ the native inhabitants and the sold ei I„d sailors r ' "'"* ^''^'' thoas.,nd Dutch citiiasns and siilv^l,? j ' """""""'y ne.ly.acqnired territory -^ °"™'* "=«'-° "^""^ » *« The government of the colony was next entr„.f.j . of wronij.headed citizens wl,„ 1, entrusted to a commission ious mefsure, sool Zve £ C""' "'""'*''" '"" "«= <">°'"'- connivance of the PoZelJ'T""""' 'o '«*™«- By the Feraande. Veira, a J^Tota T;i:ir;ut''o'ir .""^ T .■^""" ence, was commenced .,n,l .» i ! ? ° ,' ^^''^^^^ »"^1 inAu- tl-atriollanrrspteLerutrnof ."''^ ''"^^ '^'^"' and bravery, She dispatch d flee a fl T T^f "'' ^''*' "°^^^^ *° ^^P''^^^ ^^ expense^ndlo enf L 7n ^^".^''''Pr^^ ^^-i^^^J. and, at vast l4her^rt.y--i;:— -^-^^^^ her possessions in Bru.il to the enemy. 8i„ce th^ll 1 P guese have remained, almost without dispmrm^tersof th "' empire of Bnril n,, « • , i^"''^' "''^ters of the immense «tLti..n t e^t^^^^^^^^^^^^ nearly a hundred times greater in .n our own darerel i to \f "'f' ''/'' long a colony, and extent and cap li iS t leL 1 "''''''T''''' «*''*«' -calling, in Old World or the New ' '""'' P"^'^'^'^^ ^^"P^^«« «f tl^« So6 TUK rKOi'L,K'ii BOOK OF lUSTOBY. CE AFTER n. r BRAZIL A PENAL COLONY— THE RESULT. — OPPRE-SSION OP ^HB NATIVES. THE FEUDAL SYSTEM. — OOVERNOR-OENEKAL AP- POINTED. — STORY OF CARAMURU. — BAHIA. — THE JESUITS. WAR WITH THE CAHETE8. MEM DE 8A. — HIS CRUSADE AGAINST CANNIBALISM. — WAR WITH THE AYMORES. — THEIR CHARACTERISTICS. The contest between the Dutch and the Portuguese for the occu- pation of Brazil, and the final !u«cendoncy of the latter having been briefly sketched, we revert to tlie domestic condition of the colonies first planted there by the saccessful nation. At an early day, con- victs and criminals were transported thither, who, by their violence an(i oppression, exasperated the natives, at lirst kindly disposed to the new comers. Retaliation thus provoked, the usual career of mas.'^acre and enslavement went rapidly forward; the old women and children in the villages they subdued, being butchered by the Tortuguese, and the adults being reserved as slaves. The sovereign of Portugal, by a singular policy, first colonized Brazil on the feudal system, bestowing extensive cH^j^unurs (captain- cies or provinces) on grandees who' had rendered services to the crown. Thus, Martin Alphonso de Sousa, the discoverer of Rio Janeiro, and Pedro Lopez, his brother, ea(;h received allotments extending for fifty leagues along the coast, and similar spacious tracts were ceded to others. These capilanias were hereditary, and Ihe lord of eacii had supreme jurisdiction, both civil and criminal, in his extended domains, and made war with tlie native tribes, issued laws, and exacted taxes at his pleasure. The despotic exercise of this authority, at length occasioned its resumption by the crown, the lands, however, being left in possession of the grantees; and a governor-general, Thome de Sousa, in April, 1549, accompanied by the first Jesuits who ever came to America, landed in All Saints' Bay,* and a.ssumed the general jurisdiction. At that place he found an aged settler, named Diogo Alvarez, who, in youth, having been wrecked tliere, and having seen liia companions devoured by tlie savages, had become a slave to the * Bahi.i de toJoa os Santos. tor the occu- THE P0RTUGUK8K IN AMERICA. gg^ latter. He had saved from the wreck a musket and some barrels of powder, and ook oeeasion, by shooting a bird, to exhibit to h masters the terr.i.c power whieh was lodged in tlK,;e utensi s They cried Qaramuru! Caramurul" (man of fire I) and, filled with respS for the deadly instrument and its owner, made him their eh ?Ta war, and, finally, their sovereign. By his native wives he had a numerous family, and it is said that the best families in Bahia trace loaded her with Brazd-wood, and sailed to France- but not bein! which he fortified, and where Be Sousa found him. He was o) great service to the governor in his dealings with the native tribes Houses were iMiilt and a cathedral was begun at this, the 1 st roya settlement in the country, fortifications were made and hi new town of Bahia or San Salvador, was made the capital of Brazi Ihe Jesuits, with laudable zeal, dispersed themselves amon J tl e natives, and by the extraordinary fi^culties of persuasion and loZ verance, in which they have never been surpassed by any order of men, mplanted a species of religion and civilization ii, their breasts withstood the oppressions of the colonists, and pioneered the wiy o resh settlement and colonization. The disinterested and self-I " ficing eflors of these much-calumniated men, at that period are worthy of the highest praise. ^ ' ^ The first Brazilian bishop, appointed in 1562, soon foil into a dis- pute wi h Da Costa, the successor of De Sousa, and embarked for ortugal to plead his case before the king. Being shipwrecked on • the coast he was murdered, with about a hundred oLrs by the savage tribe of the Cahetes-in revenge of which outrage they and their posterity were proscribed, and were hunted and but'ehered'till nearly all were exterminated. In 1558, the celebrated Mem de Sa succeeded to the vieeroyalty, and endeavoured by all mearin his power to reclaim the natives from their barbarous propositi \td to protect them from unlawful oppression. The hou'eo '''i h colonist who had refused to release certain of them, wr Lgf y en aved, was levelled to the ground by the governor's order ^ ^ bir""S f "r^.^'T^'^"^ ^"« ^Wcssion of eanni- bali m Three friendly Indians," says Mr. Southey,* " were seized vhile fishing, by their enemies, carried off, and devoured. The governor sent to the offending tribe, commanding them to give .'' * History of Brazil. So8 TJiK l'Kuri.K'8 HOOK OF IIISTOKV tlio criminiils, that they might be put to death. The chiefa would liiive consented, but the persons implicated were powerful; the adjoining clans made a common cause with them; two humlred hordes, who dwelt on the banks of the Paraguazu, united in defence (if their favourite custom; and the answer returned was, that if tl,L. governor wanted the offenders, ho must come and take them. T\m ill despite of the opposition made by the settlers, hec Jews banished fro.n Portugal by the Inquisition, introduced the cu tare of the sugar-cane, ad.ling greatly to the wealth and resources ofthe country. Gold was not discovered until the close of the sev- enteenth century, nor tho abundance of diamonds which the country adords, unt, tlurty years later. Tho former discovery entailed im mechate nusfortune on the province, both in the check which it gave to a,n;.culturo and really productive industry, and in the hostile' cnpuhty which it excited among foreign powors. In 1710, a French squadron co,nmanded by I)u Clerc. appeared oft" the ^.ast, and aude, a th,n,sand men not far from Hio Janeiro, which hitherto had been (ree a hke from domestic sedition and foreign violeiice. By an artifice of the governor, De Castro, the hostile force was permitted* to enter the city without molestation; but when they wcie fairly i„ the streets, he fell upon them with the garrison, kille.] and wounded a great nuial.er, an.l captured the rest. The unfortunate Du Clerc an. most of his ofTicers were secretly murdered in prison lo avenge this defeat and outrage, private enterprise supplied tho ^ n,eans for a powerful armament, which, under the famous Du-^uay ^ e Irou.n.on the 12th of September, 1711, appeared before^iio •'anouu .ie l,,st nearly three hundred men from the fire of the attenes in the harbour; but landed his troops, erected works, a demanded of the governor, who had entrenched himself in the city an unconditional surrender. The latter refusing, he opened a 0'; nonade on the town, in the midst of a tremendous stori of thu.Ir arid hg 1 nmg, which combination of noises, says a French author ha bo, t'l "'"':;"''' '""^' '^-^ ^^^""°'^ '^«^^'^"' -'•^'-. -^' ind tains, the 1 ortugucse troops evacuated their post; the captives of * McGri'gotB Pro-jresa of America. n i 862 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. Du Clorc's expedition, who yet survivod, broke forth from prison and the victors entered tiunultuouHly, niul sacked the city. Three- fourths oftlie buildings, it is said, were broken open, and tlieir con- tents thrown into the utreets, and 'iVouin, endeavouring to stay tbe work of rapine, caused numbers of his men to bo executed, but in vain. A great ransom was paid to save tlie town from conflngrution- and besides tlie enormous h)8s from pilhigo, five ships of war and more than thirty merchantmen were taken or burned by the French. On tlie 4th of November, Trouin sailed I'rom Kio, inti'udingto attack Bahia, but was prevented by adverse winds, and finally returned to France. Two of his ships, with twelve hundred men, and a great tr(>a.sure, foundered at sea; yet the proceeds of what remained, repaid the fitters-out of the enterprise with a profit nearly equal to tlieir capital. No ho.stilc expedition has-sincc entered the harbour of Jim Janeiro, which, in 1703, was made the seat of government for Hmzil in place of Baliia. After the emancipation of Portugal from the control of Spain, frequent disputes occurred between the two nations as to the bound- aries of their respective provinces in South America. In 1750, the Portuguese settlement of San Sacramento was exchanged by treaty for a number of Jesuit missionary stations on the Uraguay, tind about thirty thousand- converts of the Guarany tribe, with their families, were ordered to abandon their homes and remove to a strange territory. The oppressed natives resisted this arbitrary decree, but after great slaughter, were compelled to submit; though eleven years afterwards the treaty was annulled, and the Guaranicia were permitted to return. During the enactment of this jiiece of oppression, the Jesuits had stood their friends, and had endeavoured to obtain reparation for their wrong.s, and thus increased the odium into which their order, for some time, had been lapsing. Jforeovcr, Pombal, the minister of Charles III. of Portugal, a man of great energ'- ;; 'd eagerness for reform, but equally short-sighfed and wrong-headed in tiic icans he adopted, considering this extensive institution a? • Hiding i' i,hewav of his schemes of colonial aggrandizement, took the rash, unjust, and impolitic resolution of expelling from Brazil a class of men to whom, more than to any other, it was indebted for safety in the time of its weakness, for friendly ir ' "course with vast tribes of the aborigines, and fv. ' tlio extension of civii ition and Christianity among them. (1760.) ^'is br,)Lher P'iutado, a man of similar stamp, accomplisiied tbe r" THKP0BTU0UE8E IN AMEKICA. 868 work with much severity an.l cruelty. All the churches colle«.c« ou... and other property of the pn^cribcd order, wen^ 1, Sed to the u.se o. the crow,, and great harshness wa.s u^ed in tLe W men o( th.s v.oIcnt nu.«„ure. The unfortu,.ato eccIcHiu«tiea oiled and transported to Europ., ahno«t like victims in the hold oTkZe «lMp were thrown u.to prison at Lisbon (where the survivors Ian- ,M for e.ghteen years, till the death of the king and 1 e fid of Pun d, or were landed in Italy without means ofsuppor Tld true! uikI impolitic measure, it is said tend...] irrfotlv ♦« J u \ 0, .» arbitrary „.i„i..er, i„clu.li„g „„prc»ivc m„„„p:^ ^^ ^ on the col„,„«^ rc8„lte,I in .imilar ovil ami docadonco During il,„ l„„,r part „1 tl,„ cigl.tconth .K,„tury;„„ event, of tnatcna „n,,ortanee oc'cnrrod i„ Brazil, ..,„,,t tiJ\r^,Z r\u ^ ui uic uuaranies those tribes, wearv of tli« tyranny and cruelty of their new masters, welcomed t2 firm oppressors, the Portuguese, as liberators; and the disputed erirv mis agam acquired by the latter. ^ territory CHAPTER 17. fHE CARTA RhOIA."— BRAZIL P R N E D TO FOREIOV TRADE I)O.M JOIIX vr. — CORRUPTION A NI), D ISCO NT F V T — INSURRKCTIOXS.-.KTURN OP THE KINO TO P^ ,7 OAL.-TYRANNY OP THE PORTUGUESE CORTES- IRRITATION OP THE BRAZILIANS.— RESISTAN-K OF DOM PEDRO AND HIS CAPITAL. "' realv, but witl, ,,i„ greater^ „a tm "l"'""'^"' '"'''• province, of America, were „o. ^i^^tlt!: ZZ:rZ7:l 864 THK rKOI'I.K'S BOOK OK HlSTOliY 5 [*Ji2iM^^Al. colony of Brazil — a colony wliicli, l)y cionsoqncnico of tliosn events Av:iH di'sliiii'd liniilly to erection into an indejKiiHlent empire, vyin/r in its extent and natural resources, with the greatest and most pow- erful states on tlie globe. VVlien, on tlic 29tli of November, 1807 the van of the Kreneh army, under the headlong Junot, aj)pearc(l on the heights alH)ve Lisbon, the })riMcc-regent, with the rest of tlio royal family, hurriedly emliurked on board a Mritisii and Portn-nicso fleet, taking all the valuables they could hastily seize; and with a great crowd of nobles and other adh<'reiits, put to sea, and steered for their distant province ol' Wnv/M. On the 28th of January, 1808 they landed amid enthusiastic n^joielng, at Bahia, where tlie prince granted the celebrated "Carta Regia," by whic' '' » ports of Brazil were opened to foreign commeree; and tiiiis, in the .anguage of the ollieial liistorian of Brazil, "by that immortal diploma conferred an inestimable inheritance on tliis terrestrial paradise, where llourish the crowned heads of the veget;d>!e world ; trees that blossom from the truidc to the vertex; health-giving plants, that banish death to a remote old age; and, besides a thousand other equivalents for the riches of the globe, those [)rincely fruits which the j)octs and enthu- siasts of natural history have named ambrosia — food for the "-ods" &c., corruptions of a Kuropean court. Tlio inhabitants, at llrst so enthusiastically loya! as to have placed their lands, houses, and money at the disposal of the royal suite, gradually lapsed into discontent at the gross misgovernmcnt of the favoured ollk'iids. About this time, the warfare already mentioned in the last TlIK I'OlJTUOUEaK IN AMKIUCA. 865 article was earned on against Artigas of tbc Batula Oriental and against the republicans of l.a Plata. In 1809, Portuguese Guiana, winch in 1«02, by the treaty of Amiens, had been ceded to 1^'ranco was recovered, by the assistance of the Knglish. ' Insurrections broke out, in 1817, in Pernambuco and Bahia, and after much bloodshed, the whole country appearing on the verge of rov(;lulion, the king, in 1821, appointed a commission to inquire into the expediency of extending the Portuguese constitution to tlu; Bra- zilian government; and soon after, the prince, Doin Pedro, read to the people of the capital a royal proclamation, assuring them oi' the gruiit of such a constitution as should be ibrmed by the Cortes (jf Lisbon. In the same year, the king, by invitation from that body, to preserve the integrity of his dominions, leaving his eldest son, iJoni J'cdio, as regent of Bn.zi], visited the mother-country, when; the people were impatient at his protracted absence. Brazilian deputies were also summoned to attend the Cortes; but before they arrived, that assembly, with insane tyranny, had resolved on the revival of the ancient colonial system in its worst form of dependence, monoi)- oly, and exclusion of foreign tralTic, The prince, who, on assuming the regency, was only twenty-three years of age, in despite of his earnest attempts to reform the govern- ment, and the rigid self-denial which he practised, soon found his authority set at naught by the provinces, and was reduced to a con- dition little better than that of governor of Rio Janeiro. Thwarted oil every side, and, despairing of .success, he had entreated to be re- called to Europe, when, "at length," it is said, "the Brazilians were disarmed by this noble conduct; they recognized his activity, his henelicenec, his assiduity in the affairs of government; and the habitual feelings of affection and resi)ect for the House of Bniganza^ which for a moment had been laid asleep by distrust, were r.^u- wakencd with increased strength. 'J'o these was joined an alnH.-t idolatroussentimcntofattachmentfor the virtues and the splendid as well as amiable qualities of the young areliduehess, Leopoldiii;., the daughter of the emperor of Austria, and the beloved wife of the regent." The king, on his arrival in Portugal, was in a manner compellcl to sanction the illiberal views of the Cortes concerning Brazil. 'J'he consequence was renewed disaffection to the parent-country, and in 1821, an attempt was made at Bio to proclaim tlic regent emperor; but this was promptly suppressed, the country in general bcHi.g un- 8Q6 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. prepared for a step so decided. Two months afterwards (December 10th) arrived a rash and oppressive decree of the Cortes, reinstating the old abuses, denationalizing Brazil, and recalling the prince, with orders to travel incoijnlto in Europe. The utmost irritation was ex- cited by the receipt of these tidings, and several provinces presented strong remonstrances to the prince against obedience, the municipnl- ity of Eio declaring, in their address, "The departure of your lioynl Highness from the states of Brazil will be the decree that will seal for ever the independence of this kingdom," implying the determin- ation, in that event, to throw off the yoke of Portugal. The prince seeing the condition of affairs, and consulting his own interests n.s well as those of the kingdom, decided to remain— a decision which filled the people with enthusiastic joy. (.January 9th, 1822.) A battle between the Portuguese troops and the citizens was only pre- vented by the retreat of the former, who, however, waiting for rein- forcements from home, took up a hostile position on the opposite side of the bay. Surrounded by the forces of the prince, who man- aged the affiiir in person, they were presently compelled to embark for Europe; and a force of eighteen hundred men, which immedi- ately afterwards appeared on the coast, dispatched to bring back Dom Pedro, was forthwith ordered home again, without even beino^ permitted to land. ° CHAPTER?, IMPOTENT DEMONSTRATION OP THE PORTUOUESE ffOVERNMENT.— DOM PEDRO PROCLAIMED PROTECTOR, — INDEPENDENCE OF BRAZIL DECLARED. PEDRO PROCLAIMED EMPEROR.— RETREAT OF THE PORTUGUESE TROOPS, — DIFFICULTIES WITH THE DEMOCRACY, INSURRECTION UNDER CAR- VALHO SUPPRESSED. POPULAR REVOLUTION AT RIO. ABDICATION OF DOM PEDRO, AND HIS RETREAT TO PORTUGAL. Alakmed too late by the determined attitude of the injured prov- ince, the Portuguese govertinient began to witlidraw 'its otlensive measures, but in vain. Many of the captaincies gave in their adhe- sion to the revolutionary cau.se, and all the southern departments, THE PORTUGUESE IN AMERICA. gg^ forming a majority of the wl.ole, assumed the title of "The Allied , rovmces." On the 13lh of May, 1822, at Rio Janeiro i^'^ Pedro was proclam.ed by the people. " Perpetual Protecto of B " as an hereditary title; and whereas they would formerly have been j .atKsiaed with free trade and a moderate share of representative and domestic nght of government, they now resolved on havir.g I se, ! rate legislature, and no union with Portugal, except that afforded I 1^.^ ^''77"- n -1% to the assertion of these rights, the Cor^s I ,n September, fulminated a sounding decree against all concerned in he new order of hings; nevertheless, a general assembly, convok d j by tl,e prince, met in the following year, and transformed lie rde icy nitoun imperial government; and the authority of the prinet'^ implicitly obeyed on all hands. ^ A squadron from PortU"-a] with nil th^ +„^ ■, ■ ^ , . '■ ,, °'' ^^"" "'' t"e troops which that feeble nation could muster, arrived at Bahia, and occupied the town bu so complete was the popular disaffection to the old rule that the aut lioiity of the c.nimander, Madeira, was not extendedtyord hnnt of the waHs. A resh angry and impotent decree of tlfe Corte now menaced Dom Pedro with exclusion from the throne, and p o claimed a paper blockade of the whole Brazilian coast. The pri e on b.s part, by manifesto, accused the Cortes of tyranny and LZ' t,on an lormally proclaiined to foreign n.UoJt^jX^^^e of Brazil-dec anng, however, that he regarded the durance m w ch his august father was held in Portugal, as only temporarily u" pendmg his authority, and expressing his hope (hat a sin-de mon- archy would yet unite the two nations.' (August 6th, 1822 ) lie popular mind appearing ripe for such a measm-e the muni cpal senate of Kio declared that, on the 12th of o'ctober e pnnee wonl,l be formally proclaimed as constitutional emperor- \^ accordingly, on that day, in a number of the provinces h s acc'es ll; -uaui to dcfbnd th J J^^.^i:tt^z^:;;^:::^^ ';: hould be worthy of Brazil and of him. No increase of po e o revenue attended this elevation to the imperial dignitv kfo ,h with summoned a constituent a.ssembly, to meet "t Ko , ^^^'''^• the 3d of \f..v nQOs \ ii • ^ ^^"^ Jeneiro on try by Cabraf ^ '^ -""^versary of the discovery of the coun- Meanwhile, the Portuguese force at Bahia was surrounded bv twenty thousand Brazilian troops, ami the oilicer. a..i,:^of:'^^ 368 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOEY. I i from the country. Accordingly, having pillaged the city, and strip- ped the churches of their gold and silver ornanaents, the whole com- nuind, on the 2d of July, embarked on board of eighty vessels and set sail. Owing to the width of the bay, and the favourable wind the Brazilian fleet, of sixty ships, under Lord Cochrane, was unable to intercept them, though sailing in pursuit, it captured several vessels. The imperial army entered the city and proclaimed Dom Pedro. The government, installed with such general satisfaction, was not long in encountering difficulties from the more democratic element in Brazilian politics; and the absolute veto, the strongest safc"-uard of the imperial power, was refused by a majority of the assembly. The emperor, in reply, declared his intention of practically enforcino' the disputed point, and issued a proclamation, avowi:ig his abhor- rence of despotism, whether that of one or of many. This position of the new sovereign was sustained by the army, the navy, and a majority of the people. In November, debate in the assembly be- came so stormy, and, it was declared, showed such tendencies to anarchy, that a body of troops was dispatched by the government to dissolve the sitting by violence. This was done, and several of the members were arrested, while Uom Pedro, in the midst of general acclamation, rode through the city. He published a proclamation promising to provide a constitution worthy of the nation and of himself. The draft of such an instrument was circulated through the empire, and a legislative assembly was snmrnoned. In Pernambuco, the revolutionary spirit assumed a more formida- ble aspect. A j)lan to erect a republican government there, with a young man, named Carvallio Paes, as president, was toinporarily su[ipressed by the imperial forces; but the troops, revolting, rein- stated him in the office, and for a time his administration paid an assumed deference to the imperial government. But, 'takin<»' advan- tage of a proclamation of the emperor's, that he was unable to guard the const against Portugal, the president and his partisans proclaimed the latter a traitor leagued with the Portuguese, and called on the provinces of the north to form a republic, to be entitled "The Con- federation of the Equator." Many gave in their adhenjnco to this scheme, but the movement was not general, and a partisan warfare was commenced by the republican and imperial factions. To snp- press this revolt, a squadron, under Lord Cochrane, cirrying twelve hundred men, commanded by Dt3 Lima, was dispatched to the dis- tracted district. The undisciplined forces of the republicans were TIIKPOKTU.UrrcSE IN AMERICA •11, • *>^^ vanqu.sl.ed, and Carvalho was compelled to fl^n f the country. "'npeiiea to flee, for a time, from ! On the 24th of Octol-ipr l «o i ♦!, ' stitutional charter, t k oa h^^ ^ ' sworn to throughout tL en, rP ^^i'%/^'''^^ ''' ^"^ ^' ^^-^ : government. Dur"! his S " " '^'"'^^ ^'^"^^"'^"^ ^' ^^c ten years, Brazil made t e^^^^^^^^ ""'^''''' ^'^''^•^ ^"«^«^ ^^^ about ' haa done during threCd'ar'" '.""T^ "^"■^'^^'^ ^'-^ ^t ^ "eglectingtoeofciliatep;:,!"^^^^^^ B«t f.-om j ciently with the BraziliL'^atlot • Jf^.^^ J^^ {'X-'' ''""''^"^• .ative jealousy of foreigninflueneebcameTl^^ ^T"' ^"^ ^ On the 6th of April, 1831 the veoZnJl ^V ^'"'''^"^ ^^«'t«^- den.a..ded the dL ssal of ceS minw" T'' "^^"^'«^'' ^^ appointed to office, and the r . 1^^^^^^^^^^^ '"^^ '^-' -vvly During the whole day this civic tumi : ^^^^^^^^^^ '^'-^^^^'- obstinately refused compliance with f I.. ,™' but the emperor : every thi4> the peopirhe'bS^^ "^^'"^^ : This speech, repoJted to the meeting LTeW " ''T'" t,on and the troops began to side with^ile pe", e Tl'' ""'"^^ '^^''" battalion," and the imperial ^uard nf 1 ^ ^ ''^ "emperor's , and the multitude wat iid^y ;p S" ::;\r::' ^t ^'' ^""^^^' I racks. "The emperor, in thes'e tryh J^'n s "? ^'^ ^'^'- evinced a dignity and magnanimity unknown n I "l "^ ''^^^ prosperity. On the one hand the em 1" ^''^" °^ ^''^ a...i aiy^hending the most ^^'0^^,^ Til "' T'""'^ envoy from the combined assemblage of r^oils nn 1 '""' "" "rg.ng him to a final answer. Sesert d hT -^'"P"'''' "''^^ fatigued beyond measure, he at length foudTn' '""''"'' ^'^"'^ to circumstances." At t vo o'clock in t ''''"'^ '" ^''^'^ announcing his intention to hi mini rs heTo':r°' ^^"""^ ^^^^" fe. words as possible, abdicated the hrone in f ' ^'"V:"^'' '" ^" ^on, Dom Pedro de Alcantara. "I er "Ts dT";,'" '"'^ '"'"'' "is niy abdication. May you be hnl'v! T f n ' "'"•"'^"^' and leave the country that I hZ ^i I ^'" '^^''^ ''^ ^"'•«P''- Having uttered thel'wo ds uZ tiln: 7' ""! '''^^ ' '''' '--" -' -^^^er arranging his doVesr atrf ^thl'^ "''"' ""^ ^^■•"■■^' eldest daughter, went aboard an Fn u ""^"'^''^ ''"'^' '"-^ I the harbour. Soon f'erh" Return frV''""'"''^''' "^'''"•'^ ^'^.>' - a-tance, he succeeded 'nt^l'to^ hT :''"^' ^'^^ ^'"'^''^'^ the crown of Portugal. ^ ' ^'^^'^'''■' ^^«"^ ^^'S-^el. j Vol. ni._24 1 u 870 THE I'KOPLK'S BOOK OF II18T0HY. CilAPTEE ?L THK CUII.l) DOM I'KDRO II. — THE TRIPLE RKOKNCY.: — THE RKOKNCY 01'' I'KIJO: 01' LIMA. FRK8H RKVOLUTION. — THK ilAJORITY 01'' TIIK K.MI'KUOR P U 00 1, A I M K 1). POPULAR T R i:H I, K S KKNUWKl); 1) 1 S A 8T RO U S RESU I, T. — THK ROY A I, MARRIAOKa. — C A P A HI I, I T 1 K8 AND NKOKSSITlKa OF BRAZIL. Tn tlie Ciimpo (1(1 Smitii Anna, where the popular aascmhly was still ill full iii^italioii, the news of the abdieiitioii was received with onthusiastic joy, ami with slioutH of "Long live Doin Pedro 11. |" and the little priuee, (only six years old,) in whose favour the instru- iiieiit had been drawn, was borne in triumph through the city, and reeeived iin enthusiastie aeelaination us (Muperor. On the !)tli of 7\|iril, a grand court-day was held for the little sovereign, Dom Pedro ir., whoso aeeessiun was celebrated with much display and appearance of loyalty. A provisional iTgeney, on the morning of the abdication, had IxHin provided by the d(>puties and senator.'^, with the late ministers of 8tat(>, and on the 17th, the general as,seiiibly elected, as a permanent regency, Lima, Costa Carvalho, and Joao ^luni/. These iinportMUt political changes were ell'eetcd with re- markable order and traniidillily. In 18.'}4, liow(n'er, a law whs jiassed, vesting the regency in the hands of a single jHU-son, to be elcctinl for four years; and Diogo Keijo, a bishop and a senator, accordingly, on the I'Jth of October, 1885, was installed as sold regent. His administration was troubled with insurrections in Per- uambueo, Kio (irande, and l^ira — the pnvsident of the latter pliice ln>ing a.^sa.s.-iinated, and the Portuguese then; indi.seriininatclv iinir- dered. The assembly was slow in supporting iiis aulhoritv, and, disheartened by these obstacles, in September, l.SoT, he resigiunl the regency. In October of the following year, Pedro ijim;i, already, by a clause of the constitution, jirovisionally regent, was contirincd in that olhee by election. Weary of his authority, a party of the as.sembly, in July, 1840, began to agitate the (piestion of declaring the young emperor of age, and eonimitting the imperial aulhorify into his own hands. Furious debate and great agitation ensued, and the citizens, eager, iis usual, XlIEPOKTUOUKSKlNAMEinCA. g^^ .lc|.utics, in joint »u»«i„„ „„„„;„,,?'' ""'' "'« «"•■"<> "nJ p. 'or, a„a obtain l.ij »:' " ."f "'™'','.''™ '° -"' «" '1- cm- .1. i...cn«c delight and c" . l^:; 2"f ""« IJ^'^-'ion. To »,*rcd tl,o roKont to-rovoh tL V '^"'' °' ''° '=°»»™'»1, and The next moriiin'' (July 9?,(] ift4n\ ^u roundel by an assona lie of dl !! 1^ .! ^enatcl.onsc wa.s sur- : shouts of the multitude without .^t'?i .1 """'• *'" "PProvir.g : boyon.1 bounds, and continual W ^ It t « ^'u " '"r"""'' I before the two houses to sunr.ort \ J ^^"^ *""'^' '^=^»'' i religion, and a Vro^aZTC ':7T''''- ^'1 ^^^^ ^^^'''^^*« ' TI.0 city was brilliantly iUumU Id nd 1 " "'""'^' ^''' ^^««^''^«'""- ' festivity prevailed, in this sW^ "^' ^'^^'^test rej.ieing and , -. w. a youth or 1,..^':!: i^'7z::fi:7^' '-'- : throne of J}ra;5il. His coronntl.u, ^'^-v.ited to the irnpenul "»;;,.*»•»-, in.,n!;\ar::::i;r;:r'"'"^ -'* «-' .»■".■ •imml liv the trc-iti„„nt ";"."'•"""•• ^ «>'»"g« "I miiiiateia („„„. ■ Uo revolt, oecurrecl, and i„ i " it ! , ," ^"'"""^- '' "■'""'- -7 co„ce„ed, a i^e^Lt' i ^^ ,,'' '::,f ," 7°"*""" "illiiig on tlie Lcoiile ",„ f,™ .1 ° ' ■" "'° 8'reot corners, - .;» o„„.,.itnti„'n flrTe Ll" „ LS 'I; "'^ "'™- '«! a inoclaniation, si.mod hv the ,.„ . , '"""■'"■■»■ llio l.a« Ao„|,l ,,„ n, i„Li e, ^t ' I ' 7' '", "'" ""'"■"""'■J' "'' - --« on .,,ie,„n, and Lanthed 'SSl " Th:aX' v& ^ l( 8. h -? 14", If 372 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. ity of the government was at last reasserted, but with the loss of many lives, and great daniage to the public credit and revenue. In 1842, a contract of marriage had been made between the young emperor and the Princess Theresa, sister of the king of the two Sicilies, and on the 3d of September of the following year, a Brazilian squadron brought her to Kio Janeiro. In the spring preceding tliis last event, the Prince de Joinville, arriving in command of a French squadron, had married and taken to Europe the Princess Francisca, sister of the emperor. The next year, the Princess Januaria, another sister, was married to the count of Aquila, brother of the empress; the imperial house of Brazil thus being strengthened, as it was consid- ered, by three alliances, within a year, with the royal famihes of Europe. " There is no part of the habitable globe," says Mr. McGregor,* "which possesses a greater variety of, or more splendidly munificent resources than the empire of Brazil — an empire in its area as large as seventy-seven kingdoms of the same area with Portugal, and nearly as extensive as all Europe. If we estimate its soil, climate and water-courses, Brazil appears capable of being rendered, proba- bly three-fold, more productive than all the regions from tlie Atlan- tic to the Oural mountains, from the Mediterranean to the Arctic This empire, however, does not possess in its population (which sea. is little, if any, more in number than the inhabitants of Belgium) the power of becoming great, wealthy, or powerful, for a long period to come; unless every facility and security be afforded to the immigra- tion of industrious Europeans, or of the citizens of the United States of North America; — unless the utmost security is guaranteed to per- son and property; — unless the prejudices against the persons and the religion of foreigners be forgotten; — unless the bigoted attachment of the Brazilians for hereditary customs, and for a make-shift system of agriculture and handicraft-trades, be supplanted by intelligence, industry, and enterprise; — and unless the trade and navigation, of every part and port of Brazil is relieved from restrictive commercinl laws, and from high duties on commodities. Then, and not till then, can they advance in that path of wealth, greatness, and power, of which they have so marvellous an example in Anglo-Saxon North America." * "Progress of America" — an able .ind elaborate work of American statistics, to which the writer, in preparing this article, has been chielly indebted. PART IV. ^t iutti ill gmmra. THE NEW lETHERLAIDS CHAPTEH I. CAPTAIN HENRY HFDS0N.-HI8 VOYAGES IN SEARCH OP A NORTHERLY PASSAGE TO C HIN A,-EMPLO YEI, R. II ^ CH EAST INDIA C0MPANY.-SAIL8 IN THE HALF-' OON- CRUISES ALONG THE AMERICAN COAST IN SEARcH OF A north-west passage -discovers and ascend THEHUDSONRIVER.-DEALINGSWITHTHEINDIANS. The arduous endeavours of Holland to gain a footing, in the wealthy reg.ons of Brazil, her protracted struggle with 1^41 and Spa,n, and the final expulsion of her eolonil^ fi-om the drsputed -ntory, have been described in the preceding article. He Ce P acefu and successful enterprise of planting a°colony on the sho" f North America, and her brief tenure of the most vau.be 1 nnrfi 1 ° ^ "^"^y- "'-'' attempts to reach India bv 1 :,t r''^' T''''''^ ^'^ insignificance of his mean are ^ ZZu'f'''T "'"^^'-^i-t exploits in the way of'dis- ^"3 that ],ave ever been undertaken. On the 1st of m/ lay, 1607, ?l i f i, r ; 1 I 1 1 1 874 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOUV, being employed, as lio sjvys, "by certaine worshipfall uuirehants of Tiondon for to discover u piissiige by the North Polo to -Inpaii aiul Ciiiiia," with only ten men and his little Hon, ho sailed in a small vesHol from Graveaend. On the 13th of .luno, ho made the const of Greenland, which he explored for aconsidoral)lo di.stanco, and thence proceeded to Spitzbcrgen, where, in seventy-eight degrees north lat- itude, entangled among huge masses of ice, for a long time, ho vainly' endeavoured to Ibrce his way northward. Ho attained a latitude of eighty-two degrees, surjiassing any one who had preceded hini, and rivalling the most successful expeditions of modern times. Finding it impossible to proceed in the desired direction, he made an equally futile attemjjt to pass to the north of Greenland, and in September returned to the Thames. In the following year, with a like slender company, on the 22d of April, he renewed the attempt, trying to pass to the north of Nova Zembla; but after displaying much forti- tude and perseverance, was comj)clled to relinquish the design, and at the close of summer to return to England. The "worsliipfnH merchants," discouraged by these failures, refused to fit out any more ex{)editions, even of the insufficient kind they had already vouchsafed to him. Undismayed either by disappointment or neglect, "the bold Enf^. lishman," (as he was called,) betook himself to Holland, where his reputation had preceded him, and sought employment from tlio Dutch East India Company. That ambitious corporation, ea"-er to extend its traffic and gain a footing in the east, furnished liiin with a little vessel, called the Ilalf-Afoon, and a crew of twenty men, with which, on the 25th of March, 1609, he again sailed on the expected track to India through the Arctic sea. Op{)oscd by continual "ales fogs, and ice, he finally steered in a westerly direction, and on the 2d of July, reached the bank of Newfoundland. Keeping on along the coast, he soon after entered Penobscot bay. Here he cut down a tree and replaced his foremast, which had been carried away in a storm, and traded with the Indians for furs. Despite the friendly demeanour of the latter, the whites, conceiving a vague suspicion of treachery, at their departure, committed an act of brutal spoliation on their unfortunate hosts. "In the morning," says Juet, who kept the log, "wee manned our scute with four Muskets and six men, and took one of their Shallops," (canoes), "and brought it aboord. Then we manned our boat and scute with twelve men and Muskets, and two Stone Peeces or Murderers," (very appropriately), "and drave m^^i^. THE DUTCH IN AMERICA. 875 the Salvages from their houses, and took the spoylo of them as they would have dcjiie of vs." ' ^ Ilud,son hacl been informed by his friend, the famous Captain John Sm.th, t at a httle south of Virginia he would probably find IZs- age to he nd..s and aecordingly he kept southward alonJ o coant. On Cape Cod he found "goodly grapes and rose trees," a a nendly, eonhdu.g people. About the nuddle of Augu.st he a riv d oti Chesapeake Bay where Smith, at this tin.e, was c^.gaged in Ihe mcn.orable foundation of the first English settlement in Ameri a but, on aeeount of contrary winds, passed without entering. Hayin.: proceeded as far south as thirty-six degrees north latitudorarul seL-n^ n» .nd>cat.on of a pas..nge to the Paeifle, he turned northward. anS discovered Delaware buy. Keeping on this eourse, on the 2d of S,.p ember, he eame to the Highlands of Neversink, since the chief aiHlmark of commerce in the Western Continent-"a good land to fa with, and a pleasant land to see," says the journul-"a sentiment echoed in succeeding centuries, by many an anxious and sea-worn ■nanner. He rounded Sandy Hook, an.I eume to anchor in what is now known as the Lower J3ay of New York The Indians, friendly in their demeanour", thronged around the vessel in their canoes, bringing tobacco, which they exchanged for knives and beads. A party sent up the bay to explore, declared iMt the Lands were as pleasant with Grasse and Flowers and -oodlv rees, as ever they had seene, and very sweet smells came from them " As they returned in the evening, ,hey were attacked by two canoes hlled with Lul.ans, twenty-six in all; two of their number were wouMcled, and one slain outright by an arrow in the throat The next cay the natives came alongside as usual, and Hudson, detaining two of them as hostages, weighed anchor, and on the 11th of Sen- tember passed the Narrows, and entered New York harbour "On us r^ht was the lovely island of Mannaliata, now the site" of the airest city m the New World; and before him lay invitingly the beautiful and majestic river whi<.h still bears his name. For manv leagues it is rather an estuary than a stream, and it is said that he was cheered with the belief that it w the river, trading with ' he liuhans, and by the evening of the second day had ascended to the Highlands. Here his two hostages, whom he had arrayed in reel coats, made their escape and swam to shore. Anchoring, on the evening of the 15th, somewhere nnor f},. bfloe I'^l 6; I UTG TIIK I'K()1'I,K'« UUDK OK IIISTDKY. of tliu CatlHlvillH, ho IouikI "vory loving pcoplo, und very old men " anil was kindly ('ntrciiUMJ. Tlio Indiiins l)ron;^'lit corn, I'nrH, tobacco grnpcs, and pnnijtkin.s I'or exchange!, and tnillic waH briskly carriiMl on alon;; the river. Sonio way further up, "our Master's Mate" Bjiys tiie journal, "wont on land with un oldo Sauago, u (louornour of tho Cuunlrcy; who carried him to liis house, and made him good ehecre. * * * Our Master" (Hudson) "and his Mate" ])roeeeds the narrative, "determined to trio somo of tho chielb men of the Countrcy, whether they had any troachorio in thom. So they tu.>lM> iheiM down into tho ('abbin, ami gauo thom ho much Wine and Ai/iKi \'itiv that th(>v were all nu*rrie; and ono of them had his wife with liini, which sate so inoilostly as any of our Countrcy women w.ii;l.l doe iu a strange place, in tho cml onoof thom wasdrunkc," Ac, iS;e., but nothing transpired to confirm the suspicion with which Hudson .seems I'ontinually to have) regarded the natives. AllVighted at the apparent death of their companion, tho chiefs wont on shore but tin- next day, seeing him ulive, "camo abord," saya tho jouriuil "and lirought tobacco and more Bcadt-a, and gave thorn to our Master and made an Oration, and shelved him all the Countrcy round about. Then they .si'nt one of their Company on land, who presently rcturnod und brought a great platter full of vcni.son, dressed by themselves and they causeil hiui to eato with them. Then they nuido him rev- erence anil de[)arted." \j didt bUM X (L JU vbli JL df % HUDSON TfltNS II M K W .\ R 1). — MURDEROUS HOSTI L ITIE8 WITH THE INDIANS. IMS RETURN TO ENOLAND. — HIS LAST VOY- AOE AND DISCOVERY. — SUFEERINOS I) U R I N THE WIN- TER. — llENUY OREEN. — MUTINY OF THE CREW. — HUD- SON AND OTHERS SET ADRIFT TO PERISH. Aktkr ascending the river in the ITalf-Moon for about an hundred and fifty miles, and exploring the contracted channel with his boats ^e aboard : " but wee pereeived their intent, and suffered none of them " contmues the log, " to enter our ship. Whereupon, two CanoesTdled with men, with their Bowes and Arrowes shot at us after our sterne- in recompense whereof wee diseharged sixe Muskets, and killed tw.l or three of them. Then above a hundred of them came to a Point ofland to shoote at vs. There I shot a KalcMi," (small eannon,) "at ^.en, ananes of one Master Vni/iO)i, with much adoe, got four poundes of his Mother to buy him clothes, wherewith ^faster Voisou would not trust him, but sawe it layed out himselfe ***** So I/ciirir (iirciic stood vpright and very inward with the M.-ister, and was a serviceable man every way for maidiood; but for Religion hoe would say hee was cleane paper, whereon he might wl-ite what hoe w.ndd." During the winter, the elfects of the gunner (who had died early in the season), were put up for sale at the main-mast, tis usual, !\nd Cireene wished to purchase a certain "gray gowne," bo- longing to the deceased, and no doubt very desirable in the rigor of an arctic winter. Hut Hudson, being dissatisfied with him, said he should not have it, and ahari)ly reminded him that none of his friends at home would trust him with the value of twenty shillinijs. "The jealous and irritable temper of mariners, long jjcnt together in disastrous voyages, is well known; and when to this source of dissension are superadded privation, sniVering, and the constant dread of starvation, it is hardly surprising that their minds should be tilled with morbid imaginings, and that trifles should assume unnatural importance. In many a dreary narrative of the seas, we ._J TlIK DUT-UII I N AMKKIOA. 379 /in.! rnattorfl of no greater moment tlian this wretched 'gray gowne ' „K,gn,lie.l into in.portanoe, a.ul the eause of tlio most lamtntabl'e 4u.no.s and mutunos" -'You shall see," says Muster J'ri.ket, "iiow tlio Demll out of this wrought with Iknvk (hronc " About the middle of June, the little crew of forlorn adventurers again got under way, but were soon once more fast in the ire The scanty reimuuder of ship-stores had been already .livided by the can- tarn, ''(aa.l iu-e wept when hce gaue it,)" and he now incurred fresh ili-vvill by compelling the crew to produce for the comm.m benelit any rcnmant of private stores which they might still have in their flic'sts. A barbarous plot was now liatched up by Greene and Wil- son the boatswain, to set the cai.tain, with the sick and disabled adrift m the ship's boat, as the most likely mode of saving the lives of the remainder; and, accordingly, the unfortunate Hudson with his young son and six others, (mostly sick or lame,) were treacher- ously sei/ed and put aboard the boat towing astern. Belbre tlie ship was clear of the ice, the mutineers cut the line, and left their unli.rtiinate victims to perish of cold and iiiinger. On their wiv homeward, four of them, including Greene and Wilson, were killed by the savages, and old Juet, whose crime, as well as that of Greene was enhanced by past friendship and favours received from JIuds(Mi' perished of hunger on the voyage. The company, the next year' dispatched the same vessel, under Captain Thomas lUitton to searc-h for the deserted commander, and to complete the supposed discovery of the North-west passage ; but neither object was accomplished ■ CHAPTEH HL VOYAGES 01' TJIK DUTCH TO HANNAH ATA.— EXPKDITIOX OP I.LOK ANl) CnilFSTlAANSE.— NEW AMSTERDAM (NEW YORK) FOUNDED —COLONY PLANTED ON THE DELAWARE: SINGULARLY DE- STROY E D.— 00 VERNORS MINUIT AND VAN TWILLER — SETTLEMENT OF THE SWEDES ON THE DELAWARE. In the year 1810, following the discovery of the Ifud.on, private indivKluals m Holland dispatched a vessel to traflic for furs with the Indians inhabiting its shores; the success of this expedition led to 380 Tllii PEOTLK'S 1500K OF HISTORY. several others; and some little trading stations were established on the island of Mannahata (Manhattan or New York). In 1614, a corpora- tion, entitled "The Amsterdam Licensed Trading West India Compa- ny," was cha'-tji'cd, (with a monopoly of commerce in the newly-found region,) which, that same year, dispatched thither two vessels, under Adrian Blok and Ilendrick Christiaanse, The former, arriving first at Mannahata, and losing his vessel by fire, set to work with much energy to build another, in which he again set forth on a voya"-e of discovery. Passing through that narrow strait, which, from its furious tides, his crew called Ilelle-gadt (Hell's Gap) — ^a name which with slight alteration, it still retains — he passed through Long Island Sound, and proceeded as far as Cape Cod, where he found his con- sort. The two captains cruised westward along shore in company surveying the coast, and naming the islands. They discovered Narraganset Bay and the Connecticut and Ilousatonic rivers- and Block island, which they passed, still commemorates the name of its discoverer. Ascending the Hudson, they built a fort on Castle Island, a little below the present city of Albany ; and in the following year another was erected on Manhattan, where New York now stands, and whither lor many years the Dutch vessels came regularly to receive their cargoes of furs. Their powerful neighbours, the Iroquois or Five Nations, long at deadly feud with the Canadian French, viewed with satisfaction the establishment of rival settlements, and main- tained friendly rela<^ions in general, both with the Dutch and English. Though once disturbed by a visit from Captain Argall, from Vir- ginia, who claimed the country in behalf of his government, and occasionally by the bucaniers, the Dutch continued to maintain their traflic, and slowly to extend their settlements. In lfi21, a new corporation, entitled "The West Indian Company of the New Neth- erlands," was chartered by the States-General of Holland, which, in 1623, dispatched a large number of settlers, under Captain Mey, to their colony of Mannaliata. He relieved the wants of that little settle- ment, (which no ship had visited for two years,) and, after exploring the coast some way to the eastward, turned south, and finally entered Delaware river. Cape May, named after him, conmicmoratcs the visit. Ho passed up the river, and, on Gloucester point, a few miles below the preseiit city of Philadelphia, founded a settlement, which he named Fort Nassau, but which, after a brief tenancy, was abandoned. Fort Orange, on the site of Albany, was built the same year. )lished on the 14, a corpora- tndia Compa- ! newly-found /^essels, under arriving first k with much a voyage of >in its furious ! which, with Long Island und his con- in company, y discovered 3 rivers; and the name of sland, a little year another stands, and 'ly to receive J Iroquois or ench, viewed s, and main- and English, dl, from Vir- ^rnment, and to maintain 1621, a new 3 New Neth- id, which, in tain Mey, to ,t little settle- ,er exj)loring lally entered ates the visit. miles below t, wliich he s abandoned. ) year. ■,"") ■ ■ ' ■ 1 ti,: i i Is} !l ! ; '. : ? ^■! ■ ^i ■ i -' " ' ■ r T 1 1 1| THE DUTCH IN AMERICA. 881 Two years afterwards, (1625,) the company sent two more sl.ips under command of Peter Minuit, the first governor of "The New Netherlands," (as the country was now called,) with a number of Walloon emiirants, who settled on Long Island, where the " Walla- bout," or "Walloon-bend" still distinguishes the place of their selec- tion. In 1630, De Vriez, a skillful navigator, who had served in the East Indies, was sent, with thirty or forty peopfe, to found a new colony on the Delaware. On the site of what is now known as Levvistown, on the southern shore, he built a small fort, which he called Iloeren-kill, and having landed the settlers, with their stock and supplies, sailed for Holland, leaving one Gillis Osset in connnand "The new settlement had but a brief existence, and owe^ its de- struction to an incident singular enough. The Dutch, by way of taking formal possession of the country, had erected a pillar to which was affixed a piece of tin, inscribed with the arms of Holland This tinsel bit of heraldry, ere long, was appropriated by an Indian chief, who, unconscious of its high import, converted it into tobacco- pipes for his private smoking. At this insult, as he deemed it to 'Their High Mightinesses, the States General,' Osset became ridicu- lously enraged. Vindication of outraged dignity is generally vehe- ment in p.oportion to the paucity of the aggrieved attribute; and the Dutch commander, with strange inflitnation, refused to be satisfied with any excuse or reparation which the Indians could oiler. ^eein<^ hirn thus unappeasable, and perhaps supposing the crime to be of a heinous religious nature, they finally cut olf the head of the of- fending chief, and brought it, a grisly token of submission, to the fort. "Osset stood aghast at the consequences of his obstinate sulkiness and told the Indians that they should only have brought the culprit before him for reproval. But the mischief had been done, and the friends and relations of the murdered chief resolved on a sweeping and terrible revenge. All was contrived with savage artifice and secrecy. The colonists were mostly engaged in tillaiie, and only a fow remained at the fort. These were massacred by some warriors who entered under pretence of selling beaver-skins. The Indians then walked slowly to those in the fields, and foil to eonversin.r in a friendly manner. Not the slightest suspicion was awakened°until "t a given signal, the savages foil on them, and butchered them to a man I he entire colony, consisting of thirty-four men, perished at a blow. "In December, De Vriez returned from Holland, and the utter Til K rKOn.K'S IIOOIC OK II iSTdUV HiK-iuv of 111,' .IwolliiigH fon-warnod liim of misforltuuv 1{,„wh -uu] hIro hnilt, and iiofrro slaves w.to iinpoilcrd. A church and il species of statediouse Were also orecited. IMinuit, d(>pose(l from odie.-, entered tho servieo of (Miristina of S\vcd(Mi. Her father tlio Mieat (instavus, had alrea.lv planned tlu. fo.mdation of a settle.nent 111 Ameriea. ami had ,h«voled a large sum ($1(H),()00) to the ol,j,vt Oxeiistiern, the Swedish niinisfor, prompted hy this ciromnstaneo' mul hy the persuasions of Minuit, readily eanu> into tho scheme' and, ahout tho year l(i;m, an expedition was (lispateh(>.] to the l),i aware, wineh iMvoted a tort, ealle.l alU-r the ,pie.Mi, C'hristinn and made a settlenuM.t near Wilmington. The footing thus obtained hv the Swedes was allerwanls a source of no small trouble and uneiusi. ness to their Dutch neighbours. ■ C H A V T E H I ?„ OOyKKXOU KKIPT, — OOyERNOR STUYVKSANT: HIS T II A IMCTF R. MK SrUDl-KS THE MVKUKS.— UNTKN A HI.K CLAIMS OV TlIK KNO- MSI!.— OlIANT IIY CIIAHI.K.S II. TO TlIK D f K K OP YOKK — \KW AMSTKUIIAM TAKKX HY OOI.ONKI, NICOI.I.S: lUi- TAKKN HY TlIK IM' TOII — FIN AI, CliSSION TO KNOT, AND. Ix 1038, William Keii>, in jdaoe of Va„ Twiller, was appointed .aovernor o( the New Netherlands, and wns spee.lilv involved ia ilUheulties with the gradually encroaching JMinlish" He forh^ulo tlu>in to trade at the fort of Good Tloiu<, (a s.nall 'l)utch post in Con- ■noet.eut. whore the city of Hartford nou- stan.ls,) and broke up hy loroo a settlement whirl, they had made on Long Island. In 1(518 the English colonies, now greatly superior in strenoth to their nei..!i! bours. entered into a league against th.-in. The horrors of Ind'iiui warfare were .-^oon added to the ,^t her troubles of the ouuutry. Koil^, ♦ Dist'ovorora, &c., olWniorica. Til I. iu;t(jii j,\ amkkkja. 383 on HUHj.idor, c.f l.o«tiIe intcntioMH, had uttucko.l u party of tho „ati vo8 , uii.l l.iul niuHHucml nearly a hundred of them. An Indian wir' I I,.sLmg lur two years, md elfectually cheeking the progreHs of thd I BCU1.-IH..1, was the result; but was finally terminated by treaty. I lo Ke. I, m l.-h «ueeeeded l>eter Stuyv-sant, the last and n.ont lunnm ol the Duteh governons. Jlis n.emory, inmiortaliz,.! by the unnv coinie muse of Irving, always {.resents itself in the shape of ■! wt;,tli.T-hn,ne.l, (Icwee-I.K.king, silver-legged old warrior, with an air ol obstinate detennination, qu.te suilieient to justify his popular .s.- Ln^d of //«,v/%,^./y ./v,,, or I'<,ter the JJeadstrong. He beeamo ,siKH.li ly en.bro.Ied with all his neighbours; but justiec must a.hnit tn:,l the right was on his side-that the ])uteh were the aggrieved l.:..t.y .md that ,n the contests whieh troubled his adn.inistration, 1,0 .hsplaved all the .p.alities of a gallant soldirr, an energetic n.a-nsl tratc, iin.l a faithful servant of his employers." J{y his wise -md Inii.iane government, he maintained peace with the Indians; and" by .vMH.vmg oppnusive n-strictions on eommeree, greatly fbrwanh.d tlu. in ens s of h.s colony. The cnnpany, with a liberal and far- .siKlit.'d po hey, in advance (,f the age, prohibited all reli-nous i.erse- cutiun.and sought to nuikc the New ^'etherlands a refuge for the exiled beli.vers of any creed. " KVom France, the J.ow Countries, the Mime, Northern Oermany, IJohemia, the mountains of Piedmont llio Huflermg I'rotestanUs flocked to this trans-atianlie asylum " The new governor, a man of quick temper and of military ardour wxs not likely to submit to aggression from his neighbours- and ■[ pure ol ireaeherous violence, committed by Ifis.ngh, the Swe.li.h Kovnior, allorded him an opportunity t., wi'est ba-k the territory -f <1- );'tU'-- l;ad gained by a species of encroachment. On the Delaware .•.ver, where Newcastle now stands, the Duteh had ,,Ianted a ,K.st, nan.ed ort Casimir-an object of tnt.ch jealousy to ,he bunloH Hismgh, with thirty me.., u..der pretext <,f a friendly visit, -1 -<-- this fort, and had been hospitably entertaimd; In.; tiva.herously seized it, with all the houses and other pn,pe,ty ,.'■ di. company, wmeh it protected. To avenge this outrage, tlie sturdy governor, w.th a force of six hnndred nien, sailed up the Delaware^ ■f, alUT i-otak.ng Fort CVsimir, nia,-ehed into ".\..w Sweden " as tla) couiiti-y was called, and laid siege to Fort ( M, ristina itself! Kisimd. .•a« coinpe ed to s,,.-rende,-, and the whole settlement .as in.o,;.- cd w.th the Dutch i.rovi..ce-n,ost of the settle,, .eniaini.ig and Mibinitt.ng peaceably to the rule of the .lew government. 384 THK PEOPLK'S BOOK OF HISTORY. The lustre of this triumph was soon overshaded by the successful rapacity of a more formidable foe; and the little province, so peace- fully settled, and, for the most part, so moderately and wisely troy- crned, was destined to be absorbed in the overwhelming progress of a people the most active, aggressive, and retentive of conquest which the world has ever seen. The tn)ubles with the eastern Kntrlish Colonies had, for a time, been settled by a treaty, wliich admitted the latter to a share of Long Island. "But, as the importance of the trans-atlantic possessions became more obvious, these questions of priority of settlement were merged in the more decisive contest be- tween the arrogant assumption of the British crown, and the just but feebly-defended rights of the states-general. There could hardly be a claim more untenable than that advanced by England to the possession of the little settlements which the Dutch, with such m- tiont and persevering industry, had reclaimed from the wildernc.'i The whole country which they occupied had been unquestionably first explored by Hudson, sailing in the service of the Dutcli l<;n,st India Company, and had immediately afterwards been settled by Hollanders in advance of any other nation. Purchase and treaty with the natives had added confirmation to their title. These peifectly unassailable grounds of possession the English attempted to invade, by claiming that Hudson was an Englishman, whose discovery must therefore enure to the benefit of his own country, and that Cabot, sailing by these coasts an hundred and fifty years before, had tims secured the right to the whole to those who employed h'im. This proposition, it is needless to say, was of a self-stultifying nature, for if Hudson was an Englishman, Cabot was a Venetian, and, according to this rule, the whole country must have belonged to the little republic of Venice. Moreover, there was no evidence that Cabot had ever even seen the inlets and recesses which the Dutch had selected for the site of their settlements."* ' ■ Charles II., of England, not long after his restoration to the throne, ' prompted by enmity to Holland, and a desire to extend his terii' tories in North America, made a grant to his brother, the duke of York and Albany, (afterwards James II.,) of a vast tract of land including all the Dutch settlements. To put the grantee in posses' sion, a fleet, carrying three hundred soldiers, under command of '' Colonel Richard Nicolls, with Sir George Carteret and Sir liobert ! Carr, was dispatched to America; and in August of 1664, came to : * Discoverers, &c., of America. i THE DUTCH IN AMEEICA 885 anchor before the httle capital of New Amsterdam. The governor cnanclmg the purport of this armament, was informed by nTcoIs tlrat hs orders were to taice possession of the town and country Tnd offered the fa.rest terms in case of surrender. Stuy vesant wXut a force suftcent to repel the hostile squadron, and beset bytlL clamorous cowardice of the council and the citizens, rem ined f some days in a state of great perplexity and irritation, rTsin /to consent to a capitulation, and keeping the town in grievo^ su p^n o and agitation. Compelled by circumstances, be fintlly signed fs" render on the most honourable terms, and then, disgusted with forZ aggression and domestic pusillanimity, retired in writh m ° t^y-seatin the Bou.er,, wi.ere be .^.at^Z:^:^^ Z ' II. English, taking undisputed possession of the country inS" loiK, .inu tiiat ot l^ort Orano'e to Allnmr Tv, ^■ family of Carteret, wbich eam°e f^Ll^^e o^Jer;'::'!?, '" portion of the New Netherlands received the lle^^^^^^^^^^ Ihe new rulers of the country, Nicolls and his successor Lovekce governed in aii arbitrary manner, admitting no autho Ity Ixce J such as was lodged in their own hands and In the offi ^e s of thX appcn nient, and imposing grievous and unreasonable taxes on e onguial colonists. The latter governor, it is said, even avoid te ohcy of exacting such burdensome impos^ that " the peopTn i! t Java no leisure to think of any thing exiept how to pt t m '- The greatest discontent, consequently, prevailed, and renfc^L 1 1 vehemen were sent in, that they were condemned to b bu " -aercommand.ofEvertse;t;::re7^^^^^^^^^^^ with the same facility with S. tLlnT7 "? ''^""^^ cIiuM )■ I { , ^'^'' ^^owever, a treaty of peace was con Vol. III._2o I W-r PART V. ^t imxtl} iu l^mrrita. CANADA/ EARLY FISHING VOYAGES. — GIOVANNI V E R H AZ A N 0.— HIS VOYAGE IN THE DAUPHIN. ARRIVES AT NORTH AMERICA. DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY. — ITS INHABITANTS. VERRAZANO COASTS NORTHERTY. KIDNAPPING, THE GREAT HARBOUR. — FRIENDLINESS OF THE INDIANS. VERRAZANO SAILS TO LABRADOR. — RETURNS TO FRANCE, — HIS SUBSEQUENT FATE. For some time after the discovery of the New World, no national attempt seems to have been made by the French to secure a fouthuld on its shores. The Basque and Breton fishermen, the most hardy and enterprising of their day, not long after the memorable voyiige of Cabot, discovered and turned to account that mine of wealth- more certain and enduring than those of Potosi or Mexico— the ♦ The origin of this word is uncert:rm. "In 1635, one Stephano Gomez sailed from Spain to the island of Newfoundliind, and, it would .seem, entered th« Gulf of St. Liiwreiice, and traded on its shores. Aecording to the Spanish aeeouiits, hispeo- pie, disappointed in their expectations of treasure, frequently repeated the words ' Aca nuda,' ('here is nothing.') and thus conferred on the whole province the n;ime of Canada, 'i'liis title, however, is more probably derived from the Iroijuuis word, 'Karniata,' s'giiifyniif a cluster of cabins." T""; KKKNon JN AMKKICA. Great Rank of Newfoundland r„. n ^^^ ^^r;^^— -;^^"-e ha;d,^!;H:^" -'' "^^- ^^ ^- -- Spanish and /Ct^ugu^'sr^HvIl!: ^^1T ""^"''''^ by jealousy of his fitted out four vessels, th e"! a 'ro"flf 1"^^ ^^"^ ^^ ^^'-ver; vanni Vcrra.ano. a noble Fbrenrne In' T ''""^''^'^ ^« ^iol com.tryrnen, Cokunbus, Cabot, and Vesnucin!' ""'"'"' ^'""'"^ and encouragement at home, had carri Jv ' ''""""^' Weciation the service of a foreign cou t Tl L r^'"'"' '"^' '^"^n^ri^^ to ofana.lversestorm,butthee„;ernri I'"'^' '"" ^"'''''' "" «^««""t yenr, in a vessel called the Cp'hiw •?."«?"'"' "^ ^'^ ^""owing from the island of Madeira an «? ' T ^"^ '"^"' ^^^i" «et sail M..^y, (1524,) 've w:::'::ei:r. -"r' ^" *'>« ^oth ;;j of report to the king,) '• with as sharpe anTlIrirr""' ^'" ^'^ '^"^'' any sayiers sullered, whereof, with the^f *"'f ^"^ ^^'''P^^t as ever assistance of Almighty God and LT 7 '"'^^ ^"^ '"^'^^-'if-'H panied with the good happ ' o ^'^^f '^^ ^' »- ^'^'Ppe, accom- s-on.) "we were delivered and with "'"''' ^'"^ ^^'^''^ly allu- our course West and bv North A a ^"^'^f ""« ^'"de followed above 400 leagues mor^, when " we d. "' "'^^ '' ^^^« '^'^ "^«Je ^ejojeseeneofany man;i.ht^::Lr::i^^ '''''' '^^^ )-; Maiesrie may not think ^^ ^ '" r''''' ^"^ or the Wilde deserts of 2hrtarv aZ ^''V'^"^'*^^ «^' ^^^'•-^"'« '•'•uitlesse trees; but they ar tfl' of f ' ""'''^"^^ «°''«t«. f^" of cypresse trees, and many . L; sorts'^- 7 "' ^'^ '''''' ^^ high -l^'^hveeld rr,ost sweet savos ?^' '" """^'""^^^^ i« ^--/°e, -'-'-f we could not ^."Z^Z^'' ^''^ f'^^-^' ^he prope/ty 7 «picery, and other riches of "1 d ' ^''''''- ^^^'^^ ^^ drugs 'lo;h so much argue it." Tl^eh^t^?' '''' "'""'• "^ "- ^-'d -;>l'yin the imn^ediate vicinity o the k^st'T'r' '" '^'''''' '"'^ -P'^" all early voyagers to America fromC.^; if ' '''' ""« ^^ ^^''"«h "t'nost difficulty disabused. ^"'"^"' ^°^^". ^^ere with the After sailinar in vain fifM. i 4e c„m„,„„cU,; .g, , " ^/"T '°;'«> -"'l- in iiil. Tlioy llio (lim'ovi'iiM-H, ivtitl oviiicci art' .lrs.>Mlu-.l iim l.M.lviiiK "ii'>l. miu'li m.liko tlio Simu-oi.H," "willi u olir.Mlull luui .sU'iidv ItH'Ut", <'"l ««'""K "'" l»"l.V, .V't Hliarpo-wiUcd, „itnl.l,<, nii.l oxomliuK gmit n.i.i.ors." TlM-ir .n.Iy .'loUrniK w,m a Hiurics oC .'iiu'lmv, nia.l.- ..f Muall I'm'H, "wlucli Uioy laHl.-n." sayn V.-rra/aiio, "ui.lo a narrow nuaic iiia.lo of khisho vory anilliMally wrou,ut,l, liang.Ml about with tlio tayli>Horot,lior bfast.-H, wliidi .laii«l« to llii'ir Uiit'cs. Somo o tlnMS." Still pursuiii^i tlio uraiul /,'/ rtliiMii woam K.irlamls iiiado of liynli's lea- niis /'iitiiii.i oi' lii.M (lay, lie holds lliat tlioy an' osjuviallv lo llu'iu ( liU(> lo i1m> pcopU- ol'tlio cast parts of tlio vvorltl, uiul it tilt' iillormost partH ofChiiui.' Sailing iDrthoastorly aloti.ir tlit< roast, lio "saw cv-ry wli.> his eomi^anions. The usual return (or this kindly treatment was sjieedily iii;ulo. Suilum farther on, the Kreneh lamh'il, and twenty of them explomi the eountrv. Thov f'>'»i»il in the woods an oKl woimiii and a young one. oaeh with three ehihlren on her shouhlers. "Our men," says thooool commander, "tooko a childe IV.MU the oh'-' ™>" •- '"'i"" into Fram vorv boautifn and going about to take the yung woman, which \v;is 1 and of tall stature, they could not possibly, for tho p,...ja outcries she made, bring her to tho sea; and especially," (lie contiimes apologetically.) "hauing great woods t(» passe lliorow iiiid bcintx farre from thcsliippc, we purjuwed to leave her behind, heamg ,M«).ll.y Htiitiir,. nn.l hlmp,, m \h pumUU' U, ,U'r\aiv" Hrtv Im, Htni.l nn.T.i .lu.vH, „„J..yinK tl.o rnoHt fri.u..lly wtnv,mm'. with l,l,o ,mtivrH--"..(l..nt,i,M..,V 1.. s,tv„, ".„„, oI'M,,. two ki„KH roMMning witl, liiH (|urcim aiMi many ^.r,dU'uu'n, for lli.-ir pI,,,Hiir.., lu h.m, iih * * » Tho Q.U-CM.0 .tn.l hor jnai.ln Htai.l in a v-ry liKl.t, boat, at an llainl u .piaifT o a I.N.KU.' oli; wliil,, tl,« K !„« al.o.|., a lon^ H,.a.io in o„r ship i.H..m,K .l,v.;rH ....nrnls, with Kostun-s, vi.winK with un-at ml.nirati.in "" ""• '""'liUuv ol th., Shi,,,,,., ,|,.,„a„,|iM,r M„. ,,n.,„.rty" (usr) "of .very th.n^^ ,,arti..„laHy. II. t,.ol< li|<..wis,. fr,vat [.IrasMn, in h,.ho|,|. ..ig our a|.,mn.ll, an.l in taHtin^ our moutM, un.l 8o,.,nrt..onHly taking lim oav.. .I..,,art,..|." (hvat ..o,„,,a„i..s (,r tho In.lianH m,no ahoanl inthnrcaiiocM, wilh all (Vi..n.lliMnsH an.l hoM|,itality. "TImt arc v-^ry lihorul," Hays the narrator, " (or they givr what tl.ry have'" From this havon, on tho Hth of May, ho took his ,lo,,artnr.. an,I sml.MJIor a Inin.lr.Ml ,uh1 my |,,,^m,(.,s al.,,,^. the oonHt, nofi,,.. JtH vanata.iiH, an.l tho .lillWrnoo of ..lin.at...- Tho ,,,.o,,l,, wore n-n,.!, rmmi Havago than tho.so lio had lat.Oy Hoon. "I.ooko" )„. mxH "h.,w n.n.'h th,. li.rn.or nrnnvd t,. hv o.Mirtoon.s and ^..nt'h,, „o nni..h' were Ihosi! full ,,| ni. Ion. "Hs an.] ill-rrianorH. * * * |,. at any tinio wc .Icsiro.l l.y oxohan-o to havo any of thoir oornmo.li- tics, thoy usod to oon.o to tho HoaHh..ro u,,on CTiaino ora^'-y r.u-kH nml wo Htandn.K in our bontH, tlioy lot down., with u ro,:o"what \l I)Ica«..d thorn togivo uh, oi ung oontinually that w,- .shoul.l „„t ,„,- pr.)iioli to tho lan.l, .l.nnafi.iing itnn.odiat..|y tlu! oxohaiigo fukin.^ notlung but knivos, lish hookH, an.l tooloH to cut withall, ,,n/(/.r £l they make any arcowU of our amrtvH,,. An.l whon wo ha.l' nothing left to oxohango with thon., whon wo .lopar..-,l from thoin thoy 8li.)wet()ii; mill it, is said t>Is(>wli(Wo that, tlio HuinocatuHlroplio liuppoiicd on sliiphoanl. Uiit, iiotliiiif? ciortiiiii Ims v.ouw down to u.s mspcctin.. tlio natiiro ol' lius i VOYAdK— (JllKllKO.- IIOCIIKI.AO A. OH MONTIIKAI,. FlMKMll, V I N HI A NS. ■— THKACII HHOrs K 1 1) N A 1' P 1 N (I ItT CAirriKu— K.\i'i;i)tTi().N op uoiiukvai. and cautikh, — mis i'o I! T r N |.;s a n d i' a i i, u it k — a tt k m i'ts u n dkii IlKNUY IV — I'ONTOllAVK, (' H A M I'l. A I N , AND DK MO. NTS. — Til Kl It KX rUDITION. Ix lo.Sl, at tho instan(M>of Hioh .Admii-al 01ial)ot, tlio kinjr pro- vidod incaiis lor aiiotlior voyagv ol' discovrrv in llu> saiiu; dinu'lioii. Jaoques Cartior, flio oomniandcr, on tin- L>()il, of April, with i,wn small vsols, and a hundred and twiMity men, sailo(i from St. Mali; jnid ill twcntv da.vs mado tho rocky hoighis of Nowroiindliiiul'. I'assiiij,' throu.uh the Straits of M.llo Ish-, ho cntoivd tho (liilfof 8l. l-awriMUT, and ooastod alon^r ii,s .slior.s, doliohtrd wiili ,|n, hcmty of tho soonorv niid tho .i;viitlonoss ,.1' tho nativo inhahitants. llo oiitorod tho rivor St. Lawronoo, and took formal po.-^sossion of the fountrv, aOor tho usual fashion, in tho namo of his mastor; and having ibaeeo 'Iho m.strnmont one; lighted, reports Cartier, (a better sailor than ""•'^ '"^') "^'"'y «"«''^- 'It the other end ho long that thoy fill their boaios lull of smok.., till it comes out of their mouth and nostrils m (roin the chimney of a hoii.se." boarning that a largo town, called Iloehelaga. lay at some dis- tHiic(^ up the river, Cartier determined to proceed to it, and with tlurty-live ,.l his ,mm, ascended the stream, receiving much kiiuh.eas and liaspitality from the natives who inhabited its shores At Iloch- ohi^a, where he arrived on the 2d of October, more than a thousand IiKhuiis were waiting on the shore U) give him welcome. Their town, circular in form, and surrounded by a strong rampart of pali- Hiuk's, c(.nsist(!j..«lic «:.,..>, 'Quo! I,,..-!' ('what a beak" or Pio-nnntory;) /.v, i„ ,ho Norma.,, c.orr«..,,o.,di„K to the old EngVish Ae» or No8e. iw u gfiuiial tfiiii lor any reiiiaikablu huadland." > '/ fUlf V I I m 892 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK 0¥ IIlSTORt. They experienced groat kindness from the natives, which, as usual they repaid by a piece of atrocious perfidy. Their kindly host Donnacona, with several other Indians, was entrapped aboard ship and made prisoner; on which, says Cartier, his people were incon- solable with grief, and canfe howling round the vessel like so many wolves. Leaving their encampment in May, 1530, these cruel and ungrateful men returned to France. Attracted by reports of the beauty and fertility of the country watered by the Great River, the Sicur do Roborval, in 1540, procured from the king the office of viceroy over "New France," as the lately- discovered region was now termed. Cartier, his lieutenant, with several vessels, sailed in May, 15-11, and at the end of three months arrived at Quebec. The Indians, renienibcriiig past injuries were unfriendly, and he passed an uncomfortable winter, continually dreading attack, at Cape Rouge, a ihw miles further up the river. Tn June of the following year, Roborval, with three vessels, came to the Road of St. Johns, in Newfouiidlaiul, where, to his surprise, he was joined by Cartier. l)isaj)pointod and moody, the latter refused to prosecute the enterprise, and, with his people, sailed silently away in the night He died not long after his return to France. Robor- val, with his innnediatc command, proceeded up the river and passed the winter in the quarters of his lieutenant, losing iiftv of his men by scurvy. Other losses succeeded; the crews were sick discontented, and seditious; in 1543 he made his way back to France. Si.K years afterwards, he again sailed on a fresh expenlition to the country ; but nothing was ever learned of the fate of him or his companions. Discouraged by these repeated failures and losses, the French, for half a coritni-y, made no further attempts to colonize this inhospitable province, but confined themselves to fishing and trallie with the natives on the coast. It was not until 1598, that the spirit of enter- prise, under the auspices of Henry IV., was once more awakened. In that year, the Marquis de la Roche, as viceroy of New France sailed for Nova Scotia, but accomplished nothing in the way of set- tlement, except to leave forty wretched convicts on Sable island where most of them, in a few years, perished from want and ex- posure. Private enterprise proved more fortunate, and led the way to better judged and more suceossfiil oObrts on the part of govern- ment, Pontgrav^, a merchant of St. Malo, a man of great enterprise and judgment, had for several ycais voyaged to the Sagucnay, and THE FRENCH IN AMKKICA. 898 brought cargoes of valuable furs, obtained by traffic mth the Indians. In im, under the patronage of De Chatte, governor of Dieppe, and successor in office to De la Eocho, he fitted out an expedftiin to New I ranee, taking with him, as associate in command, Samuel de Charnplam, a naval officer, of high repute for his services in tlie East Indies. Arriving in the St. Lawrence, and leaving their ships at Tadousao the voyagers ascended as far as Eochelaga or Montreal-but thl hd.an village, so thrifty and populous in the days of Carticr had by this time, it would seem, nearly, if „ot quite, disappeared. War or pestilence had probably terminated the brief and uncertain tenure by which this, like all uncivilized tribes, held its po.ssession of a liomc The explorers returned to France, where the Sieur de Monts, wl:o had succeeded I)e Chatte in office, fitted out four ships to effec the colonization of New France. With Champluin, Potrincourt, and many other adventurers, in 1604, he proceeded to the Bay of F^ndv where on a small island, he wintered-the scurvy, as before, making tcrnble ravages a.nong his people. At Port Koyal (now Annapolisl ui Acud,a now Is ova Scotia) he built a fort and plunted a settle- n>en , which fur ten years, continued to increase and prosper, but which, in 16 4, was attacked by a force from N'irginia, u.lde; Sir Samuel Argall, and was broken up. (See Acadia.) C E A P T E H H L CHAMPLAIN POUNDS QUEBEC: .MAKES WAR ON THE IIIOQUOIS. POINDS MONTREAL.— EXPEDITIONS WITH THE HURONS -HIS ' DISCOLUAOEMENTS. — INCONSIDERABLE SETTLEMENTS — CANADA TAKEN BY THE KNO L 1 SH. — RESTO R ED — THE COMPANY OF NEW PR A NCE.— D E A TH OF CHAMPLAIN: HIS CHARACTER. In im Champlain dispatched from France with two vessels, to trade at Tadous.c, took advantage of the opportunity to found a pennanerit colony on the shores of the St. Lawrence. After a d u -'rvey of its shores, he selected for the site of his settlement that .l.laulul hoadlancl, knon'n, even at that early dny, =. Quebec, the ;!iit TllK PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTUKV. stitiu' wlu'iv Ciirtier had jiassod his lirst winter. This was in July ami (hiriiii^ tlic brio!" remaiMilcr of a Canadian Hununor, buildings wiTo L'lvoted, ami i)iT[)aration8 were made for iho long winter. Whon the s()ring camo on, (^haniplain, dcsirouH of ctrooting fresh oxploration, and little scru{»nlons in his choice of nieaiKS, accompa- nied a party of Algoncpiins, with whom ho had made friends, on a hostile expedition against their ancient enemies, the Iroquois. Piusa- ing up the St. Lawrence, they reached a river running from the houtii, and by this outlet made their way to that beautiful lake which still bears the name of its first Kuropean discoverer— the Champlaiii. Near the southern extremity of this lake they entered a smaller one now known as Lake (leorge, and on its banks had a desperate fi'dit wilh some two hundred of the Iroquois, who were entrenched in a rude fort. The lire-arms and the skillful manceuvres of the French secured the victory to their allies; a luunber of the enemy were killed, and ten or twelve were taken prisoners; the latter, despite the remonstrances of Cluunplain, were put to death with the cruel tortures customarily practised among these barbarous tribes. Keturning to France, the adventurer was received with much favt>ur by Henry IV., and in the ibllowing year (1(310) again sailed for the St. Lawrence, reaching the mouth of the Saguenay in the wonderfully brief [>assage, considering the age, of eighteen days. Quebec was in u prosperous condition, and he now laid the Ibunda- tiou of a small settlement at Montreal — destined, in time, to become one of the fairest cities in America. Strangely regardless of princi- ple or policy, he continued his sy.stcm of accompanying and as.sist- ing the savages in their wars with the Iroqu()is, thus incurring for himself anil his peoph" the deadly enmity of those powerful tribes— an enmity fated, at a future day, to result almost in the ruin of the colonies planted with such toil and perseverance. Having once more gone to France, and incorporated a company to further his plans of colonization, he returned to Montreal, where the llurons and other Indian allies o.' the French were preparing for a grand cxjH'ditiou against their ancient enemies. As usual, he joined them; but this time the expiedition was defeated, and the allies retreated in disgrace, carrying otf their wounded, among whom the Freuch- num was one, in a singular manner. "Their bodies were bent into a circular form, bound with cords, and thrown into a basket, where they lay like infants in swaddling clothes, unable to stir hand or foot. Chanqdain feelingly describes the 'agonies he endured while TilK J.-UKNCII IN AMKRICA. being curricl twcnty./i ve or thirty leagues i„ this position • on bein^ ; ; ''^'^7* /^"" ."^ ""''- •'« ^^It a« ir ho had con.e out of T du Jeo " ^ JJesp.to h,s nnsfortunes. he explored, on this cxped tion "'^It extn. o country, even reaelung Lake Nipis^in^ Ld Luke Hu , ! I i.| "1 iK'Ho arduous eflbrts in behalf of the new prov ee d : w ,ch he repeatedly went to Frunee, he obtained li tie" nt :f I cutu,,. ot ins schemes, either fron. the erown or the eo,n a y^ i , ks tmos energ,es at tunes, were recpnred to prevent the' n^^, ,^ irn b eakn.g up the.r settlements, and relinyiishing alto^e .: .« i attempt to eolonize those inelement regions b^^>a^ihulho , Jiehgious dissensions between the Catholies and ITu-n.enots soon , tier .-iK.m they inilieted a eonsiderable n.assaere. A s^ e i' ^ , uui^Kuits. Jn 1(,27, the "Company „f New Kranee " eh^irtf-n.,! un or the ausp.ees of the iiunous liiehelL, went intc;^ ku w h iricnrs lo tne crown) ovor ri(>'irl»r ..ii ti. . • " I) ■.■ I , • ^ iiuirly all the vast regions now known -w ^nU^^An^nc., with the right to confer titles^f a h glTor i. sclc. governors and other officers t. rule their prot l^s ^^ . , r .1 ' "'"' ''""-^'^'"^ ^^^•''^'""'^' ^•"'""■■«ts should be truns tun, and in lhJ|>, the little settlement of Quebec was ^.ken bv i^ftnisT'f '^"^''^ ^"' ^-"^'^^'^^ ^" «ubnn;r tS^ tl e die .ettle.nents thinly scattered over that inhospitable re-ion rc-i, the like at Ihree Rivers ami Ta . . I'liiiKM oi uie ot. Lawrence vi<;>r« ♦ w> only fruits of the discoveries of V,.r,. i ^'"'^'^"^'' ^^^-re tlie vil .,,.,1 r^l ^."''^'o^^"^" *^J \ crra/.ano, Jac(pies Curlier, iiober- ' ^ -!"!• am the great outlay of La lioche and D Mon an 0, ..and sullenngs of then- /i.llowc,s for nearlv a century- LiMM tlie ac'tive administration ,,f ranliual lU iicr now ever ;;it(i 'I'lIK I' I'.or I.K'H HOOK OK UIKTOICY. (•n'K'il'Mt. iiioiuiH Imtl luHMi tiiknn to promote llui proHporitv of tlio rccovcidtl I'olony; niul tho coniinmy, wIioho operations Imd l)(.,,n siispoiitlcd liy tho Into diHUHtorH, in tlio following your (Ulli.M) nguin pIiu'(Ml Cliiinipliiiii in «'oninmn(l of tlio colonics, nnil dispiitclu'd uii oxpcdition, ciirryinfj; more property, it was suppiw'd, llian tlic eiitiro jirovinoo at that tiini^ contained. 'I'Iuh expedition inereaHcd tiio population, and materially protnot(>(| tlm prosperity of New l^'ranco- but the death of ( 'lianiiilain, which took place soon after, was u severe blow (o \\w infant colony. "He died in 1(1.'!;'), Icavinf.,' a liii'li renown for courage, for jiatient and indefatigable industry, and for fervent piety — tho latter, it Hoonis to us, hardly dosorvod, considor- ing his unprincipled interfer(>n<'o in Indian warliire, and his bi-rotdd exclusion of I'rolestant .s(>ttlcrs from the forlorn refuge of the Cuiiii- dian wilderness. lie certainly bc(pu'athcd to the state which lu; Im,! founded with siu'h pains and persovoranee, iv deej> ami deadly nativo hostility, destined to involve it, at a later jx-riod, in almost total destruction." "To him, however," says an elegant author,* "boloiiirs the glory of planting Christianity and eivili/ation among the snows ofthe.se northern forests; during his life, iiulecd, a feeble germ- Imt sheltered by his vigorous arm nursed by his tcn(icr caro— the root struck deep. And now a million and a half of Christian poonlo dwell in peace anti plenty upon that nnignifuicnt ttM'ritory, which his zeal and wisdom first redeomod from tho desolation of tho wiUlorno.ss." * Wnrl>urton — "Coiuiaeat of Cniiiidii." TllK ]!"1{KN(JJ1 IN AMKIUOA. 807 CIIAPTEH I?. ADMINIHTIlATrON OP MONTMAONY. UN IMIOSPKROUS CONDITION OF iJi )■; ritovi NOK, — D'aiuiknhon. — d'a v a no our. — xiti- II 11 I- IIS OP TllK IROUUOIH. — KARTIICIUAKE. — RHiN- PORCKJIKNTS PUOM I'RANCK. MKSKY. — TRACY. — 1) K C (I iJ R C K I, I, !•; a — Til K C M T I-) I) K P R N T K N A C : III H CHARACTER. — T U R 11 1/ 1, H N T A I) M I N I IS T R A T 1 N . — DE LA IIARRE; IN H KXI'KDITION AOAINHT TllK IROUUOIH; ITH PAll.URK. — C K I, K H R A T E « Sl'KKCJl OP OARANOULA.- MA0NANIM0U8 CONDUCT OP THE IROQUOIS. MoNTMAONV, tlie HUcccHHor of Cliarnplain in the government of CiiiiiKlii, wanting in tin; (MitliUHiustn and experience of tiiat farnouH coiiiiiiaiuU'r, was unable cnieicntly to jiroinotc! the inerease and j)ros- IK'iity of tlie province. Tlie founihition of the college of the Jesuits and ofotlKsr religious establishments, which, j)roinpted by the pious will of French ecclesiastics and of ladies of rank, took place about this time, were the most important events which distingui.shed the ('iirly ,y(!ars of his administration. Tlie company, after the death of Clianiplain, did nothing towards settling or cultivating the country l)ut conlined themselves to the more profitable trade in furs, and erected forts only for the eonvcniiince and protection (>{ that enter- l)nse. The alfairs of the colony languished, and tiie Iroquois, with very natural enmity, continued to harass the weaker settlements. Montreal, it is said, would have been completely destroyed or aban- doned, but for the timely arrival, in 1047, of an hundred emigrants from France, under M. D'Aillebout. When, in 1(558, the Manpiia d'Argenson arrived in Canada as governor-general, the condition of tliat province was miserable in the extreme. Neglected by the company, its prosperity had con- tinued to decline, even the fur-trade becoming almost extinct; and tlie Iroquois, having wreaked terrible vengeance on their ancient foe.s, the Ilurons and Algonc^uins, seemed on the point of overj)ow- ering the French altogether. A great number of settlers were miis- suered by them at Montreal, and Qucdx^c itself, surrounded by a force of several hundred warriors, was nearly in a state of actual 398 TIIK PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. 8iege. To D'Argenson, in lOfil, succeeded the Baron D'AvanTour a man of stern, inflexible character, whose prompt action saved tiie settlements from destruction. His urgent representations to Louis XIV. of the importance of the province and its defenceless condition induced that sovereign to dispatch a force of four hundred men for its protection — the timely arrival of which inspired fresh hope and courage in the almost despairing colonists. In the year KJHS, a tremendous earthquake, continuing at inter- vals for the space of six months, spread dismay among the settlers and extraordinary convulsions of the earth and the rivers are said to have taken place. The St. Lawrence, for a hundred and thirty miles, was discolored and inqpregnated with sulphurous matter. Tlie company of New France, by their mismanagement and imbe- cility, having reduced the colony to the lowest state, in 16()4 sur- rendered their charter, which was transferred to another almost equally incapable as.sociation, the Company of the West Lulies. The Baron d'Avangour, recalled at his own request, was replaced by M. de Mesey, who, quarrelling with the bishop of the province was also deposed, and the Marquis de Tracy, for some time viceroy over the French possessions in America, in June, 1665, arrived in Canada from the West Indies, as governor in his stead. The arrival of a regiment of French soldiers, provided for the defence of tiie colotiy, enabled him to take more efficient means of defence against the Iroquois, and three forts were erected on the river Richelieu (Sorel or St. John's) to check the incursions which they habitually made by that passage from Lake Champlain. Nevertheless, by other routes they renewed their ravages with such fury, that all tlie vm- lance of the governor arid all the force of the colony was required to protect it from destruction. Having provided in the best manner possible for its defence, in 1668 he returned to France, leaving M. de Courcelles governor in his stead Many of the military ofRcer.s, having received grants of land, with seignorial rights, settled in the province, and many of the soldiers were also distributed among the settlements, adding materially to the stretigth of the inhabitants. Three hundred courtesans, "dis- patched from France, were all disposed of in marriage within a fort- night after their arrival; and n-mch encouragement was given by the government to the formation of families and the increase of a legitimate population. During the administration of Courcelles, much of Canada was explored; and the original inhabitants, by the THE FRENCH IN AMERICA. 399 ravages of small-pox and the introduction of ardont spirits, wcro terribly diminished in number. His influence had been wisely and huinanely exerted to check hostilities among the Indians, and the result hud been favourable to the peace of the colony itself The Count de Frontenac, who, in 1«72, succeeded De Courcelles built, in the same year, the ii'iportant fort which bore his name oil the site of the present town of Kingston. lie was an able soldier, ami a man of high qualities; but violent and obstinate in the prose- cution of his plans. He was soon involved in dispute with the clergy and with the inferior officers of the colony, and resorted to extreme measures to enforce obedience. "The intcndant-general, M. de Chezneau, having neglected some orders, was imprisoned; the procureur-general was exiled; the governor of Montreal was put under arrest; and the Abbe de Salignac Fenelon, at that time in Canada, superintending the seminary of St. Sulpicius at xMontrea! was imprisoned, under pretence of having preached against M. de Frontenac." In one point of controversy, the clergy, to their hon- our, were in the right— that respecting the traffic of brandy for furs with the savages, which the governor insisted on continuing but which, through the influence of the bishop, was finally sup- pre.-ised by an order from the king. After remaining in oilice for ten years, this able and patriotic, but too unscrupulous man, was recalled to France. During his administration, considerable' })ro- gress was made in discovery and settlement, and, in especial, the wonderful expeditions of Marquette and La Salle resulted in the opening to mankind of a region the most important in North America. (See Louisiana.) Soon after the accession of M. de la Barre, who was next ap- pointed governor, Indian hostilities, of a most serious nature, were renewed. The English, anxious to engross the trade in furs, had formed an alliance with the Iroquois or Five Nation.s, and the rivalry between the colonial agents involved the French in new difficulty with their ancient foes. That powerful confederacy had recom- menced hostilities, by plundering the French traders who were sup- pljnig the rival tribes with arms, and had made such formidable preparations, that the destruction of the French settlements (at this tniie numbering only nine thousand inhabitants) seemed far from improbable. To avert or anticipate the threatened evil, the wvernor with a force of a thousand men, marched toward their country, at the same time, however, making overtures of peace to the hostile con- I'" ■' 'f ¥fMn •il)0 THE PKOrLK'8 BOOK Ob' IIISTUUY. I'l'donu!}'. Sickness broke out among liis troopH, and UMulorcd the coniMiiind unlit for sorvico; yet, wlien he met (Jarangula, tlio old Hucliem of tlio Onondagas, witli otlier deputies Irom the Five Nations at Kailioage, on Lake Onlaric, whciv a conlbrence had been up- pointed, ho assumed u lofty and exacting tone. .Uecupitulatin" tho injuries received by the French, ho demanded satisfaclion, and threatened the destruction of the olleiiding tribes, in event of refusal. The speech of the old chief, in reply, is justly considered — for spirit jbr satire, and forcible expression — us one of the most striking spoci- mens of Indian eloquence. Having heard the Krenchman to an end he took two or tliree turns about the apartment, then stood before the goveinor, and, after a courteous and Ibrmal preamble, addres.sed him thus: " Vonondio,*you must have believed, when yon left Quebec, that the sun had burnt u[) all the forests which render our country inac- cessible to the French, or that the lakes had so far overflowed the banks, that they had surrounded our ciustles, and that it was impos- sible for us to get out of them. Yes, surely you must have dreamed so, and the curiosity of seeing so great a wonder has brought you so far. Now you are undeceived, since 1, and the warriors here present are como to assure you that the Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Onui- das, and ^^ohawks are yet alive. 1 thank you in their name for bringing back into their country the calumet which your predecessor received from their hands. It was happy for you that you left under ground that murdering hatchet which hat been so often dyed in the blood of the French. "Hear, Yonoiulio: I do not sleep; I have my eyes open; and the sun which enlightens me, discovers to me a great captain, at the head of a company of soldiers, who speaks as if he were dreamia". lie says that he only came to the lake to smoke on the great calumet with the Onondagas. But (Jarangula .say.s, that he sees the contrary; that it was to knock them on the head, if sickness had not weakened the arms of the French. 1 see Yonondio raving in a eainp of sick men, whose lives the Great Spirit has saved by inflicting this sick- ness upon them. "Hear, Yonondio: our women had taken their club§, our ehililren and old men had carried their bows and arrow s into the heart of yoiu- camp, if our warriors had not disarmed them and kept them back, ; * A torni jipplii'd by the Indiana to the governor of the French, us that of Corlaer to the governor of tlie English. TIIK FKKNCII IN AMKHICA. ^^^ tHai":::^^;::';:;;/;;;;;;^ thorn on tl.o heu.l (),u v In '"," ^"''"^"''' •'''*""''^ ^<""^^k i"viti>,gallproHcntU.a,:cM>t'rtZ nt / ^'''"' "'^'"•^' "'"^ Lis ex,K.,]i,L„, the .ov ;.n V "n«-tKsfactory torm.nation of finding the e .cn.y J ! ' ,f "^ ^ ^"r"'^' '^"^''-^ ^^e war peopl. with equal C,< 1 "f '"'■ '"' '"^* '''^''-piritoj i«o'"- r.tlH.r, and C^ uf 'nagnan.nuty, replied, "Yonondio '^..H.ot,.e;; ^^n.^!iZJz:!::z:rnlT ^""^^ the world, mivo ns the I.„h1 wi • , ""^ '""''''''^- ■'Je who created tl'is alllu, the den.ean uTaC . t "r!/"" '■'"' "'''''''''■' ^'^ t^e ..i.lu.. advant.,e Z ^Inti ^ ^ ^ ::!:;;:t^ ^i'l^ ^ Cither nation. Shrewdness „..t;, . i • '^ I^^uroj.eans of f.i::;;::w;i'-::r3.:;t;;:::ri'r™''''- .f CI..1 p.rli„„. ' ""'l'""' "> ^ k«P« i» P.'p.lud remc-Bb™,,; Voi,. III._26 Jiut of Curluer ,jj).j TIIK I'KtU'l.lC'H lUloK UK IIIHTOUY. i! If A V T }\ }\ ?. UN NON V II, l,K (lOV KIINdll, ■ II I H T II K A t" II Kll V TO T II K IIIIIi||'ii|h HKNKWKII IIONTII.ITIKS T II K M' V OKPHMK, llltOKHN \\X TKKACIIKIIY — KXTIUOKUIN AltV HTUATAdKM (IK I, K IIAT. A II II It ON Olll^l', — TKUIIIIII.K INVAMION II Y T II K IttOUllOIH. A N It MAHHAlMlK OK T II K K III': N II , l> KM • V K II A T K (' N l> I T ION OK T II K I. N Y , N»>r long \\\\<'V llio «>x|u«»lifit>ii of l.a Hmio, ami ilH iliMMHliDiiH ivHull, till' M«n|uiM ili< Noiivilli', willi HHlronn; ri^iiiroivi«iiii«iii, iiniviMl in t'lininlu «?» govoruurnonoriil. Willi two lluniHantl ti(io|is lu« |in). cooili^il to l'\»rl «\ilaranui, or l-'ronliimo, and at nni-o nMicwcil tim qMarn'l Willi llio Iromiois, on tlio rinoloiiM |>r('li'\l tlial. llioy Mloml in tlio wav >>ril»M>oii\oisiom»riluu)thor Aiiu>rican Irilit's. \,o\\\h \\\'\ had Koiit a oruol and nu'ansoidod nMjiu'sl lor a iiuniluTorwiurioiHor llii.s ii'donl>t(, tho ruling agvnl ol'siwli a niastor, iindor various pn-lciu'oH, iinliuvii a iinnil>t>r of tlio lioniu>is ohiol's lo nii'cl liiiii at l''t>rl. l''ni!iliMiiu\ wlioro ihry woro nnnn>dial»'lv soi/.tvl, loaded willi irons, and iiis|mlclii'(l lo Ki-aiii'o. Tins tieaolionMis deed, the cltMiial dishonour of nil con- oornoil in il, again lil np llic ilamo of n'vonge among tin- mjiiivil nation; tluM'onnIn- was ravagvd »n>und tlu< loil, and a Kfoia-li visxcl, on I alxo Ontario, ladon with stoiw and provisions, was oa|>tiiivtl liy a gi'wit \W\ ot'ianoos, 'I'ho gov«M'nor, with a fywvi- of tliriv tiioiisainl Kivin-hand Indians, inaivln'd into ihoSoncv'a coniiliv, Inil wasciiaMoii to luring tho oiumhv inloaotion only onco, wlu-n, viwiiig to tlio iiiti'iior- itv ot" thoir uund>or, tliov woiv doll'ali'd. Nt-vcrtlioli'ss, a fort wliioli tho g\>vornv>r had onvlod at Niagara, was dcHtiovcd, and Froiili-iKu- itsoll" was hosiogod, Kiv long, twohi' liuiulivd warnoi-s wtMV within a short distiuivv ot" NKnitival. and. appivhonding tlio iinmoiliiilo dostnvotion ot' that sottUMnonl. tho lalso hoartovl govornor listonoii to o\ortn»\\s tor )>oaiV, 'I'lio Itwpiois dopntios, pn>ttH't(>d hv livo liiui- diYvl warrioi-s. assumed a K't\y tono; and IV Nonvillo, toiwd to ^vmply with thoir OvMuhtions, agtvod to stMul at onoo for thoir oliiofs whv> had Invn shippod xo Vvwkw and woiv thon ohainod to tlio p!- lo\s ot" l.oviis \IV. An o\travM\linary pitw of tivachory muI i-uii- IM I 111)11 IMIIN — II II K K N M tlK |,K II Y T II K — IlKM Im lliHllHtlitllH iiiciit, iirrivml nopH lii« pro. llii'v Mtooil in Imiis XIV, il'wuiriofNol' Oi' Nonvilli', lii'CH, iiidiuvd 1. l'V(>iitt'iiiu\ lul(liH|>iltf||0(i Mf 111' all I'on- •; llu> uijmvil '"roiu'h vfssi't, I oaplmvil liy iivo tlionsaiiil It \va8 0iiiil>lod [> tl>o iiilfridr- , !i fort wliii'h ml KrontriKU' "s woro willim u" immtHiiato or listoiu'tl to by llvo liiiii- 111', t'onvtl to >r thoir oil ids otl to the pi'- \IM'V IA\k\ ouii- 401 THE PEOPLE'S nOOK OF HISTORY. revenge by the destruction of the French settlements. The Iroquois beHeved Le Hat; and his apparent elenienoy in setting them at lib- erty so i'ully persuaded them of hi.s sincerity, that they assured bin. that the Five Nations would immediately ratify such terms of peace with the Ilurons as they might the., agree upon. lie then gave tbem fusils, powder, and ball, to defmid them on their way back; and, under the pretence of replacing one man whom he had lost in attack- ing the Iroquois, he retained an Indian of the Chouanan tribe, with whom he returned to Makilimakinak. "This unlbrtunate prisoner, who believed himself safe, from Le Eat telling the Iroquois that he would retain him as an adopted son, was delivered to tlie French commandant of that post, who was still ignorant of the proceedings of M. de Nonville, and who, through the statements made by Le Hat, condemned the unhappy wretch to be shot. i'Le Rat had an old Iroquois slave, for a long time in his posses- sion, to whom he afforded the opportunity of witnessing the execution of his adoi)ted countryman by the French, all the circumstances of which, however, he carefully concealed from him. He then told the Iroquois, 'I now give you your liberty; return to your country, and there spend the remainder of your days in peace. Relate to your people the barbarous and unjust conduct of the French, who, while they are amusing your nation with offers of peace, seize every opportunity of betraying and murdering you; and that all my per- suasions could not save the life even of one man of your tribe, whom I adopted to replace the warrior I lost at the cascades.' "The Iroquois returned to his country, and related what be had witnessed, together with all that Le Rat had told him. The Iroquois warriors, as might be anticipated, were even before this sufficiently exasperated; but this last stroke of Le Rat's policy made their very blood boil furiously for revenge; yet they dissembled their feelings of resentment so completely, that M. de Nonville (who declared tiiat he would hang Le Rat whenever he could be captured) still expected dei)uties from the Iroquois to ratify a peace." These de})uties presently arrived at the island of Montreal in the shape of twelve hundred warriors, armed to the teeth, and inflamed to madness by fury and revenge. All the houses and corn-fiehU of the settlement were burned; men, women, and children were massa- cred indiscriminately; a hundred regular troops, with a small force of Huron allies, were defeated and cut to pieces; and the triumphant Tlie Iroquois ig them at lib- ey assured hiu. terms of peace then gave tliem vay back; and, id lost in attaclc- inan tribe, with THE FRENCH IN AMERICA. 405 enemy, having laid waste the island with fire and sword, and having lost only three of their number, departed, carrying off two hundred prisoners, reserved for death and torture. Nearly a thousand of the French aro said to have perished or been captured in this terrible invasion. The governor found it impossible to disabuse tL offended tribes of their belief in his treachery, thus reaping in full the bitter fruits of his original perfidy. The war was continued, and famine and disease were added to the calamities of the French. Fort Niag- arc and Fort Frontenac were successively abandoned by their garri- sons, and the unfortunate colony, devastated by pestilence, involved in war with the English, and exposed to the still more terrible ravages of Indian hostility, seemed reduced to an almost desperate condition. e in his posses- ng the execution nrcinnstances of lie then told to your country, eace. Relate to he French, who, icace, seize every that all my per- y^our tribe, whom es.' ted what he liad 11. The Iroquois this sufficiently made their very ed their t'eelings /ho declared tiiat •ed) still expected Montreal in the ;th, and inflameil md corn-fieldn of dren were massa- ith a small force id the triumphant I CHAPTEH?!. i I I REAPPOINTMENT OP M. DE FRONTEN AC— NEGOTIATIONS WITH ; THE IROaUOIS. — DESTRUCTION OP SCHENECTADY, ETC, I —UNSUCCESSFUL EXPEDITION OP PH1PP8 AGAINST QUEBEC. — RENEWED WARS WITH THE IROQUOIS. — EXPEDITION OF PRONTENA(;. In this extremity, it was found absolutely indispensable, that a man of the first order of talents should be placed at the head of alliiirsiii Canada; and the Count de Frontenac, whose former ad- ministriitiou, though self-willed and arbitrary, had been marked by enterprise, energy, and policy, was at once reinstated in the office of governor. (1689.) He brought with him to America the Iroquois chiefs, so treacluirously seized by his predecessor, and such was the fascination of his manners, that he completely won their friendship -Oureouhar(5, the principal of them, ever after remaining stronglv attaclicl to his person. By the advice of that chief, he sent four of thein as a deputation to their people, with overtures of peace; and the friendly adviser, adding a persuasive niossage, announced his nitention not to quit the count till tho affair was satisfactorily adjusted. But the hostile nation, embittered by ancient wrong, and haughty with recent triumph, replied iu lofty terms. The tree of peace, they said, planted by Yonoiidio Uhe governor) at Frontenac, had been 40(5 THE PKUl'LK'8 HOe)K OK 11I8T0UY. i wiitereil witli blood and polluted by treachery. Let atonement be inade, and all tlio cai)tives bo delivered, and he might then "plant again the tree of peace, but not in the same spot." Hostilities were presently renewed, and Frontenac, perceiving how greatly tI\o enomv were encouraged by the alliance and instigation of the English (now at oj)on war with France,) resolved to make the latter feel in turn the terrors of savage enmity. An expedition, which, in ItiiH) ho iitted out from Quebec, consisting of a hundred French, and a. fbrcc, of Indian allies, surprised Schenectady, then the frontier town of tho New York settlements. Si.\ty-three of the inhabitanla were massa- cred, and tho rest carried prisoners into Canada. The English vil- lage of Sementela was also surprised and destroyed by another party and the Iroquois in their turn also met with a signal defeat. 'J'Ihh active and cruel policy coniirmeii tho latter in their hatred hut increased the fidelity and attachment of tho Ilurons, Ottawa'^ and other Jndian allies of the French, who rejoiced in the return and tho bharp measures of "their great father," the count. In tho same year (1(590) an expedition of thirty-four vtissels fitted out for the conquest of Quebec, under Sir William Pliipps, sailed from Boston, and, having captured all the ports of Newfoundland and Acadia, entered the St. Lawrence. On learning this disastrous news the count hastened to put the town in a stale oi' defence, and perenin- torily rejected a summons to surrender, which the English connnauder dispatched in advance of his fleet. On the 18th of October, theKii<'lisli sustaining mueli loss from tho sharp shooting of their enemies dis- end)arked near the river St. Charles, not far from the city. An action ensued, in which the assailants had at fin^^t the advantage, but were iinally re]mlsed by the garrison, though the latter were very inferior both in nund)er and appointments. The English were finally com- pelled to abandon tin; attempt, and to reembark, leaving their cannon and ammunition. Despite this mortilying result, there is little doubt that Phipps, from the viu?t superiority of his forces, both military and naval, by a well-directed attack, could have carried the place; and the French, it is said, devoutly returned thanks to God for having, by a special providence, deprived the enemy of common sense. On the 2;5d the hostile lleet sailed down tho river, and seven or eight of the vessels were soon after lost in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The Iroquois, the next yestr, renewed hostilities, landing, with a thousand warriors, on the i.sland of Montreal, burning houses, and carrying oil' prisoners, whom they put to death with cruel tortures. THE FKENCIl IN AMKKH'A. 407 ; Otlicr incursions were made, and in the skirn.i.shcs which ensued many hvcs were lost on botl. sidcs-among tlii^ni, those of several , French olliccrs of high rank; and the French at last, by way of retaliation, almost vied with the savages in the cruelties inflicted : on tl.eir eiiptives. Under their famous chief, Black Kettle the Iro- quois made continual forays into tlic Krencli territory rendering seed-time and harvest extremely dangerous, making the forts the onW phux-s of safety, and boasting that their enemies should have no rest except in the grave. Nevertheless, Krontenac, by his unremitting vigilance and vigour, so far kept them at bay, that, in 1092 the cultivation of the land was resumed, and the trafrie in furs once more renewed. Two years afterwards, the hostile tribes made overtures of pe-.c' and Oureouharf-', who went into their country, returned with thirteen French prisoners, some of them persons of distinction, who had lon.r been held in captivity; but owing to'the insidious interference of the English, nothing .J importance was finally efleeted. The next year (1095) Fort Catnratpii, or Frontenne, w'hich had been aban- doned and destroyed, was rebuilt, and in June of 1090 the French hiivnig mustered all their forces-regular, provincial, and Indian-' made a grand invaHion of the enemy's country. "De Callieres loriunanded the left wing, the Chevalier de Vaudreuil the right- while the count, then seventy-six years of age, was carried in the centre m an elbow-chair." No warriors, however, appeared to oppose the march of this fw overcome; THE FRENCH IN AMERICA. ^, ^ qucnt intermarriages with the natives, had secured them the friend- CHAPTER YIIL ^ ENCROACHMENTS OP THE PRENCH.-PORT DU QOSNE -THE DEATH. — COLONEL WASH INOTON.— Jix I'E D I HON AGAINST I CROWN POINT.-DKPEAT OF DIES K AU.-THE M tl QI is DE MONTCALM: HIS SHCC ESSES -0 REAT EXERTIONS OP THE ENGLISH: THE, R SUPERIOR PORCE-Te PEAT OP ABERCROMBIE AT TICONDEROCA. n4?ri7r''''''" "^ governors, after the death of Beauharnois 1-40,) he d the province of Canada, the Marquis Du Quesne I^ f urth of them, arriving in 1752. This able and ambitious offil of he crown pursued a steady system of encroachment on the Eng is, olomes, and even erected a fort, bearing his own name, witliwt on mos of Virginia. General alarm was excited among th iv d S T \ I r"'"'-'^ '''" ^""' ''"^ ^'^^''y increased^i popul - .on, the inhabitants, it was said, numbering ninety thousa.fd In 1500 the marquis was succeeded by De Vaudreuif Cavagn 1 " an !n^::^^^ '^ ^'T ^^--b'-^^'- French-lmeri::' uais broke out. Ihe unfortunate General Braddock a min of grea energy and bravery, but obstinate and wrong-h Lied " the cad of twenty-two hundred regular and provinciaUroo it o 1 on an exi.ed.tion against the French on the Ohio. Thetl<^^!Z an anillery being delayed by the roughness of the c u.u^ h pushed ahead witli thirteen hundred picked men, despising' te a nings of danger which he received from those better acquainted h the coun.ry and the system of warfare. He had approached Mthm five indes of Fort I.i Qnesne, and was just crlng he 412 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. MonongaheLn, when a deadly fire was opened on his ranks by a force , of two hundred French and six hundred Indians, lurking in the covert of a wood. The main body hastened up, with the artillery and Braddock used every exertion to inspirit his men. Five horses were shot under hirn, and he soon fell, with a mortal wound. Sixty of his officers were killed or disabled; and his troops, falling on all sides from the fire of their invisible opponents, were thrown into hopeless panic and confusion. The provincials, under Colonel Washington, a young officer who had accompanied Braddock as aid alone made effectual resistance, and covered the retreat of the dis- comfited regulars. On this terrible occasion, the loss of the English in killed and wounded was seven hundred men, while that of the en- emy was only about sixty. The expedition was entirely abandoned. In the same year an army of six thousand men, under General Johnson, was dispatched against the French fortress of Crown Point, on Lake Champlain. To oppose this force, Baron Dieskau, with two thousand men, was sent from Montreal, and after passing to the upper extremity of Lake Champlain, landed his troops, and marched toward the camp of the enemy. In a narrow defile he defeated a large force of English and Mohawk Indians, sent in advance to inter- cept him, and then proceeded to assault the English camp. It was however, protected by a breastwork of fallen trees, and by an almost impenetrable swamp. The assailants were repulsed, with the less of a thousand men, and the survivors retreated to Crown Point. Dieskau, mortally wounded, fell into the hands of the English. Nevertheless, the successful general did not proceed against Crown Point; and even suffered the French to fortify tliemselves at Ticonderoga. In the two succeeding years (1756, 1757) the gallant Marquis de iloiitcalm, placed at the head of military affairs in Canada, gained ' a series of brilliant successes, ending with the reduction of Forts Oswego and William Henry. The garrison of the latter, two thou- sand in number, after the surrender, were attacked by the Indians of Montcalm's army, and a number were killed ; but the reports of the massacre appear to have been extraordinarily exaggerated. Most ] of the command found protection in the French camp, and the ; greater part of the remainder, who fled into the woods, reached Fort ] Edward in safety. At the close of this period, in spite of the exer- i tions of the English, the French still held possession of nearly all \ the disputed territory, except Acadia; and a long chain of military | >ks by a force rkiiig in the the artillery, Five horses ound. Sixty falling on all thrown into ider Colonel Idock as aid, it of the dis- f the English lat of the en- Y abandoned, ider General >own Point, ieskau, with assing to the xnd inarched e defeated a .nee to inter- Tip. It was, )y an almost ith the less rown Point, ho English, ainst Crown emselves at Marquis de lada, gnined ' on of Forts r, two thou- thc Indians reports of ated. Most ip, and the cached Fort 3f the exer- f nearly all j of military I i- I l!!f ■ . ■ I i THE FKENCJI IN AMEKICA, 418 posts, oxtemhng from the mouth of the St. "Lawrence to the head- waters of the Ohio, still remained ia their hands, and protected their acquisitions I hey had driven the English from Lake George and coriipellf d the Iroquois to observe neutrality. A terrible Indian war was also devastating the north-western frontier of the British colonies Lnder the vigorous administration of Pitt, however, the war waa prosecuted with energy; and the British- American colonies, stimu- lated by his promises and requisitions, made extraordinary prepara- tions for the conquest of the French provinces. Including a lar«e force of regulars which had been shipped from England, the entire levies available for this object amounted to fifty thousand troops- vvhereas the whole population of Canada, capable of bearing arms did not exceed twenty thousand. The first operation of this over- whelming force waa the capture of the strong fortress and town of Louisburg (see Cape Breton, Acadia, &c.), and the result was that the entire control of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the adjacent islands, passed finally into the hands of the English. Meanwhile, General Abercrombie, with sixteen * thousand men passing down Lake George, made a fierce assault on Ticondero-/ garrisoned by some two thousand French soldiers. But the defences proved much stronger than had been supposed ; and after a desperate struggle, lasting for four hours, and the loss of two thousand men in killed and wounded, the British commander drew off his forces and retreated, with disorder and precipitation, to Fort William Ilenry. Fort Fronteuac, feebly garrisoned, was not long after taken T)y a force of English provincials, who, however, lost five hundred of their number from sickness. Another force dispatched against Fort Du Quesne, after meeting with some reverses, succeeded in compelling the French to evacuate that important post !; f ' I 414 THE l'EOPLK'8 BOOK OF 1II8T0KY, LjlIxIi xj!jiU xJL» PIIEPAIIATIONS POIl THK OONQUKST OP CANADA. — AllMAMENT ONDKll WOLFE I) I H P A TC II K I) TO UUEHKC. — DEFEAT OF THK FIIENCH ON THE HEIOIITR OF ABllAHAM. — DEATH OF WOI,FK AND MONTOAI.M. — 8U 11 11 E N 1) E 11 OP UUEIIEC: HE- 8IEUED HY DE LEVI. CONCENTRATION OF THE ENGLISH FORCES — FALL OP MONTREAL AND OF CANADA: CESSION TO ENGLAND. Encoituaokd by tlio fall of r^juisburg, and exaaperated by defeat and loss in otlitT quarters, the English now made extraordinary ex- ertions for the linal conquest of Canada. (Jcncral Amherst with twelve thousand troops, advanced by way of Lake Chami)lain, and the important stations of Ticonderoga and Crown Point were aban- doned by the French, obliged to coiK^cntrate their comparatively Tcelile forces for the protection of Quebec. To attack this ancient capital and stronghold of the Canadian Freticli, General Wolfe, a young officer, who had distinguished himself at the siege of Louis- burg, was entrusted with the command of eight thousand men, aided by a powerful iieet, with which, in June, 1759, he made his appear- ance in the St. Lawrence. The brave Montcalm had made every exertion for the defence of the city, and had concentrated there an army nearly as large as that of the enemy, but composed mainly of Canadians and Lidians. The supply of jirovisions was also very limited. Wolfe landed on the isle of Orleans, and first attempted the French camp at Montmorency, near the city, the fire of the ships-of-war covering his disembarka- tion. (,Tuly 31st.) But the French, strongly posted, and lighting giillantly, repulsed the assailants, who were compelled to retire with the loss of an hundred and eighty-two killed, and more than six hundred wounded. At a council of the officers of the invading army, it was now re.«olved to make an attempt on the opposite side of the citv, where the lofty heights of Abraham present their almost inaccessible front upon the river. To mislead the enemy, the ships moved a number of miles above Quebec, and De Bougainville, who, with a force of fif- THE FRENCH IN AMEKIOA. 415 teen hum red men, had been dispatched by Montcahn to opposo thorn deemed by this rnanoouvre, also n>uved up the river. On the nighi of the 12th u September, the vesHels, droppi„g Hilently down the Htream, diHembarke.l the whole force of Uritish troops at VVoKb's Cove, just below the face of the preeipifms blun: (Jraspinjr the bushes to aid their perilous ascent, the soldiers succeeded in cVunhiuu to the surniMit, and on the plains above were soon arrayed in order of hattlr Monteahn, on learning the disastrous intelligence, at .,nco IKTceivod th.,t nothing but an immediate victory could save the city and marched with all spcu'd to the scene of action Some fifteen hundre.l skirmishers and Indians, who arrived first kept up a desult<,ry discharge of nmsk.try from the bushes; but tl.e British army mostly reserv.-d its fire until the main body of the enemy, advancing briskly, had approached within forty yards of their lines. Almo.st at the first volley, both generals fell, mortally wounded an.I the French were immediately thrown into Confusion 1 cir de eat was completed by frequent charges of the bayonet.' aided by the Highland broadsword. Wolfe, carried to the roar am hcanng the cry, "they run," inquired "who run?" and being' told that It was the enemy, gave directions for ensuring the victory, and exclaimed, "Now, God be praisedl I die happy." U.nlly wVs the battle over, when De Bougainville, who hurried to the scene of ac- lon, and whose presence a little earlier, might have changed the fate of the day, appeared; but seeing the defeat of his commander at onee retreated On the 18th, the city capitulated on honourable terms the trench troops not being made prisoners of war, but con- veyed to their own country. Amherst who had taken Crown Point and Ticonderoga, and ' Johnson, who had taken Fort Niagara, were unable, from the late- .ness of the season, to join, according to the plan of the campaign Jie victorious forces of Quebec. General De Levi, now the ch'ie; Freeh commander, had, meantime, assembled ten thousand troops Montrea and in the following spring (April 27th, 1760) landin. iLTthr'^ '' 'rr"'"" "^ '''' ^'''^^'' "^ Abraham, and lai3 eg to the -city. The garrison, under General Murray, eon.sisted Iv ha If oTtf ""' ^«' '":■ «°-^q-"- «f the ravages of scurvy, event of the siege doubtful, resolved to anticipate matters and enemy at Sillery. Overwhelmed by superior numbers, he was *, n 416 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTOKY. repulsed with great loss, and, retreating to Quebec, directed all his energies toward putting that stronghold in a state of defence. The arrival of a fleet, under Admiral Scranton, in the middle of May compelled the French to raise the siege. They retreated to Montreal, where the Marquis de Vaudreuil, having concentrated his troops, made an effort to hold out against the combined forces of General Amherst and those of Quebec and Niagara, which had now united in offensive operations. He was compelled, however, on the 8th of September, of the same year, to sign a capitulation, surrendering the city and the whole of Canada to the British, Very liberal terms were accorded by the victors, the free exercise of the Cath6lic faith being guaranteed to the inhabitants, and the property of the religious communities preserved inviolate By the treaty of Paris, concluded in 1763, the possession of Canada, as well as of the other conquered provinces, was formally ceded by the French court to the British government. 'Pm» ACADIA, ETC. CHAP TEE I. EXPEDITION OF DE MONTS AND CUkvvt at.t ''JiouaitiJAr, — THE JESUITS — SFTTr pirr^TT- AT MOUNT DESERT: EROXEN UP Ry THE ENOI 5 DESTRUCTION OF PORT KO Y AL.-aLEX AN DEr ~ TOUR.-CESSIONS AND RECESSIONS OF ac^DU HOSTILITIES OF THE ENGLISH CoIoK E -T PIRATICAL EXPEDITIONS.-FINAL SURJEC- TION OF ACADIA TO THE ENGLISH. msssssm the beaut, and convenience of this location, Po^i.t To" oM companions, was so charmed, that he resolved on mkin. L som there, naming it Port Royal. ° settlement De Monts next discovered the rivpr nf Qf t i. of the bay, and immediately I ^^^^^ ^t 0;^ *^^ -«* -d« -'and at the mouth of which he reX d t wlnte^ T,°" " ''"'" proved unfavourable nnd ont J'"'"^'^'/" .^^"ter. The situation 418 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY. L leaving Champlain, Pontgrav('', and Campdoro in command of the colony, and did not return until tlie summer of 1606. In August of that year he again sailed homeward. The settlement owed its existence, in these early days, almost entirely to the perseverance and sagacity of Lcscarbot, a lawyer, who had accompanied Potrin- court, and who insisted on the necessity of d(>pending on the culti- vation of the soil for subsistence, and not on supplies from Europe, or a precarious traffic with the Indians. The succeeding winter proved mild, and the colonists employed themselves in hunting and in building; but, with the spring, arrived the disagreeable news tliat the charter given to De Monts had been revoked, and that the colony could no longer depend on his assistance. Potrincourt now sailed for France, where he obtained from the king a grant of Port Royal, on condition of taking out two Jesuits, to convert the savages. These gentlemen he strictly excluded frcT. any share in the management of the colony, informing them "that their duty was limited to teaching men the way to heaven, and that it remained for him to govern and direct those under him on earth." In consequence of this treatment, they dispatched an ill account of him to France; and in 1618 a vessel sent from that country, with two more priests and some emigrants, carried away the Jesuits from Port Royal, and sailed to tlie island of Mount Desert, not far from Penobscot Bay. Here a settlement, named St. Saviour's, was founded, and the erection of buildings was commenced; but while thus en- gaged, the peaceful colonists were surprised by an English shin-of- wa'r, under Captain Argall, of Virginia, who seized all their property, and' m.ide them prisoners. One of the Jesuits, while urging Ids peo- ple to defend themselves, was shot through the head; and two ves- sels, at anchor off the port, were seized, in one of which a part (if the colonists were sent to France, and the rest in the other to Yir-iiiiia. Despite the peace existing between the two nations, the same piratical commander, in 1615, again set forth from A'irginia to com- plete the destruction of the feeble colonies of the French. Piloteil by one of the Jesuit;^, he iiroc(MHled to Port Royal, then commanded by Biencourt, the son of Potrincourt, and levelled the fort, the gov- ernor vainly attempting to propitiate liiin by negotiation iUid fair offers. S(mie of the French fled to Canada, some joined llic native tribes, and the rest were sent prisoners to England. "This outrage- ous destruction of Port Royal," says an I'higlish author, "during a tine of profound peace between England and h'riince, coidd never i«ft i^KJt^tJl IN AMERICA. 419 prospenng for ten year, and without experiencing a hare of tb! ferocious opposition, from the nntivpo ,„v u / ""•* .nd .raHin, with .he na.^ ^^S W srlr''"''';- ''T "t^^ James I. liad given a natent of LZ ^l':^-»">fer, to whom «a,™a,,eaJ:„e.eeCr4rZ::[;::;^L^^^ with a French C»lv,ni.,t, nnmetl Kireht (Kirk) he «,iL L rt ' province, (where Per, Roya, had eon,„,e„ee., „ jj "d fe ^ Vftt l:«:i; 'rii""' °"'°'f '™'''"'»' coined r::rs settlement and lor Quebec, again reduced the dIacp TTo r>, i settlement, however, to replace those whic^het Tdest; f a:; two years afterwards, transferred the province to f . Ton rT ' Protestant, who had formed En.Iisli com ct 1 T^" ' i''"''' P..eded to Nova Scotia, where his ^o^ZZ,]^: i:;^:Z t French at Cape Sable, but was unable to enforce his sTbn "in W1.-C einof Lihshment „," „ tl ^ ive S ,""7'"?.^^" ''-""•. a t Th(; L ,-»». of l,i» Ian*, *c., fron, ,h„°l,„n.,» of .£ 1 : ,, '' „,„ Whole however, bv the tronfi,- r,r 7^. i • '"-""-'^'g"- J rie ;i 420 TIIF. PEOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. ni had built to protect their mradows from the sea. In 1704, that ener- getic, but cruel and unscrupulous commander, with six hundred troops, made a second piratical excursion from New England to the devoted colony. He seized all the property and burned all tiie houses at Passamaquoddy, and sent an expedition in boats, which plundered and destroyed three thriving villages at Minas. The fort- ress at Port Eoyal, which had been rebuilt, proved too strong for him, and after sailing up the Basin of Minas, and laying waste all the settlements there, he returned with his plunder to Massachusetts. In 1707, a thousand troops, with two ships of war, were again dis- patched from New England against Port Koyal, but were repulsed with spirit by the governor, M. Subercase; and a second attempt, afterwards made by the same force, proved equally futile. The English, their pride piqued by these successive failures, now made preparations on a scale which should ensure success; and in 1710 an armament consisting of nineteen vessels, bearing five regi- ments, under command of General Nicholson, arrived at Port Eoyal. The troops were landed and batteries were erected; and after a heavy cannonade on both sides, the brave governor, compelled by superior force, capitulated on honourable terms. Acadia thus again came finally into possession of the English. The cruel treatment of the inhabitants and their lamentable expulsion from their homes will be briefly described iu the succeeding chapter. \j dj'M JjM (L Jf 6 cb iX < ACCOUNT OF TIIE ACADIANS. — TIIEIU INXOCE.NCE, SIMPJJCITT, AND HAPPINESS. — DESCRIPTION IIY IIAYNAL. — ENMITY OF THE ENGLISH. — liASSACllE AT KENNEBEC; REVENGED BY THE INDIANS. — FURTHER HOSTILITIES. — CRUEL EXPULSION Ol' THE ACADIANS. — THEIR TRANS- PORTATION AND SVrrL'RINOS. — APEECTING MEMORIAL. — THEIR FATE. According to the accounts of contemporary writers, there has schlom been a community so prosperous in its simplicity or so happy in its isolation and obscurity as the little colony of Acadia. The THE FBENCH IN AMERICA. subsistence to all the i -habitams; and th t^C^^t' •'" ''"^^^ course left their affections and banners hTsh o'fT 'T ingenuousness. Thourrh fir fmm ,. ^'" 'Estate of pnniitive patriotism and attachmen o Te - I " *^"" ^'^'*^' ' ^P'"* ^^ lanted in their mind n th"^^^^^ ^^^°"°'^ -^■ .^as the attachment which the Fr^ h ,1 ^ ff ^'^"'^' "'"'^^^ their count.-,, that the Icadi n^Tho nTubm tt :! ^ '^"^",°^ had sworn never to bear arms aLninst' heir f ^ ^"''" ^'"^^'' called French neutrals. ^ ^°'^'' standards, were "No magistrate was ever appointed to rule over them and thov were never acqua.nted with the laws of Fnol / a"' ^ taxes of any kind were ever exact dfonftLft """ ""'^' °^ eign seemed to have forgotten them n mU "''" '"'^''■ to him. * * ^* * '"' t"'^ *^^7 ^^^;« ^quajly strangers "Their manners were, of course, extremely sLple^ Thel w.! never a cause, either civil or crirnhml rC • ^'"'P^®. mere was carried befor; the Cour of T ' ''''^'T'''' '"°"^^^ ^« ^« Whatever little differe s fronT " rT f ''^'^'^^' ^^^ ^""-^l-^-- were amicably adjusted by't e . Wen ^11^1 '^""'^T^'^ ^''-. drawn by their pastor, who ,n.^ n . '" P''^''" ^'^"^^ ^^«^« forwhich, and f^ tl!:^; ti i;^r^^^T^^ ^''^^'^ ^'"^' gave them a twenty-seventh ^^IS J!!::::;:^ ^'^"^ ^^^^^^^^ ^e-o,;nce preveS'I < WmHPpr ^^^ t::^r7;^"'^ was rel eved before it wi« f»u j poverty, j^.vcry misfortune S^:rr;::: ts^r-^v'r "™'""^''" '™ ™ -^ 422 TIIK I'KoriiK'S BOOK OF IIISTOKV. 1j '1 4"" . IKirtnor wlioiu lie liail clioseii, and who brouglit liiin lior portion of lior fiitlior's llocka.. This family grew uj), niul i)r()S])orecl like the others. They altoj^ether amomited to aViout eighteen thousaml souls. "Who will not be alVeeted," ho continnes, "with the iiiuoceiit manners and the tran(iuillity of this fortunate colony? Wlio will not wish for the duration of its happiness? Who will not construct, in i magi nation, an impenetrable wall, that may separate these colo- nies from their unjust and liirbulent neighbours? The calamities of the people have no period; but, oq the contrary, the end of their felicity is always ut hand." This peaceful and happy association, so eloquently describcMl, was destined to a brief tenure of its innocent {)rosperity. The neighbour- ing British settlers, harassed by Indian hostilities, and ascribing them to the inlluonce of the French, were not long in taking a sharp ami I'ruel revenge. A force sent fi'oin Massachusetts surjii-ised tiie l''re'icli and Indian establishment at Kennebec, and slaughtered most of the inhabitants. Among them was the venerable Father Uallc, who had lived for forty years as a missionary among the Indians, ami who was murdered at tlie foot of a cross erected in the centre of the village. Tn revenge for this deed, an Indian force committed equal cruelties at Canseau, Dartmouth, and Halifax, selling their i>risouers to the French at Louisburg. The governor of that town, in answer to the remonstrances of the English, replied, and probably with trutli, "that he had no control over the savages, and that the ])reniiums given for English ])ri.soners were paid from feelings of humanity, to 2)revent the horrible tortures and death whi(.'h the savages would inflict." The latter still continued hostilities, "incessantly coumiit- ting murdei'S along the coast; and it was impossible to guard tlic colonists elVectually against enemies, who sprung with the ngility and fury of tigers from the thickets, or who came along silently in their birch canoes during night." An Engli."-'!! expeditioti being di.spatched to Chignecto, the inhab- itants, dreiiding the I'alo of Kennebec, buiiied their lio\ises and joined J^a Come, the commander of a Canadian force, who had come down to Acadia, and had ei'*>eted several ibrts there. In ITo-i an English force reduced several of these hostile stations, and Major Lawrence, the English governor of Nova !^i;,otia, resolved, unless the Acadians would take the oath of allegiame to the English crown in the fullei^t terms, they should be transported from the country. The unfor- tunate inhabitants, most of wh(>m had jieaeeably submitted to the TIIK FKKNCII IN AMKKICA. 423 new rule, entreated that tliey might be allowed to remove into Can. uda or Oa2.e Urelon; aiul oflered to swear full ulk-giuneo to tlio IJntisl.. sovereign, if pcnnilted to reinain, only exeepting bearing arms ugamst their countrynien and the Indiana. But a eruel j.olicy, fearing to strengtiien the otlier Freneh colonics prevented the authorities from acee.ling to either of these requests' and Clone] W i„sk;vv, without any intimation of his purpose sum- moned the Acadians to appear befbre him at Grand Pre About four hundred men, who com].lied with this re.iuisition, were impris- oned ,n the chureh at that place, and, to their consternation, were inloinied that all their lands and lloeks were confiscated, and that they and their families were to be transported to the ]5ritish colonics At this time the stationary population of Acadia amounted to about twenty thon.san.l, who were living in ease and prosperity on thuirianns, when thus ruthlessly sunmioned to exile and separation On learning tlie terrible decree, "many of them," says Mr. McGre-or" "lied to the woods, and joined ihe Indians; others found their mxy to Canada, and to the island .;f St. John's, near J'rince Edward's ll.e settlements at Chigneeto and iMinas were subjected to conflagra- tion; and all their villages and farms laid waste, and their houses and churches reduced to ashes. The wretched inhabitants, deprived ol food or shelter, were obliged to surrender, or II y to the woods in order to escape finally to Canada, the island of St. John's or cLpe Breton. Some Ibund their way to, and established themselves in JIavti and Louisiana. From seven to eight thousand surrendered ' ut discretion; and Colonel Winslow, in sending them away from a country to which tlu,y were so mucit attached, acted with far more kindness and delicacy than his orders strictly allowed. Their trcit- .uent m the southern colonies, to which they were transported was cruel and undeserved; they experienced the treatment, not of prisoners ol war, but of condemned convicts. Several families found lueir way to .1 'ranee, where they arrived utterly destitute " I>| an affecting, but, it is almost nee.llcss to say futile, memorial to the i.ntish sovereign, (CJeorge 111.,) tiie exiled Acadians, from their places of banishment, stated the inhumanily of their treatment, their con.c,entious scruples as to the required oath, and besought redress liius they conclude, "we, our ancient j-arents and grand-parents, (men of great integrity, and approve.! fidelity tu vour majesty,) and our uinocent wives and children, became the unhappy victims of those groundless lears; we were tran.sported into the Enulish colonies, 424 TllK P KDl'LIC'H ISOOK OK IllSToliV. and tliis wiis doiio with .so iimi'li liaslo, iiiiil wo little remind to our iu'ct's.silii's luul the tciuli'ivst ties of iiiiturt^, tliui, iVoiii tlio most social cnjoyimMits .•iiul allliiiMit circuniHtanccH, many Ibinid tlieiiiHclvea dostitutr oi'llio iioci'ssaiii'H of'lilb; jnirriitH W'-iv «c|)aiatod IVom uhij. droii, and husbands iVoni wives, sonio of whom have not, to ihij) day, mot again; and wo woro si) erowdod in tho traiisport- vessels that we had not room even lor all our bodies to lie down at once nnd eonsei[nently were jiri-vented from eanying with us jji-oner iiocessaries, espei'lally lor the eondbrt and snjtport of the iit^^ed and weak, many of whom (|niekly end(>d their misery with their lives' and even those among us who had snlVered most deeply from yiMir majesty's enenues, on aeeount of their attachment to your majesty's government, were equally involved in tlie common ciilanuty — of which .l\ene Li'bhnu', the notary public, belore mentioned, is a re- markable instance: hewassci/cd, eoiiliiicd, ami bi'onght awav aiiioin' the rest of the peoj^Ie, and his liuuily, consisting of twenty children and about an huiulred ami lifty grand-children, were scattered in dilVerent colonies; — so that he was jiut ashore at New V(Hk, with only his wife and two youngest children, in an infirm stale ol heultli from whence he joined three more of his children at riiiladelphia, wdiere he died, without any more notice being taken of him tlian of us, notwithstanding his many years' labour and deep stilVerinns for your majesty's service. "The nusi>ries we have since endured are scarce sulTiciently to be oxi^'cssod, being reduced, for a livelihood, to toil and hard labour in a southern clime, st) disagreeing with our constitutions that most of us have been prevented by sickness front, obtaining the necessury subsistence for our families, and are therefore threatened with tli;it whit'h we esteem the greatest aggravation of all our sullerings, own of having our childriMi forced from us, and bound out to sti'an"ers,and exposed to contagious distemjH'rs, unknou n in our native country. "This, compared with the ease and allluence wx enjoyed, shows our condition to be extremely wretched. We have alreadv seen, in this province of Pennsylvania, two hundrt-d and lifty of our poo- ]de, which is more than half the nundier that were landed hero, jierish through misery and various diseases. In this great distress and misery, we have, under God, none but your majesty to look to, with luipes of relief and redress. We, therefore, hei'eby implore your gracious protection, and recpiest you may be plea.sed to lot the justice of our complaints be truly and impartially inquired into, and •iii'il, IS ii re. THE KKKNcn IN AMKUrOA. , 425 flint your mnjosty would p|„,so to {.runt us hupI, .r r ■ Siu;]i \v;i,s t i(« tr;ii' cul Pif.. ,,r ., • , '"Viidcrs. .Imost realising ll,c /!,},l„l ,, , ' , '" '"■■"'"■>' »"'! H a» m, l,i„t,„.i»l „v,. : ™ " "'" "™""" '^"»1«' i'«li: int..,.,. „l,ic.|, inv,. ; , , :;n,^ -""l-^'ivoly „„.„ll, tl,„ k«,, .1,0 ,„.,„r„f„l C,c., ,",,''■'"''' ■""«'«""- will ya u_ CAPE BKETON, ETC. UKSBION OP TlIK FRENCH PROVINCES TO ENGLAND. — LOCISBUUO FOUNDED ON CAFE ItRETON: ITS IMPORTANCE, — EXPEDITION OF PEPPERALL. — L0UI8BIJR0 TAKEN BY THE ENGLISH; RECEDED TO FRANCE. — EXPEDITION OF AMHERST. — BRAVE DEFENCE OF LOUISBURO: ITS SURRENDER AND DESTRUCTION. — ST. JOHN'S: CAPTURED BY THE ENGLISH. — INDIAN TROPHIES DISCOVERED THERE. TiTE early ivsort of the French fishermen to the bank of Now- foundhind has been mentioned. On tlie island of the same name at Placentia Bay, they made n small settlement, and were in tho habit of frequenting other portions of the coast; but the whole, by the treaty of Utrecht^ was ceded to Great Britain. The \Aiini\ of Cape Breton, (a name lirst applied by the early French voyagers to its eastern point, and afterwards extended to the whole,) was first settled in the year 1714, by some colonists from Newfoundland fiiij Acadia, jirineipally for convenience of fishing. By the treaty of Utrecht, in the following year, Acadia, Newfoundland, and other portions of "New France," were ceded to England; but Canada, Cape Breton, and St. John's island (Prince Edward's) were retained by tlie mother-country. These diminislied possessions now assumed fresh importance in the eyes of the French; and especially with a view to conmianding the mouth of the St. Lawrence and protecting the fisheries, it was determined to found a military post on Cape Breton. Accordingly, in the year 1720, the town and harbour of Louisburg were fortified, and were eventually made one of the most important strongholds of the French in all America. Its value to that people was great, especially from the commanding position which it occupied near the fisheries — in which, at some times, six hundred vessels and twenty- eight thousand seamen were constantly emi)loyed. No pains r outlay was spared b}' the P'reneh government in providing for its strengtli and defence. "There is hardly a settlement," says a writer eries, it was TllK KUKNCIl I.N AMKJiiCA. 427 of the day, tlut Las h,m attcMi,]..! with ,norc expense to the French nation tlia.i tins of Louishurg. It is certain that they have laid out about thirty milho.iH of livre.s; and so cogent were tl,e motives winch induced thein to put this scheme into execution, that the preserva- Hon of LouiHhurg will always bo considei-ed as an object of too rrrcat importance not to sacrifice every thing to it. Cape Breton protects I the whole French trade of North America, and is of equal conse- quence in regard to their commerce with the West Indies If they had no settlement in this part of North America, their vessels re- turning from St. Domingo or Martinique, would no longer be safe on the Great Bank of Newfoundland, j,articularly in time of war- lastly, as It IS situated at tho entrance of the Gulf of St. Lawrence' It absolutely commands the river of that name." ' The English, continually engaged in warlarc with their neicdi- bours,were not long in making demonstrations against a place^f sucli VMlue to the enemy, and so easily accessible by sea. In 1745 a force of four thousand men, under command of Colonel Willianl Pepperall, was dis])atchc'^^'^ 1-S. This arma- m..t, one of the most powerful ever dispatched to America, con- -sted of twenty-three ships of the line, eighteen iVigates, and s loo; - IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) m^' M/ v.. Z. 1.0 I.I 1.25 m m lU 28 111^ ■^ IIIIIM 1.4 6" 1.8 1.6 VI ^ /a A oSi ^ V o -f^ / Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 872-4503 A ,-\ \\ ^ <^ U A. #. C^ ^ i^ *v .<^' "9) ^1? 428 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOEY. of-war and transports amounting to an hundred and fifty-seven ships, and of sixteen thousand soldiers. From the 8th to the 26th of July, the garrison, under their governor, M. de Drucourt, defended the place with extraordinary bravery; and Madame de Drucourt, the intrepid wife of the commander, appeared every day upon the ramparts, animating the soldiers to fresh vigilance and exertion. Despite these heroic efforts, the French, overpowered by the vastly superior force of the besiegers, were finally compelled to surrender and thus, on the 26th of July, 1758, Cape Breton passed finally inio the hands of the English. At that time, the population of Louisburg, exclusive of the troops, w^as about five thousand. The merchants and the greater part of the inhabitants were sent to France in English vessels; but all the officers of government, both civil and military, and all the troops, numbering nearly six thousand, were dispatched to England as prisoners of war. More than two hundred pieces of artillery, be- sides stores and munitions of great value, fell into the hands of the victors. Fearing lest this important post might be recovered by the French, the British government caused the town and the massive fortifications to be demolished, and, desjnte the natural advantages of the place, they have ever since remained in ruins, The island of St, John's, or Prince Edward's, discovered, it is said, by Cabot, and afterwards seen by Verrazano, was not colonized by the French, except in some unimportant fishing stations, until after the treaty of Utrecht. Considerable numbers then flocked thither from Acadia and Cape Breton; and the colony became of some im- portance, both for its fisheries and for supplying Louisburg with provisions. At Port La Joye, (now Charlotte Town,) a small garri- son was stationed. At the time of its surrender to the iMiglish, in 1758, the population was about six thousand. This island had been £<)v many years the resort of the Mic-Mac Indians, noted for their murderous and continued hostility to the English. The latter averred that even during time of peace, the^'e aggressions and mas- sacres were encouraged by the French of St. John's; and Colonel Hollo, who, after after the surrender of Louisburg, was dispatched by General Amherst to take possession of the island, asserted that on its capture, a vast number of scalps, the trophies of Indian cruelty, were found hung up in the house of the French g^.vernor. On the conclusion of peace in 1763, this colony and that of Cape Breton were annexed to the government of Nova Scotia. J LOUISIANA. CHAPTEH L THE RIO GRANDE.— THE CANADIAN FRENC H,— REPORTS OP THE INDIANS.— FATHER MARQUETTE AND M. JOLIET' THEIR EXPEDITION IN SEARCH OP THE MISSISSIPPI; VOYAGE DOWN ITS STREAM --PAINTED MONSTERS.— THE MIS- SOURI.— OHIO.— A RK A NS AS.— RETFRN VOYAGE. DEATH OP FATHER M ABQUETTE. — ENTHUSIASM OF TH^ FRENCH AT HIS DISCOVERY. In the account of Florida, mention has been made of a majestic river, discovered by the famous De Soto, in 1541, and described as the Rio Grande. The disastrous fate of the expedition which he commanded, seems to have deterred the Spaniards for more than a century from making any further attempt in the same direction. For an hundred and thirty years nothing more was known of that mighty stream, the effluence of a continent, and now, without question" the most important in the world. The enterprising spirit of the Cana- dian French, in their expeditions of war, of traffic, or of survey, bad made them acquainted with extensive regions lying around the great lakes, and the streams which flow into them. From the reports of the India'-.d dwelling in those remote territories, the existence of a great river in the west was ascertained; and the opinion of .-eo- graphers was divided as to the probable place of its disembo-ue- ment. It was thought by some that it must flow into the Gulf of California; by others, into the Atlantic, near the coast of Virginia- and by others, on better grounds, that its outlet could be in no other region than the Gulf of Mexico. Under the enterprising administration of Count Frontcnao, two men were found daring enough to attempt the task of its discovery and survey. These were Father Marquette, a missionary, eminent lor his piety and his zeal in the conversion of the natives, a great J li. : 430 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY, traveller, and familiar with their languages, and M. Joliet, an ad- venturous citizen of Quebec. With five other Frenchmen, on the 13th of May, 1673, these venturous explorers, in two canoes took their departure from the remote outpost of Michilimackinac. Pass- ing the tribes of the "Folles Avoines" or Wild Rice, (so called from the native grain on which they chiefly subsisted,) the voyagers received many warnings from that friendly people, of the perils to be encountered on their proposed journey— "of the dangers of the river, of the savage tribes which dwelt on its banks, and of the ter- rible monsters (alligators) which swarmed in that region of heat whither it flowed." But the pious father only replied, that he had no fear of these terrors, and would gladly lay down his life to further the salvation of souls in those distant regions. Entering Green Bay, at the north-west of Lake Michigan, the adventurers ascended the Fox river, and found friendly entertain- ment among the Miamis, a people already in a degree converted by the exertions of a zealous missionary, the Father AUouez. In the centre of their principal village was a large cross, covered with offer- ings to the Great Spirit, in token of thankfulness for success in hunting. On the 10th of June, the associates left this river, and guided by the natives, transported their canoes to another, runuin-^ in a different direction, which, they were told, would lead them to the Great Eiver, the object of their search. Down this stream (the Wi^^consin) they paddled for forty leagues, observing deer and buf- falo on the banks, and on the ITth entered tlie majestic "^leate Chassipi," or Father of Waters, which, under the name of the Mis- sissippi, still retains nearly its original native appellation. Down this great stream they floated for sixty leagues, without seeing any sign of human habitation— landing, toward evening, to cook their food, and anchoring in the river, for security, during the niglit. At length, seeing foot-prints on the shore, they landed" and Alai'tpiette and Joliet, following a path wliieli led, for two lea-nies tlirough the prairie, came to three villages of tlie Illinois, who re'- ocived them with much kindness. The pipe of peace was solemnly smoked, presents were interchanged, and on the following day more than six hundred of this friendly people accompanied them to their canoes, and bade them adieu with every token of good-will. Pur- suing their course, they beheld, on the face of a lofty precipice, fronting the river, and apparently inaccessible to man, the figures of 'Mwo monsters," ])aintrd m green, red, and blue, an'd so well exe- THE FRENCH IN AMERICA. , ,, cuted that it seemed doubtful if they were the work of sava-es These effigies are or were recently, ia a state of good preservatio°n. ' They had now learned of the existence of a great river, called the Pekitanoni, or Missouri, flowing into the Mississippi, and ere Ion- were involved in its turbid flood, which, swelled with rains, rushed furiously down, bearing great masses of driftwood. From a villaoe named Oumissouri, on the shore of this stream, its present namels derived. At the mouth of the Ohio, to their surprise, they found savages armed with muskets, which, with other European articles the Indians said, had been purchased of white men from the east' Entering their dwellings. Father Marquette smoked with them the calumet of peace, as usual, and gave them what instruction he could m Christianity. Still floating southward, about the thirty-third de- gree of latitude, he came to an Indian village, named Metchicmmea The people here were at first hostile, but being propitiated by the un- failing calumet, listened to such religious instruction as the good father was able to impart. Ten leagues below this place, at a villa-e called Akamsca, (Arkansas,) he was inform-l by the aid of an interpreter that the sea was only five days distant. Concluding that the object of their expedition was secured by this supposed ascertainment of the debouchement of the stream into the Gulf of Mexico, and dread- ing the cruelties of the Spaniards who dwelt upon its shores the explorers thought it prudent to return. ' Ascending with great toil and difficulty against the current, they finally came to the Illinois river, up which they passed with greater ease to Lake Michigan, where they arrived in Sci)tember. In the four months which they had consumed in their arduous expedition a vast accession ha.i been made togcograi)]iical knowledge, and the w'ly to one of the richest and most valuable regions on earth had been laid open to mankind. More than two thousand five hundred miles had been traversed, in their frail barks, amid a tliousand dan-ers by these adventurous uu-n. Father Marquette dn.nv up a'briel'lnr- rative of the expedition, and constructed a map of the route which represents, with tolerable distinctness, all the great features' of the river and the country he had explored. At the lake, he partclTrom J,)liet, who hastened with tiie tidin-s to Quebec, while the good missionary remained witli his sava°e fnends. "Indifferent to renown, and zealously occupied with the salvation of souls, he again took liis wav to the wilderness, and busied himself as a missionary among the Miamis. Death soon I 432 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY. overtook him in his pious pilgrimage. On the 18th of May, 1675 coasting in his canoe along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, he entered a small river. Here he landed, built an altar, and performed the mass, saying that his voyage, he believed, was destined to end there. He then retired into the wood, desiring his two companions to leave him alone for the space of half an hour. At the end of that time they made search, and found the good father, his present- iment fulfilled, lying quietly dead in the shade of the eternal forest. In this obscure, but not unfitting manner, perished a man, illustrious for his courage, endurance, and enterprise, and endeared to remem- brance by his pious and philanthropic labours for the souls of his fellow-men." At Quebec, the tidings brought by Joliet were received with extraordinary enthusiasm, and the achievement of the two associates was justly considered the greatest and most important discovery of the age. All day the bells rang aloud, and the bishop and clergy, with all the authorities of the city, went in solemn procession to the cathedral, where a Te Deum was sung,, and a high mass performed, in honour of the memorable occasion. vjiLJjiAi^jjr iL (III Jib iL Ji « lA SALLE: HIS ATTEMPTS TO REACH CHINA. — GRANT OF THE KING. — TONTI; THEIR EXPEDITION TO THE WEST: DISCON- CERTED BY TREACHERY. — ACTUAL AND PRETENDED DIS- COVERIES OF FATHER HENNEPIN. — VOYAGE OP LA SALLE TO THE OUTLET OP THE MISSISSIPPI: HE TAKES POSSESSION OF THE VALLEY. — THE RE- TURN. — IMITATION OF INDIAN FEROCITY. The magnificent enterprise so splendidly commenced by Mar- quette, was ere long completed by an adventurer, his equal in cour- age, enthusiasm, and patient endurance. Eobert Cavalier, Sieur de la Salle, a young man who had been a member of the order of Jesuits, was at this time in Canada, engaged in the undertaking of findings westerly passage to China. He proceeded, however, on this chimer- ical expedition no further than the spot now known as La Chine, THEFKENCH INAMEBICA ' 433 (China,) a name attesting his e\'npptoti-^»o j i- coming possessed with an eouarv ft ' '"^.f '•^*^PP°'"t'"ent. Be- flowing from the westward, Su d Tim fl^ ''l ''' '^'^^°""' he offered his services to Count'lio nao 1 ' " t "^ ^^°^^°"' for aid at the court of France. Ito din^t'^ 1 "'^ "^^"^ '^ «PP'^ I and, by the favour of Colbert nnd f]Tv ■ 'J'^'J'^''"''^^ *^^'*er, Louis the desired cquipn.' t Thel ""'',^' ^°"''' "^'^''^«'^ of and a monopoly of tlLa^tl if , ""^ °^ ^'<^''* I^^^'°"*«"a«. to him, and'wL the CheX IW Tf "' T '^'"^^^^ ^^'^^'^^ only one arm, he repaired to Quebec ' ^''^''" °^^^^' ^^^^^ tember, 1679, the t;oassoStestntl^t^^^^^^^^^^^ /» 4- takmg forty-four men-among them "the p .'V* ^^"'^^'^ ^"«' pin, famous for his discoveries and n '^ '*'^'' ^^""«- sitions." At the river sZoseToXl'VT- '''^ ''^^ «"'^ ™P- afort, and thence passed toT^lCo^t^T^^' "-^ ^'^"^ ^^'^ country proved fertile and populous 'no ! ^^, '^^'^^^'^^^-d- The houses being found in one vilCe 'nd th " ^'' ^^""^''^^ and hospitable. The treason of s°ome of ^ ^T^"' ''''' '"«"d^>^ disconcerted this promising el, n. ^ ""''■"''' ^^^ ^^'^ time, destruction of all L^e'd 1^ I' t^ roT 1^ ''T' ''" '^^ tempted to excite opposition amon^X I.d'hnTb "' '"^ '"^ ^^■ La Salle was a spy of their enemies fllT^^' '"smualing that proving of no avail, these wretchr' ^'^'''''' ^"^ '^^' ^^«vioe his chief adherents t a Chr ^^ ?«-» ^^ ^-n and renuHlies, the suffer rsrecove^eTandr''-- ^*'^' *^'^^'->^ ^'^ -^ into the wilderness, beyond the r.f . T ^"''"^^'^ "^"^^^^'^^^ A-' this reduction of h s W to 1 . u^"''"'' ^«'^^P^"^^. V Salle left Tonti in comtl^i ^ ?"VL '^ P-^?.^ --i^ U I Salle left Tonti in command of TV? P"'^' ^^' ^^^ '■■"■111 •■"lotlier version „?T„ ^ M,ss,ss.pp,, „„., dead, he „„s Vol. II1I2V "' "" °'"''"' •■"" *« «*i'y of 434 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOBY. which is sufficiently proved, by the fact that ho pretends to have < ascended it from the Gulf of Mexico to the Illinois river, in a canoe, with only two men, in twenty-two days. So notorious, indeed, was his bad faith in these transactions, that his common epithet in Can- ada, we arc told, was "Xe Orand Menteur" (the Great Liar). "By this impudent fabrication, he secured to himself a reputation some- what like that of Vespucius, whose fraudulent attempt (or that of his admirers) to wrest the glory from a true discoverer, obscures the renown of his real and meritorious achievements." La Salle, having collected twenty men at his posts, resumed his enterprise, and on the 2d of February, 1682, embarked on the Mis- sissippi. He pai^sed the Missouri and the Ohio, as well as the Ar- kansas, the termination of the voyage of Marquette. The river seemed interminable in its windings, yet he kept on, and was kindly received by the powerful tribe of the Natchez. On the 27th of March he passed the mouth of Red River, and on the 7th of April arrived at that strange region, neither land nor water, where, through many channels, the turbid torrent of the Mississippi mingles with the gulf "The country immediately around the outlet of this vast stream was desolate and uninteresting. Far as the eye could reiich, Bwampy flats and inundated morasses filled the dreary prospect. Under the ardent rays of the tropical sun, noisome vapours exhaled from the rank soil and sluggish waters, poisoning the breezes from the southern seas, and corrupting them with the breath of pestilence. Masses of floating trees, whose large branches were scathed by months of alternate immersion and exposure, during hundreds of leagues of travel, choked up many of the numerous outlets of the river, and, cemented together by the, alluvial deposits of the muddy stream, gradually became fixed and solid, throwing up a rank vegetation."* The discoverer, exulting in the completion of his achievement, proceeded to take formal possession of the vast regions watered by the river he bad explored— bestowing on them, in honour of liis sovereign, the name of Louisiana. From the top of a high tree a cross was suspended ; a shield, bearing the arms of France, was set up; and a solemn Te Deum was chanted, in gratitude to Heaven for the success of this memorable enterprise. The more important ope- ration of attempting to ascertain the latitude, produced a rosult en- tirely fallacious. * Wtirbnrton — "Conquest of Cannda." THE FRKNCII 1 N A M K U I C A . Eeturning with groat difficulty against the flcrco current of the tapp, swollen, It IS probable, at this season, with floods Je French expenoneed mueh annoyanee from the attacks of t^Te treach erous Quunp,ssas, whose hostility they had already tasted 100"^^ do. Uuving slam several of these assailants; the adventurers^ emula Ung te savage custom of their foes, scalpei the ^0^ Td earned oft the usual ghastly trophies of Indian warfare. Sfero oouspract.ce, mdeed, seems always to have had a singula flTna Uon for men once thoroughly committed in hostility witE the savaTes Near ha fa century later, if the old ballad may be trusted we Id th English (and especially their chaplain, the Reverend Mr Frvei in uiging a similar taste at a battle on the frontier of Maine fnd^ ,«deed ata much later date, our backwoodsmen were fr«^ the habit of emulating, n this resnprt the. ^ * ^ "equentJy in whieh they encountered. ^ ' ^' "'^'* ^"^^^^*^"« ^"^es CHAPTSH HI. moinON OP LA SALLE BY SEA IX aUKST OP TUB MISSIS Zr^nZT'"' ^"«-'^«-r-XBS AT THE Ay OP ST. BERNARD. — POUNDS A COLON Y.—misforthn p/ AO BISCOURAOEMENTS.-HE SETS FORTH OVe" AND PR CANADA.-HIS DEATH.-p^TE OP THE S RVivo ,' OP THE EXPEDITION,-OP THE COLONY OP ST I oVls LaRochelle for the mouth of the Misstinni Th ' V ^""^ mutinous disoositinn ^f P Mississippi. The sullenness and early day produe d loi ^'"^"V^' '"P^"" "^ '^'^ '^'S^'^' «* an ated in i[ entil dfseomfir f' '^ '''' ^"P^'^'*''^"' ^'^ ^-n^u- -LI nie expected outlet. "Nothing is 1 436 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF I1I8T0KY II-. I i more dlflicult than to discover, from sea, the entrance even of the largest river, on an unknown coast, unless the position has been accurately determined beforehand, and the attempt is doubly embar- rassing, where the stream, like that of which he was in search, de- bouches, through numerous outlets, upon a marshy shore." Accordingly, after a long and fruitless search for the desired entrance (which, it seems, they passed on the 10th of January, 1685) Beanjeu, disregarding the orders of La Salle, kept westward for a hun- dred leagues, and anchored in the Bay of St. Bernard, not for from tbe present site of Galveston. Finding a large stream flowing into this bay, the governor supposed that it might be one of the western mouths of the Mississippi, and concluded to make a landing. His expecta- tions, indeed, had been miserably disappointed on discovering the nature of his outflt. The alleged artisans proved mere impostors; the soldiers were decrepid and worn-out invalids, disbanded as unfit for service. This heterogeneous and ill-assorted crowd, to the number of two hundred and twenty, being landed, Beaujeu hastily deserted them, and sailed reckles.sly away. The commander, though much discouraged by these untoward circumstances, set to work and built a fort, whicli he called St. Louis. Ue next spent four months in coasting along the shore with canoes, vainly seeking tlie Mississippi, and unable to obtain any information from the unfriendly savages. In April, he set forth towards New Mexico, in hopes of discovering mines, but with equal ill-success. Tonti, who had been left in command of a fort on the Illinois, according to previous agreement with La Salle, now descended the Mississippi to the sea, where he expected to find his associate and the projected colony; but, after searching the shores of the gulf for months in vain, sadly relinquished the attempt, and returned to his station on the Illinois. The unfortunate little colony founded by La Salle, its numbers diminished by losses in every expedition, was fast verging to ex- tinction. In less than two years from its foundation, only thirty- seven men were alive, and famine and Indian hostility threatened the speedy destruction of the whole. The dauntless commander, his spirit unbroken by misfortune or disappointment, continued to pro- ject fresh schemes uf adventure and discovery. With sixteen com- pani(Mis, on the 12th of January, 1686, he set forth on tbe terrible enterprise of traversing -the wilderness, and penetrating over- land to Canada. Among them was his young nephew Moranger, 'i'llK KKKNCH IX AMKUnv 437 a youth of haugl.ty temper, who inorrcHl the enn.itv of tl . i a mutmoua spirit soon broke out Or,„ r.i "^ ""^ '■*'"'^*' '"^"'1 two days' Journey from the fort, be J taken' i7' "'""' '"'"^'"^' return. liis brother earnestly d sirecHo be!r > ' ^^'""'"'^'^ '" Salle refused to allow it on aceo.nT f ,u " ««"^P«"y, but La 8arvivin<' l)rothc'r from ll...t ,„^ "^' eieu hy the Indians; and the ada, he nourid.od sohcmc of v2.f ^ ""I ° '" ""^ """"■'' Can- r«. .he,„ in execution WifuZ™"'' T'"'""' "■= Wort-ni.y lo canc-bral,,, .,l,„r,l, after thev'fil^ f '"* T"™'"' "''■"'slve, i„ „ con,™,,*; .rci°r::; X I nZl td"-"' "' "r ""''"""""'° Mil, of May, 1688 it is „:,} !„ T ' P^-^Mly pt on their toilsomeTo^urnertoT"^ "7 "^'"^^^^ ^-^ --"' through whose country they p. seVtre TJ^'T' ^^^^ ^'"^'^"« months after the death of the r' ^ ""^ ^■'"^'^'- «"J ^^^^^ fluence of the Ark ,s. and M ""•'"' "^ "''""' '"^^ '^' ^°"- they found a cros "h had^:"'"'"^" "^"' ^^ ^^^'^ «-P-«. ofTonti, whom, i . a endtf th"T'-"? '^^ ^"^'-^'^ ^'""'P--'- place. Encourai^ed by th 'S, ^^''^'^'«f PI"' >'« ^^d left at this tion. they pursued thfor^^C:^^^ ""T'^'Y '''' -'^'-^• finally succeeded in reaching I ' '' ' ^^^"^^^^^^^ ^o state, The miserable remn-inf- nf +i.„ i , „ I-.is, soon perished under hrn-7' '1 ^^ '^''^ ^^"« '-^^ ^^^ St. that little station. Firelikren " "' ''' ^"'"'' --rounding ^•'IIi'.g into the hands oft Sn?^^^."""' 'P'''^' ^'^° '-^^^^^^'-^^^^ ofthesettlement. Of the tvohnT'T ' r^''^^'^ *^^^ unhappy fate these, and the seyen corn7.2^^^^^^^^^^^ Canada, alone survLd^g T- ^" "'" ""'^ ^'"■'- ^'^^^^ ^<^ attempt to colonizeThe "riehe? T " "^''^'''^^'^ ^^'^"'^ ^^ ^he first the richest and most valuable region of all North 488 THE I'Korl.K'H 1U)()K OK IIISTOUY. Amciica— an attempt, unhappily, only the prototype of suoceRsive efforts in the satno direction. The colonization of Louisiana, like that of its neighbour, Florida, for a long series of years preacnits little except continually renewed misfortune, suffering, and mortality. CEAPTEH I?. NKOLEOT OP THE MISSISSIPPI VALLBY. — KXPKDITION OP LEMOINE D'lDKIlVIIJ.K: HE FOUN DS SETTLEMENTS AT 1111,0X1, M01)II,E,AND ISLE DAUPHINE. TONTI. — U NPKOSPE IIOUS CONDITION OP LOUISIANA. — DEATH OP D'lBERVlLLE. — HIS BllOTHEH BIENVILLE. — CKO/AT. — THE MISSISSIPPI COMPANY. OIIEAT IMMIORATION, SUPPEIUNO, AND MOllTAL- ITY — >fji\v ORLEANS FOUNDED. — CONTINUED IMMIOIIATION. — VAST EXTENT OF LOUISIANA. Foil ten years after the death of La Salle and the destruction of his colony, the French made no attempt to settle the Mississippi Valley the few adventurous voyagers who had resorted there from Canada betaking themselves to hunting and to traffic in furs, and gradually assimilating with the Indians in character and habits. In 1697, Lemoine D'Ibcrville, a brave Canadian, distinguished for his naval services, represented to the court of France the importance of tlii.s neo'lected region, and obtained the means for a fresh attempt at set- tlement on the Gulf With two vessels, on the 17th of October, of that year, he set sail from Rochefort, and directed his course to tlie Bay of Pensacola. The Spaniards there remonstrated against his alleged intrusion, yet he proceeded, and examined the harbour of Mobile, the river Pascagoula and the Bay of Biloxi, and finally arrived at the mouth of the Mississippi. The certainty of this dis- covery was confirmed by the extraordinary incident of a letter, ■written by Tonti thirteen years before, giving an account of the country, with most valuable directions, being preserved by the Indians, and handed to D'Ibervillc. He passed up the Mississippi, and, entering the outlet still bearing his name, discovered Lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain, and the THE KKKNOII IN AMEKICA. 489 Bay ol Uiloxi. Uero ho fo.UKlod ii small HctUomci.t, which, however, on account of the diaadvantagcs of the Bite, wiw aftiirwuids removed to the Bay of Mobile, and tlioiicc again to the Lslo Dauphino, .where it fiiuilly found a resting- place. A fort called Ikli/e was also erected at the mouth of thoMis3issi])pi; and afler completing these and other works in furtherance of colonization, D'Iberville, leaving his brothers Siuirolle and JJienvillo in command, proceeded to France for fresh a.Hsistance in his entcrprine. In December, IflOi), ho returned, and soon after received a visit from the brave and adventurous ^J'onti who, having heard of the foundation of the new colony, with only seven companions, had descended the Mississippi to greet him. After a few years of doubtful i)rosperity, a terrible fever desolatod the little colony, carrying off Saurolle and eventually D'Iberville, and leavin" only a hundred and fifty-five .souls alive. The.se were in a misera° lie condition, tlie .spots on wliich they were located—Biloxi, Isle Dauphino, and the Balize— being little more than deserts. 'tIio fruitless search for gold and the trade in furs eng,.„s,cd their atten- tion, to the neglect of husbandry or permanent occupation of the country. Bienville, the surviving brother, by his perseverance and talent for command, still managed to sustain the feeble interest of France in these distant regions. A considerable extent of the vast wilderncs.s, now so populous, was surveyed. Red River and the Missouri had been a.scended to great distances by enterprising advon- turer.s, and small settlements were planted on the Yazoo and the Washita. The Protestant exiles, driven from their homes bv the cruelty of Louis XIV., but still retaining the true French loyalty and afleJtion tor thoir country, now offered that, if tolerated in t'he exercise of their religion, four hundred families of them would remove to Louis- iana, But that bigoted sovereign, by nature and education on(>. of the vilest and most tyrannical that ever disgraced a throne, replied that he had not expelled them from his kingdom to form a repub- ac of them." ^ By 1712, there were only twenty families in Louisiana, living in the most abject poverty, and destitute of the means of escaping from their forlorn situation. I„ that year Antoine Crozat, who had amassed a vast fortune by trading to the East Indies, purchased from the crown a grant of the entire country, with a monopoly of commerce or sixteen years. His object was not colonization, but contraband traffic with Mexico, in order to secure a return of the precious metals; 440 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY. and tins project failing, from the dishonesty of his agents, in 1717 he tt'ansferrcd his privileges to that famous or infamous coiupuny whose history, both in Europe and Amerioa, is one tissue ol' gross ignorance, of stupendous fraud, of suffering, and of ruin. At this time, thougii numerous emigrants, at dillereut periods, had arrived the whole poi)ulation — so great had been the mortality — was only seven hundred. The Mi.ssit:si2)pi Company, under the guidance of the notorious John Law, had procured a euarter, conveying entire control, except a mere nominal reservation of sovereignty, over the ill-starred province- and by the artful management of that subtle schemer, a mania, wilder than had ever been known in France, was excited for speculation in the new enterprise. Fabulous stories of gold and silver mines of unimaginable riches, were eagerly circulated: the stock of the com- pany rose enormously; and an immense quantity of paper money amounting to more than two hundred millions of dollars, was put into circulation. The history of the wide-spread ruin and national bankruptcy in which France was involved by the collapsing of this famous bubble, does not immediately pertain to our subject. No single scheme of speculation, it is probable, ever entailed suck universal misfortune on a community. During the years 1717 and 1718, the company, with rash and iudis- criminating haste, dispatched to Louisiana several thou'^and emigrants, French and foreigners. Those unfortunate people, crowded on ship- board, ill provided with food and necessaries, arriving at their place of destination, ibund that the pin'ts of Old Mobile and the Isle Dauphine were completely destroyed, the latter in consoi|uence of the accumu- lation of vast saud-bauks. They were set on sliore at Biloxi, without provisions or nieans of future support, and uttjrly ignorant of the country to which they had been so rashly transported. Crowded ou tliis barren shore, they mostly perished, of want, exposure ami dis- ease; and the few who survived were linally transported to the Missis- sippi. Discouraged by these niisfortunes, and regarding the land us better fitted for a penal scltlemcnt than lor a prosperous colony, the h'rench added to the misery of the unfortunate lew who still inliub- iicd Louisiana, by sending out none but convicts and felons to that miserable country. " Hundreds," we are told, " of the most degraded and miserable objects, in a complete state of nakedness, prcsenled themselves at some Spanish and English trading posts: others perished of a disease which they themselves had introduced; but Tll£ FKENCH IN AAIKRICA. 441 the far grccater number wauderet] thrnu,rh *i x- and ihtigue tonninated their w"t d t "if"'' ""tij hunger the garrisons, at one tin., were com pell d to re rel/- Zl 7^' villages, to avoid perishing of hunger. '^'''" IJienville, to whose sanguine ener.rv tli« ,,^1^ debted for its preservation in ITl^f ,7 ''"' ^"^""^^ '"' Orleans, as tha/of thr e ^J s^^, 'If "1' f" ^"^ °^' ^^^^ hisf...i,ht and JudgnTent. W^-^^i^^tJ^' ''^.^"l^ -'"- Pensacola, the same gailuaL c^-oer llletin!' r";"''l' '''""^' French soldiers in Louisiana in nl ? " '''"''"' ^"'"^'^ "^ ment; and after a seri Z'-otra^^ed T'^fr' " "'" '""" ^'^''^^ -"^- hands three times du ng ^ " rt ' T^'"' ^^ ^^^^ aisputed territory. It w^s Weve ,'.""' P"''''^''''"" "'' '^^ to Spain, ats origial p^^or ' *'" ^""^ °' ''''' ^^--^ In 1720, twelve hundred more settlers arrived from Fm. pn!loxtf„ritsf„r,„„li„„- ™, »■""■« wh.ch l,acl bcon the tan, f,,„„ „,. Ji ;; ;:rM%:r" '""'""""■'• "- ■' •'"" """l-.y ,„st s„,„™o di c°„; „f.'2'""''-""'V'l'l'"""-l Vtl.o «l..r .1,0 ox.o„«i„,', „r i,r. r°, rv . f ;^ "' '■'"""'"'"' ^'"'S'" oliaractor or i.ro.m.rilv n, , "",„,,v,.„,„t .,f its ft»m.l.»,livW,,,,; lli 7°f"'"''-"''f-"'-"yl.oj,,d„e,l ■'ivlid™.rvi,Ja' ':;'''. "•;'■' •"': '■--'»f'i i" ..nice ,« fl mm ■I 442 TIIK I'EOPLE'S BOOK OF HISTORY. having devoted twenty-nine years of his life to the care of this remote province, of which he had been one of the earliest founders, returned to France, leaving M. Perier to succeed him in the command. tjiliiliiiJail, V. HOSTILITY OP THE NATCHEZ. — THEIR INJURIES. — VAIN RE- MONSTRANCE. — PLAN POR THE DESTRUCTION OP THE FRENCH. — MASSACRE AT PORT ROSALIE. — CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE NATCHEZ. — PLIGHT AND FINAL DESTRUCTION OF THE TRIDE. — WAR WITH THE CHICASAWS. — DISAS- TROUS CAMPAIGN OF D'ARTEGRETTE AND BIEN- VILLE. — GREAT LOSS OF THE FRENCH AND THEIR ALLIES. — UNSATISFACTORY RESULT OF A SECOND CAMPAIGN. The erection of Fort Rosalie, on the Mississippi, was viewed with some jealousy by the Natchez, a pov/erful tribe of neighbouring Indians; injudicious attempts to collect tribute had given them ad- ditional offence; and in alliance with the Chicasaws and other tribes of Louisiana, they concerted a general attack on the French. The latter, having succeeded in detaching the Choctaws from the hostile league, the Chicasaws also deferred their intended campaign, but the Natchez, excited by fresh injury, rushed at once into a war of exter- mination. Chepar, the commandant of the fort in question, wi.shing to lay out a plantation, with equal cn^elty and impolicy, ordered the chief of a neighbouring village to yield it up for his use. In vain did the latter remonstrate. "When you and your brothers," he said, "came here to ask us for land, we did not refuse it; there was enough for you and for us; we might have hunted in the same forests, and been buried in the same place. Why will you drive us from the cabins where we have received you with kindness, and smoked witli you the calumet of peace?" The commandant, however, was blindly inexorable in his demand; and the injured tribe, in close council, resolved on signal vengeance. A singular device for ensuring con- cert in the intended assault was adopted — a bundle of reeds being close council of rccds being THE FRENCH IN AMEIilCA. 448 sent to each of the allied chiefs-one, commencing with the next new moon to be drawn daily from the stock, and the last to mark the day of retribution. On the 28th of November, 1729, the Indians, each bearin.. his tribute of corn, presented themselves before the fort. Permitted to enter, in great numbers, without any precaution, they dispersed tliemselves through the fortress and among the dwellings; and at a given signal, raising their tomahawks, fell on the garrison, and com- mitted an indiscriminate slaughter. Taken by surprise, nearly all the I^;en«^nien were put to death; eighty women and a hundred and fifty children were made prisoners; and the negro slaves joined the ranks of the assailants. Seven hundred of ti.e Frencli, it is said thus perished at a single blow; and the Yahoos, emulating the example of their Natchez allies, surprised the fort in their terrUorv and put all its tenants to death. The French, burning for revenge, first massacred a company of Chonchas, dwelling near New Orleans, who were put to death by the negro slaves, with great cruelty. The Choctaws, enraged at the engrossment of spoil by the Natchez, now proffered their services to Per:er and twelve hundred of them, commanded by a Frenchman were dispatched against Fort Eosalie, which the Natchez had recon- structed and occupied. This army defeated them, with the loss of eighty warriors, and recovered fifty of the women and children A iorce of colonists, of equal number, provided with artillery' and attended by a body of friendly Indians, soon followed, and for sev- eral days the assault was fiercely pressed, the besieged defending themselves with great resolution. Terms of capitulation were finally agreed on, and the rest of the prisoners were restored; but the ^atchez seeing that Loubois, the French commander, intended to b.eak faith with hem, privately escaped by night across the river ma portion of tlie.n joined the Chicasaws. The rest of the fugitiy; tribe, having concealed themselves in the woods near Black Eivcr were pursued by Perier, the governor, in the winter of 1731 and jvere mostly killed, in attempting to escape from their fort or w" e forced to surrender. The prisoners were seat to St. Dom n'o a d old as slaves. The remainder of tlie tribe, on learning thee" lis ^ous tuhngs fell with great f^i.y on the Tuul.. and t.d^^ I ^ , Icsof he Lreneh, and committed much slaughter anion, th ni 1l their chief, the Great Sun. being among the kill.-d. The i ew sur- 444 THE I'KOrLK'S HOOK OK II IS TdUV 'I I'm vivora of this onco pi^worfiil tribe took rcfiige (ittioiiif tlio Cliioasawa and other iiutions, by whom tliey wore mloptod; ;iiul the iiumc of tlio Nulehez, as a peoj)lo, beeaino extinct; though, like that of Tusca- loosa, of Mauvihv, and many another cuplionious Indian title, still perpetuated in the apiwllatiou of a modern city. In 1732, **ie Mississippi Company abandoned their charter, leaving Louisiana with a population of about iivc thousand white inhabitants and half that number of blacks. The prosperity of the colony, desjjite its terrible misfortunes and losses, was now settled on a per- manent base— agriculture, which in those fertile regions so amply repays the planter, having become its principal occupation. Indian hostilities, however, with hardly an interval of peace, were presently res\uned. The Chieasaws had allbrded an asylum to the Yazoos, to the survivors of the Natchez, and to the runaway negroes; nay, they even hatched a plot for the destruction of the white settlements by exciting an insurrection of the slaves. Other acts of open hos- tility were eonnnitted, and Bienville, who in 1735 returned and resumed the olliee of governor, ])ereeived the necessity of conciliation or war. All his cftbrts at the former having failed, he sent for D'Ai'tegrette, the commandant of Fort Chartres, on the Illinois, to join him with all his available force. That oflicer, already distin- guished for his activity in the war with the Natchez, with a force of twelve hundred men, mostly Illinois Indian.s, ra{)idly descended the Mississippi, and marched into the country of the hostile nation. The Chieasaws were well entrenched, and were cotnmanded by English officers. IVArtegrette, after waiting ten days in vain for Bienville, attacked tlu'm, but aft(4r taking two of their forts, was wounded and taken prisoner, with several of his friends. The Illinois fled, and Bienville, arriving just too late, attacked a fort defended by a body of iMi'dish, before which, it is said, he lost two thousand of his fol- lowers, and was eonipelled to make a miserable retreat, marching for a hundred miles without food, and the enemy being in hot pursuit. The unfortunate D'Artrgrette and his fellow-prisoners, after the defeat of their friends, were tortured to death at the stake, after the customary cruelty of tlie savages. In 1739, Bienville, acting in concert with Beauharnois, the gov- ernor of Canada, and aided by a strong force of French and Indians from that province, set forth on a fresh campaign against the Cliica- saws. The united forces of the two colonies, amounting to three thousand six hundred men, i>f which one-third were PJuropeans, negroes; nay, TIIK FKENOIl IN AMKKICA. 445 rende.vou.ecl ,n AuguHtut the site of the present town of Me.npl.is After bu.Mn.g u fort, named L'Aasomptio.., a .series of nunfortunes overtook then, in tl.e failure of provisions, the exeessivc I.eut, and a iata disease, winch earned oJf numbers of them and disabled many the survivors Nevertheless, a considerable body of the armv advancmg toward the Chicasaw eour.try, that people, struek with dismay, rnade overtures of peaee, alleging, in apology, that they had been exe.ted to host.hty by the English of Carolina. They gave ud two of the latter who were among them; and a treaty being eon- eluded the pipe of peaee was solemnly smoked and the tomahawk iorrnally buried. Nevertheless, the Chieasaws still continued after- wards to g.vo much trouble to the French, and, assisted by their English alhes, maintained possession of a very extensive territory CHAPTER ?I. ■ PRORPEIUTY OP r-OUISIANA.-UNDISTURl,ED])V WAR-SUOVR- CA.E INTROliUCKD-COMMENCEMEXT OP TROUBLES WITH TilE ENOM«,r.-THE OHIO COM P A N Y.-R E,S. ST E D BY li / UUESNE, — THE VIRGINIA EXPEDITION UNDER WASH- INGTON.— WAR WITH THE FRENCH OP CANADA ETC -TAKING OP PORT DU QUESNE.— OVERTHROW OP ' THE PRKNCH IN C A N A D A, — P U B L I C REMN- Ql'ISHMENT OP A PART OP LOUISIANA TO ENG- LAND, AND SECRET CESSION OP THE RE- MAINDER TO «PAIN. — VAIN remonstrance'. In the year 1741, Bienville, who for so many years had held com- ma, d of the provi.K-e, to the regret of all the ii.habitant,., took his final departure The country, howeve., eontiuued to p.iper, and co„une,ee, freed fi.>,a restrietions, bega.i to assun.e so.ne lUi^t^nce. Ih obstinate u.,im.e wag.d between the English colonies and the Cu ,l,a,i iM^eneh, at tins tnne, did not mueh aOect the tnu>m.illitv o^ k mnote province of" Louisiana. In 17ol, a niost valuable a ,-Mo.. to the wealth ol the country was n.ade, in the infoduetion t^n^'""7V ■ """" '^^""'^ "^^^- ^^'^•"'"^^" -^ to their biothion on the Mississippi, and which, in our own dav h-i- .^-n,,,,! 446 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF IIISTOKY. the first importance, as the staple of that productive region which fringes its shores. In the following year, the Chicasaws having recommenced their 3'avagcs, Yaudreuil, the successor of Bienville, marched against them with a force of seven hundred French soldiers and a large body of Indian allies. He laid waste their country, and left an additional force at the Fort of Tombeckbee, to keep tliem in check, but, for want of artillery, was unable to take their fortified places. The provinces of Canada and Louisiana, nearly as distant from each other as from the mother-country, had now, with admirable military skill, been almost completely connected by a chain of posts extending from the mouth of the St. Lawrence to that of the Missis- sippi. The extent of country over which the French asserted their claim, and great part of which, however sparsely, they occupied was vastly greater than that of their neighbours, the powerful Encr. lish colonies — though the population of the latter now exceeded a million, while that of both the French provinces was but little more than a twentieth of that amount. It may well be supposed that the former, so long and obstinately striving to wrest Canada from the few but valiant hands which held it, would not entirely overlook the for richer and more feebly-defended regions of Louisiana. After the conclusion of peace between the rival nations, in the middle of the eighteenth century, an association, called the Ohio Company, had obtained from the English crown a large "rant of land lying within a district to which both had laid claim. The governor of Canada, Du Quesne, having remonstrated in vain against its occupation, made prisoners of tlie company's servants; and pro- ceeded vigorously in the work of completing his cordon of military posts. In 1754, the province of Virginia dispatched Washington, then a young officer of twenty-one, with a provincial regiment, to check what was in turn considered an encroachment on its territorial right; and in a skirmish with the French, the commander of a small force of that people, with ten of his men, was killed. The Virgin- ians, entrenching themselves against a larger force, were in tnrn compelled to capitulate. War was at once vigorously rccoin- menced, the eventful progress of which against the French of Nova Scotia and Canada has been already detailed. In 1758, the year before the fall of Quebec, Port Du Quesne, the connecting link between the two Frencli provinces, was taken by the English, the gariison setting it on fire, and escaping in boats down the Ohio, and THE FKENCII IN AMEEIOA. 447 proccca.ng to Ivcvv Orleans. The victors rebuilt it, .„d named it after tlie cclebm ed minister then at the head of British affairs- and at the present day, under the name of Pittsburgh, it is one of the most flourishing cities of the interior of America With the capture of Quebec and the overthrow of their power in Canad;,, the rrench seem to have lost that enterprising spiril, which, with such fooblc means, had brought such immense territories unde; thor su'ay; and Louisiana, its wealth and resources not yet appre- ciated was regarded as only the poor remnant of a oncof powerful Kronch-American empire. At the treaty of Paris, which soon fol- cnved that event, they yielded to the English nearly all eas^ of the Mississippi, reserving only the island of New Orleans, and making that river with Lakes Pontehartrain and Maurepas, the boundary between the possessions of the two nations. By the surrender of Acadia, Canada, and other northern possessions, the population of Louisiana received a considerable accession-many of the French colonists, expelled from their homes, or declining the rule of strangers taking refuge there. ° ' A lar heavier blow to the nationality of the diminished province ollowed spoe.l,y afterwards. By a secret article of the treaty of laris Lmiis XV. had agreed to surrender the remainder of Louis- iana to .V-n, as a compensation for the loss of Florida, which the latter had been compelled to cede to England. For some time this arrangement was kept private, but when it eventually transpired he unfortunate eo onists were seized with dismay and mortification: n he general grief and excitement, all occupations were abandoned, and at a meeting of the most respectable inhabitants of the province at i\ew Orleans, it was resolved to remonstrate strongly with the home government. M. Milhet, the wealthiest and most bfluentid nierchantof that city, was dispatehed to France, and with the aid of the aged Bienville, then eighty-seven years old, but still warmly ataehod to the colony he had founded, pressed his suit with the Dal e de Choiseul. But that minister, who was himself the author of the obnoxious measure, parried all his attempts, and the unfortu- nate envoy could not even obtain an audience with the kin. 448 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK 01' IIISTOBY. ullili' iJtlj Irl V i i , ARRIVAL OF ULI.OA AS SPANISH OOVEUNOR; HIS OBSTINACY; HIS EXPULSION FROM THE COUNTRY. ARRIVAL OP O'REILLY: HIS PERFIDY AND CRUELTY. — FIVE CITIZENS EXECUTED. — TYRANNY OF O'REILLY. GREAT EMIGRATION FROM LOUISIANA: THAT PROVINCE RECEDED TO FRANCE; SOLD BY NAPOLEON TO THE UNITED STATES. A YEAR after the treaty, D'Abbadie, tbc governor of Louisiana, bad received orders from bis court to surrender that province to any Spanish olTicer empowered to receive it; yet, singular to state, wbetlier from policy or mere, carelessness, two more years elapsed before any such claimant appeared. The unfortunate colonists were beginning to cherish the hope that they might yet be spared, when the return of Milhet, with an account of bis failure, ami tlie recep- tion of a letter from Don Antonio de Ulloa, announcing his arrivul as Spanish governor, (1766,) put an end to these fallacious expecta- tions. The citizens, exasperated at being thus involuntarily trans- ferred to a foreign power, now resolved on opposing it to the extent of their feeble ability; and Lafrcniere, the attorney-general, encour- aged this spirit of resistance, citing the example of the English North American colonies, then just involved in controversy with the mother-country. It was strenuously demanded of the council that they should warn Ulloa to quit the country. That officer, who had landed, with only two companies of infantry, at New Orleans, did not for some time, it seems, aim at any thing more than a species of toleration of his presence there. The force he brought was large enough to excite odium, but not awe in the people; and the yellow i'cxcr, which now for the first time made its appearance iu New Orleans, and which was ascribed by the citizens to the coming of these intruders, increased the popular ill-will. As yet Ulh)a liad pro- duced no credentials of authority to the French officials, and tlie council, pressed by public opinion, at length, in 1767, dcmnnded that he should present them or quit the country. With true Span- ish obstinaoy, not having sufficient force to compel obedience, he preferred the latter, and embarlced on board a vessel of his own aular to state. THE FRENCH IN AMKKICA. 449 country The same night her cables were cut by a partv of .^v young iM-enchinen, excited by wine and «hp rUU^ a, ,^ ^"^ After liis departure the ciLT 1 '^\^''^^^^ d«^vn the stream. to the French ou wittfre h rI"T'"'' '"' ''^^"^'^^"^ '^'-">- tion, but iu vain; anj n J^ v mr "i '',"" '^"'"'^ ^'''^^^ ^^P^^"- that' the Spanish r;^ai -'^^^^^ .^f ^ -"'^^--tio. Spaniard by choice,) with a for t of I ^; «" f"'''' ^'^ ^''''^' ' entered the Mi.ssiss ppi BeW v, ^^'' *'^°^'^""^' "^^"' ^'^^ tion, the feeble pXe 1.7 „^^" ''7''^'"'"° ''""'^'■^^^ d.J.ies were aeLdin^^ X^^Xi^t o!;;:!^"'^^ governn.cnt for the fnu^eZTet^^^^^^ hatred against the French Jill \ ,^' '^''''^'"^ "^ ^'^'^'^ and cruelty, was not W l^;' k ' "ff^^^'f ^^ -^-'^^ -o.-nce Taking on himself alUhTstatand^TT"""'"^^^^^^ sign, he soon had under aVr fa nuX^oT^r ^'°"^ ""^^^^ citizcna in the state esiwi^ll,, .k °"""" " 'he most pronimcnt ..ration of ^st^noVTSertldT""^^^^ ""' *= '"'^ "^'"°"- of a trial, „ere senteneedtThu " Z r' "n' "" "'"'■^'>' the laws of Castile for iZTjfraT' ZZ^'"' 'T'^'''^'^ these oppressions, rendered a sulW i ^ ^^ '' ""'"^'^ '" '■^«'«t of the wealthy and enterp"!;;' ,L"of U:""" , ''" f ""^^^ ^''^^^ taken refuge in St. Domingo ^0^ a f ^'^'."^ '^^''^"^^ tide of fugitive, driven hA , ' ''''' ^''''''' ^^erwards, the I to flow to' Lo i;iana i'""^^ --rreetion, was destined .^gaia order of the gotZ; ll' hi!T'T' " 'T '"^"^ ^^"^^^^ ^y" an ' ^^ted. In 1770, he t^di l^de an^^^^^^^ ! °"'^ ^« ^"^^^ ^^'P^^P- to the captain-generalship 7cub?' Tl' " ''"""" -as annexed tration, Nuzaga crovernpi ? V, . S"ccessor m the adminis- restricted in irs ioX' , " ^ '''"' '"^ *'" ^''""•^' ^''-°'^ It )nly remains to n? T"^ '"'"^ ^^^ree of prosperity. ° Vol lllisi' P'"" ^'"^ "^•'■^'^'^ ^" ^<-^«tore Louisiana to 450 THE PEOPLE'S BOOK OF lUSTOKY. «?fTi France; but this article, for reasons of state, was kept sccrefc until 1803, when, to the groat joy of the colonists, who hud never relin- quished their attaclnnent to the parent-country, it was made public. But the United States, having a far deeper interest at stake than either of the foreign powers which thus transferred the province from hand to hand, lost no time in opening negotiations with the French government for its cession to their own jurisdiction. Napo- leon, aware of the difficulty (considering the inferiority of the French marine to the English,) in retaining this distant territory, was not unwilling to see it transferred into the hands of a friendly, or at least neutral power, rather than be exposed to capture by the enemy. Accordingly, on the 30th of April, 1803, a treaty was signed, by which the United States were to acquire the whole of Louisiana, paying the inconsiderable sum of fifteen millions of dollars, and admitting the vessels of France and Spain, duty free, for twelve years, into the ports of that province. An article of this instrument, drawn up by the hand of the First Consul himself, as- sured the iidiabitants of full equality with all other citizens of the Union, and provided for their speedy incorporation into the confed- eracy. In delivering the document, he remarked, "Make it known to the people of Louisiana that we regret to part with them ; that we have stipulated for all the advantages they could desire; and that France, in giving them up, has ensured to them the greatest of all. They could never have prospered under any European govern- ment as tiiey will when they become independent. But, while they enjoy the privileges of liberty, let them remember that they arc French, and preserve for their mother-country that affection which a common origin inspires." On the 30th of November, 1803, the Spanish commissioners gave formal possession of the country to the French prefect, Laussat, presenting him with the keys of the capital. For thirty-four years it had been under possession of the Spaniards, but had in no degree lost its nationality or affection for the parent-country. For twenty days the tri-coloured flag, disj)layed with a melancholy pleasure, waved over the recovered city, the last of those splendid possessions once held by the French in North America. At the end of that time (December 20th) it was lowered, and replaced by the stripes and stars, and quiet possession of the territory was taken by tlie United Slates' authorities. secret until never reliu- | Tiade public, it stake than the province , ons with the tion. Napo- )f the French ! tory, was not riendly, or at pture by the ; a treaty was the whole of i millions of ; lin, duty free, article of this il himself, as- jitizens of the ! to the confed- • [akc it known th them; that 1 desire; and lie greatest of ' opean govern- | lit, while they , that they arc flection which lissioners gave c'fect, Laussat, rty-four years d in no degree . For twenty holy pleasure, lid possessions . be end of that by the stripes taken by the