CHAP. I.

CAptain Fernando de Soto was the Son of an ordinary Gentleman of Xeres de Badajos, and went to the Indies that are subject to the Crown of Ca­stille, when Pedrarias d'Avila was Governour of them. All the Estate Soto then [...]ad, was no more but a Sword and Buckler; [Page 2] nevertheless, his Merit and Valour obliged Pedra­rias to give him the Command of a Troop o [...] Horse, and to send him with Ferdinand or Francis Pizarre to the Conquest of Peru. He ren­dred himself very remarkable in that Expedition, not onely in the taking of Atabalipa, King of Peru, but also of Cusco, and in all occasions where Honour was to be gained. He got there also a great deal of Wealth, and had so good a share in the Treasure of Atabalipa, that in a short time he made a hundred and fourscore Crowns of Gold, of the pieces that [...]ell to his Dividend. He brought them into Spain, where the Emperour took part of them, which he payed with threescore thou­sand Reals, to be raised out of the Customs of the Silks of Granada. The rest was remitted him by the Chamber of Seville, established for the pay­ment of the Kings Duties, which they call La Casa de contratation. Soto then put himself into ma­gnificent Equipage, and entertained a Steward, a Majordomo, Pages, a Gentleman of the Horse, Lackeys, and all the other Offices of a great Lord. In this state he came to Court, accom­panied with Iohn d' Anusco of Seville, Louis Mos­coso Alvarado, Nunho, Touar, and Iohn Rodriguez Lo­bilho: All th [...]se Gentlemen, except Iohn d' Anusco, came with him from Peru, where they had got fourteen or fifteen thousand Crowns of Gold a piece: They were magnificent in Cloaths, Horses, and Arms, because Soto upon his first appearing at [Page 3] Court, resolved to make himself be taken notice of by a sumptuous expence, though otherwise he had no inclination to Liberality. The Gentle­men whom I have named, attended him in all places, besides his Servants, and some others who followed his Fortune. At that time he made love to Isabella de Bodavilla, Daughter to Pedrarias d' Avila Count of Punho in Rostro; and being married to her, the Emperour gave him the Go­vernment of the Isle of Cuba, with the Title of General of Florida, and Marquess of the Lands which he might Conquer.

CHAP. II.

SOto being thus appointed Governour and Ge­neral, a Gentleman named Cabesa de Vaca, came from the Indies to the Court of Spain. He had accompanied Narvaez in the Expedition of Florida, and gave an account of the loss of that Governour and of all his men, who were ship­wrackt, he with three others onely having esca­ped upon the Coasts of New-Spain. Cabesa [Page 4] brought with him a relation of what he had seen in Florida, and it was written in such a manner, that in some places he said, I have seen this, and more also, which I reserve to be declared to his Ma­jesty. He enlarged much upon the misery of the Country, and the fatigues that he had endu­red: But when some of his Relations, who had a design to go to the Indies, pressed him to tell them, if he had found any Riches in Florida; he made them answer that he would not satisfie them as to that, because he resolved to return into that Country with Orantes, one of his Companions whom he had left behind in New-Spain: That he was come on design to beg that Government o [...] the Emperour; and that they had taken an Oath not to discover what they had seen, lest they might be prevented in their design of obtaining that favour of his Majesty. That made it b [...] believed that Florida was one of the riches [...] Countries in the World. Fernando de Soto had [...] design to engage Cabesa with him, and offered him considerable advantages; but after their agree­ment made, they clashed, upon account that Sot [...] had refused him some money to buy a Ship with▪ In the mean time, Balthazar de Gallegos, an [...] Christopher d'Espindola, Cabesa's kinsmen, being resolved to go with Soto to Florida, one day pray­ed their Cousin to advise them what they ha [...] best to do? to which he answered, that if he fol­lowed not Soto, it was because he was in hopes o [...] [Page 5] obtaining another Government, and that he would not march under the Command of another: That his intention was to have beg'd the Govern­ment of Florida, but that Soto being already provi­ded to it, the Oath he had taken hindred him from discovering what they desir'd to learn of him. How­ever, that he counselled them to sell their Estates and follow Soto, that they would have no cause to repent of the design. At length Cabesa had Audi­ence of the Emperour, whom he fully informed of what had hapned in the Expedition of Narvaez; so that the Marquess d'Astorga, who knew the particulars of that Audience, resolved to send with Soto his own Brother Don Antonio Osorio, who was accompanied with two kinsmen, Francis and Garcias Osorio. Don Antonio disposed of sixty thousand Reals a year which he had in Benefices, and Francis Osorio sold a Mannor of which several Gentlemen held: Having done so, they went to the General at Seville, where he was, attended by Nunho, Touar, Louis Moscoso, and Iohn Rodri­gues Lobilho, who had engaged for that Expedi­tion all the profit they had made in Peru. Mos­coso carried with him two Brothers also; and that Company was encreased by the coming of Don Carlos, who had married a Cousin of the Gover­nours: He carried the Lady along with him; and his example brought from Badajos, Peter Calderano, with three of the Generals kinsmen, Ayres Tinoco, Alonso Romo, and Diego Tinoco. Soto [Page 6] came to Elvas, where Andrew de Vasconcelos ha [...] occasion to discourse Moscoso. He prayed him t [...] speak to Don Fernando de Soto, and to shew him the Commission he had from the Marquess o [...] Villareal, for the Captains place of Ceita: Th [...] General having seen it, wrote to Vasconcelos, tha [...] he might expect all favour from him, and that h [...] would give him an honourable Employment i [...] Florida. So Vasconcelos engaged to follow him with Fernando Pegado, Antonio Martinez Segurad [...] Rois Pereyra, Iohn Cordeiro, Stephen Pegado, Ben­net and Alvaro Fernandez, all Portuguese of th [...] City of Elvas. This gave so much reputation t [...] the Enterprize, that a great many Gentleme [...] came to Seville from Salamanca, Iaen, Albuquer [...] que, and other Towns of Spain; so that many ho­nest men, who had sold their Estates in prospec [...] of this Voyage, were left behind at St. Lucar; an [...] the reason was, because ships were wanting fo [...] transportation of men; which are many time [...] wanting to go into Countries even whereof th [...] Riches is known. The Conferences that Cabes [...] had had with the Emperour, and other Persons o [...] Quality produced this effect. But though Sot [...] endeavoured again to engage him into his Inte­rests by very advantageous offers, he still refused them; and at length obtained from the Empe­rour the Government of Rio de Plata, which ye [...] hindred not his two kinsmen Espindola and Galle­gos, from sticking to Soto. Gallegos sold his Hou­ses, [Page 7] Vineyards, and Corn-land, besides fourscore [...]d ten Acres of ground planted with Olive­ [...]ees, in the Territory of Seville. He had the [...]arge of Serjeant-Major, and carried his Wife [...]ith him. Many other Cavaliers of Quality fol­lowed Soto, and obtained considerable Places from [...]m, to the disappointment of several Competitors [...]at earnestly desired them. So Antonio Viedma [...]d the Office of Intendant, Iohn d' Anhusco was [...]ade Comptroller, and Iohn Gaytan, Cousin to the Cardinal of Ciguenca, Treasurer.

CHAP. III.

VAsconcelos, and the other Portuguese Gentle­men, parted from Elvas the 15th of Ia­ [...]ary, and arrived at Seville on St. Sebastian's Eve. These Cavaliers went to the General's Lodgings, and as they entred his Court, Soto per­ceived them out of a Gallery where he was, and immediately came down to receive them at the foot of the stairs which led up into that Gallery. When they were come up, he caused Chairs to [Page 8] be set for them all: Then Vasconcelos told him that he was come with these Portuguese Gentle men, to offer him their Company and Service in the Voyage he had undertaken: For whic [...] Soto thanked them, testifying a great deal of jo [...] and satisfaction at their arrival, and for their obl [...] ­ging Offers. Seeing the Cloath was already laid, he invited them to sup with him; and du­ring Supper-time, he ordered his Steward to find out Lodgings for them near his own. The Go­vernour, with all those who were to accompany him, went from Seville to St. Lucar, where h [...] resolved to Muster his Men. The Portugues [...] appeared there in the Equipage of Souldiers, in neat Armour, and the Castillians gallantly appa­relled in Doublets and Cassocks of Silk pinckt and embroidered: But that unseasonable gallantry did not please the General; and therefore he ap­pointed another review, where all should appea [...] in Armour. The Portuguese appeared again very well armed, and the General placed them near his Standard, carried by his Ensign, whereas the Castillians for the most part had no more but old rusty Coats of Mail, and all Head-pieces with Spears or naughty Lances. Some endeavoured to pass Muster with the Portuguese; and as they filed off, they were all reckoned one by one, ac­cording as Soto had ordered, and set down in a Roll to the number of six hundred men, who went with him to Florida. The General bought [Page 9] seven Ships well provided with all sort of Am­munition, and well Rigg'd: He named the Ca­ptains, and gave to each a List of the men they were to take on Board.

CHAP. IV.

IN the Month of April, 1538. the General as­signed Ships to the several Captains, who were to Command them: For himself he chose one that was newly built, and an excellent Sailer: He gave another to Vasconcelos for the Portuguese who had followed him. And so they set sail from the Road of St. Lucar, on St. Laza­rus's Sunday-morning, in the Month of April, with extream satifaction of all the Fleet, sound of Trumpets, and discharges of Artillery. After four days sailing with a fair Wind, they were be­calmed, and met with Tides from the Levant, that hindred them for eight days from making any way; at length the Wind freshned again, and they arrived at Gomere, one of the Canary Islands, on Palm-Sunday-Morning; fifteen days after they set out from St. Lucar. The Lord of [Page 10] that Island, who bears the Title of Count, wa [...] cloathed in white from head to foot, Hat, Cloak Doublet, Breeches, and Shooes; so that he look like a Captain of Bohemians: He joyfully recei­ved our General, and provided him with a very good Lodging: All the Cavaliers of the Fle [...] were also very well received and lodged, and fo [...] their Money, had what refreshments they stoo [...] in need of, as Bread, Wine, Meat, and all that wa [...] wanting in the Equipage of the Ships. In fine the Count gave one of his natural Daughters to Dona Isabella the General's Lady, to serve her i [...] quality of a Waiting-Maid. Sunday following the Fleet parted from Gomere, having staid there just eight days, and came to the Antilles on Whit [...] sunday, where it entred the Port of St. Iago, in the Island of Cuba. When the Governour came on shoar, he sound a handsome Horse richly fur­nished, which a Gentleman of the Town had sent him, with a Mule for Dona Isabella, and all the Burghers, some on foot, some on horse-back, who came to receive him at the Port. They waited on him to his Lodgings, which were very com­modious, where he was visited by all the chief Inhabitants, who came to offer him their Services. All the Officers and Souldiers were lodged, and they who had a mind to go out of the Town, were received and well treated in Country-Houses, where their Landlords did what lay in their power to provide all sorts of refreshment for them.

CHAP. V.

THe Town of St. Iago contains fourscore large Houses, commodious for Lodging, though [...]ost part of them be built but of boards and [...]hatched; some are built of stone and lime, and [...]overed with tile. The Inhabitants have large Gardens, where there are many Trees far diffe­ [...]ent from those of Spain; there are some that [...]ear Figs as big as ones sist, but bitter and unsa­ [...]oury. They have a Fruit there which they call Ananas, of the shape and bigness of a Pine-apple, which hath a very good taste: In the fields there [...]re other fruits of the same figure, but much big­ger, that grow upon very low trees, or rather [...]hrubs, and resemble those other Fruits which have a very pleasant smell and agreeable taste: Other Trees bear a fruit called Mamejas, of the [...]igness of a Quince, which the Inhabitants pre­ [...]er before all others. There are also Guavers [...]here as big as Figs, and shaped like a Filbeard: [...]ut the most extraordinary Tree they have, is a­bout [Page 12] the height of a Lance, with one single stem and no branches; its leaves are of the length of the head of a Pike, and its fruit of the figure and bigness of a Cucumber; they grow in clusters of twenty or thirty at a time; according as the fruit ripens, the tree bends with it: This fruit is called Bananas, has an excellent good taste, and ripens after it is gathered; but those that ripen on the tree are the best. These trees never bear but once, for then they are cut down, and another sprouts from the stock, which the year following yields fruit. There is also another kind of fruit of great use for many of the Inhabitants, and espe­cially for the Slaves, and these are Potato's, which grow in the Terceras depending on the King­dom of Portugal; they grow in the Earth, and resemble Chestnuts in taste. The Bread of that Island is made of Roots also, like to Potato's: The Timber that grows from these Roots, comes near to that of the Elder-tree. They make little beds of Earth, and in each of them plant five or six sprigs; the Roots whereof are not pluckt up till eighteen Months after. If any one mistaking them for Potato's, which they resemble, do but eat the least bit of them, it will endanger his life and this experience made out upon a Souldier who died upon the spot, though he had but hard­ly tasted of them. These Roots are prepared by rasping them; and the raspings being pressed and separated from the juyce, which is mortal, and [Page 13] hath a strong smell, there remains a dry flour; but the Bread that's made of it hath but very little taste, and far less substance. As to the fruits of Spain, they have Fig-trees, and Orange-trees, which bear all the year round, because of the heat, and the fertility of the Soil. This Island breeds a great many Horses, and store of Cattel, which never want green grass: It hath abundance of Cows and wild Hogs also; so that the Inhabi­tants are in no want of meat for food; nor of Fruit of several sorts, which grow wild in the Woods and Fields; insomuch, that Spaniards who have wandred in the Woods for a fort­night together, because of the different tracts which the wild Cows make in the Forests, have had nothing to live on but these fruits, and the Marrow which grows in the heart of a kind of Palm-tree, that abound all over the Island, and bears no other fruit. The Island of Cuba is three hundred Leagues in length from East to West, and thirty or forty in some places over from North to South: There are in it six Towns of Christian Habitations, St. Iago, Baracoa, Bayamo, Princes Port, the Holy Ghost, and the Havana; each of these little Towns contain thirty or forty Families, but St. Iago and the Havana, have at least threescore and ten or fourscore houses a piece: Every Town hath a Church, and a Priest to Administer the Sacraments; besides, there is a Convent of Cordeliers at St. Iago, where though [Page 14] there be but a few Friers, yet they have good store of Charity, by reason of the riches of the Country; nay, the Church of St. Iago hath also good Revenues, and is served by a Curate, some Beneficiaries, and several Clerks, as being the Pa­rish of the Capital Town. There is a great deal of Gold in this Island, but few Slaves, because ma­ny have hanged themselves to be rid of the mi­series that they were forced to suffer in the Mines. An Overseer belonging to Vasco Porcalho, who was one of the chief Inhabitants, knowing that the Indians under his charge had resolved to go hang themselves, went and staid for them at the place where they intended to put this dismal reso­lution into execution, with a Rope in his hand; he told them that they must not imagine that any of their designs were hid from him, and that he was come to hang himself with them, that he might torment them in the other world, an hun­dred times more than he had done in this. This discourse made them quit the resolution which they had taken, and came back with him ready to do whatever he should command them.

CHAP. VI.

FRom St. Iago the Governour sent his Cousin Don Carlos, to wait on Dona Isabella on ship­board, to the Havana, which is a Port at the head of the Island on the North West-side, distant from St. Iago an hundred and fourscore Leagues: As for himself, having bought Horses, as all the rest of his company did, he resolved to go by Land. The first habitation they sound was Bayamo, where his men were well received, and lodged four and four, or six and six together, according as they had associated themselves: They had all charges born, except for the Maiz which they gave their Horses; and that also, because Soto in vi­siting that Country, imposed some Duties upon the Tribute and Services which they drew from the Indians. Bayamo is twenty five Leagues from St. Iago, and near it runs a great River called [...]anto, larger than the Guadiana; it feeds great [...]nd surious Crocodiles, that sometime carry away [...]he Indians that venture to foard it over: These [...]re the most dangerous Animals of the Island; [Page 16] for it breeds neither Wolves, Foxes, Bears, Lyons, nor Tygers. There are indeed wild Dogs there which run away from the Houses into the Woods, where they live upon wild Hogs. There are Snakes also bigger than a mans thigh, but very unwildy and harmless. From Bayamo to Princes Port they reckon fifty Leagues of way cleared with a great deal of labour and care; and which when it is not kept clear, fills so full of bushes, that no tract appears; so that it is impossible to travel it without Indian guides, because of the paths which the Cows make in several parts. The Governour took a Canoe at Princes Port to go by Sea to the habitation of Vasco Porcalho, and to learn news of his Wife, who at that time was in extream danger, (as was found afterwards) for her Ships were scattered in a furious Storm, so that two of them were driven in sight of the Coast of Florida, and all put into great streights for want of fresh water and provisions. When the storm was over, they gathered together a­gain, and made Cape St. Antonio in a place of the Island of Cuba, which was not at all peopled: There they took in fresh water, and after forty days sailing from the time they set out from St. Iago, they arrived at the Havana: The Gover­nour had intelligence of it, and immediately par­ted to go meet his Wife: They whom he left to the number of an hundred and fifty Horse, di­vided themselves into two bodies, that they might [Page 17] not incommode the Inhabitants of the Island by Quartering. Their way was by the Holy Ghost, about sixty Leagues from Princes Port, and their Provision was the Cassadoe-bread that I mentio­ned, which dissolves in Broath so soon as it is put into it. So many of that Troop were reduced to eat flesh without bread. They had Dogs with them and an Huntsman of the Island; and when they came at night to their Quarters, they killed wild Hogs, proportionably to the number of men; for they had no want of Hogs and Cows during the whole march; but they were horribly tor­mented with Muskettoes, especially in a Marish which they call La Cenega do Pia: They spent from noon till night in passing that Marish with a great deal of pains; for it was at least half a League in length, and a good Bow-shot over, which was to be past swimming. In the rest there was water up to the middle, and mud to the knees; but the ground was so pestered with brambles and bushes which tore the feet, that neither boots nor shooes could hold out whole one half of the way. The Baggage and Saddles were conveyed over on rafts made of the bark of Palm-trees: These fatigues were encreased by the persecution of the Muskettoes, who rising in all parts of the Marish, fell upon the men that were stript; and so soon as they had prick'd in any place, a great knob presently swelled up with an intolerable itching; immediately the [Page 18] hand went to the place, and scratched at so prodi­gious a rate, that the bloud trickled down arms and legs like a little brook; so the whole night was spent without any repose, which hapned also in other places. From thence they went to the Holy Ghost, which is a little Town standing upon a Rivulet, containing about thirty Houses: It is a very pleasant and fertile place, abounding in Fruits both in those of the Country, and in ex­cellent Oranges and Citrons. One half of the Governours Cavaliers lodged there, and the other advanced as far as the Trinity, which is another little Town twenty Leagues from this: in it there is an Hospital, the sole that's to be found in the Island; and that habitation is said to have been the best peopled of any in those quarters, and that before the Christians setled there, a ship which sailed along the Coast, left a man very sick on shoar, who had earnestly beg'd of the Captain to do him that kindness: The sick person lying there, was found by the Indians, who carried him away, and took so great care of him that he re­covered, and married a Daughter of the Captain of these Indians. He was in War with all his Neighbours, whom he overcome by the skill and valour of that Christian, so that he became very powerful. Long after Diego Velasquez undertook the Conquest of that Island, from whence he went upon the discovery of New-Spain, after he had re­duced under his Obedience all the Indians of [Page 19] Cuba, by the assistance of that man who had a great deal of authority over them. There re­mains threescore Leagues from the Trinity to the Havana, and no habitation to be found in all the way; at length all the Cavaliers arrived in this Town, where they found Fernando de Soto, and the rest who came from Spain with him; from that place he sent Danhusco and fifty men, in a Caravel, and two Brigantines, to find out a Port on the Coast of Florida; who brought back with him two Indians whom he took on that Coast. This exceedingly rejoyced the Governour, not onely because these Indians were to serve for Guides and Interpreters, but also because by their signs they had given to understand, that there was a great deal of Gold in that Country: All the Fleet shared in his joy, and thought the hour of depar­ture would never come, so fully were they pos­sessed that Florida was the richest Country as yet discovered in the Indies.

CHAP. VII.

BEfore our departure from the Port of the Ha­vana, the Governour gave to Vasco Porcalho [Page 20] de Figueroa the charge of Captain-General, which he had granted to Nuno de Touar. He preferred Vasco to that Office to reward him for the care he had taken in providing the Fleet with all things necessary; and he deprived Nuno of it, because of an intrigue of love which he had ma­naged with the Daughter of the Count of Gomere, Waiting-maid to Dona Isabella. Nuno durst not shew any resentment for the loss of his place; on the contrary, seeing he thought it best to enter­tain the Governours favour, and that the Maid was with Child, he married her, and went with Soto into Florida. The Governour left Dona Isa­bella at the Havana, accompanied by the Wife of Don Carlos, and the Wives of Gallegos and Touar; and appointed for his Lieutenant in the Island, a Gentleman of the Havana, called Iohn de Roias: Having so ordered all matters, the General par­ted from the Havana with his Fleet, consisting of five Ships, two Caravels, and two Brigantines, on Sunday the Eighteenth of May, 1539. The weather being very fair, and the wind in poop, we discovered the Coast of Florida on Whitsunday the five and twentieth day of May, and came to an Anchor within a League of the shoar, because of the banks. Five days after the General put on shoar two hundred and thirteen Horse which he had, to the end that the Ships being lightned, they might draw less water. This descent was made within two Leagues of the habitation of an Indian [Page 21] Lord, named Ucita; then all the Army landed, and none remained on board but the Seamen, who advancing still by little and little with the Tides, came at length, in eight days time, to an Anchor near the habitation of the Indians. So soon as the Souldiers landed, they entrench­ed themselves on the Sea-shore, near the Bay that adjoyned the Village. After that, the Ca­ptain General Vasco Porcalho took seven horse­men to go and discover the ground farther in a­bout half a League from the Camp; they met six Indians, who stood upon their defence with their Arrows, which are the Weapons they make use of in fighting; but the Horse-men rushing upon them, killed two, and the other four betook themselves to [...]light into a Marish full of bushes, where the Horses wearied, and, in a manner, sea­sick, stuck and fell down with their Riders. The night following the General with an hundred men in the Brigantines, attacked a Village, which he found abandoned, because the Indians had discovered the Christians so soon as they appear­ed upon the Coast, and had given the signal all over by fires and thick smoak. At break of day, Louis de Moscoso Camp-Master-General, drew the Army up in Battalia, and formed them into three bodies, the Van-guard, Main body, and Reer­guard, assigning a Squadron of Horse to every body. In this Order we marched that whole day and the next, and fetching a great compass [Page 22] about the Marish which made that Bay, we came to the habitation of Ucita on Trinity-Sunday the first of Iune: that Village consisted of seven or eight Houses; the Lords House was near the shoar, upon an eminence made purposely to serve for a Fortress; the Temple was at the other end of the Village, where, over the entry-door there was a wooden-sowl with the eyes gilt; and some Pearls were found in that place, but spoil'd and of small value; for they pierce them in the fire, that they may thread them into Chains and Bracelets, which they carry about their necks and arms, and is the Ornament they most esteem. Their Houses were of Wood, covered with the leaves of Palm-trees. The General lodged in the Lord's house, with Porcalho and Moscoso; the Ser­jeant-Major Balthazar de Gallegos took his quar­ters in the houses in the middle of the Village, where all the Provisions that were brought from the Vessels were laid up in store; the rest of the houses and Temple were demolished, and the Souldiers made baraks of them, where they lodg­ed three or four together. The Country about that Village was full of very thick bushes, which Soto caused to be cleared a Cross-bow-shot round, for the convenience of his Horse, and that the In­dians also might not approach without being dis­covered, if they had a mind to fall upon him in the night-time. He placed double Sentinels at all the Avenues, and at other places of danger: [Page 23] They were relieved every quarter of an hour; the Horse visited them, and went upon the scout in a condition of fighting if any allarm hapned. In this place the General made Captains; four of Horse, who were Andrew de Vasconcelos, Peter Caldeiran of Badaios, and his own two Cousins Ayres Tinoco, and Alfonse Romo; and two of Foot, to wit, Francis Maldonado of Salamanca, and Iohn Rodriguez Lobilho. Whilst we were still in that Post of Ucita, the two Indians whom Don Husco had taken upon that Coast, and whom the Gene­ral designed for Guides and Interpreters, made their escape one night by the fault of those that had them in keeping; the General and whole Camp were extreamly afflicted at that loss, be­cause we had already made several inrodes with­out being able to take one Indian, by reason that the Country was fenny, and covered with very high and thick bushes.

CHAP. VIII.

IN that place of Ucita the General commanded out Balthazar de Gallegos with forty Horse [Page 24] and fourscore Foot, to enter into the Country, and try if he could take some Indians. Lobilho was also commanded to go out another way with fifty foot, most of which had no other arms but a Sword and Buckler, and the rest Harquebuses and Cross-bows. They marched by Marishes where the horses could not enter, and about half a League from the Camp they found some Cot­tages near a little River, into which the Indians threw themselves so soon as they perceived us: Four Indian women were taken, which obliged twenty Indian men to turn upon us, who pressed us so hard, that we were forced to retreat towards the Camp; for these people are so dexterous, fierce, and nimble, that Foot can gain no advan­tage upon them. The reason is, because they fly when men march against them; but so soon as ever the enemy retreat, they are at their heels. They never fly farther than out of reach of Ar­row-shot, and when they advance towards the enemy, they are always in motion, running from one hand to the other, that they may not give aim to the [...] and Cross-bow-men; be­sides that, one Indian will shoot four Arrows, be­fore a Cross-bow-man can make one discharge; and they shoot so just, that seldom they miss. An Arrow that meets with no Armour, pierces as deep as a Cross-bow-shot. Their Bows are strong, and their Arrows of hard heavy Canes, so sharp, that they'll pierce a Buckler: Sometimes they [Page 25] head them with the bone of a fish as sharp as an [...]wl; others do it with a stone as hard as a Dia­mond: these many times pierce Armour when they light upon the joynts; but those made of Canes, are the most dangerous, because they break or enter through the Coats of Mail. Lobilho returned to the Camp with six men wounded, of whom one died, and brought with him the four Indian women whom he had taken in the Cottages. As for Gallegos, about two Leagues from the Camp he found a plain, where he espied ten or eleven Indians, amongst whom there was a Christian stark naked, and all scorched with the Sun, having his arms painted with several co­lours after the manner of the Indians, from whom it was impossible to distinguish him. These Indi­ans dispersed and fled, some threw themselves into a Wood, but two that were wounded were taken. A Horse-man run full tilt with his Lance against the Christian, who cried out, Sirs, I am a Christian, do not kill me nor these poor men who have given me my life. He called to the Indians to come, assu­ring them that they should have no hurt done them, so that they came out of the Wood. Thus the Horse-men having taken them all up behind them, returned to the Camp, where they were received with extream joy by all the Army, and many complements from the General.

CHAP. IX.

THat man was born in Seville of a Noble Family, and called Iohn Ortiz; he had been twelve years in the hands of the Indians of Florida, whither having gone with the Governour Narvaez, he came back to Cuba, from whence he was sent again by Nartaez his Wife to Florida, with twenty or thirty more in a Brigantine. When they came in view of an habitation of In­dians, they perceived a Cane fixed in the ground, and cloven at the end, wherein there was a Letter, which Ortiz imagined to have been left by the Governour to give in [...]lligence of him, when he took the resolution of entring into the Country. He informed himself of four or five Indians on the shoar, who made a sign to him to land and take the Letter; which he and another did, not­withstanding all the resistance that those who were on board the Brigantine could make. So soon as they were come ashoar, a multitude of In­dians came running out of the Village, and beset them; so that it was impossible for them to e­scape: [Page 27] Ortiz his Companion, who offered to make a defence, was killed upon the spot, and he himself carried away to Ucita, those on board the Brigantine not daring to come ashoar to his re­lief: immediately by Ucita's orders. the poor Ortiz was tied to four poles supported by stakes, under which they kindled a fire to burn him a­live; but a Daughter of Ucita's told him, that that Christian being alone could attempt nothing against him, and that it would be sar more honou­rable for him to keep him in Irons. In sine, she beg'd his life, which Ucita granted her. Ortiz had his wounds dressed, and being cured, was put to guard the Temple, whither the Wolves came often, and carried away the Bodies that were laid there: The poor Spaniard recommended himself to God, and undertook his Office of keeping the Temple. It hapned one night, that the Wolves carried away from him the body of the Son of an Indian of great note; Ortiz ran after the Wolves, armed with a long staff, and by good luck over­took the Beast that carried the body, which he made it let fall, having with all his force given the Wolf a blow, of which it died not far from the place; Ortiz did not know so much, because it was night, onely about day break he perceived that he wanted the body of the young Indian, which extreamly afflicted him, as well as Ucita, who resolved to have the Christians life for it. Some Indians were set to trace the Wolves, who [Page 28] found the body, and a little beyond it the dead Wolf; this pacified Ucita, who was very well sa­tisfied with the vigilance of the Spaniard, and be­gan to treat him more kindly. Thus he spent three years; at the end of which, another Indian Lord, called Mocoso, who had his habitation two days Journey from the Port, came and attacked the habitation of Ucita, and burnt it to the ground, whilst Ucita saved himself in a Village that be­longed to him also upon the Sea: By this means Ortiz lost his place, and therewith the favour of Ucita. Seeing the Devil holds these people in deplorable bondage, they are accustomed to offer to him the life and bloud even of their Subjects, or of any body else that falls into their hands. They say that when the Devil would have such Victims, he speaks to them, and tells them, that he thirsts after Sacrifices; and for that use Ucita designed his Christian slave: Ortiz learn'd it from the same Daughter who had saved him from the sire, and who advised him to slie towards Mocoso, who would use him well, seeing she had heard it said, that he often enquired about him, and passi­onately desired to see him: But seeing he knew not the way, she brought him going half a League out of the Village; and having given him good instru­ctions, returned without being taken notice of. Ortiz marched all that night, and found himself next morning upon the bank of a little River, which divided the. Territory of Ucita from that [Page 29] of Mocoso: There he saw two Indians fishing; and seeing they had Wars with those of Ucita, that he understood not their Language, and that so he could not tell them the cause of his com­ing, he was afraid they might kill him as an ene­my; therefore he ran to the place where their Arms were, and seized them: The Indians betook themselves streight to the Village, though he called to them and assured them they were in no danger; but they not understanding him, ran on still. Their cries allarmed the Village, so that several Indians sallied out, and surrounded Ortiz, ready to kill him with their Arrows, whilst he sheltred himself under some trees, and cried as loud as he could, that he was the Christian of Ucita, whom he had left, that he might come and serve his Lord Mocoso. By the providence of God, an Indian came who understood the Lan­guage of Ucita; he knew what the Spaniard said, and pacifying his Companions, told them what he had heard: Four Indians went to carry the news to Mocoso, who came a quarter of a League to meet Ortiz, and expressed a great deal of joy for his arrival; so that after he had made him take an Oath after the manner of Christians, that he would not run away to look for another Master, he promised to use him kindly; and that if the Christians came into that Country, he should give him his liberty and leave to go to them; which on his part he also swore after the [Page 30] manner of the Indians. Three years after, some of his Subjects who were a fishing out at Sea, came to inform Mocoso that they had seen Ships; wherewith he acquainted Ortiz, giving him per­mission to go and look after them; which he did with much earnestness: But when he found no Vessels upon the Coast, he thought that the Ca­cique or King had put a trick upon him, to disco­ver his intentions: however, he came back to him again; and continued so in all nine years, with little hopes of ever seeing any of his own Re­ligion again. At length Don Fernando de Soto arrived in Florida, which presently came to Mo­coso's ears, who told Ortiz that the Christians had made a descent at the Village of Ucita: Where­upon the Spaniard, who believed it to be another snare laid for him, made him answer, That neither Christians, nor any worldly thing else went so near his Heart, as the desire he had to serve him. But the Cacique seriously confirmed the news, and permitted him to go to them; adding that if he did not do so, and that the Christians retur­ned back, he would not be to be blamed, seeing he performed what he had promised on his part. The news was so pleasant to Ortiz, that he coul [...] not perswade himself they were true; neverthe­less he thanked the Cacique, and took his leave of him: Mocoso appointed ten or twelve Indians of best note to accompany him; and with them it was that he met Gallegos. So soon as he was [Page 31] come unto the Camp, the General ordered a Suit of Cloaths, Arms, and a good Horse to be given him; and asked him if he knew of no Country where there was Gold or Silver. Ortiz answered, No; because he had never been farther up in the Country, than ten Leagues beyond the habitation of Mocoso: But that thirty Leagues from that Village, Paracoxi, the most powerful Cacique of all that Country, held his Residence; that Mocoso, Ucita, and all the other Lords of that Coast paid him Tribute; and that that Ca­cique might give them intelligence of what they sought after: besides, that his Country was far more abundant in Maez, and other Provisions, than those of the Coast. This extreamly satisfied our General: so that he had no other thoughts but of making Provisions for entring into the Continent; and the rather, because he imagined that Florida being of so vast an extent, on one side or other there must needs be some very rich Country. Some days after Mocoso came to see the General, and made him this Discourse.

Most High and Potent Lord, the most inconsidera­ble in my judgment, of all that are under your Obe­dience, and yet the most zealous to serve you [...], does here present himself to your Lordship, with as great confidence of obtaining some favour from you, as if I had testified my desire by effects: For the small ser­vice that I have done you, in giving liberty to that Christian whom I had in my power, is no more but a [Page 32] consequence of the obligation that lay upon me of per­forming my promise. But as it is the custom of great men to shew their generosity by great favours, I am perswaded, that as you are above other men in the extraordinary Qualities of your Person, and in the Command you have over so many gallant men; so also you surpass them in Liberality, and in all other Virtues: And this gives me hopes that I may ob­tain the favour which I beg of your Lordship, that you would believe me to be wholly at your devotion, and think of me when you have any occasion of Ser­vices. The General made him answer, that though he had given Ortiz his liberty, to comply with the promise he had made, yet he was very much obliged to him for it, and esteemed it a greater kindness than any could be imagined▪ that therefore he would ever look upon him as his Brother, and testifie to him his gratitude on all occasions. He thereupon caused a shirt and o­ther presents to be given him, with which the [...]acique was wonderfully well satisfied; and ha­ving taken leave of Soto, returned to his habita­tion.

CHAP. X.

THe place where the Vessels were near the habitation of Ucita, was named by the General, the Port of the Holy Ghost; and from thence he sent Balthazar de Gallegos with fifty Horse, and some Foot into the Province of Para­coxi, to view that Country, and to inform himself of the nature of those that lay farther up in Flo­rida, with orders to give him advice of every thing he discovered. Soto took a resolution also of sending his Ships to Cuba, to bring from thence Ammunition and Provisions. Vasco Porcalbo, who was preferred to be Captain-General, [...] no other design in accepting of that charge, but to get Slaves from Florida, which he might send to Cuba where all his Estate lay: But having made many incursions to no purpose, because of the thick bushes and swamps with which that Country is naturally fortified; he shewed a dis­like to the Service, and a great desire to return back to Cuba. So that although he had had some misunderstanding with the General, which made [Page 34] them live together with a dryness; yet he asked him leave to be gone, and received it with great demonstrations of friendship. In the mean time Gallegos being arrived at Paracoxi, found the Ca­cique▪ was removed; but he sent him thirty In­dians, who told him that the Cacique, whose Vas­sals they were, had sent them to know what he sought for in his Country, and wherein he could serve him. Gallegos made answer, That he was obliged to their Lord for his Offers; that they should entreat him to return to his habitation, where they might dis [...]urse together, and confirm a sincere peace and friendship, which he desired to enter into with him. The Indians carried these words to the Cacique, who sent them back to ac­quaint Gallegos that he was indisposed, which hin­dred him from coming. The Serjeant - Major asked them if they knew of any Province where there was Gold or Silver: They assured him that there was one to the Westward, called Cale; the Inhabitants whereof were in War with the peo­ple of another Province, where the Spring lasted all the year long, and where Gold was to be found in abundance, because they make War a­gainst those of Cale with Head-pieces of Gold. So Gallegos finding that the Cacique did not come, and that he only fed him with these false hopes, that he might have time to provide for his own security; and fearing besides that if he let these Indians go, he would see them no more, [Page 35] he caused them to be put in Irons, and sent eight Troopers to acquaint the General with what he had done. Soto and all the Camp were overjoy'd at this, thinking that the report of the Indians might be true. The General left for the Guard of the Port, Captain Caldeiran with thirty Horse, and threescore and ten Foot-souldiers, and mar­ched with all the rest to joyn Gallegos at Paracoxi, from whence without making any stop, he took his march to Cale. He found two small Villages upon the rode, Acela and Iocaste, from whence he marched before streight to Cale, with fifty Foot and thirty Horse: Some Indians having retreated into Marish or Swamp, near to a place unpeo­pled that lay upon the rode; Soto sent his Inter­preter to them, who perswaded them to come back and give a Guide, who led the General to a River that ran with a most rapid stream: We were obliged to make a little Bridge upon the trunk of a tree which stood in the middle of the River, to pass over the Foot. The Horse swam over by the help of a Cable that led them from the one side to the other; because one who had taken the water first, was drowned for want of that invention. From thence the General sent two Troopers to the rest of his men, who were coming after, to bid them make haste, because the way was longer than had been believed, and that they wanted Provisions. When he came to Cale, he found the Town abandoned by all, [Page 36] except three or four Indian Spies who were ta­ken. In this place Soto stayed for the rest of the Army, who were extreamly tired out by fa­sting, and the badness of the way; for the Coun­try was poor, and not much cultivated, by reason that the Land is low, and in many places over­flow'd, or covered with very thick Woods. And all the Provisions that were taken out of the Ships were spent; so that they ran to the habita­tions of the Indians, where they found some leaves of Beets, which the more diligent pluckt and eat with water and salt: Such as could get none of them, went to the fields of Maes; and seeing the Corn was not as yet ripe, they pulled up stalks and eat and fed on all together. The stalks of Palm-sprouts were a great relief unto them; and they found a great many when they came to the River which the General had passed with so much trouble: These sprouts grow upon the Palm-trees as low as those of Andalousia. In this place two other Troopers met them from the General, and assured them that there was plenty of Maes at Cale: this news put life into them a­gain; and whilst they were upon their march to Cale, Soto caused all the Maes which was ripe in the fields, to be cut down, and laid up a store of it for three months. When the Christians were a reaping, the Indians killed three of them; but one of those who were taken, told the Gene­ral that seven Leagues from that Town, there [Page 37] was a very large Province fruitful in Maes, which was called Palache. Whereupon he immediately parted from Cale with sixty Foot, and fifty Horse; he left the Camp-Master-General Louis de Moscoso with the rest of his men, and express orders not to decamp from thence without a warrant under his hand. Seeing no body had any Servants or Slaves, every one pilled the Maes his own self, which they pounded in a Mortar or Trough of hollowed wood, with a pestle or pounder made of the end of a beam; and some boulted the flour through their Coats of Mail. They baked the bread in pot-lids which they set upon the fire, in the same manner as they practise in Cuba: That way of grinding was so tiresome, th [...]t several Souldiers chose rather to eat no bread, than to grind in that manner; but they roasted or boyled the Maes, and eat it in the grain.

CHAP. XI.

DOn Fernando de Soto parted from Cale the Eleventh of August, 1540. and came to lodge at Itara; from thence at Potano; the third day at Utimama; and then at an habitation, which the Spaniards call de Mala paz, bad Peace; they called it so, because an Indian came who cal­led himself the Cacique, and offered himself and all his Subjects to the Generals service, provided he would be pleased to set at liberty twenty Indi­ans men and women, who had been taken the night before; that as an acknowledgment for that favour, he would furnish him with Provisi­ons and good Guides. The General caused them to be sat at liberty, and put the Indian under guard. Next day several Indians appeared, and drew up round a little Village near to a Wood; the Indian desired to be had near to them, that he would speak to them and re-assure them, and that they would do whatever he should command [Page 39] them. When he was got pretty near, he made his escape out of the hands of those that guarded him; and ran away so swiftly, that no man was able to overtake him; and at the same time all the Indians fled into the Wood. The General let slip a Hound which had already fleshed upon some Indians; and that Dog passing through all the rest, went and seized the counterfeit Cacique, and held him till some came and took him. From thence the General went to Cholupaba, which the Spaniards called Villa Farta (fat Town) by rea­son of the plenty of Maes that they found there. They made a wooden-bridge to pass the River which is near to that habitation; and having marched two days over a desart Country, they arrived at Caliquen the Seventeenth of August. In that place, when Soto informed himself about the Province of Palache, he was told that Nar­vaez had advanced no farther in, than the place where then they were; and that he had embar­ked there, because there was no way to go farther, and that there were no more habitations to be met with. It was urged to the General, that he should return to the Port of the Holy Ghost, and leave Florida, where he run the risk of being lost as Narvaez was; that if they engaged farther in, there would be no getting back again, be­cause the Indians would spend that little Maes which they had left in maintaining themselves. The General made answer to these grievances, [Page 40] That he would never turn his back before he saw the danger nearer; and that he was not perswa­ded of the truth of what the Indians said. There­upon he ordered the Horses to be kept sadled, and in a condition to march, and sent orders to the Camp-Master-General instantly to come and joyn him. Moscoso and many others believing that they should advance no farther than Palache, buried under-ground all the Iron which they had at Cale; and came to Caliquen after they had suffered much hardship, by reason that the Coun­try through which the Governour had marched, was utterly wasted. When all the Army was joyned, Soto parted from Caliquen the Tenth of September, taking the Cacique along with him. At the end of three days, some Indians came to visit their Lord; and all the days following they attended him on the march, playing on a cer­tain pipe, which serves for a signal that they come as friends: They said that the Army would soon come to the habitation of Uzachil, a kinsman of the Cacique of Caliquen; that he expected the Spaniards, with intention to render them all sorts of service, and at length prayed the General to set their Cacique at liberty; but he would not, for fear they might make an Insurrection, and refuse him Guides: however, he used civil pre­texts, and made a fair excuse. In this manner were five days spent, until the Army arrived at Napetaca the Fifteenth of September. Fourteen [Page 41] Indians came to the Governour there, praying him to send back their Cacique; he told them that he detained him not by force, but that he de­sired he might accompany him as far as Uzachil. In the mean time Iohn Ortiz learnt from an In­dian, that they were resolved to assemble, and endeavour to set their Lord at liberty: Ortiz ac­quainted the Governour with it, who gave orders that all both Horse and Foot should arm, and be ready within their Quarters, to the end that the Indians suspecting nothing, might be so bold as to venture into the Town: Thereupon four hun­dred Indians in Arms being posted within view of the Camp, sent two men to the Governour to demand their Cacique. Soto took six Troopers with him, and holding the Cacique, to whom he talked, by the hand to re-assure the Indians, he advanced to the place where they were posted; but when he perceived that they prepared to fight, he commanded his Trumpeter to give the allarm: At that sound all the Spaniards Horse and Foot sallied out of their Quarters with so great rage, that the Indians being surprized and ama­zed, minded nothing but how to escape; never­theless they killed the Governours Horse and ano­ther, but lost forty men that were run through with Lances; the rest threw themselves into two Lakes distant from each other. We pursu'd them to the side of the Lakes, and shot at them as they were swimming to save themselves: but [Page 42] not many shot did hit; so that the Governour commanded one of the Lakes to be beset, the few men that he had not sufficing to encompass both. The beset Indians endeavoured to save themselves in the night-time, swimming softly to the shoar; and that they might not be discerned, they cove­red their heads with the leaves of Water-lillies: but the Troopers perceiving the water to bubble, spurred in their Horses up to the counter, and drove the Indians in again. The night was thus spent without any rest on either side: Ortiz cal­led to them to render themselves to the Gover­nour, seeing they could not escape; which at length they did, being constrained by the sharp­ness of the cold that they endured in the water. So the first who could hold out no longer, cried to Ortiz, that if they would not kill him, he would render himself; and before the break of day, they came all out one after another, ex­cept twelve of the bravest, who all resolved to die in the water before they would yield: But the Indians of Paracoxi, who were not in Irons, jumpt into the Lake; and swimming, took hold of these desparado's by the hair, and dragg'd them ashoar, who were immediately put into Irons. All the rest were divided amongst the Christians to serve them for Slaves. The disgrace and mise­ry of that slavery, made them resolve to rebel; and they charged one of their number, who ser­ved for Interpreter, and whom they highly estee­med [Page 43] for his Valour, to strangle the General when he should speak to him, by throtling him with his two hands. This blade finding a favourable occasion, sell upon the General; but before he could get his two hands to his Throat, he gave him such a furious blow with his fist upon the face, that he put him all in a gore of bloud: All the Indians at this signal bestirred themselves; he that could make use of his Masters Arms, or of the Pounder wherewith they pounded the Maes, set upon his Master therewith, or on the first that fell into his hands. They made use of the Lances or Swords they met with, as skilfully as if they had been bred to it from their childhood; so that one of them with Sword in hand, made head a­gainst fifteen or twenty men in the open place, until he was killed by the Governours Halbar­diers. Another armed with a Lance got up into a Granary where they kept the Maes, and ma­king as great noise there as if there had been ten men together, he defended the door so well, that they were obliged to shoot him through a hole in the roof. They were to the number of two hundred Indians, who were at length beaten and reduced. The Governour gave the younger to those who had good Chains, and commanded them to secure them well: all the rest were tied to stakes in the middle of the place, and shot to death with Arrows by the Indians of Paracoxi.

CHAP. XII.

WE parted from Napetaca the Three and twentieth of September, and went to en­camp by a River, where two Indians brought the General a Stag from the Cacique of Uzachil: next day we passed by the Pelaya, a large Habi­tation, and from thence went to Uzachil, which we found abandoned upon the report that was spread of the Massacre of Napetaca. The Town was full of Maes, little Beans, and Cucumbers, which were very agreeable refreshments to us, as more suitable to our way of living: The Maes was like Millet, and the Cucumbers better than those of Spain. The General sent out two Ca­ptains several ways to take Indians, who brought in an hundred as well women as men, that were all divided in this manner: The Captain who took the prize set one or two apart for the Go­vernour, the rest were divided betwixt the Ca­ptain and Souldiers. They were chained by the neck, and served to carry the Baggage, pound the Maes, and in other employments wherein the [Page 45] chain incommoded them not too much. But seeing the love of Liberty makes any enterprize easie, the Indian who was led to the Wood to pro­vide fewel, or to cut Maes, sometimes killed his Master, and ran away with the Chain; others filed it with Flints, which they used instead of Iron. They who were catched in any of these actions, pay'd dear for it, to the end they might take from them the boldness of attempting the like another time. When the Women or Chil­dren were an hundred or six score Leagues from their own Country, they were let go without Chains; these were very serviceable, and learned Spanish very soon. The Governour, at length, left Uzachil, that he might go to Palache; and in two days march came to Axille, where the In­dians did not at all expect us; but seeing the Woods were near, most part fled into them, and escaped. Next day, being the First of October, we set forward, but first had a bridge made over a River that we were to cross in our way; at the bridge it was a stones throw over, where no ground was to be found, and at the sides there was water up to ones middle: The sides were covered with high and very thick bushes, where the Indians made a shew of defending the passage; but the General ordered his Cross-bow-men to advance, who made them retreat; and some Souldiers past over upon pieces of wood that were shoved a-cross, to defend the entry of the Bridge. [Page 46] So the General crossed over with all his men, on Thursday St. Francis his day, and came to Quar­ters at Vitachuco, a Village of the Province of Pa­lache. The Indians had set it on fire, and the Houses were still burning; however, we entred the Province, which we found to be very well peopled, and plentiful in Maes. We met every where almost with Houses like to our Farm-hou­ses in Spain; and large Towns, as Uzelu, where we arrived on Sunday the twenty fifth of Octo­ber, and on Tuesday after at Anhayca of Palache, where the Cacique who commanded the whole Province had his Residence. The Camp-Master or Quarter-Master-General, whose place it is to quarter the Army, assigned us Quarters round the Town. There were other Villages at half a League or at most a Leagues distance, from whence we had good store of Maes, Cucumbers, small Beans, and dried Prunes better than those of Spain; the Trees that bear these Plums, grow naturally in all the fields. These Provisions were brought to Anhayca of Palache, in sufficient quantities to serve us all the Winter. The Governour knowing that the Sea was but ten Leagues off, sent thither a Captain with some Horse and Foot; who ha­ving past Ochete, six Leagues from our Quarters, came to the Sea-shoar, where they found a great Tree cut down, and shaped in form of a Manger; they saw also the bones of dead Horses, which made them conclude that that must be the place [Page 47] where Narvaez built the Barks wherein he was cast away: the Governour being informed of that, sent Danhusco and thirty Troopers to the Port of the Holy Ghost, with orders to Caldeiran to leave that post, and come to Palache. Dan­husco parted the Twentieth of November, and found that the Indians were returned to Uzachil and to the other Villages; yet he took none of them, fearing that might stop his march, and give them time to draw together. He passed by their habitations onely in the night-time, and took his rest for three or four hours in some by-place; so that he made but ten days Journey to the Port, from whence he sent two Caravels to Cuba, on which he embarked twenty Indian women for Dona Isabella, according to the Governours or­ders. He went on board the two Brigantines with all the Foot; and coasting along the shoar, [...]ame to Palache. Caldeiran made the Journey [...]y Land, with the Troopers and some Cross-bow-men; but the Indians set upon him on his march, [...]nd wounded some of his men. So soon as he was come to Palache, the Governour sent to the Port, planks, nails, and all other materials neces­sary for the building of a Bark; which he fitted [...]ut and manned with thirty men well armed, to [...]ruize in that Bay, in expectation of the Brigan­ [...]ines: They had some engagements with the Indians, who skulked in their Canoes about [...]hat Coast. In the mean time, an Indian undis­covered [Page 48] by the Sentinels, came and set fire to our habitation, on Saturday the Nine and twen­tieth of November; and seeing it blew a high wind, one half of the Town was burnt down. It was Sunday the Nine and twentieth of December before Danhusco arrived with his Brigantines. The Governour having resolved to discover the Country to the West, commanded out Maldonado with fifty Foot-souldiers to march along the Coast, and search for some Harbours; and at the same time he detached Troopers to go upon the scout about the Town, because the Indians were become so insolent, as to come and kill men with­in two Cross-bow-shot of our Camp. These Troopers found two Indians and a woman gathe­ring small Beans; and though the Indians might have saved themselves, yet they chose rather to die than to abandon the woman, who was Wife to one of them: They wounded three Horses, whereof one died. Some days after, Caldeiran with those whom he Commanded, entred into a Wood that was upon the rode to the Sea; there he was set upon by Indians, who forced him back, and took from him the Provisions which were car­ried by his men. In the mean while, the time which the Governour had prefixed to Maldonado for his return, was elapsed by three or four days, which did not a little trouble him; and he had resolved not to stay for him but eight days lon­ger, when that Captain came, bringing with him [Page 49] an Indian of a Province called Ochuse, threescore Leagues distant from Palache: There he had found an Harbour of good Anchorage, and safe against all weathers; this extreamly satisfied the Governour, who always hoped to find on that side some Country rich in Gold. He sent Mal­donado to the Havana for Ammunition and Pro­visions, and gave him orders to return back to him again to the Port of Ochuse, whither he was to go by Land: That if any obstacle intervened that might hinder the Army from being there the Spring following, Maldonado was to return to the Havana, and come back again the next Spring after, to wait for the Governour in that Port, because he would engage in no other Enter­prize, before he had found Ochuse. Maldonado being gone with these orders, and his Company being given to Iohn de Guzman, the Treasurer Iohn Gaytan brought a young Indian to the Go­vernour, who had been taken at Napetaca: He told him that he was not of that Country, but of another very remote towards the East; and that when he was taken he was come on his Travels to Napetaca: That his Country, called Yupaha, was govern'd by a Lady, whose Town was of a prodigious bigness; that she had Tribute paid her by all her Neighbours, by some in Goods, and by others in Gold. Whereupon he described the manner how that Gold was dug, how it was mel­ted and refined, as if he had seen it done a hun­dred [Page 50] times, or as if the Devil had taught him; insomuch that all who understood the manner of working in the Mines, averred that it was impos­sible for him to speak so exactly of it, without having seen the same; and so the relation of that Indian past for a real Truth, because of the circumstances wherewith he confirmed it.

CHAP. XIII.

UPon this encouragement we left Anhayca of Palache on Wednesday the Third of March, 1540. no man having any thing in his thoughts but to go in search of the rich Country of [...]upaha. The Governour ordered Provisions to be made for threescore Leagues of desart, which much in­commoded the Foot, who were obliged to carry▪ their Victuals on their backs; because the Indians that served us, going naked and in Irons during the bitter cold of Winter, were almost all starved to death. After four days march we came to a River, where the Governour caused a great Ca­noe to be made, by means whereof Chains were fastned to both sides of the River, which served [Page 51] for Cables, to bear up the Canoe in passing a­gainst the current of the water. The Horse swam over by the help of Ropes that pulled them, and that labour stopt us a day and a halfs time. At length we came to Capachiqui on Sa­turday the Eleventh of March; the Indians were in Arms in all that Country; so that five Spani­ards being gone to seek Mortars to pound their Maes in, in some scattered Cottages, met with se­veral Indians who came upon the scout: Five of them detached from the rest, and attacked us so furiously, that a Spaniard ran away and came and gave the allarm in the Camp. The most diligent went out to assist their Comrades, and found one Christian dead, and the other three dangerously wounded; but the Indians fled into a swamp to secure themselves from the Horse. The Governour leaving Capachiqui, past over a a desart Country, and came to Toalli the One and twentieth of the Month. In that Country we began to find houses far different from those which hitherto we had seen: Those were onely covered with Herbs, whereas these of Toalli had for their Roof little Canes placed together like Tile; they were very neat, some had the walls made of poles so artificially interwoven, that they seemed to be built of stone and lime: For that being a cold Country, every Indian hath a House to live in in the Winter, inside and outside made tight with these Poles. The door is narrow and low: [Page 52] they shut it well in the night-time, and kindle a fire within the house, which heats it like an Oven so that one hath no need of being covered. They have other Habitations for the Summer, and Kitchins adjoyning their Houses where they bake their Bread. The Granaries wherein they lay up the Maes, are raised upon four posts, boarded on the sides, with a floor made of Canes. The Houses of the Caciques and persons of Quality amongst them, are to be distinguished not onely by their greatness, but also by the large Balconies that they have over the Entry, and by seats be­low made of Canes in the manner of benches. Every house hath several Granaries, where they lay up what their Subjects and Tenents bring them in for Rent; as Maes. Stags skins, and Mantles of the Country, made like little Cas­socks of the rind or soft part of the bark of cer­tain Trees; nay, and some also woven of the thread of a certain Herb, which being well bea­ten, becomes like flax. These Mantles serve them for Cloaths; one they have which covers them from the girdle down below the knee, and another on the left shoulder, thrown back under the right arm, which they wear always abroad, in the same manner as the Bohemians do. The Indians have never more than one about their shoulders, and cover their lower parts with Bree­ches made of a Stags skin, much like to those that are used in Spain: The leather is extraordi­narily [Page 53] well drest, and they give it what colour they please, with so perfect a dye, that their fire­red colour is not surpassed by the finest Scarlet. Their Black is good also, and of this they make Shooes; they give the same colour to their Man­tles with as much perfection. We parted from Toalli the Twenty third of March, and on Friday the Army came to a little River, which they pas­sed upon a Bridge made of one single Tree, from which Bennet Fernandez a Portuguese fell into the water and was drowned. The Village of Achese was pretty near, where the Indians had no intelli­gence of our march; to our view they threw themselves into a little River near the Village; but some were taken, and amongst these, women: One of them understood the Language of that Lad who conducted the Governour to [...]upaha, which much confirmed the relation he had made, because we had passed through Countries where different Languages were spoken, nay and some which he understood not. The Governour sent one of the Indians whom he had taken, to call back the Cacique, who was got to the other side of the River: He came and made him this fol­lowing discourse.

Most High, most Mighty, and most Excellent Lord, things that are rarely seen, cause admiration: How could we then be affected at the sight of your Lordship, and men who were altogether unknown to us, mounted upon so furious Beasts as these seem to [Page 54] be, and breaking into my Country so impetuously, before I knew any thing of your coming? This hath appeared to us so extraordinary a thing, and hath struck such terrour in our minds, that it was not in our power to stay and receive your Lordship with that Honour which is due to so High and Illustrious a Prince. But the confidence I have of your Gene­rosity and Virtues, makes me hope that you will not onely pardon my fault, but gives me also boldness to desire Favours of you: First, that your Lordship would dispose of my Person, Country, and Subjects; and then that you would tell me from whence you come, whither you go, and what you seek, that so I may be in a better condition to render you service. The Governour answered, That he was as well satisfied with his Offers and good will, as if he had presented him with a great Treasure; that he was Son of the Sun, and that he came from the places of his abode, in search of the grea­test Lord, and richest Province of that Country. The Cacique replied, That beyond his Territories there was a great Lord, whose Country was cal­led Ocute; and gave us an Interpreter and Guides. This obliged the Governour to set at liberty all the Subjects of this Cacique, whose Village he left, marching along the River through a very well­peopled Country. We parted the first of April; and at our departure, by orders from the Gover­nour, erected a wooden-Cross in the middle of the Market-place of the Village; and being in [Page 55] haste, we onely told the Indians, that that Cross served to put us in mind of what Iesus Christ suffe­red for our Redemption, that he was both God and Man, and that he created Heaven and Earth; that in consideration thereof, they should bear a reverence towards that sign; which they promised to do. The Fourth of April we came to Altaraca, and the Tenth of the same Month to Ocute: The Cacique sent two thousand Indi­ans to the Governour, with a Present of Rab­bets, Partridges, Maes-bread, two Pullets, and a great many Dogs. These last were no less estee­med in the Army, than the best sheep, because meat and salt were very scarce there, insomuch that the sick had no kind of refreshments; which was the cause that the smallest indisposition which would have been made nothing of in other places, reduced a man to extremity of a sudden, so that he died of meer weakness: And it was sad to hear the poor wretches in their agony sigh and say, Alas! had I but a bit of meat, or a little salt, I should not die. The Indians are not put to such streights; for with their Arrows they kill store of Fowl, and Venision, as wild Hens, Rab­bets, Stags, and other Beasts: They are expert in catching wild Fowl and Beasts, and have a thou­sand inventions for that; which the Christians had not; and though they had had, they wanted time, being constantly on the march, and not da­ring to leave their Ranks. This want of meat [Page 56] was the cause that of the six hundred men who followed Soto, he who could catch a Dog in any Village thought himself a very happy man; (for sometimes we found thirty in a place) but the Souldier that killed one, and sent not a quarter▪ to his Captain, suffered for it, paying dear for his in­civilities when he was to go Sentinel, or upon any guard of fatigue. Tuesday the Twelfth of April, the Governour parted from Ocute, the Ca­cique having given him four hundred Indians for Service. He went to Cofaqui, and from thence to Patofa; the Cacique of this Province who was in peace with the Cacique of Ocute, had informa­tion of the Governours march; and being desi­rous to procure his friendship, he came to him, and spake in this manner.

Illustrious and Potent Lord, I should now demand of F [...]tune that she would be pleased by some small cross onely to make me pay for the Honour to which she advances me, in making me so happy as to obtain the thing I most desired in this life, which is to see your Lordship, and be able to render you service. Though my Tongue bear the image of what is in my heart, and that my heart cannot dissemble the satisfaction which it receives on this occasion, yet it wants power fully to express it. What can the Country which I govern have merited, to be honoured with the sight of so great a Man, and so excellent a Prince, who ought to be served and respected by all men in the world? And the Inhabitants of this Country being [Page 57] the most inconsiderable of all others, whence can they have this happiness? the thought of which alone, is enough to preserve them from all the calamities that may befal them according to the course of Fortune. Seeing if to day we be so happy as to be reckoned a­mongst your Lordships Subjects, we cannot fail of be­ing protected and maintained by true Iustice, and Reason, and of taking to our selves the name of men, seeing they who have neither Reason nor Iustice, may justly be ranked among Beasts. I heartily then▪ and with all due respect, offer my self to your Lord­ship, beseeching you that in recompence for the sinceri­ty of my will, you would be pleased to Command me, my Country, and Subjects. The Governour told him, that he was much obliged to him for his kind expressions, of the effects whereof he was already sensible; that he would remember his good will as long as he lived, and honour and favour him as his Brother. For the space of fifty Leagues from Ocute to Patofa, the Inhabitants whereof are of a gentle and peaceable nature; the Country is ve­ry pleasant, and the Soil fat, being watered with a great many Rivers which contribute to its fer­tility. But from Ocute to the Port of the Holy Ghost, where we first entred Florida, that Coun­try, which is no less than three hundred and fif­ty Leagues [...]n extent, is a light and soft Land, full of swamps and very high and thick bushes, where the wild and warlike Indians defend themselves against the attempts of the Spaniards, because [Page 58] Horse cannot break through those strong places; which was very incommodious to us, not onely because of the want of Provisions, which in all places they carried away, but also for the difficul­ty we had in finding Guides.

CHAP. XIV.

IN this Habitation of Patofa, the young Indian who served for Interpreter and Guide, fell upon the ground foaming at the mouth as if he had been possest with the Devil; the Gospel was read over him, and he recovered. After that, he assured us, that four days Journey from thence towards the East, we should find the Country he spake of. The Indians of Patofa on the contrary affirmed, that they had no knowledge of any Habitation that way, but that they knew there was a plentiful and populous Province to the North-West, called Cosa; however, the Cacique told the Governour that he would furnish him with Guides and Servants what way soever he re­solved to go, whether towards Cosa, or towards [Page 59] the Province which that Indian designed. Soto demanded six hundred Indians of him, and so they parted with testimonies of reciprocal affection. We took Maes for four days, and marched six by a way that grew narrower and narrower still till at length it altogether failed us. The Indian mar­ched in the Van, and made us foard over two great Rivers a Cross-bow-shot broad, where we had water up to the girts; but seeing the Current was very rapid, the Horse were forced to make a Lane, to secure the passage of the Foot, who passed through holding by the Horses. Our fatigues were doubled in passing a broader and more rapid River, where the Horses were forced to swim a Pikes length: This put the Governour into a great perplexity; he made a halt under some Pine-trees after we had passed the River, and threatned the young Indian, that he would have him thrown to the dogs, because he had de­ceived him, in telling him that it was but four days journey, whereas we had spent nine, march­ing seven or eight Leagues a day; and the Horses being quite spent by reason that the men them­selves had short allowance of Maes. The Indian confessed that he knew not where he was; and that acknowledgment would have certainly made him a prey to the dogs, had not he been the one­ly person whom Iohn Ortiz understood. The Governour left the Army encamped under the Pines, and with a Guide and some Horse and Foot [Page 60] advanced five or six Leagues into the Country to find out a way; but he returned at night ex­treamly troubled that he could find no sign that that Country was inhabited. Next day it was debated in Council, whether we should return back again, or take some other course. The Country which we had left behind us, was ruined and laid waste, and our provision of Maes spent. Both men and horses were so heartless, that it was doubted whether we could be able to get to a place of refreshment: besides, the Indians ta­king their advantage from that disorder, might have had the boldness to attack us; so that we had cause equally to fear War and Famine, if we resolved to turn back again. Wherefore the Go­vernour resolving to send out some Troopers on all hands to search for some habitation, dispatched four Captains several ways, with eight Troopers a piece. They came back at night, dragging their Horses by the bridle, or driving them be­fore them, they were so quite spent; and yet found neither rode nor habitation. Next day four others were commanded out, accompanied with eight Troopers who all could swim, moun­ted on better horses, with orders even to cross the Rivers they might meet with. These Ca­ptains were, Gallegos who marched upwards a­long the side of the River; Danhusco who follow­ed the course of the River downwards; Romo and Lobilho who crost the Country. The Go­vernour [Page 61] had brought with him into Florida an hundred Swine, which had already bred him three hundred Pigs; some of these he caused to be killed, and half a pound of flesh given to every Souldier a day; for all the Maes was consumed three or four days before. Thus the Souldiers kept Soul and Body together, with so small an allowance of meat and some boyled herbs; for the Indians of Patofa were sent back so soon as Provisions began to be scarce, though the poor men shew'd an extraordinary desire to serve the Christians in that necessity, and a great deal of trouble to leave them, before they saw them in a good Country. Sunday in the Evening Dan­husco returned, and told us that he had found a little Village about twelve or thirteen Leagues from the Camp; which so rejoyced the Gover­nour and whole Army, that they seemed to be rai­sed from death to life again. Munday the Six and twentieth of April, we decamped to go to that little habitation, by the Indians called Aymay, and by the Spaniards the Village of good Relief. The Governour left a Letter buried at the root of one of the Pines in the Camp, and these words cut in the ba [...]k of the Tree: Dig at the root of this Pine, and you'll find a Letter. It was to give notice to the other Captains who were abroad up­on discovery, what was become of the Gover­nour, and what way he was gone. The way was no otherwise to be known, but by the trees [Page 62] and bushes which Danhusco had broken down in his passage. The Governour being accompani­ed with those who were best mounted, arrived at the Habitation on Tuesday, all doing their ut­most to follow him in the march; so that some lay all night two Leagues short of the Village, others three or four, according to their courage or strength. In this habitation we found a Gra­nary full of parched Maes, and some Maes in grain, which was distributed by allowances: We also took four Indians, who constantly affirmed that they knew of no other Habitation, till the Governour commanded one to be burnt alive; then one of them told us, that two days Journey from thence, there was a Province called Cutifa­chiqui. On Tuesday Gallegos, Romo, and Robilho joyned us; they found the Letter, and had fol­lowed the tract of the Army; but Lobilho lost two of his men, whose horses could not march: The Governour was much offended at that ne­gligence, and gave orders to search after them. In the mean time he parted for Cutifachiqui, and took three Indians by the way, who told him that the Lady of that Country had already had notice of the Christians, and that she expected them in one of her Habitations. The Governour sent back one of these three Indians to offer the Lady his friendship, and tell her that he was coming to see her. So soon as he was in sight of the Village, four Canoes, in one of which was the [Page 63] Sister of the Cacique or Queen, came to receive him; and that Indian Lady coming ashoar, told him, That her Sister had sent her to kiss his Lord­ships hand; and that she did not come her self, because she was taken up in giving orders to make ready all her Canoes for transporting the Army, and for the reception of so great a Lord, to whom she had devoted all her Services. The Governour thanked her; and some time after she was gone back, the Cacique appeared in a kind of Litter, carried by four of the most considerable of her Subjects to the water-side. She went into a Canoe which had a Tent in the stern supported by a Lance, with a Carpet and two Cushions on which she sat, accompanied by some Indian wo­men of her Retinue, and many Canoes with men. In that equipage she came to the other side, where the Governour expected her, and spake to him in these terms.

Most excellent Lord, may all happiness attend your arrival in this Country which belongs to you. Though my Ability comes short of my Will, and the Services we render you suit not with my Desires, nor with the merit of so powerful a Prince; nevertheless, since the Will is more to be esteemed than all the Treasures in the World, if they be presented without it, I offer your Lordship a firm and constant good will, with my Person, Country, Subjects, and mean Services. Having said so, she presented the Go­vernour with Mantles and Skins, which were [Page 64] brought in the other Canoes, and pulling from her neck a Lace of large valuable Pearls, she put it about the Governours, whom she entertained ve­ry pleasantly till a number of Canoes were come, sufficient to carry over the Army: And so long as he stayed in that Village, she took care to send him▪ a great many Pullets daily. That was a very pleasant Country, fruitful and watered with a great many Rivers. It produces but a few bushes, but Nut-trees and Mulberry-trees in a­bundance. The Indians told us, that the Sea was but two days journey distant. Within a League round the Village, there were a great many for­saken houses, wherein the grass grew, which was a sign that they had been a long time uninhabi­ted: We were told by the Indians that the Plague had been the cause of it; that it had raged in the Country two years before our coming, which had obliged the Inhabitants of these Villages to seek out other Habitations. In their Store-hou­ses were still to be seen a great many Mantles made of stuff, of the bark of a tree, or of white, green, red, and blew feathers, very convenient for the Winter, and very neat according to their fashion. Besides these, there were a great many Deers skins rarely well dyed, and cut into bree­ches, hose, and shooes. Seeing the Cacique ob­served that the Spaniards highly esteemed Pearls, she bid the Governour send and search in some Tombs that were in her Town, telling him that [Page 65] he would find abundance there; and that if he caused those also of the other Villages to be sear­ched, they would furnish Pearls enough to load all the horses of the Army. The Tombs of the Town were indeed searched, where we got four­teen bushels of Pearls; and the figures of Chil­dren and Birds made also of Pearl. The people are tawny, well shaped, and more polite than any we had as yet seen in Florida: They all wear Cloaths and Breeches after their own fashion. The young Indian told the Governour that they be­gan to enter into the Country he told him of; and seeing there was some probability in it, he un­derstanding the Language of the Inhabitants, Soto suffered himself to be perswaded; which made the Indian desire of him that he might be Bapti­zed, and had it granted: he was named P [...]dro, or Perico; and the Governour ordered the Chain which he had hitherto carried, to be taken off. That Country, according to the relation of the Indians, had been well peopled; it was reckoned plentiful; and probably the young Indian who led us thither, might have heard of it, though he affirmed that he had seen it, having devised all the rest of his story according to the best of his imagination. We found in the Town a Dagger and some Coats of Mail; whereupon the Indians told us, that many years before, the Christians had landed in a Port two days journey from thence (this was certainly Aylhan, who undertook [Page 66] the Conquest of Florida) that the Governour died upon his landing, which had occasioned great fa­ctions, divisions, and slaughter amongst the chief Gentlemen that had followed him, ev [...]ry one pre­tending to the supream Command, so that at length they left the Port and returned to Spain, without discovering the Country. It was thought fit by all that we should stop here, and people this place; which was so advantageously scituated, that all the Captains of ships of new Spain, Peru, S. Marte, and of the Continent, would be over-joy'd to come and Trade in this Port, since it lay in their way to Spain: That the Country was exceeding good, and that it might afford a good Trade and very considerable profit. But since nothing run in the Governours mind but the Treasure of Atabalipa, and that he hoped to find the like; the fertility of that Country, and the abundance of Pearls, could not satisfie him, though in reality a great many of them were worth no less than Gold; and those which they might have made the Indians fish, would have been of another-guess va­lue, if the Country had been peopled, because they spoil their lustre by piercing them in the fire. Nevertheless, though the Governour was much prest to comply in that with the desire of all his men, he answered, That that Country could not supply us with Provisions enough for one Month; that we could not excuse our selves from going to the Port O [...]se, where Maldonado was to wait for us; [Page 67] and that, in fine, that Country would be always open to us, and we might retreat thither if we found none richer: That in the mean time the Indians would sow their Land, and so we should find Maes in greater plenty. He always infor­med himself of the Indians, whether they had not heard talk of some great Lord, and rich Country; and the Indians telling him that twelve days journey from Cutifachiqui, there was a Province called Chiaha, subject to the Lord of Cosa, he im­mediately resolved to go in quest of that Coun­try; and as he was a dry and severe man, though he took pleasure to hear the opinions of all, yet so soon as he had declared his own, he could not endure to be contradicted, but did what he judg­ed best himself. Thus all were feign to obey, in­somuch that though the leaving of this Country appeared to be a great fault seeing we could have got Provisions from the Neighbours about, until the Indians had sown their Land, and the Maes been ripe, yet none durst oppose the decision of Soto.

CHAP. XV.

WE left Cutifachiqui the Third of May: The Indians were up in arms, and the Queen shew'd some indifferency towards us, nay and some design of flying without giving us Guides or Indian Servants to carry our Baggage. Her disgust was occasioned by the bad usage which the Indians had received from some of the Chri­stians; amongst whom, as generally in all great Companies, there were some of a low and base mind, who for a little interest committed such actions, as exposed themselves and those that were with them. These broyls obliged the Gover­nour to command the Cacique to be arrested, and carried away, in a manner unsuitable to the kindness she had shew'd him, and of the recepti­on he had had: she was forced to walk on foot with her Maids. In the mean time, that she might deserve a little consideration to be had for her still, she caused Indians to come out of all the Habita­tions by which the Governour past, to carry the Baggage from one place to another. We mar­ched [Page 69] an hundred Leagues in her Territories, and every-where we perceived the marks of the re­verence and obedience which were rendred to her in the promtitude and zeal wherewith all the Indians executed her orders. However, Perico told us that she was not the Lady of the Land, but the Cacique's Cousin, who had sent her to that Town to do Justice upon some Lords who had revolted; but he had lost all manner of cre­dit by the lies he had told; however, he was born with, because he was useful to us as an Inter­preter. During seven days march, till we came to Chalaque, we past through the most wretched Country in all Florida; the Indians there [...]eed on Roots which they search for in the fields, and Fowl they kill. They are a peaceable people, go naked, and are extreamly feeble: their Cacique brought the Governour two Stags skins as a very considerable present. There is such plenty of wild Herns in that Country, that one Habitation presented the Governour with seven hundred; and indeed in all the rest, they offer'd him what they had. That Province is five days journey distant from the Province of Xualla: In this last, we found very little Maes, and that made us after six days stay, to leave it, though both men and horses were both equally tired. From Ocute to Cutifachiqui, they reckon an hundred and thirty Leagues, of which fourscore are desart; and from Cutifachiqui to Xualla two hundred and fifty [Page 70] through a mountanous Country. We found some very bad ones in our way from Xualla to Quaxule: and whilst we were upon the march, the▪ Cacique of Cutifachiqui stole away from the Indian slaves who carried her, upon pretext of going to do some needs in a Wood near the rode; but so soon as she was there, she fled into the thick of the Wood, where she hid her self, so that she could not be found. It was the Governour's design to take her along with him to Quaxule, where the Lands of the Indian Caciques that paid her Homage, ended: She carried away with her also a little Box, which the Indians call Petaca, and which is made of Canes: That Box was full of unpierced Pearls, which those who had skill judged to be of very great value. An Indian woman that waited on her carried the Box, which the Governour left in her custody that he might not afflict her too much, but with an intention to ask it of her when he dismissed her at Quaxule. She had a care not to forget it, and went to Xualla in company of three slaves who had fled from the Army, and a Trooper, who being left behind sick of a Feaver, had lost his way in the Woods. Alimamos (that was the Troopers name) told so many things to these slaves, that he made two of them change their resolution and return with him to the Governour in the Province of Chiaha: They brought him news that the Ca­cique was at Xualla, with an Indian the slave of [Page 71] Vasconcelos; that she would by no means consent to come back with them; and that the Indian and Cacique liv'd together like man an wife, be­ing resolved to return to Cutifachiqui. In five days we arrived at Quaxule, where the Indians made a present to the Governour of three hun­dred Dogs, knowing that the Christians eat the flesh of them, which these people did not. Qua­xule was not provided of Maes no more than the rest of the Country that we had past; which o­bliged the Governour to send an Indian to the Ca­cique of Chiaha, to pray him to make provision of some Mae [...] [...]n his Country, where the Army was to refre [...] for some days. Two days after on ou [...] way to Canasaqua, the Governour met twen­ty Indians all loaded with baskets of Mulberries, which they presented him with; for from Cuti­fachiqui all along to this Province, and farther in in Florida, there are a great many Mulberry-trees, Walnut-trees, and Plum-trees, which grow naturally wild in the fields, but yet as large and bear as fair fruit as those which are cultivated with care in our Ochards. Leaving Canasaqua, we marched five days through a desart Country; and two Leagues from Chiaha, fifteen Indians loaded with Maes met the Governour from the Cacique, who told him that their Cacique expected him with twenty Granaries full of provisions which he offered him, as he also did his Person, Country, Subjects, and all that he had. The Go­vernour [Page 72] entred Chiaha the Twenty fifth of Iuly, where he was very well received by the Cacique, who having made him this discourse, left his lodg­ings for him.

Potent and Excellent Lord, I esteem my self so happy to see that your Lordship is pleased to make use of my Services, that nothing can give me greater sa­tisfaction, nor be more esteemed by me. Your Lord­ship being at Quaxule, order'd me to make provisi­on in this Town of Maes for two months, and I have filled twenty Granaries with the best that could be found in this Country. If your Lordship ha [...] not been received with the honour that is due to so great a Prince, I beg of you to consider my Youth, which ex­cuses my fault, and to accept of my Will which shall always be ready with a constant and sincere zeal to render you service. The Governour assured him of his gratitude and affection. The Indians of this Town had a great deal of Butter, or rather Sewet, in pots that run like Oyl; they said it was Bears grease: We found Walnut-Oyl there also, as clear as the Sewet, and of a very good taste, with a pot of Honey, though before nor after we found neither Bees nor Honey in all Florida. The Town stands upon the branch of a River that parts into two a Cross-bow-shot from the place, and unites again a League below. The Island or Land betwixt the two branches was at most two Cross-bow-shot over, and the Channel on each side pretty large, so that they might be soarded [Page 73] over the fields on both hands, being sowed with Rice: Seeing all the Indians staid in their Habi­tations, none but the Governour lodged in the Town, and the rest of the Army encamped abroad under the trees, without any order, the Souldiers being even at a pretty distance from one another. The Governour allowed, or at least connived at that disorder, because the Indians were peaceable, all quiet; and to have done otherwise, would have incommoded us very much; for the horse were so tired out that they were fit for no service, having had but very little Maes all the way from Cutifachiqui, and no leisure to recruit since the hardship they had sustained in the desart of Ocute: And seeing a great many of the Troopers were in no condition of fighting, they turned out their horses into the Pasture-grounds about a quarter of a League from the Camp. We were very happy that our weakness tempted not the Indians to fall upon us; for all of us were but in a bad con­dition to make a defence. The Governour allow­ed us a full mouth to refresh our selves; and du­ring that time, the ground being extraordinary good, the horses grew wonderfully fat. When he was ready to march, some who pushed their desires beyond the bounds of Reason, importu­ned him so much that he demanded of the Ca­cique thirty Indian women for slaves: The Ca­cique told him, that he would communicate the matter to the chief Indians of the Habitation: [Page 74] but before he gave his answer, all the Indians in one night fled with their Wives and Children. The Governour resolved to pursue them, had not the Cacique come to wait upon him; he told him, that he appeared before him with a great deal of shame and confusion, because that his peo­ple being gone, though contrary to his will, he had followed them without daring to take leave of him; but that being sensible of his fault, he was come to deliver himself up to him as a faith­ful Subject ought to do: That his Subjects obey­ed not him as yet, but his Uncle who gover­ned the Country for him, until he should be of Age to manage the Government himself: That if the Governour had a design to find them out that he might punish them for their disobedience, he offer'd to serve him as a guide, seeing he was so unhappy as not to be able to render him o­ther services. The Governour at the very instant set out with thirty Horse, and as many Foot, to go and find out the revolted Indians; and as he passed by the Habitations of the most considera­ble deserters, he cut down and destroyed all the Maes they had sown. He was conducted to a River which formed an Island, into which these people had retreated to avoid the attempts of the Horse: There he sent an Indian to bid them come back to their Habitations, assuring them that he would demand no more, but some of them to carry the Baggage, as all the other people had [Page 75] done; that since they had so great an esteem for their women, he desired none of them. The In­dians embraced these proposals, and returned to the Town. In this place the Cacique of Acoste came to offer his services; and as Soto asked him if he knew any rich and fertile Country, he told him that Northwards he would find the Pro­vince of Chisca, where they melted Copper, and another metal of the same colour, but much more lively and perfect; that it was a metal which seemed to be more precious than Copper, but yet was not made use of, because it was sof­ter. This relation agreed with what Soto was told in Cutifachiqui, where we saw some little Axes of Copper, which they said was mingled with Gold. But since to go from that Town to Chisca, there was a desart Country to be past, and that they told us we should meet with Moun­tains unpassable to the Horse, the Governour would not go to Chisca by the streight rode, but thought it better to take his way through a peo­pled Country, where the men and horses might better subsist; and from whence being fully informed of the truth, he might divert his march towards that Province; he therefore sent two Spaniards with an Interpreter and Indians that knew the Country to Chisca, to make discoveries and bring him back news at a place which he as­signed them.

CHAP. XVI.

SOto being resolved to go to Acoste, sent for the Cacique of Chiaha, and took his leave of him, giving him some presents which satisfied him ve­ry much. Acoste is seven days journey distant from this Town, and we arrived there the second of Iuly. The Governour made us encamp two Cross-bow-shot from the Town, whither he went with a guard of eight persons: The Cacique ex­pressed a great deal of kindness to him, in out­ward appearance; and whilst they were in dis­course together, some Foot-soldiers came to the Town to get some Maes; but finding it was not good, they fell a ris [...]ing and pillaging some of the Indians houses: The Indians startled at that pro­ceeding, ran to Arms, and some of them with slaves and cudgels [...]ell upon five or six of the most insolent Souldiers, and banged them sound­ly. Soto very well perceived the danger he had run into; he saw the Indians incensed, and him­self amongst them with [...]o few of his men, so that [Page 77] he resolved to get off by a piece of cunning con­trary to his humour, for he was open and free, and disguised his passions as little as any man; besides that, he could not endure that any Indi­an should be so bold as to fall foul upon a Christi­an right or wrong; but sincerity was out of doors at that time: He therefore took a cudgel and ran to the assistance of the Indians in mauling the Christians, which exceedingly re-assured that people; but at the same instant he sent one to the Camp to order the horse to arm and advance; and having taken the Cacique by the hand, whom he entertained very affectionately, he insensibly wheadled him out of the Town, with a great many Indians more, until he came to an open way in view of the Camp: There the Troopers advancing in file, without any sign of what they intended, environed the Cacique and his Indians, whom they carried to the Camp, where the Go­vernour caused them to be put into Prison near to his Tent; then he declared to them that they should not budge from thence, until they had given him Guides and Indians for service, and un­til some sick Souldiers who were coming in a Canoe from Chiaha, and those whom he had sent to Chisca were arrived. Those of Chisca came three days after, and told him that the Indians had led them through so barren a Country, and over such rough Mountains, that it was impossi­ble the Army could march that way: That find­ing [Page 78] the way to be so long, and that it would have taken up much time, they had thought fit to come back again from a little Habitation, so poor that they found nothing fitting for use. They brought onely with them a Cows hide that the Indians had given them, which was an inch thick, and had hair as soft as the wool of an ordinary sheep. The Cacique granted Guides, and Indians for service, and so was set at liberty. Iuly the Ninth the Ar­my parted from Acoste, and marched to Tali; the Cacique whereof came to meet the Gover­nour, and made him this discourse.

Most excellent Lord and Prince, worthy to be ser­ved and obeyed by all the Princes of the world, as may be judged by the Virtues which at first sight ap­pear in you. It is not now the first time that I come to know who you are, and what your power is: And I will not consider my own meanness when I hope that my services may be acceptable to you, seeing where Power is wanting, yet the Inclination and Will may be praised and accepted: That's the reason which makes me take the boldness to beg your Lord­ship that you would onely have regard to my desires, and think wherein I can serve you in that Country which is your own. The Governour made him the ordinary Compliment, that he was obliged to him, and that he would consider him as his own Brother. The Cacique caused two days Pro­visions to be brought to the Army; and at part­ing he gave the Governour four Indian women, [Page 79] and two men, whom he needed for carrying of his Baggage. We marched six days in the Coun­try of the Cacique of Cosa; and Indians came from him daily to Compliment the Governour, who at length arrived at Cosa on Saturday the Fif­teenth of Iuly; the Cacique met him two Cross-bow-shot out of the Town; he sat on a Cushion, and was carried in a kind of Litter upon the shoulders of four of the most considerable of his Subjects; his upper Garment was of Martin skins, made in the same fashion as the Ladies Mantles are in Spain; on his head he wore a kind of Dia­dem of Feathers; and several Indians sung and play'd upon Instruments round the Charriot: He respectfully saluted the Governour, and spake thus to him.

Excellent and mighty Lord, above all the Lords of the Earth, though I come now to receive you, yet it is long since I received you in my heart; and since the day I came to hear of your Lordship, I have had so great a desire to serve you, and it would be so plea­sant and satisfactory to me to do so, that all I can express here, is nothing to what I feel, nor no way comparable to it: This you may be assured of, that the Empire of the whole World would not so rejoyce me, nor make me in my opinion so happy. Expect not that I should offer you what is your own; that's to say, my Person, my Country, and Subjects. I will onely make it my business to command my Servants, that with all the care and respect that is due to you, [Page 80] they divert you by singing and playing upon Instru­ments till you arrive in the Town: There your Lord­ship shall be lodged, and served by me and my Sub­jects, and shall dispose of all I have, as of that which be longs to your self; wherein your Lordship will do me a singular favour. The Governour thanked him; and so they entred the Town with extraordina­ry joy. The Cacique lodged the Governour and all the Spaniards in the houses of the chief persons of the Town. The Granaries were full of Maes and small Beans: and the Country was so popu­lous, that the Villages and fields sow'd with Maes touched one another: It is very pleasant, because of several little Rivers which make most lovely Meadows; and in the fields there are a great many Spanish Plum-trees, as well as of those of the Country, with plenty of Vines upon the sides of the Rivers, whose stocks rise as high as the trees. There are others distant from the Rivers side, whose stock is low, and carry very large sweet Grapes; but seeing there is no pains taken about them, there stones are of an extraor­dinary bigness. The Governour most commonly set guards over the Caciques to hinder them from running away, and he carried them along with him till he was gone out of their Jurisdiction, be­cause their Subjects waited for them in the Villa­ges, and furnished Guides and Indians for service; but when he was about to enter into another Province, he sent them back again, as he did like­wise [Page 81] the Indians who of their own accord carried the Baggage, when he was come into the Terri­tories of another Cacique that supplied him with new ones. In the mean time the Indians of Cosa could not endure that their Cacique should be kept under restraint; they made an Insurrecti­on and fled into the Woods, not onely those of the Town, but also the Subjects of the other In­dian Cacique's who payed Homage to the Cacique of Cosa. Soto sent four Captains to attack them in four several places: they took several Indian men, nay and women also, whom they put in Chains; so that these people finding how little advantage they had by flying, came back and told the Go­vernour, that they were ready to serve him in whatever he pleased to command; whereupon at the entreaty of the Cacique, some of the chief were set at liberty; the rest were kept as slaves by those who had taken them, no more to return a­gain into their own Country. Nor indeed did any of those who were put in Chains ever return again, if Fortune and the pains they took neatly to file off their Chain, did not restore them to li­berty, or unless upon a march through the negli­gence of their guards they straggled away Chain▪ Baggage, and all together.

CHAP. XVII.

AUgust the Twentieth we parted from Cosa, after twenty days stay there; and the Go­vernour according to his usual way, took the Cacique along with him as far as the Province of Tascaluca, whither he intended to go. Our first quarter was at Tallimuchase, a place abandoned, and next to Itava depending on Cosa, where we sojourned six days, by reason that the River which past by that Village was extream high. When the water was a little fallen, we continued our march to Ullibali, whence ten or twelve In­dians were come in name of the Cacique, to of­fer obedience to the Governour: All of them had Bows and Arrows, with a great many Feathers about them; and they waited on the Governour to the Town, which he entred attended by twelve Horse, and some foot. The Indians were all in Arms, and the Governour judged by their countenance that they had some bad design: we were informed afterward, that they were resolved to rescue the Cacique of Cosa by force from the Governour, if he had seemed to approve their de­sign: [Page 83] The Governour made the rest of his men to march into the Town, which was fenced in. It is a little Town upon a small River, very well pallissado'd round, as all the rest were which we found farther up in the Country: The Palissado was of great stakes driven deep into the Earth, with poles of the bigness of ones arm cross-ways, both in the outside and inside, which were fastned with pins to knit all the work together, that was about the height of a Lance; but the Cacique was in a Town on the other side of the River. Soto sent for him, and he came without any resi­stance; so that after some reciprocal Compli­ments, he furnished us with Indians for service, whom we stood in need of, and thirty Indian women; There we lost a Spaniard called Man­cano, of a Noble Family of Salamanca, who stray­ed in the Woods whilst he was a looking for Grapes, which that Country produces in great plenty. Leaving that Town, we found another, subject to the same Cacique; and from thence the Governour went to Toasi, where we also took Indians for service, and thirty women. Our march was commonly five or six Leagues a day, in Countri [...] inhabited; but in the desart, we marched as far as we could go, that we might not be streightned in provisions. From Toasi we marched five days in the Territories of the Ca­cique of Tallise, where we arrived the Eighteenth of September: This is a great Town lying upon [Page 84] a very rapid River, on the other side whereof the fields were well cultivated, and covered with Maes, which that Country is plentifully furnish­ed with: But seeing the Indians had abandoned their Habitations, the Governour sent word to the Cacique that he should come to him; which he did; and after many offers of his Services, gave forty Indians. In this Town one of the chief Indians of Tascaluca came to salute the Gover­nour in name of the Cacique, and made him this discourse.

Most mighty and most virtuous Lord, the great Cacique of Tascaluca my Master, hath sent me to kiss your Lordships hand, and to let you know, that he is informed you gain the affection of all men by your Perfections, Power, and Merit; and that all the people of the Countries through which your Lord­ship hath passed, serve and obey you: This he ac­knowledges to be your due, and desires more than life it self to see you, and serve you; and for that reason he hath sent to offer you his Person, Country, and Subjects. So that when your Lordship pleases to come into his Country, you shall there be received, served, and obeyed, with all affection; and he craves no other reward for the desire he hath to render you services, but that you would do him the favour to let him know when you'll come; and the sooner you re­solve to do it, your favour and his joy will be the greater. Soto received that Indian very civilly, and sent him back with a present of some trifles, [Page 85] which he cared not much for, and another more considerable for the Cacique. He dismissed the Cacique of Cosa, and at Tallise took as many Indi­ans for service as he stood in need of; so having refreshed in that place for the space of three weeks, he set out for Tascaluca. Our first quarter was at Casiste, and the next in another Town under the jurisdiction of Tascaluca, from whence we went and encamped in a Wood two Leagues short of the Residence of the Cacique; Soto sent the Camp-master-General Louis de Moscoso to acquaint him with his arrival. He found the Ca­cique under a Balcony before his door; presently a Carpet was spread upon an eminent place out of doors, with two Cushions upon it, one over the other, where he sat down, environed with In­dians at some distance from the place where he sat; those of greatest quality were next him, one of whom to keep the Sun off of him held over his head an Umbrello of Bucks-skin of the bigness of a Buckler, and party-coloured black and white, with a St. Andrew's Cross in the mid­dle; at a distance one would have taken it for Taffetay, the colours were so exceeding good: It was very well stretched out, and carried upon a Lance, being the device or Standard of the Cacique in time of War. This Cacique was much feared by his Neighbou [...] and Subjects, and commanded a very large and well peopled Country: he was of a very high stature, well shaped, strong limbs, [Page 86] and a well-proportioned body. When the Camp-Master had delivered his Harangue, all the Troo­pers of his Retinue made a great many Passades in [...] Market-place, spurring their horses some­times to the very place where the Cacique was, which he beh [...]ld with a great deal of gravity, ca­sting his eyes onely upon them now and then in a most haughty and disdainful manner. In the mean time the Governour arrived, the Cacique not budging out of his place to go and meet him; Soto took him by the hand, and both went and sat down upon a bench under the Balcony, where the Cacique spake to him in these terms.

Mighty Lord, may your Lordships arrival be at­tended with all happiness; I am as well pleased to see you, as if you were a Brother whom I extreamly lo­ved: I need say no more as to that, seeing it is to no purpose to express in many words, what may be said in a few, insomuch as it is the Will which gives force to Actions, and Actions are the Evidences of Truth. As to the Will, you shall know by the fair­ness of my proceeding how sincere mine is. I esteem the favour you have shew'd me in sending me a Pre­sent, as much as it deserves, and especially because it is a Present from you. Look, now, what it is you would have me serve you in.

The Governour thanked him very civilly, but set spies over him so long as he staid in that Town; and when he was ready to be gone, he resolved, for many reasons, to take him along [Page 87] with him. After two days march, we found the Town of Piache upon a great River, where Soto demanded Canoes of the Indians to carry over the Army. They told him that they had none, but that they would make rafts of Canes and dry wood, which they did in a very short time; and seeing the River ran very gently, we passed over with a great deal of ease. It is reckoned an hundred Leagues from the Port of the Holy Ghost to Palache, and that way runs from East to West; from Palache to Cutifachiqui there is four hundred and thirty Leagues, from South-West to North-East; and from Cutifachiqui to Xualla, the way is from South to North for the space of two hun­dred and fifty Leagues. In [...]ine, from Xualla to Tascaluca which are also two hundred Leagues di­stant, one hundred and fourscore go from East [...]o West as far as Cosa, and the rest from Cosa to Tas­caluca from North to South. When we were g [...]t to the other side of the River of Piache, a Spani­ard pursuing an Indian woman his slave, who had run away from him, was lost in the Woods, being either killed or taken by the Indians; whereup­on the Governour told the Cacique, that he must be accountable for him, threatning to keep him in fetters as long as he lived, if the Christian were not found. The Cacique sent one of his Indians to Maville, a large Town on our way, belonging to another Cacique Vassal to Tascaluca; his pre­text was good, for he said he sent to give him n [...] ­tice [Page 88] to prepare Provisions and Indians of service for the Army: But it was apparent enough after­wards that that was not his design, and that the business of that Messenger, was to cause the Indi­an Souldiers muster into a Body, that they might fall upon us. We continued our march three days, the last whereof was through a very popu­lous Country, and the Eighteenth of October we arrived at Maville. Soto had the Van-guard with thirty Foot-souldiers, and fifteen Horse. Near the Town he met a Souldier whom he had sent to the Cacique, to pray him to stay, and likewise to observe the motion of the Indians; the Soul­dier told the Governour, that they seemed to have some bad design, because whilst he tarried at Maville, he had seen a great many Indians in Arms enter the Town, and that they laboured with extream diligence in fortifying the Palissado about the place. Upon this, Moscoso told the Go­vernour, that the best way would be to encamp, seeing the Indians appeared not to be submissive enough: but Soto replied, That he was weary of encamping, and that he would go and refresh himself in the Town. The Cacique at his entry received him with the sound of Instruments; and having offer'd him his Services, presented him with three Mantles of Martin-skins. The Go­vernour made his entry in the middle betwixt two Caciques, followed by eight of his guards, and three or four Troopers, who alighted to wait [Page 89] upon him; so he went and sat down under a Bal­cony, where the Cacique of Tascaluca pray'd him to leave him in that Town, and not give him the trouble of going any farther; but perceiving by Soto's discourse, that it would be hard for him to obtain his leave, he changed his design; and pre­tending to go speak with some Indians, he left the Governour sitting in his place, and went into a house, where many Indians were assembled with their Bows and Arrows. The Governour per­ceiving that he returned not, called him several times; and at length the Cacique made answer haughtily, That he would neither come out of that place, nor go any farther; that if the Gover­nour would depart in peace, he might in a good time; but that he must not pretend to carry him out of his Country and Dominion.

CHAP. XVIII.

THe haughtiness of the Cacique made the Governour sensible that there was a Plot laid: He endeavoured to sweeten him by Civi­lities, to which the Indian made no answer; on the contrary, with a haughty and slighting look [Page 90] he withdrew into a place where the Governour could neither see hi [...] nor speak with him: Soto seeing another Indian of Q [...]ality passing that way, called him to [...]m, and bid him assure the Cacique, that [...] would give him leave to be gone when and w [...]r he pleased, provided he furnished hi [...] [...]th a Guide, and Indians for service; but the Indian replied, That he would hear no pro­position; which obliged Gallegos to take hold of him by the skirt of his Mantle, and the Indian to spring away from him, leaving his Mantle in his hands. Now seeing the Indians took to their Arms, Gallegos drew his Sword, and gave one whom he had taken hold of so surious a thirst, that he ran him through the breast; that blow was the signal to the revolt: They came run­ning out of their houses all in fury, shooting Ar­rows at the Governour and those that were with him. So [...]o saw very well, that if he made head against them, there was no probability of esca­ping out of their hands; and if he caused his For­ces to advance towards the Town, the Indians from their houses where they sheltred, would kill all their horses, and make a gr [...]t [...] of men; he therefore thought it best to run out of the Town with all the speed he could; but before he could save himself, he was [...]ain to be taken up two or three times. All that accompanied him were dangerously wounded, and five killed upon the place. The Governour, wounded as he was, [Page 91] cried to his men to keep off from the Palissado, from whence the Indians shot furiously; and as the Spaniards retreated, most of them running, the Indians sallied out upon them, killing with their Arrows all whom they overtook. The slaves who carried the Baggage had unloaded it in a place near the Palissado; so that during the rout of the Spaniards, the Indians of Malville loaded them again with the Baggage; and lead­ing them into the Town, knock'd off the Chains they carried, and gave them Bows and Arrows to fight with against us. Thus they seiz'd all our equipage, and even our Pearls; and seeing we had marched through a Country that in all ap­pearance had submitted, many Souldiers had left their Arms with the Baggage; so that they fell into the Enemies hands, who had, besides, Swords and Halbards which they had snatched from those who entred with the Governour. So soon as Soto was out of danger, he mounted on horse­back, and with some other Gentlemen on horse­back also, turning upon the Indians, he killed three with his Lance, which made them retreat behind the Palissado, where they defended them­selves, and from whence the bravest sallied out when the horse were making their Caracol, and immediately entred in again so soon as they tur­ned upon them. A Monck and Secular Priest, with one of the Generals Servants, and an Indian woman-slave, were still in the Town. The re­volt [Page 92] of the Indians was so sudden, that they had not time to get out, so that they were obliged to barricado themselves within the house where they were, making fast the door; and seeing they had a Sword, the Generals man standing behind the door, made thrusts at the Indians who offered to come in; and the Monk and Priest laying hold each of them of a staff, stood on each side to knock down the first that set his foot within the house. The Indians who saw the door so well defended, were got upon the roof to make holes in it, and to shoot them with their Arrows. When all the Army came in sight of Maville, they held a Council to deliberate whe­ther they should assault the Indians in the Town, or onely besiege them, because the assault was very dangerous; but at length the assault was re­solved upon in this manner.

CHAP. XIX.

SOto made those who were best armed to a­light, whom he drew up into four Batalions, and marched streight to the Gates of the Town; this being done in spight of the Indians, their first [Page 93] care was to make the Cacique withdraw, telling him, as we were informed by some Indian slaves, that in such occasions a Cacique signified no more than another man, and fought onely for one; that in the Town there was a great many Indi­ans to command, brave and expert Souldiers; and that one of them was enough to give the ne­cessary orders; that seeing the success of a Fight depended on Fortune, it would not be known for what side Victory would declare, that therefore they prayed him to secure his Person, to the end that if they all died in the Battel, as they resolved to die rather than turn their backs, some might remain alive to govern the Country. The Ca­cique refused to be gone; but they pressed him so hard, that at length he left the Town accom­panied with fifteen Indians, carrying with him a Scarlet Cloak, and the best things he found in the Spaniards Baggage. The Governour being informed that Indians were seen flying out of the Town, sent off a party of Horse to make the rounds about the circuit of the place, and in eve­ry Batalion placed a Souldier with a lighted fire­brand, to set all on fire, and so to oblige the In­dians to fight abroad in the streets. Having so ordered all things, they gave the signal by a Musket-shot, and the four Batalions marched with extraordinary fury to their several posts. There was a fearful slaughter on both sides at the entry of the Gates; for the Indians defended [Page 94] them so valiantly, that they beat our men back several times; at length the Gates were forced, and we mingled pell-mell with them: The Monk and Priest were very opportunely relieved, but with the loss of two brave Souldiers who were the first who ran to their assistance. The Fight continued so long, that the Christians choaked with droughth, went to refresh themselves in a Pool near the Palissado, where they drank as much bloud as water; and so returned to the Fight. This obliged the Governour, and those that were with him on horse-back, to enter the Town, where they charged the Enemy so brisk­ly, that they put the Indians into disorder, and gave opportunity to the Souldiers to set the hou­ses on fire. They that thought to save them­selves out of the Town, were forced in again by the Horse that made the round; so that despair giving them fresh strength, they came to blows again with the Spaniards: but that way of fight­ing was very disadvantageous to them; for the Christians hewed them down with so much fury, that many of them threw themselves one upon another into the houses that were on fire, where they were smuthered and reduced to ashes; so that above two thousand and five hundred Indi­ans perished by the fire and sword. We lost eighteen Christians, amongst whom were Don Carlos the Governours Cousin, and one of his Nephews, Iohn de Gomez and Mem Rodriguez, [Page 95] both Portuguese, and Iohn Vasquez de Villeneuve of Barcaro [...]a, all Gentlemen of Quality and much esteemed; the rest were but private Souldiers. An hundred and fifty Spaniards were wounded in this Action, with seven hundred Arrow-shot; and God permitted that all of them in a very short time were cured of their wounds, though they were very dangerous. All our Equipage, Linnen, Cloaths, Pearls, and Ornaments for say­ing of Mass, were consumed by the fire, our men having no respect to that loss, since it was far less than the damage that the Indians might have done us by fighting under shelter. The Gover­nour had advice in that place, that Maldonado waited for him in the Port of Ochuse, which was seven days journey distant; but he discharged Ortiz to divulge the news, lest it might be prejudi­cial to his designs: For since by the fire he had lost the Pearls which he intended to send to Cuba, by that ostentation to invite men to come over to Florida; he resolved to give no news of himself until he had discovered some rich Country, that he might not disgust the Souldiers whom he nee­ded for compleating his Conquest, if they saw neither Silver, Gold, nor other Riches brought from those places.

CHAP. XX.

FRom the time we landed in Florida, till we departed from Maville, we had lost an hun­dred and two Christians, some by sickness, and others fighting against the Indians. In conside­ration of the wounded, we were obliged to lie en­camped three weeks near that Town, in a fruit­ful and populous Country; for besides the fen­ced Towns, there were many scattered houses all about in the Country, distant from one ano­ther one or two Cross-bow-shot at most. The Governour finding that the wounded were al­most cured, decamped on Sunday the Eighteenth of November, all the Souldiers having provided themselves of Maes for two days: nevertheless, we spent five in a desart Country, before we en­tred into the Province of Pafallaya. We found two Villages Taliepatave, and Cabusto, this last lying upon a great River, the opposite side where­of was possest by the Indians; they called to us that they would knock out the brains of us all, if we were so bold as to cross the River; which [Page 97] obliged Soto to cause a great Boat to be built pri­vately in the Woods, that the Indians might not come to know his design. It was finished in four days time, and the Governour order'd it to be carried down half a League lower on the River; there he put on board thirty Souldiers well armed; but when the Indians perceived his design, those that were nearest came running to defend the passage: They made some resistance till the Spaniards landed; but so soon as they marched towards them, the Indians retreated and threw themselves into swamps covered with Reeds. The thirty Spaniards mounted on horse­back, and went down along the River, till they found a place where the Army crossed over with­out any difficulty. We found Towns full of Maes and dry Pease: from thence we marched five days through a desart Country, until we came to a River where the Indians offered again to dispute us the passage. But Soto avoiding as much as he could to expose his men to more en­gagements, in two days time caused another Ca­noe to be made, and sent one of his Indians to the Cacique to demand peace and his friendship: This did not succeed, for the Indians being up▪ massacred his Messenger before his face; and ha­ving done so, retir'd with loud shouts. So that the passage being free, we went to Chicasa the Eighteenth of December: It was a little Village, containing about twenty houses, where the Go­vernour [Page 98] was obliged to pass the Winter, because it snowed, and the cold was already so sharp, that the Army suffered extreamly in the Camp, before they could find out means to make houses. This Country was well peopled, and full of scattered houses in the fields, like to those of Maville: We found abundance of Maes there, most part where­of was still upon the ground, so that we had e­nough for the whole Winter-Quarter. We took some Indians, and amongst others one who was much considered by the Cacique, and who per­swaded the Governour to send word to the Ca­cique, that he desired to see him, and to treat with him. The Cacique complied, and came to the Governour, offering him his Country and Subjects, and promising to bring two Caciques more; who came, indeed, some days after very well accompanied. The one was called Alima­mu, and the other Nicalusa: They presented Soto with an hundred and fifty Rabbets, some Mantles and Skins. The Cacique of Chicasa came often to visit the Governour, who sometimes sent for him, and lent him a horse to go and come to the Camp. This Indian complained to him of one of his Vassals who had revolted, demanding assi­stance against that Rebel, whom he intended to punish; which was a meer sham to make us di­vide our Forces, that so he might attack us sepa­rately. However, the Governour granted him that assistance; and when the Cacique came with [Page 99] two hundred Indians in Arms, he accompanied him with thirty Horse, and fourscore Foot. They marched together to Saquechuma, which was the place of Residence of the Indian whom the Ca­cique pretended to be revolted: that Village was abandoned, and the Indians of Chicasa set fire to it, the better to disguise their Treachery; but the good order which the Governour observed on the march, being always upon his guard as well against the Indians who accompanied him, as against the Enemy; and the care that was ta­ken to fortifie the Camp, hindred them from at­tempting any thing against us. Soto upon his return from that Expedition, entertained the Ca­cique and the chief of his Subjects at a Feast, where he gave them Pork to eat, which they had never tasted before, and which to them seemed so deli­cious meat, that from that day forward the In­dians came every night to certain houses a Cross-bow-shot from the Camp, to steal and kill the Pigs that were there. Seeing they had, in this manner, carried some away, guards were placed to watch them, who surprized three Indians, two of which the Governour ordered to be shot to death with Arrows; the third had his hands cut off, and was in that condition sent back to the Cacique, who pretended to be much troubled that they had been so insolent, as to meddle with any thing that belonged to the Governour; he said that it rejoyced him to see that they were pu [...] ­shed [Page 100] as they had deserved. He lived retired into a Country-house half a League from the Camp, whither four Horse-men went one day without leave: These were Francis Osorio, Reynoso a Ser­vant to the Marquess of Astorga, a Page and a Valet de Chamber of the Governours, called Ri­beyra, and Fuentez. They brought away some Skins and Mantles by force, which so offended the Indians, that they left their Houses. Soto be­ing informed of that violence, caused them to be apprehended, and condemned Osorio and Fuentez to death, as being the Ringleaders of the enter­prize, and confiscated the Goods of all the four: All the Church-men and chief of the Army beg'd Osorio's life, and some mitigation of the Sentence, but he was inflexible; so that the Criminals were going to be led to the Market-place to have their heads struck off, when some Indians came from the Cacique, to make their Complaints to the Governour. The coming of the Indians which should have hastned their death, was that which saved their lives; for Ortiz put on by Gal­legos, and some other persons of Quality, cunning­ly turned the sence of their discourse, saying to the Governour, that the Cacique had been infor­med that these men were apprehended upon his account, that nevertheless they were not guilty, since they had not offended him; and that if he would do him a favour, he would set them at li­ [...]rty. On the other hand he assured the Indians, [Page 101] That they who had wronged them were Priso­ners; and that the Governour would punish them in such a manner as should serve for an ex­ample to all others. So the Governour pardoned the men; and being resolved to leave Chicasa in March, he demanded Indians for service from the Cacique. The Cacique made answer, That he would propose the matter to the most conside­rable of his Subjects; and seeing the answer was long a coming, Soto went to pay him a visit on Wednesday the Eighth of March. He pressed him again to furnish him with Indians, whom the other promised to send next day: Nevertheless, the Governour observed that he was a hatching some mischief, and ordered Moscoso to keep a good guard all night, which he neglected. The Go­vernours observation was but too well grounded; for about midnight the Indians in four Batalions came to attack us in four several places at once; and so soon as they perceived that they were dis­covered, they beat a Drum, which served them for a signal; and with fearful shouts broke into the Camp at the same time that our Out-guards retreated thither; nay, scarely had those who were in the Village heard the noise of the Enemy, when one half of the houses were already all on fire. Three Troopers were that night upon the Vedelte, two of which were of low birth, and the least esteemed of any in the Army; the third was a Cousin of the Governours, who till that day [Page 102] had preserved the reputation of being stout; nevertheless, on this occasion he behaved himself as cowardly as his Companions, running away with them without so much as once running a Lance; so that the Indians entred without any opposition, and set all on fire, waiting for the Christians abroad, who came out of doors in dis­order without having leisure to arm themselves; for being for most part as yet overwhelm'd with sleep, and blinded with the smoak, they knew not where to find their Arms, nor how to saddle their horses; nor could they see the Indians that pierced them with their Arrows. Several horses were burnt in the Stables, none escaping but such as broke their halters, and saved themselves in the streets: So terrible was the disorder, that every one thought of flying without making head against the Enemy; but God who onely chastizes his Servants to correct, and not to de­stroy them, and who holds them in his hand in their greatest necessities, and amidst the most frightful dangers, so blinded the Indians that they perceived not our disorder, but imagined that the horses which ran about the streets, were Squadrons drawing up to charge them. In the mean time there was none but the Governour that could get on horseback, who followed by a Souldier called Tapia, spurred up against the Ene­my; Soto with the thrust of a Lance killed the first Indian he met, but seeing in the general sur­prize [Page 103] and consternation care enough had not been taken to girt his horse, the violence of the tilt threw him off, with the saddle betwixt his legs. The rumour of the danger the Governour was in, spread immediately, which obliged a great many that were leaving the Village to go hide themselves in the Woods, to rally again and come to his assistance. And seeing it was still night, and that the Indians still imagined that the hor­ses which they heard running, were coming to fall upon them, they gave ground, and abando­ned the Town, leaving onely one of their number dead upon the place, who was killed by the Go­vernours own hand. The Village was wholly burnt down, and a woman that followed her Husband perished in the flames, who having got out of the house with him, went back again to save some Pearls which she had preserved; but when she thought of getting out a second time, the fire was at the door before her, so that neither her Husband nor any body else could save her life. Three Christians more were so spoilt by the fire, that one of them died three days after, and the other two were for a long while unable to go, but forced to be carried a-bed in a kind of Litter born by Indians. Twelve Christians died on this occasion, with fifty horses and four hun­dred hogs which were burnt. All that we saved from the fire of Maville, was consumed in this: several who had not the time to take their Cas­socks [Page 104] were reduced to their single Doublets, so that they suffered much by the cold which was very sharp; and though we made great [...]ires, yet we spent whole nights without sleep, because we were broiled on one side, when we froze on the other. For avoiding that inconvenience, a Souldier invented cove [...]ts made of two Matts of withered grass fastned together; they laid these coverlets one over and the other under them. This invention was laughed at at first, but at length the laughers themselves thought themselves happy when they could make use of them. We were in so great disorder, and so de­stitute of arms and saddles which were consumed by the fire, that had the Indians assaulted us once more, they might easily have defeated us. Soto thought fit to remove the Camp from the place where it was, to the house where the Cacique held his Residence, and where we found Ash-trees which we made into as good Lances as those of Biscaye. We found means also to make saddles; so that in eight days time the Troopers were in a condition of doing service again.

CHAP. XXI.

WE had already encamped eight days with­in half a League of our former Quarter, and had made a Forge to dress and new temper our Swords that had been spoiled by the fire; our Bucklers, Saddles, and Lances, being likewise fit for service, when on Wednesday the Fifteenth day of March, 1541. the Indians came to attack us a little before day. They were divided into three Batalions; but seeing our past danger had taught us wit, the Sentinels did their duty, and gave the allarm in good time: The Governour and Troopers were on horseback in an instant. He divided them into three Squadrons: and ha­ving provided for the guard of the Camp, char­ged the Indians so furiously that they could not stand it. Seeing the ground favoured the Horse, and that it was already day, we might have had a sufficient revenge on the Indians for their for­mer assault, had it not been for a Monk that fell a crying with all his force very unseasonably, To the Camp, to the Camp: At that cry the Go­vernour and his men hastned thither, and gave [Page 106] the Indians time to save themselves, leaving one­ly forty of their number dead upon the place: Some were taken, whom the Governour asked about the Country that was further before us, and on the Twenty fifth of April we went to Alimamu; it was a small Village, where we found but little Maes. In the mean time, the Army being to march seven days through a desart Country, Soto sent out three Captains three se­veral ways to seek provisions. Danhusco, who went with fifteen Horse and forty Foot the way that the Army was to march, met with a strong Palissado, where the Indians waited for us. He saw them walking with their Arms behind the Palissado, having their bodies almost all over pain­ted with various colours, as black, white, blew, and red, laid on in streaks, so that they seemed to be in Doublet and Breeches; some had feathers on their heads, others horns, and their faces made black, with the circuit of their eyes died red, that they might appear more terrible. So soon as they saw the Spaniards approaching, they fell a shouting, and with their Drums beating came out to receive them. Danhusco thought best to retreat to an open field within a Cross-bow-shot of their Palissado: he drew up his Foot with their Cross-bows and Bucklers before the Horse, to save his horses from being wounded, and so made head against the Indians, who sallied out by sevens or eights in company, to skirmish. [Page 107] They kindled a great fire to the Spaniards view, and took an Indian by the head and feet, making as if they cast him into the fire, after they had knocked him on the head with a great club, to shew the Christians that they must expect to be treated in the same manner. Danhusco sent off three Troopers to carry the news to the Gover­nour, who immediately advanced, and resolved to beat them from that post; saying, that if that were not done, they would take the boldness to attack us, when they might do us greater preju­dice. The Horse alighted by his orders, and at­tacked the Palissado in four bodies. The Indians made a very good defence, till we came up to the Palissado; but charging them then briskly, they ran for it over a little River which they had at their back, and defended the passage with whole flights of Arrows; where seeing we could find no foard for the Horse, we were obliged to retreat. There were but three Indians killed, and many Spaniards wounded, of whom fifteen died some days after. This loss made the Governours Conduct be blamed in that he had not got the nature of the ground which was on the other side of the River viewed, and a passage found before he attacked the Indians. Because the hopes they had of making good their retreat that way, if they chanced to be beaten, made them obstinately maintain the fight, defend themselves, and anoy the Christians, without running great risk.

CHAP. XXII.

THough during three days space some little quantity of Maes had been brought to the Army, and that the wounded wanted rest, yet the Souldiers who suffered very much had still more need of victuals; so that the Governour was obliged to decamp to go to Quizquiz, and marched seven days through a desart Country full of swamps and woods; but where there was still horse-way, unless in some few places where they were put to swim. The Indians of Quizquiz had no intelligence of our march, so that we took them all in their houses, and amongst the rest the Cacique's Mother. Soto sent him word by an Indian, that if he would come to him, which he might do with all safety, he would restore to him his Mother and all his Subjects. To which the Cacique made answer, That he should first de­liver his Mother and the other Prisoners, and then he would come and wait on him. Seeing the Souldiers were tired out and heartless for want of victuals, and the horses also in bad case, Soto resolved to give the Prisoners their li­berty, [Page 109] to see if by that means he could oblige the Cacique to let him alone in peace; he there­fore sent home the Cacique's Mother, and all the rest that were taken, having in very obliging words expressed the great desire he had of living in peace with them. Next day when th [...] Gover­nour expected the Cacique, we saw a great many armed Indians, coming with a design to attack us: all immediately armed; which the Indians observing, retreated to the side of a River out of the reach of shot. They consulted together about half an hour, and then six of the chief of them advanced towards the Camp. They told the Governour that they were come to see what kind of men they were whom he commanded; that they had learnt from their Ancestors that a white people should come and conquer their Country, and that therefore they would go and tell their Cacique, that he should come and offer his services to the Governour; so having presented him with six or seven Skins, and as many Mantles, they re­turned with all the other Indians that waited on them. In the mean time the Cacique came not, nor did he send us any more news of him; but there being no great store of Maes in the Town, the Governour made us march to another about half a League from Riogrande, or the great River; there we found as much Maes as we needed, and Soto went to view the River; he found on the sides of it a great deal of Timber fit for building [Page 110] of Boats, and an advantageous place for the Army to encamp in, which he ordered to advance. We patcht up some houses in haste in a smooth level ground, about a Cross-bow-shot from the River, and thither we brought all the Maes that was in the Villages through which we past. Immedi­ately we fell to prepare the wood that was neces­sary for the Boats; and whilst we were employ'd about that work, some Indians descending the River, came ashoar, and told the Governour that they were the Subjects of a great Cacique called Aquixo, who commanded a great many people in a very large Country on the other side of the River; That they were come in his Name to ac­quaint his Lordship that their Master would come to-morrow and wait upon him. The Ca­cique did, indeed, come, followed by two hundred Canoes full of armed Indians, painted after their way, and adorned with feathers of all colours, ha­ving shields in their hands wherewith they cove­red the Rowers; the rest with their Bows and Arrows stood fore and after in the Canoe. The Cacique's Canoe had a Pavillion in the poop, under which he sat; there were others also trimmed up in the same manner for the chief Indians, who sitting under their Pavillions, gave their orders to those who guided the Canoe. They put them­selves in order, and advanced within a stones throw of the River-side; from thence the Cacique spake to the Governour who stood on [Page 111] the shoar well attended, and told him, That he was come to offer him his services, and assure him of his obedience, because he had been informed that he was the most Potent Lord of the whole Earth. Soto thanked him, and prayed him to come ashoar, where they might discourse more commodiously together; to which the Indian made no answer, but ordred three Canoes to put in, which were loaded with fish, and bread made of paste of Prunes, or of the kernels of that fruit, and of the shape and bigness of a tile. The Go­vernour accepted the Present, and importuned the Cacique to come ashoar. But seeing the design of the Indians was onely to watch for an occasion to surprize us, when they perceived that the Gover­nour had put his men into very good order, they stood off from the shoar, and at the same time the Cross-bow-men, who were all in a readiness, shot at them with loud shouting, and made five or six to fall. They retired in very good order, covered with their shields, and no man leaving his Oar, though he saw his Companion fall by his side. They landed several times afterwards to attack us, but so soon as we charged them, they hastned back to their Canoes. It was a very pleasant sight to see them in their Canoes, which were most neatly made, and very large, with their Pavilli­ons, Feathers, Shields, and Standards, that looked like a Fleet of Galleys. In the mean time our four Boats being finished in thirty days time, the [Page 112] Governour chose three of them, which three hours before day he manned with twelve Troo­pers of tried Courage, who he was certain would die rather than turn their backs to their Enemies. Each Canoe contained four, defended by Cross-bow-men, with good Rowers to carry them over to the other side of the River. Iohn Guzman who commanded Maldonado's Company, was in the other Boat with his men; and because the cur­rent of the water was very swift, he made them go a quarter of a League higher than the place where we encamped; so they passed over and landed just over-against the Camp. When they were within two stones throw of the shoar, the Troopers took the water on horseback, and lan­ded in a place where the sand was firm: Finding no Enemies there, they easily landed, and made themselves masters of the passage. The Boats immediately returned back to the other side where the Governour was, who past over with the whole Army two hours before Sun-set. The River in that place was half a League over, so that a man could not be distinguished from one side to the other; it was very deep and very ra­pid, and being always full of trees and timber that was carried down by the force of the stream, the water was thick and very muddy. It abounded with fish, most of which differed much from those that are taken in the Rivers of Spain, as we shall etll you hereafter.

CHAP. XXIII.

WHen we had passed that River the great­est of all Florida, the Army marched a League and a half to a Town in the Province of Aquixo; the Indians had abandoned it, neverthe­less the Cacique sent thirty to learn intelligence of our march and design. As soon as they appeared in sight of the Camp, the Horse made towards them, and the Indians dispersed and fled; but the Country being open and level, they were so hot­ly pursued, that two of them were killed, and fif­teen taken, who were brought to the Governour. He had sent a Captain with Souldiers to bring our Boats up to this Town which stood upon the River; but seeing the course of it was not, streight, and that it behoved us to turn a great many reaches before we could get to the Camp, the Indians who were acquainted with all the tur­nings and windings, and expert in that Naviga­tion, many times attacked the Boats, and redu­ced us to great extremities; for we durst not [Page 114] venture out into the stream which was too rapid, and standing in to the shoar, they skulked by the River-side and shot at us. No sooner was the Governour got to the Town, but he sent off all the Cross-bow-men, who came very seasonably to our assistance. When the Boats were come to the Town, he caused them to be broken up, and all the Iron-work to be kept for other occasions. The Army rested a night in this Town, and parted next day to go into the Province of Pacaha, which according to the relation of the Indians, bordered upon the Country of Chisca, where that Metal was found which the Governour took to be Gold. On our march we found several great Villages abandoned by the Indians; nevertherless, we took some, who told the Governour, That three days journey from the place where we were, he would find a powerful Cacique, called Casqui: This made him hasten our march to a little River, which we crossed upon a bridge; but seeing the waters were out, the men marched till Sun-set up to the middle in water. At length we saw dry land to our great satisfaction, because we feared we should have been forced to pass the whole night in the water; and our joy hereupon adding to our strength, next day about noon we found the first habitation of the Province of Cas­qui. The Indians expected us not, which cost many of them their dear liberty. That Village we plundered, with another half a League distant, [Page 115] whither the Horse had advanced. The Land of this Country was the highest, driest, and evenest of any that we had found before we came to the great River; the fields were covered with Nut-trees, whose fruit was of the shape of an Acorn, and we found store of them every-where in the houses, which the Indians had laid up for their Provisions: These Walnut-trees differed nothing from those of Spain, nor from those which we had seen elsewhere in that Country, but that their leaves were somewhat smaller. We found al­so a great many Mulberry-trees, and Plum-trees, whereof some bore red Plums like those of Spain, and others Plums of a violet-colour, different from ours, but of a far better taste. All these Trees were fair, and of as good a growth as those which are raised with care in Gardens and Or­chards; for the Land yields but few rushes and bushes. The Army marched two days in this Province of Casqui, before we came to the place where the Cacique usually resided; and the Country upon the Rode was so populous, that one of their Villages was as big as two or three in the other Provinces. The Governour sent an Indian to acquaint the Cacique that he was com­ing to see him, to desire his friendship, and to treat him as his own Brother. To which the Cacique answered, That he should be welcome, and that he would joyfully comply with whatso­ever he should please to enjoyn him. He added [Page 116] to his words a Present of Skins, Mantles, and Fish; so that after these testimonies of mutual friend­ship, the Indians forsook no more the Villages through which we past, but in all places received the Army with gladness, and offer'd the Gover­nour Fish, Mantles, and other presents. The Cacique came out of his Town half a League to meet the General, and spake to him in these terms.

Most High, most Mighty, and most illustrious Lord, may your Lorships coming be happy. As soon as I was informed of your Lordships Power and great Qualities, though upon your entry into my Country you killed my Subjects, and made them slaves, ne­vertheless I resolved to conform my will to yours, and to approve whatever you do, seeing I am wholly at your service; for I thought you must have had just reason to do so, upon good considerations, which are hid from me, but are known to your Lordship; since an evil may sometimes be permitted, for avoid­ing a greater evil, and for obtaining a good. I am apt to think it will prove so, because it would be to declare against reason, to be perswaded that the Ge­nerosity of so excellent a Prince does allow him to con­sent to any injustice. I have so little power to do your Lordship service, that unless you have some re­spect to my Will, which is disposed to obey you in all things, I can deserve but very little at your hands: But if it be reasonable that some value should be put upon a sincere Will, accept of it with my Person, [Page 117] Country, and Subjects, to be disposed of at your plea­sure, since were I master of the whole World, I could not have a greater inclination to receive and serve your Lordship. Soto made answer to this discourse very civilly in few words, and then they entred into a Conference, wherein the Cacique very obli­gingly offer'd the Governour his house to lodge in; but he excused himself that he might keep the peace, saying, That since the weather was fair and pleasant, he had rather lie in a Camp. So the Camp was pitched under trees a quarter of a League from the Town. The Cacique re­turned to the Town, and some time after came back with several Indians singing; so soon as they came into the Governours presence, they all fell to the ground, and the Cacique made a discourse to him, whereof I shall onely relate the substance and subject. They brought with them two blind Indians, whom the Cacique presented before him; saying, That since he was the Son of the Sun, and so powerful a Lord, he begg'd it of him as a singular favour that he would cure those two blind men, who at that instant rose up, and earnestly besought Soto to restore to them their sight. He told them that the Master whom he served, and who was above in the Heaven which they saw, had alone the power to cure them, and to grant them besides all that they demanded; that he was the Lord who made the Heavens, the Earth, and Men, whom he had formed accor­ding [Page 118] to his own Image and likeness: That he had been willing to suffer death upon the Cross for the Salvation of Mankind, and that the third day he rose again from the dead, having suffer'd death as man; but that as God his Nature was immortal: That he had ascended up into Hea­ven, where his arms were open to receive all those that applied themselves to him. He then commanded a very high Cross to be made, which was set up in a rising place of the Town, telling the Indians that the Christians rendred it honour in remembrance of what JESUS CHRIST had suffered upon it for them. After the Gover­nour and all the Spaniards had rendred their re­spects before the Cross on their knees, the Indi­ans did the like; and Soto told them, that they should continue to honour and adore it, and de­mand of that Lord who was in Heaven, all that they might stand in need of. After that, Soto inform'd himself of the Cacique how far it was from that Town to Pacaha; he told him that it was a days journey, and that at the utmost bounds of his Country, there was a Lake which made a kind of a Gulf in the great River into which it fell; adding, that he would send Indi­ans to build a Bridge for the passage of the Ar­my. The day we parted from Casqui we came to a Village of that Province, where we staid all night, and next day we came to the Lake, which was rapid, deep, and half a Cross-bow shot over. [Page 119] The Indians had made an end of the Bridge when the Governour came: It was made of pieces of Timber in form of posts laid upon trees driven into the Lake; and on the one hand they left a rank of stakes which stood up higher than the Bridge for those that past to hold by. The Cacique of Casqui came to us in this place with his Indians in Arms; and the Governour sent an Indian to tell the Cacique of Pacaha, that though he was Enemy to the Cacique of Casqui who was with him, yet if he would stay for our coming in peace, he should have no injury done him; and that if he granted him his friendship, he would treat him as his Brother. The Governours Mes­senger brought back word, that the Cacique had with contempt rejected the Offers that were made him, and that he fled with all his Subjects beyond the Town. Soto took all his Horse to go and pursue them, and many of them were taken in a Village a quarter of a League off. They were delivered into the hands of the Indians of Casqui, who led them to the Town with much gladness, because they were Enemies; but it vexed them exceedingly that they were not suffered to massa­cre them. In this last habitation we found seve­ral Mantles, with the skins of Stags, Lions, and Bears, besides a great many Cats skins: And see­ing the Souldiers were very ill cloathed, they soon found the means of Apparrelling themselves therewith. Of the Mantles they made close­bodied [Page 120] Coats, Cassocks, and also Waste-coats, which they lined with Cats skins as well as their upper Coats; and the Stags skins they cut into Breeches, Doublets, and Shoes: the Bears skins served to make good Cloaks, because no water pierced them. We found also in that Town Bucklers of the raw hides of Cows, which the Troopers made use of for their defence.

CHAP. XXIV.

WEdnesday the Nineteenth of Iune the Go­vernour entred the Town of Pacaha, and lodged in the Cacique's house, which was very large, and fortified with a Palissado and Turrets, wherein holes were made to shoot through. The Town was provided with old Maes, the fields covered with green, and in the compass of a League about the Town, there were a great ma­ny other very large ones, and all fortified. The Town where we quartered had a great Lake near its enclosure, the water whereof fell into a ditch drawn round the same close or sence, which en­compassed [Page 121] it almost all round: And the Indians had also made a Canal from the great River to the Lake; by that means the River-fish came into it in great plenty, and the Cacique usually di­verted himself at fishing. What quantity soever were taken, they were never missed, as we tried it with Nets that were in the Town. Several Lakes thereabouts were every whit as well furni­shed, but they were a softer kind of fish, than the fish that came from the River, and nothing near so good: they all differed from the fish of Spain. The fish which they call Bagres, is of an extraor­dinary shape; the head of it is one third of its bulk, and about its sins and belly it hath great bones as sharp as a needle. Those which we took in the Lake were about the bigness of a large Pike; but in the great River there were some that weighed from an hundred to an hundred and fifty pound weight, of which many were catched with the Hook. There are other fish that resemble a Barbel, and others again a Carp, with scales like a Roach, but of a colour some­what browner; these they esteemed most. We caught another sort of fish also, called Pexe-palla, the Palat-fish; the head of it is covered with a kind of an elbow-hood, the upper point whereof is shaped like a Palet or Lingel; others again re­semble the Alose, and all had scales except the Bagres and Palat-fish. The Indians sometimes caught fish as big as a hog, which they called [Page 122] Pexe perco, and had several ranks of teeth above and below. The Cacique of Casqui sent the Go­vernour Presents often, and told him one day that he would deliver up to him the Cacique of Patacha. He went to Casqui, from whence he sent up a great many Canoes by water, and came himself by land attended by several of his Sub­jects. Soto led them himself, accompanied with forty Horse, and sixty Foot, to a place where the Indians in the Canoes discovered Pacaha and his men, who were retreated into a little Isle. Five Spaniards went in a Canoe under the Command of Don Antonio Osorio, to view the Indians of Pacaha, and judge what number of men they mightbe: They were about five or six thousand, who taking all those that came in the Canoes for Spaniards, were so frighted that the Cacique and Indians, who were in three Canoes, fled to the other side of the River, and the rest cast them­selves into the water with so much fear and preci­pitation, that though they could swim, yet many of them were drowned, especially Women and Children. The Governour who was on shoar not knowing what hapned on Don Antonio's side, put on board the Canoes of Casqui Souldiers to go into the Island, where they arrived at the same time Don Antonio did, and took several In­dians, men and women, with a great deal of boo­ty. These Indians had loaded much of their Goods in Paniers of Canes upon floats, to carry [Page 123] them to the other side; but fear making them forsake them, the floats carried down by the cur­rent of the water, fell into the hands of Casqui's men, who filled their Canoes with them; and fearing that the Spaniards might take their booty from them, went away (with their Cacique) with­out taking leave of the Governour. Soto was extreamly incensed at that, and returned imme­diately to Pacaha, from whence he made an in­cursion into the Territories of Casqui, and took twenty or thirty Indians; having done so, he re­turned to the Town, because the horses were quite weary, but with a resolution to go and at­tack Casqui within four days. He set at liberty a Subject of Pacaha, and sent him to tell his Ca­cique, that he desired to be his friend, that he should come to him, and that they should go to­gether and make War against Casqui. Pacaha immediately sent back several Indians, who brought one with them whom they called the Cacique; but the cheat was discovered by one of Pacaha's Brothers who was Prisoner. The Go­vernour told these Indians that they should bring their Master, since he knew very well that he who usurped his Name was not, and that no re­solution could be taken, unless they took their measures together. So that the Cacique came ac­companied with many of his Subjects, and made the usual Present to the Governour: This he se­conded by a very fine discourse, which he conclu­ded, [Page 124] That though his Lordship had done him so many injuries in wasting his Country, and killing his Subjects, without any provocation ever given by him, yet he could not forbear to be his most humble Servant. Soto set his Brother and the most considerable of his Subjects at liberty; and the same day the Cacique of Casqui sent an Indian to assure the Governour, that his Master would come next day and beg his pardon for the fault he had committed in retiring without his leave. To which he made answer, That if the Cacique did not come in person, he himself would fetch him, and punish him as he deserved. Casqui fail­ed not to come, and began with a present of Mantles, Skins, and Fish, besides one of his Daugh­ters whom he offered to Soto, saying that it was his greatest ambition to Allie his Bloud with so great a Lord, and that for that end he had brought his Daughter, whom he prayed him to take for Wife; thereupon he made a very long and judi­cious speech, full of the praises of the Governour, and concluded by begging his pardon for the sake of that Cross which he had left, in that he had gone away without his orders, being asha­med at what his Subjects had done without his consent. Soto answered that he had chosen a very good Patron; and that if he had not come to ex­cuse himself, he resolved to have gone and put him, his Subjects, and Country, to fire and sword. To which the Indian replied: My Lord, I and my [Page 125] Subjects are yours, and my Country belongs to you, in doing so then you would have destroyed your own Country, and killed your Subjects; as for my self, I am ready to accept of any thing from your hands, whe­ther it be punishment or favour: What I have al­ready received from you in leaving me the Cross, is the greatest benefit that can be bestowed, and much above my deserts: for all our Maes had been burnt up by an extraordinary drought, had not I and my Subjects on our knees before the Cross prayed for Rain, whereupon our misery presently ceased. The Governour after that, resolved to put an end to the differences that were betwixt him and Pacaha, and made them both dine with him. The two Cacique's had a new contest, which of them should take the Governours right hand; but he agreed them, saying. That amongst Christians there was no distinction made betwixt the right and left hand, as to the place of honour, that they should do the like, seeing they were with him, and that every one should take his place as it fell. In the mean time he sent thirty Horse and fifty Foot-Souldiers towards the Province of Caluca, to find out a way from thence into the Province of Chisca, where the Indians had told him there were Cop­per-Mines, and Mines of that Metal which re­sembled Gold. These Souldiers marched seven days through a desart Country, and returned quite spent, having eaten nothing but green Plums and Maes in the blade, which they had found [Page 126] in a wretched Habitation of seven or eight houses. And indeed the Indians told the Governour, that farther Northwards the Country was for the most part unpeopled because of the cold; and that the Cows were in so great numbers, that the people could not preserve their Corn for them, but that they lived on the flesh of those beasts. Soto finding that that Northern Country was so barren and poor, asked the Indians whereabouts he might find a well-peopled Country; and they told him, that they had knowledge of a great Pro­vince towards the South, called Quigate, which was abundantly furnished with all sorts of Provisions.

CHAP. XXV.

THe Army lay in Quarters of refreshment for the space of forty days at Pacaha, where the two Caciques strove who should make most Presents to the Governour. When he was about to depart, Pacaha gave him his two Sisters, saying. That they were the pledges of his Affe­ction, and that he prayed him to marry them, to the end he might always think of him: The [Page 127] one was called Macanoche, and the other Mochifa, both handsome and well shaped, especially Maca­noche, who had very good features, a pleasan [...] countenance, and a majestick air; the other was somewhat more unpolished. The Cacique of Casqui caused the Bridge to be repaired, and the Army returned through its Country to its former Camp, near the Cacique's Town, who brought from thence plenty of fish, and two Indian wo­men, whom he trucked for a couple of shirts: From thence we parted and passed by two o­ther Towns of the Province of Casqui; and seeing the last lay upon a River, he sent for Canoes to carry us over, and having taken leave of Soto there, returned home. From thence we mar­ched towards Quigate, where we arrived the Fourth of August; the Cacique sent a Present of Mantles and Skins, but durst not tarry in his Town. This was the greatest Town that we had seen in all Florida, insomuch that the Gover­nour and all his people took up but one half of it: But Soto knowing that the Indians dealt not sincerely, he caused the other half to be burnt, for fear it might serve the Enemies for an en­trenchment, from whence they might anoy us under cover; and gave the horse orders to be in a readiness to beat them off in case of an attack. At length an Indian came to the Town very well accompanied, and gave it out that he was the Cacique; which obliged the Governour to set [Page 128] guards over him to observe him. In the mean time, many Indians brought Mantles and Skins; but when they found no opportunity of putting their bad designs in execution, the Mock-Cacique coming one day with the Governour out of his house, ran away so swiftly, that no Christian was able to overtake him, and threw himself into a River which he swam over, whilst a great many Indians on the other side shot at our men, and made terrible shouts. The Governour immedi­ately crossed the River to charge them, but they staid not for his coming; and as he was in pur­suit of them, he found a Town abandoned, and a little farther a Lake which the Horse could not pass. Several Indian women appeared on the o­ther side of the Lake, which made the Governour send over the Foot, who took these women and a great deal of Baggage. Soto returned to the Camp, where the same night the Scouts took a Spie; the Governour asked him if he could guide him to the place where the Cacique was gone, and the Indian promised to do it: Whereupon Soto took thirty Horse, and fifty Foot, and marched to find the Cacique; after a day and a halfs march a Souldier met him in a very thick Wood, and not knowing him, cut him in the head with a sword, which made the poor Indian cry out that he was the Cacique, and begg'd that they would not kill him; so he was taken, with an hundred and forty of his Subjects, whom Soto brought to Quigate, [Page 129] where he told the Cacique that he must send for Indians to serve the Christians: But having ex­pected some days, and none coming, he sent out two Captains with Horse and Foot along the two sides of the River, who took several Indians men and women. They found thenthat they could get nothing by their Rebellion but loss; so they sub­mitted to the Governour, and came to receive his orders, bringing with them Mantles and Fish. The Cacique and his two Wives were kept under a guard of Halbardiers in the Governour's house, whilst Soto inform'd himself daily of the nature of the Country whither he intended to march the Army; and he learnt of the Cacique that going down the River towards the South, the Coun­try was very populous, and governed by very powerful Caciques; and that towards the North-West was the Province of Caligoa at the foot of the mountains. The Governour and all the principal Officers, imagining that we should find a Country beyond these mountains of another quality than that where they were, and which might produce Gold or Silver, resolved to go to Coligoa. Quigate as well as Casqui and Pacaha lie in a flat Country, of a sat and fruitful soil, and amongst little Rivers that form fields, where the Inhabitants sow a great deal of Maes; from Tas­caluca to the great River, we reckoned three hun­dred Leagues, and all that Country is low, full of Lakes and Swamps; and from Pacaha to Qui­gate [Page 130] it is six score Leagues. Soto left the Cacique of this last Province in his Town, and marched under the conduct of an Indian, that led us for seven days through a desart Country continual­ly a-cross the Woods, where no way was to be found; but that which incommoded us most, was, that that Country was in a manner nothing but a Marish, where we were oblig'd to sleep a­midst water. It was indeed very low, and so full of fish, that we killed them with our sticks; and when our Indian slaves stirred onely the water and made it muddy, they came up to the brim as if they had been giddy and stunn'd, so that they took as many as they pleased with their hands. The people of Coligoa had no intelli­gence of our march, and were so surprized to see us in the first Town, that they threw themselves in a crowd into a little River that past by that Habitation; but seeing the Christians came on both the sides, many of them were taken with their Wives, and the Cacique himself. Three days after, the chief of his Subjects came to wait on the Governour, with Mantles, Stags skins, and Cows hides, which they presented him with: They told us, that five or six Leagues from thence Northwards, there were great herds of these Cows, but that the Country was not much inhabited because of the cold; and that they knew no Province more plentiful and better peopled than that of Cayas towards the South. From [Page 131] Quigate to Coligoa it is almost forty Leagues, and this last Town lies at the foot of a mountain, and upon a River as big as the River of Coya in Estra­madura; the Soil is fat, and bears so great plen­ty of Maes, that they are fain to throw away the old that they may have-store room for the new; it likewise produces Pease or small Beans, and Cu­cumbers bigger and better than those of Spain, and which being roasted on the hearth, taste like Chestnuts. The Cacique of Coligoa gave us a Guide to conduct us to Cayas, and abode still in his Town. We marched five days to Palisema, where the Cacique's house was hung with Bucks skins, so well died and wrought, that one would have taken them for good Tapistry, the floor also being covered with the same: The Cacique left all the furniture to accommodate the Gover­nour, and to shew that he was inclined to peace; nevertheless he durst not stay for us himself, which obliged Soto to send a Captain in search of him. He met with a great many Indians, but it being a rough Country, could not apprehend any but women and children. Seeing there were but a few separated Habitations there, the Army made no long stay, but advanced to Tafalicoya: Soto took the Cacique of this Town to serve him for a Guide towards the Province of Cayas, which was four days journey distant. When he came there, and found the Habitations at a distance one from another in the Country, the Cacique ha­ving [Page 132] assured him that it was a very populous Country, he imagined that he had put a trick up­on him; he threatned him sharply, asking what place they were in; but the Cacique and all the Indians affirmed constantly that we were in the Province of Cayas, that that was the best and most populous Town of all the Province; and that though the Habitations were scattered in that manner, yet there were many Inhabitants, and large fields sowed with Maes. That Town was called Tanico, and we encamped in the pleasantest place on the River-side; the Governour advan­ced a League farther with his Horse, and met with no Indians, but a great many Skins which the Cacique had left as a sign that he was not our Enemy, for that's the custom in that Country.

CHAP. XXVI.

THe Army rested a Month in the Province of Cayas; during which time our horses grew so fat, that they never were in so good case since the beginning of our Expedition: The Maes there being excellent good, and the straw [Page 133] better, they eat a great deal of it without any danger; but the water of a Lake contributed al­so much to the fatning of them, which was so good and wholesome, that they could not get their bellies full on't, and fatned them to the eye. We had had no Salt till we came to that place, where a great deal was made, and where the Souldiers did not forget to make Provision: Indians trade in it with their Neighbours, and barter it for Mantles and Skins. They make it in cakes along the River-side, which leaves a great deal upon the sand when it overflows; and see­ing they cannot make these cakes so long as it is mixed with the sand, they put altogether into baskets that are made for the purpose wide above and narrow below, which they hang in the air upon a pole, and throw water upon the sand that drops down into a vessel set under the basket, which afterwards they boyl; and the water be­ing evaporated, the Salt remains at the bottom of the pot. There was a great deal of Maes sowed in the fields upon the sides of the River: But the Indians were afraid to appear; at length some ventured to come near the Camp, and were called to by the Souldiers, which gave them the boldness to cross the River, and come to see the Governour attended by his Souldiers. Soto ask­ed them news of their Cacique; they told him that he desired to live in peace with him, but that he was afraid to present himself. The Governour [Page 134] sent him word that he might come securely, and that if he would shew himself to be his friend, he should give him Guides and an Interpreter; o­therwise that he would come and find him out, which would be to his ruine. Soto waited three days for his Answer, and seeing he came not, he went himself and took him with an hundred and fifty of his Subjects: Soto put the ordinary que­stions to him, If he knew of any good Country, and any great Lord? The Indian made answer, That the best Country thereabouts was the Pro­vince of Tulla, a day and a halfs journey distant towards the South; that he would give him a Guide to conduct him, but that he could not fur­nish him with an Interpreter, because the Lan­guage of the Indians of Tulla differed much from the Language of his Subjects; and that seeing his Predecessors and he had always been in War with the Caciques of that Province, they had no communication together, and understood not one another. Upon that information, the Governour set out with some Horse and fifty Foot-souldiers, to see if he could pass through Tulla with the Army; but so soon as they had intelligence of his march, the whole Country rose; and when fifteen or twenty Indians were got together, they set upon the Governour; but being paid off by the Horse, they got up to the roof of the houses, shooting Arrows from thence; and though they were driven from one post, yet they got upon a­nother, [Page 135] and attacked the Spaniards on all hands That way of fighting lasted so long, that the hor­ses could not make one step forwards: they kil­led one, and wounded some Christians, leaving fifteen of their own upon the place. We could not take any but about forty women and children; for the Indians that fought had no quarter given them, if they were taken: But the Governour fearing they might gather together in greater bodies, resolved to come back to the Camp at Cayas, and parted at night, keeping off of the high-way that he might disappoint the Indians. Next day he came to the Camp, where he staid three days, and then with all the Army set out upon his march to Tulla. He took the Cacique along with him; but amongst all his Subjects there was not one to be found who understood the Language of the Indians of Tulla. After three days march we came to a Town abando­ned; in the mean time, as soon as the Indians knew that we were entred into their Country, they came to attack us a little before day, in two bodies, and armed with Arrows and Poles after the man­ner of Pikes. So soon as they were discovered, we betook our selves to our Arms, and broke out upon them, to the loss of a great many men on their side, and onely a few Souldiers and Hor­ses wounded on ours. Soto chose out six of the chief Indians from amongst the Prisoners whom he had taken, and having caused their right hand [Page 136] and n [...]se to be cut off, he sent them back to the Cacique to tell him. That if he obeyed not his Orders, he would find him out, and use him and all his after the same manner; which he made them comprehend by signs the best way he could for [...] of a [...] Interpreter. Before three days [...] over, an Indian laden with Cow-hides, came and cast himself at the Governours feet, weeping, and shewing all the signs of an extream sorrow. Soto took him up, and the Indian made a long dis­course which no body understood: They made him conceive by signs, that the Governour would have the Cacique to come, and that he should bring with him an Interpreter who understood the Lan­guage of the Indians of Cayas. Next day three Indians more loaded as the first was came to the Camp, and three days after twenty others, amongst whom there was one who understood the Lan­guage of Cayas. He made a long discourse full of reasons to excuse the Cacique, and expressions in praise of the Governour, and concluded with a protestation, that he and all the other Indians were come on behalf of the Cacique to receive the Governours Commands, and promise him Obe­dience. Nothing rejoyced Soto and all the Spa­niards more than that Interpreter, seeing with­out knowing the Language, it was very difficult to proceed any farther in Florida. Soto ordered him to be kept with a great deal of care, and told the other Indians that they might return to their [Page 137] Cacique, and assure him that he pardoned all that was past, and that he took his Presents and Interpreter very kindly; that he would be very glad to see him, and that he might come next day. At length the Cacique came, attended by fourscore Indians, who all entred the Camp weep­ing bitterly, as a sign of their repentance and sub­mission, according to the custom of that Country. They brought with them a considerable Present of several Cows hides, which were very convenient against the cold in that Country, because they made a good furr, the hair of them being as soft as sheeps-wool. These Cows are to be found in very great numbers to the Northwards of this Province, but we saw none of them alive, beause that Country is barren, and almost a desart. The Cacique of Tulla made a speech to the Governour in his own excuse, and offered him his Person and all that he possessed. And here it is to be observed, that this Cacique and all the rest, as also all their Envoys, expressed themselves in their own Language, as elegantly as the most polite Orator could do in his.

CHAP. XXVII.

SOto having enquired into the nature of the Countries about Tulla, was informed that the Country to the West had nothing but separate Habitations; but that betwixt East and South, he would meet with large Towns, especially in the Province of Autiamque, ten days journey distant from Tulla, which might make about fourscore Leagues, and that that Country was ex­traordinary fruitful in Maes. Seeing Winter drew on, and that the rain and snow would hinder our march for two or three Months, the Gover­nour was apprehensive that we could hardly find provisions in these Habitations so remote from one another; and besides, the Indians said that near to Autiamque they saw a great Lake, and ac­cording as they talkt of it, we had ground to be­lieve it might be an arm of the Sea. The Gover­nour was very desirous to send advice to Cuba, and to get from thence a supply of men and hor­ses, because it was already three years that nei­ther his Wife nor any body else had heard what [Page 139] was become of him; nay besides, he had alrea­dy lost two hundred and fifty of his Souldiers, and an hundred and forty Horses: All these reasons concurring, made him determine to pitch upon the Province of Autiamque for his Winter-Quarters, and to search for some Sea-Port in the Sp [...]ng: His design was to have two Bri­gantines built there, which he would send one to Cuba and the other to New-Spain, to the end that if one of them should miscarry, the other might carry news of him to one or the other of these two Provinces. He hoped to make new Lev [...]es with the money that he had at the Havana, and carry on his discoveries. Westwards, having not as yet proceeded so far as those places where Cabesa de Vacca had been. He sent back the two Caciques of Tulla and Cayas, and began his march towards the Province of Autiamque: after five days travel­ling over very rough mountains, we found an ha­bitation called Quipana, where we could not take any Indians, the Country being too close for the horse; however, that Village being seated a­mongst mountains, we laid an Ambuscade, and caught two Indians: They told us that Autiam­que was six days journey off, and that to the South we would find another Province called Guahate, very plentiful in Maes, and extreamly well peopled. But the Province of Autiamque being the nearest, Soto continued his march, and came to the Town of Anoixi. A Captain mar­ching [Page 140] in the front of the Army with fifty Foot and thirty Horse, surprized the Indians, who ex­pected no such thing as the seeing of us there, and took a great many Prisoners of both Sexes: Two days after, we found the Habitation of Ca­tamaya, where we encamped without the Town. Two Indians pretending to be sent from the Ca­cique, came to observe our Countenance; and the Governour told them, that they should go and bid the Cacique come to him, without any fear of violence; but they came back no more, and we had no more news of them. The day fol­lowing the Christians entred the Town, which was forsaken by the Indians; there they took what Maes they stood in need of, and without longer stay in that place, we went and past the night in a Wood, that the next day we might reach Autiamque: In this Town we found a great deal of Maes in Granaries, small Beans, Nuts, and Prunes, and all in great plenty; and we took some Indians that had staid to pack up their Baggage, for the women were already con­veyed away to places of security: That's a Champion Country, and very well peopled. The Governour pitched the Camp in the place most inhabited, but at a distance from the houses, to avoid the fire that the Indians might put to them, and ordered it to be fortified with a Palissa­do of Wood: The ground was measured out by paces, that every one might work in that fortifi­cation [Page 141] according to the number of slaves he had; the Indians brought the Timber, and the enclo­sure was finished in three days with high and great piles of Wood driven deep into the ground, and fastned with good cross pieces. The River of Cayas past by this Town, which was very large. Some Indians came from the Cacique bringing Mantles and Hides; and another lame Cacique of the Town of Tieriquaque, and Vassal to Autiamque, frequently visited the Governour, giving him many presents; however, the Cacique of Autiamque appeared not, but onely sent to know of Soto how long he intended to sojourn in that place: When he came to understand that he was to be his guest, for above three days he sent him no more Indians nor Presents, and was the cause also that the lame Cacique withdrew for good and all. Several parties were sent out, who took a great many Indians of both Sexes, and amongst the rest the lame Cacique; but the Go­vernour having respect to the services which he had rendred him, onely checkt him a little, and then gave him his liberty, ordering him two In­dians to carry him home upon their shoulders. Autiamque, whose sole design was to drive us out of his Country, sent out several Spies, one of which coming in the night-time to the gate of the Camp, was discovered by the Sentinel, who gave him a thrust with his Sword that made him fall; he was brought to the Governour, but [Page 142] expired before any thing could be got out of him. The night following, Soto being willing to keep his men in a readiness, caused a false allarm to be given by a Souldier, who cried that he saw the In­dians. He had made use of this stratagem in o­ther places, when he observed any negligence in the guards, or in those that were out upon duty: and he very severely chid those who delayed to come to their Colours; so that all strove who should be first at their duty. We staid three months at Autiamque, having plenty of provisions, as Maes, small Beans, Nuts, dried Prunes, and Rabbets, which we had not as yet learned the way of catch­ing, till we came to this place, where the Indians shew'd us how they took them in snares; and this was by a small string with a running noose fastned to a stick in the ground, into which the Rabbet running its head, hanged it self by the neck; and that it might not gnaw the string, it was put through a little cane. A great many were taken so among the green Maes, especially when it froze and snowed. The snow kept us a whole month within the Town, so that we could not go abroad: But seeing we began to be in want of wood, the Governour with all the horse­men mounted on horseback, and riding often to and again, pathed a way to a Wood distant from the Camp two Cross-bow-shot, whither the Foot went and cut fewel. In the mean time, our Indi­ans who had their chains taken off, catched Rab­bets [Page 143] in their Snares, or shot them with their Ar­rows. There were two sorts of these Rabbets, some like those of Spain, and others which were indeed of the same shape, and had the same kind of wooll, but they were as strong and bigger than Hares, nay thicker and fatter too.

CHAP. XXVIII.

WE left our Camp at Autiamque on Wed­nesday the Sixth of March, 1542. The Governour had a mind to go to Nilco, which ac­cording to the relation of the Indians, stood on the side of a great River; and his design was to fall down to the Sea, and expect the recruits that he had sent for; for he had no more than three hun­dred Souldiers remaining, and forty Horse, where­of some were lame, and good for nothing but to make a show in a Squadron; for above a year they had gone without shooes for want of Iron, but being accustomed to it, and marching upon soft ground, that did not much incommode them. Iohn Ortiz died at Autiamque, which extreamly grieved the Governour; because having lost so good an Interpreter, he was afraid that he might engage himself in some Country where he and all his men might be lost, and the rather that now he [Page 144] had no other Interpreter but a young Indian of Cutifachiqui, who understood a little Spanish: The loss of Ortiz was a great cross to his designs, for it required sometimes a whole day before that young Indian could explain what the other would have done in four words, and very often also this last took what was said to him in a quite contrary sence, so that it hapned after a whole days march, that we were forced to spend two days in coming back the same way again, or in wandring in the Woods, not knowing whither we went. After our departure from Autiamque, Soto made us tarry ten days in the Province of Ayays, where we found a Town upon that River which passes by Cayas and Autiamque; Soto ordered a Boat to be made to carry us over the River, and we were forced after we were got over, to stay four days longer, because of snow and bad weather. The Army marched afterwards three days through swamps and such broken ways, by reason the Country is very low, that the Troopers them­selves were many times up to the knees in water, and always to the stirrup, besides several places that they were forced to swim over. At length we came to the Town of Tultelpina, which was forsaken by the Indians, and no provisions left. A Lake that discharged it self into the River that passed by that Town; and it being very high, and running impetuously, a Captain and five Souldiers who ventured to cross over by the Go­nours [Page 145] order, were overset in their Canoe; some stuck to the Canoe, and others to the trees that were in the Lake; but Francis Bastien was drow­ned, no body being able to help him. He was a Gentlemen of Quality born in Villeneuve of Barcareta. In the mean time Soto sought out a way along the sides of the Lake, but to no pur­pose; so that he came back to the Town, whi­ther two Indians came, and taught him the means how to get over the Lake. We made rafts of Canes, and of the wood the houses were built of, for crossing the Lake; and being over, after three days march we came to Tianto, which is the first Town of the Province of Nilco; there we took thirty Indians, and among the rest, two of the greatest note. The Governour sent before two Captains with Horse and Foot, to hinder those of Nilco from carrying away the Provisions out of their Habitations; and they past by four great Towns, before they came to that where the Cacique had his Residence, though it was but two Leagues from the Camp where we were. Upon their coming they found the Indians in Arms as if they prepared to fight; nevertheless, when they perceived that the Christians came marching up very fiercely towards them, they set fire to the Cacique's house, and fled away over a Lake near to the Town: the day following, being Wednesday the Fifteenth of March, Soto came to Nilco with the rest of the Army, which he quartered in the [Page 146] Town. That Country, which is very even, is so populous, that in the compass of a League a­bout this Town, there are a great many very large Villages full of Maes, small Beans, Nuts, and Prunes; so that except Cosa and Palache, it was the most fruitful and populous Country that we had hitherto found in Florida. An Indian atten­ded by some others came to wait on the Gover­nour in name of the Cacique, and presented him with a Mantle of Martin-skins, and a string of large Pearls; and Soto requited him with a Col­lar of Mother of Pearl, which is much esteemed by the Indians of Peru, and some other trifles, wherewith the Indian seemed much satisfied. He came back two days after, but from that time forward we saw no more of him; on the contrary the Indians came in the night-time, and carried away the Maes in their Canoes, which they con­veyed into Hovels built in a very thick wood on the other side of the River. The Governour seeing that the Indian came no more, as he pro­mised, laid an Ambuscade near to some Granaries of Maes close by the Lake, where the Indians came to steal the Corn; two were taken, who told us that the Indian who came to the Camp was not the Cacique, but a Spie whom he had sent to dis­cover our force, and to learn whether Soto had a design to make any stay in his Country, or if he intended to advance farther in. Immediately the Governour commanded out a Captain to cross [Page 147] the River; but as the Indians perceived us in our passage, they forsook their Hovels, so that we could take but twelve, who were brought to the Camp. The same River that passes by Nilco, runs by Cayas and Autiamque, and it discharges it self in­to the great River that runs by Pacaha and Aquixo; they joyn near to Guachoya, the Cacique whereof came up the River to Nilco to make War with the Indians of that Country: This Cacique sent an Indian to the Governour to offer him his service, and to acquaint him that within two days he would come and kiss his hand. He came at the appointed time, accompanied with many Indians, and presented the Governour with Mantles and Stag-skins, in very civil and submissive terms. Soto entertained him and shew'd him much ho­nour; but having askt him what Countries lay lower upon the River; he made answer, That he knew no other Town but his own, but that on the other side there was a Province governed by a Cacique called Quigaltan. After this Confe­rence, he took leave of Soto, and returned home to his own Country. Some days after, the Go­vernour resolved to go to Guachoya to know if the Sea was far off, or if he might not find some habitations, where we might stay commodiously till he had got the two Brigantines built, which he intended to send for recruits. The Indians of Guachoya who were coming up the River in their Canoes, perceived us passing it; and imagining [Page 148] that we had a design to attack them, they retur­ned and acquainted the Cacique, that the Spani­ards were coming to his Town. This put him into so great a fright, that in the night-time he carried away all that he could, and fled with all his Subjects to the other side of the great River. In the mean time Soto sent before a Captain with fifty Souldiers in six Canoes, and kept on march­ing with the rest of his men: He arrived at Gua­choya the Seventeenth of April, and he lodged in the Town, which was fenced, being a Cross-bow-shot from the River. In that place the great River is called Tamaliseu; at Nilco, Tapatu; at Cosa, Mico, and at the Haven, that's to say, it's mouth at the Sea, Ri.

CHAP. XXIX.

AS soon as the Governour was come to Gua­choya, he commanded Danhusco to mount up the River in Canoes, because he had observed on the other side Hovels lately built. Danhusco returned from the Expedition with his Canoes [Page 149] loaded with Maes, small Beans, Prunes, and Bread made of Prune-paste. The same day an Indian came from the Cacique of Guachoya, to tell the Go­vernour that his Master would come next day. The truth is, we saw a great many Canoes com­ing down the little River, which went ashoar on the side of the great River opposite to where we were; there the Indians held Council the space of an hour, to deliberate whether they should come or not; at length all the Canoes came over to our side. Guachoya was there with many of his Subjects, carrying Fish, Hides, Mantles, and Dogs, which they brought along with them. They came to the Town, where they offer'd all these Presents to the Governour, and the Cacique spoke to him in these terms.

Potent and excellent Lord, I beg your Lordships pardon for the fault I committed in withdrawing, and not waiting for you in this Town, that I might receive and serve you; seeing the occasion of doing so, was, and it is still more acceptable to me, than if I had obtained a great Victory. I was afraid where there was no cause of fear, and therefore it was that I did which I ought not to have done; but seeing precipitation always produces bad effects, and I re­tired without knowing what I did: I am resolved not to follow the opinion of Fools, which is to per­severe in their errour, but to imitate the wise who take the best Council; I come to receive your Lord­ships Commands that I may serve you to the utmost [Page 150] of my power. Soto having thanked him for his Presents and Offers, asked him if he knew any thing of the Sea; the Cacique said, that he knew nothing of it, nor of any other Habitation lower down the River, except the Village of an Indian Vassal of his, and three days journey further down the other side the Province of Quigaltan, the Cacique whereof was the greatest Lord in all these Quarters. The Governour thought that Guachoya disguised the truth to make him leave his Country, which obliged him to send out Dan­husco with eight Troopers to make discoveries down along the side of the River, and to inform himself if the Sea was near. Danhusco was out eight days, and upon his return told the Gover­nour, That during all that time he could not make above fifteen Leagues, because the River fetched great compasses into the Land in several places, and that the rest of the Country was full of swamps and very thick woods. Soto finding by that relation, that many obstacles withstood his finding out the Sea; and considering that his men decreased in number daily, without the hopes of any relief, gave so much way to these sad and melancholick reflections, that he fell sick upon it; however, he sent an Indian to the Ca­cique of Quigaltan, to tell him that he was the Son of the Sun, and that the Caciques of all the Pro­vinces through which he passed, had offer'd him their services and obedience; that he asked his [Page 151] friendship, desired to have the satisfaction of see­ing him, and that he would send him some Pre­sent of what was most esteemed in his Country, as a mark of his good will and submission. Qui­galtan sent him answer by the same Indian, That since he boasted himself to be the Son of the Sun, he would take the pains to dry up that great Ri­ver, and then he should be ready to own him for such; that in the mean time it was not his cu­stom to visit any body, but that all his Neighbours visited him, and paid him Tribute willingly or by force; so that if he had a mind to see him, he should come over into his Country; that if he came as a friend, he should be gladly received, or if he intended to make War, he would expect him in his Town; and that neither he nor any man else should ever make him give an inch of ground. When the Indian brought back that Answer, Soto was already a-bed sick of a high Feaver, which was increased by his vexing that he was not in a condition to cross the River, and try to humble the Pride of that haughty Indian, though is was a very great River, being half a League over, and seventeen fathom deep, of a very rapid Current, many Indians on both sides; and that, in fine, Cunning at that time was more useful to him than Force. The Indians of Gua­choya brought daily such quantities of fish, that the Town was full of them. The Cacique gave notice to the Governour, that Quigaltan was to [Page 152] come and attack him one night, which the Go­vernour lookt upon as a false allarm, to oblige him to leave the Town; however, that he might not seem negligent, he doubled his Guards, and ordered a good watch to be kept. Quigaltan did not come, and the Governour talked of it to the Cacique, who made answer, That he did come, but that his Lordship having put all things in so good order, he was obliged to retreat. In the mean time, he daily importuned Soto to pass the great River, telling him that he would give him Forces enough to beat Quigaltan. The Gover­nour assured him, that so soon as he were well, he would go in person to that Expedition: But seeing many Indians came to our Quarters, and that the Country was very populous; that be­sides, there were many breaches in the Palissado, which, it was not fit, should be stopt, lest the Indians might think we were in fear of them; Soto made all his Horse mount the Guard eve­ry night, who were upon duty at the Gates with bridle in hand, and from every Court of Guard two Troopers were sent out upon the Patroulle, and to visit the out-Sentinels, whilst the Cross-bow-men kept guard upon the River in Canoes, to hinder the Indians from assaulting us treache­rously. The Governour also, that he might make himself more terrible to the Indians, thought fit to send a Captain to Nilco, whither those of Guachoya said the Inhabitants were come back; [Page 153] that by the rigour of the punishment he should inflict upon them, he might quell the boldness of both, if they resolved to attack him: For that effect he chose Nuno de Touar with fifteen Horse, and Iohn de Guzman who with his Company was to go up the River in Canoes. The Cacique of Guachoya sent also many Indians in Canoes to this Expedition. Touar marched by Land, and staid for Guzman, who in the night-time came and lan­ded two Leagues below Nilco. The Horse ad­vanced first, and about break of day found an In­dian Sentinel, who fled, giving the allarm with loud cries. Touar and his Horse fell on with so great fury, that they mingled with the Indians before they could get out of the Town. It lay in a Champion Country, and was at least a quar­ter of a League in compass: It might contain be­twixt five and six thousand Souls. And seeing the poor wretches came running out of their houses in crowds, and pressed one another on all hands, hardly a Trooper but found himself alone amidst a great many Indians. The Captain gave orders that no quarters should be given to the men; and their consternation was so great, that not one of them had the courage to shoot an Ar­row; so fearful were the cries of the Women and Children, that they stunn'd even those who pur­sued them. Above a hundred were killed, and many wounded with Lances, who were after­wards let go to terrifie the rest who were not [Page 154] present at the rout. Some Christians were so cruel as to kill even old men and children, who did not offer to make any resistance: But they who onely sought for opportunities to signalize themselves honourably, and who were known to be brave men, made it their chief business to break the Indians who rallied, by running them down with their Horses, and pricking them with Lances; and when any women or children came in their way, they delivered them over to the Foot. Those who to shew their Courage shew'd themselves inhumane, were punished for it by Almighty God, who suffered their crime to fall upon their own heads, if I may say so, by the base actions which they committed in view of the whole Army, on such occasions where Valour was seasonable, and at length by suffering them to die miserably. There were about fourscore women and children taken, and a great deal of booty: The Indians of Guachoya made a halt without the Town, and peaceably beheld the success of the Attack, that they might see what became of the Christians; but when they percei­ved that the Enemies were broken on all hands, and what execution the Troopers did with their Lances, they ran to pillage the houses; and ha­ving loaded their Canoes with plunder, fled back to Guachoya before the Spaniards left Nilco; and re­lated to their Cacique what they had seen with no less dread than admiration.

CHAP. XXX.

THe Governour perceiving that his last hour drew nigh, sent for the Kings Officers, with the most considerable of the Captains and Gentlemen; he told them, that since he was go­ing to render an account to God of what he had done in this life, and that his Divine Goodness in taking him out of this world, did him the grace to allow him his Senses to the last; though he was unworthy of that mercy, yet he most hum­bly thanked the Almighty for it; that he ac­knowledged he was exceedingly obliged to them all, as well present as absent, for the affection and fidelity they had shew'd towards him, which he had proved by all the misfortunes and pains they had so generously endured; that he had always wished he might have been able to have shew'd them his gratitude, by Rewards suitable to their Merit, had it pleased God to have setled him in a more happy condition; that he begg'd them to pray to God for him, that through his infinite mercy his sins might be forgiven, and his Soul received into Glory; that they would [Page 156] take back the charge that they had given him, and which he resigned up into their hands; and that they whom he might have offended would be so good as to grant him the pardon which he beg'd of them; that to all his other Prayers he add­ed this one more, That they would in his presence chuse some Person of Quality that might be fit to Command them in his place to the satisfaction of all; to the end they might prevent the divisions that after his death might arise on that occasion; and that having chosen one, they would take an Oath to obey him: That as that was the last fa­vour he desired of them, so it would be the most grateful unto him, seeing it would mitigate his grief and trouble for leaving them in a barbarous and unknown Country. Balthazar de Gallegos being desired by all the company to answer this Discourse, began by motives of Consolation, re­presenting to him the uncertainty and shortness of the life of man; to what miseries it was expo­sed; and that the sooner we left it, the greater was the mercy of God. He added many other edifying things, and at length said, that since it pleased God to remove their General, though it was a loss which they resented with extream grief, yet it was but just, nay and necessary, that he and all his should resign themselves up to his Divine Will: That as to the Person whom he appointed them to chuse for supplying his place, they prayed his Lordship to name him himself▪ [Page 157] which immediately he did, naming Louis Moscoso d'Alvarado his Captain-General. That nomina­tion was approved by all, and they took an Oath to Moscoso. Next day, being the One and twen­tieth day of May, the Magnanimous, Virtuous, and Valiant Captain, Don Fernando de Soto, Go­vernour of Cuba, and General of Florida, yielded his Soul to God. He had the same fate as many other great men have had, whom Fortune onely raises high to make their fall the greater. He died at a time and in a Country where his sorrow could receive but very little consolation; every one stood in need of it for himself in the danger we were in of perishing in a Country which we knew not; and seeing these were reflections that sufficiently took up the thoughts of all, Soto had not all the assistance which was due to him, and which we could have wished to have given him. Moscoso would have his Death concealed from the Indians, because Don Fernando had always made them believe that the Christians were immortal; and seeing they had a great opinion of his Pru­dence and Valour, he wisely judged that his death might inspire into them thoughts of revol­ting, though they appeared to be submissive; for it was good to mistrust their natural levity and inconstancy. Besides, as the ignorance of that Nation makes them receive for a truth whatever is beyond the reach of their knowledge, the late General had perswaded them, that their most se­cret [Page 158] designs were not hid from him, though they could not conceive how that should be, and that his Image which he shew'd them in his Looking-glass, told him all their thoughts: being perswaded of that, they durst not so much as think of Rebellion. So soon as he was dead, Moscoso caused his Body to be put into a house, where it lay three days; after which, it was bu­ried in the night-time near to one of the Gates within the Town. The Indians who had seen him in his sickness, and now saw him no more, began to have strong suspicions of his death; and when they passed by the place where he was in­terred, they curiously looked upon the ground, which seemed to have been lately dug, and talked to one another. This being told to Moscoso, he caused him to be deterred very privately in the night-time, and a great deal of sand put into the Mantles wherein he was wrapt; in this conditi­on he was carried out in a Canoe to the middle of the River, and there sunk to the bottom. In the mean time, the Cacique of Guachoya daily asked news of Soto, whom he called his Lord and Bro­ther, desiring to know what was become of him. Moscoso told him that he was gone about a little business up to Heaven, whither he was accustom­ed to go; and being he was to make some short stay there, he had left him to Command in his place. The Cacique making no doubt then but that he was dead, sent for two very handsome [Page 159] young Indians, and told the Governour, that it was the custom of his Country when any great Lord died, to put to death some persons to attend and serve him on his Journey; that these young men presented themselves to render that duty to his Lord and Brother, and that he might freely cause their heads to be struck off. Moscoso made an­swer, That the Governour was not dead, but that he was gone to Heaven; that among the Christians whom he Commanded he had chosen those who were to attend him, that he prayed Guachoya to send home the two Indians, and to renounce so damnable a custom. He set the In­dians at liberty upon the spot, and ordered them to return to their houses; but one of them refused to do so, saying, that he would not serve a Master who had condemned him to death without a cause, and that he would ever stick to him who had saved his life. The Governour's Goods were sold at an Auction, con­sisting in all in two Slaves and two Wives, three Horses, and seven hundred Hogs. The Slaves and Horses were sold at three thousand Crowns a piece, to be paid at the first discovery of Gold or Silver Mines, or at the first Plantation that the Buyer should have if we setled in Florida; that if neither of these two cases hapned, the Buyer obliged himself to pay the Money within a year, and gave Security, at least those who had no Estate in Spain did. The Hogs were sold in [Page 160] the same manner for two hundred Crowns a piece: The truth is, they who had Estates in Spain bought but little, or had it at a cheaper rate. From that time forward most part of the Souldiers got Pigs, which they fed and eat of them on all days but Fridays, Saturdays, and the Eves of Festivals, which they observed according to the custom of Christians, a thing they could not pra­ctise before; for sometimes the Souldiers wanting flesh for two or three Months together, they eat meat when they could find it, without any distin­ction of days.

CHAP. XXXI.

THe Death of Don Fernando was not recei­ved by the whole Army with the same sence of sorrow; on the contrary some rejoyced at it, in hopes that the new Governour, who was inclined to devotion, would choose rather to seek repose in some Country inhabited by Christians, than to carry on the designs of Soto, in making new Conquests with so much fatigue, whereof they were already disgusted because of the small [Page 161] profit they had made. Council was held to de­liberate what was best to be done in that Jun­cture, and the Governour having taken exact in­forma [...]on of the nature of the Country that was on all hands round us, he learnt that the most populous was towards the West; and that going down the River beyond Quigaltan, the Country was desart, and destitute of all sorts of Provisions. He pray'd all the Officers to give their Opinions [...] Writing, and to sign them, that it might be de­cided whether we should follow the course of the River, or cross into the Country: The ge­neral opinion was to march into the Country to­wards the West, because New-Spain was on that side; and that a Voyage by Sea was more un­certain and dangerous, insomuch that we could not build a Vessel strong enough to weather a storm; that we had no Master, no Pilot, no Compass nor Sea-Cart; that we were not very sure on what hand the Sea was, and whether the River did not make great turnings, or had Falls from Rocks, where the Vessel would be in danger of being lost. Some also who had seen Sea-Maps, added, That according as they could judge by the Latitude they were in, the Sea-Coast must be five hundred Leagues more or less distant from the Coast of New Spain. That so though perhaps the necessity of getting Provisions might make us ramble a little out of the way, as we went by land, neverthless after we had marched all the Sum­mer [Page 162] long, we might light upon some Country inhabited, where we might spend the Winter commodiously; provided the Army met with no great Desart that might hinder our passage▪ and that the Summer following we should undoubted­ly come to some Country inhabited by the Spa­niards; besides, that travelling by Land, we might perhaps find some Country that would enrich us all. Though it was the Governours design to get out of Florida as soon as possibly he could, yet he was obliged to conform to the general opi­nion, because of the inconveniences that were re­presented to him to be in a Sea-Voyage. So he left Guachoya on Munday the Fifth of Iune; the Ca­cique gave him a Guide to go to Chaguate, and staid at home in his Town. We passed through the Pro­vince of Catalte; and having crossed a desart Country, we arrived at Chaguate the Twentieth of Iune. The Cacique of that Province had been at Autiamque with the Governour Don Fernando, and made him a present of Mantles, Skins, and Salt. In the mean time, one day before Moscoso arrived in this Town, we missed a Spaniard who was sick, and believed that the Indians had killed him: The Governour sent word to the Cacique that he should cause him to be lookt after and sent back to him, and that by his care and dili­gence therein, he would judge of his Affection; otherwise, let him not imagine that he could a­void the resentment of the Spaniards, who would [Page 163] pursue him and his Subjects into all places, and set all his Country on fire. The Cacique came immediately, bringing with him the sick Spani­ard; and having made the Governour a great Present of Mantles and Skins, he told him, that all the Treasures of the World could not have oblig'd him to have had the thoughts that he was suspect­ed of; that no constraint was laid upon him to come and wait upon the Governour his Father at Auti­amque, and to offer him his services with so much affection and fidelity, that he should so soon fail in the duty which he owed to the goodness of Soto, without receiving any new injury; that no motive of interest could ever blind him so far. But since it is our fate that Crosses should succeed our Pleasures, Fortune thought fit to moderate the joy he had in seeing him, by the trouble he felt to find him angry with him, whereas he hoped to have done him service in bringing that sick Christian into his house to be taken care of, and in restoring him to him safe and sound; that if that action deserved a punishment, he would accept of it as a favour, being wholly devoted to the obedience of his Commands. Moscoso made him answer, that since he was not to be found in his Town, he could not forbear being vexed at him, thinking that he had fled, as many other Caciques had done; but that the testimony he gave of his affection and fidelity, obliged him now to love him as his Brother. The Cacique wa [...] [Page 164] on him to his Town, which was a days journey off: they passed by a small habitation where the Indians were making of Salt, wherewith the Christians provided themselves. They got it out of a Source like a Fountain-head, which was near to that Village. We staid six days at Cha­guate, where the Governour inform'd himself of the nature of the Country that lay Westward: They told him, that three days journey from thence, he would find the Province of Aguacay: And the day we parted from Chaguate, Francis de Guzman, natural Son to a Gentleman of Seville, fled to the Indians for fear of losing a young In­dian girl which he had and carried about with him, being apprehensive that she would be taken from him to satisfie some debts that he had con­tracted at play. The Governour heard nothing of this till after two days march, and sent to the Cacique to have him searched after, and sent to him to Aguacay, which the Indians neglected to do. The Cacique of Aguacay sent fifteen Indi­ans to meet Moscoso loaded with Mantles, Skins, Fish, and roasted Venison. Wednesday the Fourth of Iuly the Army arrived at his Town, and quar­tered there, it being abandoned: The Governour sent out some parties, who took several Indians of both Sexes; and in this place we came to hear of the South-Sea. The Indians made a great deal of Salt in this Town, which they formed in­to Cakes in little square Earthen moulds, and [Page 165] prepared it in the same manner as those of Cayas did.

CHAP. XXXII.

THe same day Moscoso parted from Aguacay, he lay at a little Village which held of the Cacique of that Province; we encamped up­on the banks of a salt Lake, from which we had Salt the same Evening. Next morning we mar­ched, and spent the following night in a Wood that was not very thick, and from thence we went to Pato: At length on the fourth day after our departure, we found the first Habitation of the Province of Maye, where we took an Indian, who told us, that from thence to Naguatex it was but a day and a halfs journey more, which we made through a very populous Country. Sa­turday the Twentieth of Iuly, the Army en­camped on the side of a very pleasant Wood, be­twixt Maye and Naguatex. Some Indians being observed to come and view us, Moscoso sent out a party of Horse, who killed six of them, and made two prisoners that were brought in to him: He asked them what they came to do, [Page 166] and they confessed that their design was to dis­cover what number of men he had, and the seat of his Camp; that it was by order of their Ma­ster the Cacique of Naguatex, who was the same day to come and attack him, being assisted by two other Caciques that accompanied him. Whilst Moscoso was enquiring into the particulars of that Conspiracy, the Indians divided into two Batali­ons appeared; who finding that they were dis­covered, attacked us furiously in two places; but so soon as they saw we made head against them vigorously, they turned their backs, leaving ma­ny of their men upon the place. They were hotly pursued by all our Horse, who being at a distance from the Camp, were attacked by two other Batalions which made a kind of body of re­serve, but they were as warmly received as the others were, and had no greater cause to brag of their temerity. The Indians were put to the flight, and the Christians rallied again, when of a sudden great cries were heard about a Cross-bow shot from the Camp. Moscoso sent off twelve Horse to know what the matter was; and they found six Spaniards, two on horseback and four a foot, surrounded by a great many Indians, where the two Troopers did all that could be expected of brave men in defending the four Foot-souldiers: They had lost their way in pursuing the Indians who made the first attack, and having rallied to return to the Camp, they fell into that company [Page 167] of Indians who set upon them. Assistance com­ing in very good time, most of the Indians were killed, and onely one taken who was brought to the Camp. The Governour asked him who they were that attacked us; he said it was the Cacique, of Naguatex, the Cacique of Maye, and a third very powerful in Lands and Vassals, who governed a Province called Hacanac; however, that Naguatex was the General. Moscoso ordered his nose and right arm to be cut off, and sent him in that condition to Naguatex to acquaint him that next day he would enter his Country and put all to fire and sword, and that if he would defend it, he should meet him at the entry into the Province. The Army rested that night in the same place, and the day following went to a Village of Naguatex where the houses were at great distance one from another. He asked where the Caciques Town was, which was shew'd him on the other side of a River that run near that place: We marched up to the River, and found the side opposite to us covered with Indi­ans in arms, who seemed to be resolved to dis­pute us the passage. Seeing the Governour knew not the foard, and that he had men and horses wounded, he drew back the Army to the Town which we left, resolving to rest there for some days, that they might have time to be cu­red. So the Army encamped within a quarter of a League of the River▪ [...] Town in a pretty [Page 168] clear wood of very lovely and pleasant trees; and that place was pitched upon because the weather was very fair and calm. Some Indians were taken, who told us that the River was foar­dable at certain times, which obliged the Gover­nour two days after to send off two Captains with fifteen horse and some Indians a piece to search for a foard, one up and the other down the River. The Indians appeared to defend the pas­sage in both places, nevertherless the two Ca­ptains passed over in spight of the Enemies, and found on that side of the water a very populous Country, and plentiful in Provisions; whereup­on they came back and gave the Governour an account of what they had done.

CHAP. XXXIII.

THe Governour sent an Indian to the Ca­cique of Naguatex to tell him, that if he came and offered him his service, and shew'd his repentance for what was past, he would pardon him; but if he failed, that the Governour would come and punish him according as his Treachery [Page 169] deserved. Two days after, the Indian came back, and told that the Cacique would come next day: Accordingly a great many of the principal Sub­jects of Naguatex appeared, being sent by their Master to observe the Governours looks, and the carriage of his men, that he might thereupon take his resolution: They onely told that the Cacique was coming, and presently returned. The Ca­cique came two hours after very well accompa­nied, his Indians marching in two Files, and ma­king a lane for the Cacique to walk in the mid­dle. They all came weeping according to the custom of the Province of Tulla, which is not far from thence to the Eastward. The Cacique made a low bow to the Governour, and beg'd pardon for what he had done, the thought of which alone, said he, deserved to be punished; he enlarged much in the Governours praise, and in commen­dation of the Spaniards, whom he called immor­tal people, rejecting the blame of all the enter­prize upon the bad Counsels of one of his Bro­thers who died in the Fight; he concluded with the offer of his service and obedience. Moscoso answered, That he would pardon him what was past; and that if he would for the future contain himself within the bounds of his duty, he should consider him as his friend. Four days after, the Ar­my decamped; but the River was so swelled that we could not pass it, which extreamly surprized us, seeing it had not rained for above a month be­fore, [Page 170] and that it was Summer too; however, th [...] Indians told us that it hapned so sometimes with­out rain; this made us judge that that extraordi­nary motion might come from the Sea flowing into the River, because we were told that that swelling always hapned in the waxing of the Moon: in the mean time none of these Indians had the least knowledge of the Sea. The Army marched back the same way to the Camp we left and we were forced to stay eight days longer till the water was low enough to let us pass: the Indians were careful to give us notice of that and having crossed over to the other side, we went to a Town abandoned: The Governour pitched the Camp in an open field, and sent for the Cacique to come to him and give him a Guide; but he not obeying, Moscoso sent out two Captains with orders to burn the Towns, and take all the Indians they should meet with. These orders were strictly put in execution; the fire consumed a great deal of Provisions, and several Prisoners were taken: Then was the Cacique sensible of the miseries he drew upon himself through his obsti­nacy; he therefore sent six very considerable Indians, with three Guides who understood the Language of the Countries we were to pass through. So we left Naguatex, and at the end of three days march, came to a little Village of five or six houses; it belonged to the Cacique of Missobone, a barren and ill-peopled Country. [Page 171] When we had marched two days longer, we per­ceived that our Guides led us out of the way, out of a premediated and malicious design, changing our march from West to East, and that they had left the high-way and brought us into very thick woods: Moscoso caused them to be hanged upon a tree, and took for Guide an Indian woman of Missobone; she made us turn back again into the high way, and led us into as poor and miserable a Country as that which we had left. That beg­gerly Province was called Lacane; it hardly af­forded us any thing but an Indian, who told us that the Province of Mondacao was peopled and plentiful in Maes, and that the Habitations sepa­rated from one another shew'd like mountains. We directed our course that way, and the Ca­cique came out to meet us weeping, as a mark of his submission; he presented the Governour with a considerable parcel of Fish, and offered him his services. Moscoso treated him very civilly; and having refreshed and made provision of Victuals, he took a Guide, and marched towards the Pro­vince of Socatino.

CHAP. XXXIV.

AFter five days march the Governour found the Province of Aays, the Inhabitants where­of had no knowledge of the Christians; but the people being wild and savage, our entry into their Country caused a general rising. When fifty or sixty of them were got together, they came and assaulted us in our march, their numbers conti­nually encreasing; and we had no sooner fought one company of them, but another began a new skirmish. This way of fighting lasted a whole day, till we came up to one of their Towns. We had some Souldiers and Horses wounded; but the wounds not being very dangerous, they fol­lowed the Army still; however, we made a great slaughter of Indians. When the Governour par­ted from this Town, the Indian who conducted us told him, that he was informed at Mondacao, that the Indians of Socatino had seen other Chri­stians. [Page 173] These news extreamly rejoyced the whole Army; for as men easily believe what they pas­sionately desire, we perswaded our selves that they might have been Forces come out of New-Spain; that if that conjecture were true, we might leave Florida when we had a mind to it, [...]f we found nothing that might make us live [...]appily there; and that fully dissipated all the [...]ear we had of losing our selves in some desart Country. In the mean while, that was the thing [...]hat the Indian aimed at; for two days after, h [...] [...]ed us out of our way: Moscoso ordered him to [...]ave some stretches with a Rope, which is a kind [...]f Rack; whereupon he confessed that the Ca­ [...]ique of Mondacao his Master, had commanded [...]im to ruine us, as being his Enemies, and that [...]e was obliged to obey the orders of his Lord. The Governour caused him to be thrown to the [...]ogs, which tore him to pieces; and another [...]uided us to Socatino: It was a very barren Country, where we hardly found any Maes. Moscoso enquired if they had never had any news [...]f Christians, and the Indians assured us, that [...]hey had heard say that they marched to the [...]outhward. That relation engaged us into a [...]wenty days march through a desolate and un­ [...]eopled Country, where we suffered incredible [...]ardship and misery; for the Indians buried in [...]he woods that little Maes they had; and the [...]paniards were daily obliged after the fatigues of [Page 174] their march to rake in the woods that they might find out somewhat to feed on. We came at length into the Province of Guasco, where w [...] found Maes, which we loaded on horses and In­dian slaves, to maintain us on our way to Nagiss­coca. It was the first thing the Governour did in all places to enquire about Christians; but the Indians told him that they had never seen any but us. He caused them to be put to the Rack, the torments whereof made them devise a story which was, that the Christians had advanced as far as Nacanahez; but that they had gone back the way they came; that was a place but two days journey distant. The Governour hastned thither with all the Army, and at our coming we took some Indian women, amongst whom there was one who said that she had seen Chri­stians, and that she had been their slave, but that she had made her escape. Immediately the Go­vernour sent out a Captain with fifteen horse the way that the Indian woman directed, to see if he could find the tracts of horses, or any other mark. They were not gone four Leagues when the wo­man that served them for a Guide, told them that all she had said were meer lyes; and we discover­ed that the other relations which the Indians gave us concerning Christians, were of the same nature. So we came to Guasco extreamly per­plexed, because the Country where we then were was barren, and there were no other Habitations [Page 175] to the Westward. We again questioned the In­dians, who told us that ten days journey that way [...]rom the place where we were, there was a River called Daycao, whither they went to hunt Stags [...]hat fed along the banks of it; and that they had [...]een on the other side of that River, people whom [...]hey knew not. We provided all the Maes that we could rap and rake, and marched through a [...]esart Country as far as that River: Moscoso made [...]en horse cross over it, who marched for some [...]ime along the side of it, till they came to a Ham­ [...]et of Indians, consisting of some pitiful Cot­ [...]ages. At sight of the Troopers they fled, lea­ [...]ing behind them their Baggage, which shew'd [...]heir misery and poverty; so great it was that in [...]ll the Hamlet they could not find half a bushel [...]f Maes. The Troopers took two Indians, and [...]ame back to Moscoso, who waited for them on [...]he other side. He ordered these two Indians to [...]e questioned, but there was not an Indian in the Camp that could understand their Language. Then did the Governour assemble all the Ca­ [...]tains to consult with them what they had to do; [...]ost part advised him to return back to Gua­ [...]hoya and the great River, because the Province [...]f Nilco abounded with Maes; saying, that we [...]ight spend the Winter in that place, and make [...]rigantines to carry us down the River to the [...]ea, where sailing along the Coast we might get [...]o New-Spain; that though the enterprize wan­ted [Page 176] not its difficulties, as it hath been already ob­served, yet it was our last refug [...], because it was impossible to travel by Land without an Inter­preter; that they believed the Country lying along the River of Daycao, was the same which Cabesa de Vaca in his Relation says he passed through, and where the Indians were erran [...] as the Arabians are, without setling in one place [...] and that they fed on Figs, the roots of Grass, and Venison: That supposing this conjecture to be true if we engag'd into that Country, we must infallibly perish for want of food; that it was already the be­ginning of October, and that if we staid any longer the Rains and Snow would hinder our return, an [...] so we must perish and be starved in that miserabl [...] Country. Moscoso at that time had rather bee [...] in a place where his sleep might not be broken by continual allarms, than to be Governour an [...] Conquerour of a Country where misery an [...] trouble beset him on all hands; so that he ad [...] hered to that advice, and gave orders to retur [...] back the way to Guachoya.

CHAP. XXXV.

WHen the result of the Council of War was published in the Camp, many were af­flicted at that resolution; the way by Sea ap­peared to them to be no less difficult and dange­rous, than by Land, because all things necessary were wanting, not onely for building, but also for rigging out of Vessels; and they had not yet lost all hopes of finding some Country rich e­nough to recompense them for all their labours, because of what Cabesa de Vaca had told the Em­perour: and that was, that when he came into a Country where Cotton grew, he had seen Gold, Silver, and precious Stones of extraordinary va­lue. And it was certain that we had not as yet gone so far in as those places where Cabesa had been; for he had kept along the Coast, and we had advanced up into the Country Westward: That we must needs find those places he spake of, because he said in his Relation, that he had marched for many days, and entred the Countries on the North-side. Besides that, we had found [Page 178] some Cotton-Mantles, nay, and T [...]rqueisses at Guasco; and the Indians made us signs, that they had those things out of a Country West­ward of them, and that that way led us also in­to the Country of the Christians: But, in fine, in spight of all them murmurings and frettings cau­sed by this return; and though many had taken a resolution to perish in Florida, rather than to leave it in a beggarly and miserable condition, yet they wanted force to withstand what was deter­mined, because the Governour's opinion concurr'd with that of all the chief Officers; but some time after one of the discontented said, That he would be glad to have one eye put out, provided he could put out one of Moscoso's, since it would trouble him extreamly to see him happy. Moscoso and his Friends had a mind to have been revenged for this discourse; but they durst not do it, because within two days he was to quit his place. From Daycao where we were, to the great River, it is a hundred and fifty Leagues, which we had mar­ched all the way Westward. Our return was ex­treamly irksome, because the Country was rui­ned; and we had much ado to find Victuals, see­ing the Indians hid them. The Towns of Na­guatez, which to our sorrow we had burnt, were rebuilt, and the houses full of Maes; for it is a very fruitful and populous Country. They make Earthen-ware there, which differs little from that of Estremos or Montemor. When Moscoso [Page 179] came to Chaguete, he found some Indians deputed by the Cacique, to tell him that the Christian who had fled to his protection, would not come back. The Governour wrote to him, and sent him paper, pen, and ink, that he might give him an Answer. The Governour's Letter informed him of our resolution of leaving Florida; that therefore as he was a Christian, he ought not to trust himself in the power of the Indians, men without Faith and Religion; that he heartily pardoned the fault which he had committed, pro­vided he returned to the Army, or signified in Writing whether or not he was detained by force. An Indian carried the Letter to him, and came back again without other answer but the name Guzman written on the margin of it, to let us know he was alive. Moscoso sent twelve Horse in search of him; but seeing that he had Indian spies that informed him of every thing, he hid himself so well that he could not be found. In the mean time we were so pinched for want of Maes, that the Governour was obliged to be gone without any farther search after him. We par­ted then from Chaguete, and crossed the River to go to Aays, and from thence following the course of that River, we found the Town of Cilano, which we had not seen before. At length we came to Nilco; but we found so little Maes there, that there was not enough to maintain the Souldiers during the time that was to be employed in buil­ding [Page 180] the Vessels: The reason of that scarcity was, because we had been at Guachoya all the seed-time; so that the Indians of Nilco, scared by the evils they had endured, durst not come to sow their Lands: Besides, we knew of no other Country but this where there was Maes, and it being very fruitful, we wholly relied on it for our subsistance. We fell into a confusion that bor­dered upon despair; most part of the Souldiers blamed the resolution that had been taken in lea­ving Guasco, and not pursuing our discoveries by Land: They said that there was no hopes of safe­ty by Sea, unless God would be pleased to work Miracles for them; for we had no Pilot, no Sea-Cart, and no body could tell at what place the great River fell into the Ocean. We wanted Sails also, and every thing that we could make them of; and though we had a little Enequen, which is an Herb they make a kind of Flax of, yet it was hardly sufficient to cawlk the Vessels; but we were wholly destitute of Pitch and Tar, and they could not be made strong enough to resist the least storm without that, so that we must pe­rish without remedy. This brought into our minds the misfortune of Narvaez, who was lost upon that Coast: But the most grievous incon­venience of all, was the want of Maes, without which it was impossible to subsist, and without food the Souldiers would not work. In this de­solation we took the best course we could, which [Page 181] was to recommend our selves to God, praying him to open some way for us, to let us out of those miseries: He graciously heard our Prayers, and permitted that the Indians of Nilco came very submissively, and told us that two days journey from the place where we were, we should find upon the side of the great River, two Towns which we had not as yet discovered; that was the Country of Minoya; which was extraordina­rily fruitful. The Indians added, that they knew not then whether there was Maes there or not, because they were at War with that peo­ple, and that they would be very glad to joyn with the Spaniards and fight against them. Mos­coso commanded out a Captain with some Horse and Foot, and accompanied by the Forces of Nilco, they went to Minoya, and found two great Towns distant from each other half a League, in an open Champion Country; there they took se­veral Indians, and found Maes in abundance. The Captain fortified himself in one of the Towns, and sent advice to the Governour of what he had done. Great was the joy all over the Camp, and instantly we parted. It was the beginning of December, and that proved as hard a march as any we had made since we left Cilano, because of the swamps we met with, and of the rains that fell with a North wind, so that we were wet a­bove and below, and had great cause to give thanks to God, when we found a little dry place [Page 182] to rest in at our journeys end. These fatigues killed all our Indian Servants, and several Spani­ards also after we arrived at Minoya, few of those who survived escaping dangerous diseases, which degenerated into Lethargies: That Country sickness was fatal to Andrew de Vasconcelos who died of it, and to two other Portuguese of the City of Elvas who attended him; they were Bro­thers, and went by the name of the Sotis. The Army quartered in the better of the two Towns, which was senced with a Palissado, a quarter of a League from the great River. Thither we brought all the Maes from the other Town, which amounted in all to six thousand bushels. In this place we found the fittest Timber for building of Vessels, that we had hitherto seen in all Florida, for which we all thanked God as for a singular mercy, and some glimpse of hopes of getting once more into a Christian Country began to appear among us.

CHAP. XXXVI.

SO soon as our Quarters were setled at Minoya, the Governour ordered all the Chains of the Indians who were in the Camp to be knockt off, and all the Iron that was kept for a reserve, to be brought out: We set up a Forge for making the Iron-work of the Vessels, and felled wood to build them of. A Portuguese of Ceuta who being a slave at Fez had learned to sawe, taught some Souldiers the use of the Sawe, and a Geneose whom God had purposely preserved to save us, (for he alone knew the Art of building Ships, and had it not been for that man, we had been still in Florida) that Geneose, I say, being assisted by four or five Carpenters of Biscaye who prepared and fitted the Timber, undertook to build Brigan­tines. Another Genoese, and a Catalonian of the County of Cerdagne took care to cawlk them with that Herb I told you of, which resembles Hemp, and is called Enequen; and when that fai­led them, they supplied the want with the thread of Mantles, which they purposely undid, and mingled it with fat Earth. We had with us a [Page 184] Cooper, but he was sick to extremity, and he being the onely man of his Trade that we had, we were obliged to wait till it pleased God to restore him to his health; and though he was still very weak, yet fifteen days before our departure he made two large Casks for each Brigantine, such as the Sea-men call Hogsheads. The Indians of Taguanate, which is a Province two days journey from Nilco up the River, and those of Nilco also and Guachoya, seeing that the Brigantines went forward, were perswaded that we made them for carrying away their crop which they put into the water; nevertheless, they still brought us Fish and Mantles; which the Governour exacted from them for making of Sails. God was so gracious at that time, as to continue to us the marks of his protection, by moving the Indians, to bring us in Mantles; for we had no means left to go and fetch them, because in the begin­ning of Winter the water had surrounded the Town, leaving but one League of dry Land a­round us; so that we could not go out on horse­back, and without that it was impossible to re­duce the Indians; for they were very numerous, and feared our foot so little, that they made no scruple to fight them hand to hand either by land or by water, because they are more dexterous in shooting, and nimbler than the Christians, the ground also being more proper for their way of fighting. They also brought some Ropes, of [Page 185] which we made Cables; and when those failed, we made others of the rinds of Mulberry-trees. The Troopers made wooden stirrups, and gave [...]heir Iron ones to make Anchors of. In March, [...]hough it had not rain'd for above a month before, [...]he River swelled so prodigiously, that it reached [...]o Nilco, which is nine Leagues off on't; and the [...]ndians said that it spread as far on the other [...]ide. The Town where we were, stood on a [...]eight; nevertheless, in the highest places the [...]ater reached the stirrups of a Trooper. We [...]uilt high sheads of great pieces of Timber cove­ [...]ed with boughs for stabling our horses; and the [...]ke was done in the houses. But these not hol­ [...]ing out the water, we were obliged to get up [...]o the Garrets, and never went out of doors but [...]n Canoes, or on horseback where the ground was high. We spent two Months before the Ri­ver returned into its Channel; in the mean time we kept a good guard about our Brigantines, [...]nd no Indians were any more suffered to come [...]ear them in their Canoes: for the Governour [...]egan to have some suspicions, not without ground, that the Indians had a mind to rise; so [...]hat he ordered that without any noise, one of [...]hose who came to the Town should be seized, and [...]rought to him when all the rest were gone. The [...]rders were put in execution; and finding that [...]he Indian would not confess any thing, he com­manded him to be rackt. Then the Indian con­fessed, [Page 186] that the Caciques of Nilco, Guachoya, an [...] Taguante, accompanied with other Caciques t [...] the number of twenty, had resolved to attac [...] the Camp with a very great Army; that t [...] mask their Treachery, they were to send him [...] great Present of Fish, three days before the At­tack, and another Present the same day they ha [...] pitched upon for the Enterprize: That the In­dians who brought the Fish, combining wit [...] those who served in the Camp, were to set fire t [...] the houses of the Town, having first made them­selves Masters of the Lances and other Arms tha [...] stood before the Souldiers doors: That at the sight of the fire, the Caciques, who were to be i [...] ambush, would fall upon us with all their men and surprize us in that disorder. The Governou [...] ordered the Indian to be kept in Chains, and o [...] the day he pitched upon, thirty Indians loade [...] with Fish came to the Town. They were pre­sently apprehended, and Moscoso ordered the noses and right arms of all of them to be cut off, and in that condition sent them back to Guachoya, whose Subjects they were, with orders to tell him, that he and all his confederated Caciques might come; that he impatiently expected them, and that he should know the Governour was infor­med of all, even to his most secret thoughts. This example put them all into a strange fright, so that Nilco and Taguante came with great sub­mission to justifie themselves, and some days af­ter [Page 187] Guachoya brought another Cacique a Vassal of [...]is, who had learnt of a certain, that Nilco and [...]aguante had really combined against the Chri­ [...]ians; whereupon Moscoso caused some of the [...]ndians of Nilco to be apprehended, who confessed [...]he truth. They were delivered over to this Cacique, who put them to death without the Town; and next day Moscoso punished likewise [...]ome Subjects of Taguante who also confessed the Treachery of their Cacique, to whom he sent them home without nose or hands. This piece of justice comforted and fully satisfied the Indians of Guachoya, and from that time they came daily [...]ringing with them Mantles, Fish, and Hogs, of which they had got a breed by the Swine which [...]tray'd when we passed through that Country before. Nay, they egg'd on the Governour to make War with Taguante as soon as the waters were fallen, and offered to accompany him and serve him as Guides. He sent thither some Foot, whom the Indians carried down the River in their Canoes, and a Captain with Horse by Land, who attacked the Town. They made a great many Prisoners of both Sexes, and good booty of Mantles, which came very seasonably conside­ring the want we had of Sails. At length, in the Month of Iune, the Brigantines were finish­ed; and though the Indians had told us that the great River overflow'd: but once a year when the Snow melted, which had already happen'd, [Page 188] and that it was then Summer, when no rain l [...]a fallen for a very long time, yet it was the will [...] God. that it swelled again all of a sudden at ne [...] Moon, and, as I may say, came to find our Br [...] gantines, which so were very easily launched whereas had we been necessitated to carry the [...] over-land, they would have been in danger [...] breaking, or bulging by the Keel, or somewher [...] else, the nails for want of Iron were so short, an [...] the planks so thin. The Indians of Minoya cam [...] daily to serve us, not so much out of inclinatio [...] as necessity, that they might gain somewhat t [...] live on; for the Souldiers had seized all thei [...] Maes: And seeing their Country was very fruit­ful in that, and that they made most of thei [...] food of it, they being so numerous knew no [...] what to get to eat. Those who came to th [...] Town were so famished, that they were reduce [...] to skin and bones, and many died for meer wan [...] The Governour had severally discharged any Maes to be given to them; but the Christians seeing that even the Hogs had their bellies full and that these poor Indians who came and took so much pains to serve them, and whose extream misery they could not but pity, charitably gave them of the Maes they had; nevertheless, through their charitableness we had not Maes enough to put on board for the use of the Army. All that remained was put into the Brigantines, and twelve great Canoes that were fastned two and [Page 189] two together. First we put on board two and [...]wenty of the best Horses, and then killed all the [...]est, whose flesh with that of the Hogs were dried. [...]o the Spaniards parted from Minoya, the second [...]f Iuly, 1543.

CHAP. XXXVII.

ONE day before we went on board, it was resolved, that all the Indian Men and Wo­men, who followed the Army, should be dis­missed, except an hundred, whom the Gover­nour allowed to be kept and Embarked. But there being a great many persons of Quality, whom he durst not refuse what he granted to others, he was obliged to come off with this Fetch; that every one might keep Indians so long as we were upon the River, but that they must all be sent back when we come to the Sea, because we had not Casks enough to hold fresh Water for so many people; In the mean time he gave notice privately to his Friends, that they should retain those whom they had, and carry them with them into New Spain: So they who [Page 190] were in bad terms with him, and who were n [...] a few, sent back about five hundred Indians [...] all Age and Sex; amongst whom there we [...] some young ones that spake and understoo [...] Spanish already. For being ignorant of the My­stery which time discovered to them afterward they thought it would be cruelty to take the [...] along with them, and leave them so far fro [...] their own Country, in danger of being mad [...] Slaves by other Indians; and for the advantag [...] of a few dayes service to reward them so ill [...]o all the services they had rendered them. Mo [...] of these poor Indians went away weeping, whic [...] wrought a great deal of compassion in us, see­ing so many Souls lost without remedy, tha [...] might have been saved, by instructing them i [...] the Christian Faith, which with all their heart they would have received. The Spaniards wh [...] parted from Minoya were in all three hundre [...] and twenty two, in seven Brigantines, pretty well built, save that the Planks were a little to [...] thin, because of the weakness of the Iron work that they were not well caulked, and that they were open without any Deck. Some board [...] were laid a-cross to serve for a Deck, that the Seamen might have convenience to Sail and work the Vessel; and that the Souldiers also migh [...] walk and take the air. Moscoso appointed a Cap­tain for every Brigantine, and made them take an Oath to obey him, till we were come into [Page 191] a Christian Country. He chose the best of all for himself, and so we fell down to Guachoya. The Indians expected us there in their Canoes, and had made a kind of a Hall covered with branches of Trees, where they intreated the Governour to come a shoar and refresh himself; but he excused himself, and continued his course. The Indians waited upon us in their Canoes as far as a branch of the River, which broke off to the right hand. They told Moscoso that the Pro­vince of Quigaltan was not far from thence, and they pressed much to land and make War against that Cacique, promising to assist us with all their force; but seeing they had told us before that that Province was three dayes Journey di­stant, the Governour thought they had a mind to betray him, and therefore dismissed them. So we continued our course by the largest branch of the River, which run very swift, making way a-pace with our Oars. The first day we put a-shoar into a Wood by the River side, on the left hand, and when night came, we Em­barked again. Next day we landed near a Town which the Indians abandoned. There we took a Woman, who told us that the Town belonged to a Cacique called Nuhasene, a Vassal of Quigal­tans, and that Quigaltan expected us with great Forces. Moscoso sent some Horse down along the River side, who found great quantity of Maes in some Houses, whither the whole Army [Page 192] went, and tarried a day, to put on board the Maes which we wanted very much. Whilst we were still in that Post, we saw several Canoe [...] with Indians in them, who rowed down the Wa­ter, and being come to the side opposite to us, with some kind of confusion they drew up in order of Battle. The General sent off all the Cross-bow men in two Canoes, who dispersed the Indians; but when they saw that the Spa­niards did nothing but disperse them without pursuing, they took heart, and drew [...]igh, threatning us. And so long as the Fleet conti­nued in that place, they still kept within sight of us, some in their Canoes, and others on the River side. When we weighed Anchor they got on head of us, and joined all together near a Town that stood very high, upon one side of the River, as if they intended to stay and fight us there. Each Brigantine had a Canoe at he [...] Stern, to serve when occasion offered. These Canoes were Manned with well-armed Souldiers, who dispersed that Body of Indians and burnt the Town. After that we went a-shoar in an [...] open Plain, where the Indians durst not molest us; but next day they appeared upon the River, to the number of an hundred Canoes, amongst which there were some so great that they carried threescore and ten men. The Cacique's Canoes had their Pavillions, under which the Indians appeared, adorned with Feathers of several Co­lours, [Page 193] and they advanced in good order within two Cross-bow shot of the Brigantines. From that station they sent three Indians in a little Canoe, under the false pretext of a Treaty: But in reality to observe our order and strength. They were carried aboard Moscoso's Brigantine, to whom one of the Indians said, that the Cacique of Quigaltan his Master, had sent him to offer him his Friendship, and to assure him, that all that the Indians of Guachoya had spoken to his prejudice was false; that they being his declared Enemies, the Governour ought not to give cre­dit to their Impostures; but believe, that Qui­galtan was ready to serve him. Moscoso answer­ed, that he was very well perswaded of the good intentions of Quigaltan, and that he should tell his Master, that he had a great esteem for him, and desired to be his Friend. The Indians re­turned with that Answer to their Master, and immediately they fell upon us with terrible shouts. The Governour Commanded out Iohn de Guzman, with fifteen armed men in Canoes, to make head against the Enemy. The Indians made a stop at the sight of that Detachment, and divided into two, till the Spaniards were got betwixt them two Divisions. Then they joined, and shut in Guzman with the Canoes that had advanced with him, which they furiously engaged; and seeing their Canoes were much big­ger than ours, and that they jumpt into the [Page 194] Water on all sides to hold them up, and to over, set those of Guzman, they over-turned these in a trice; so that those brave Men fell into the Wa­ter, where they perished miserably, because of the weight of their Arms that sunk them to the bottom; and such as could keep themselves up by swimming, or that stuck to the Canoes were knocked down with poles. The Souldiers who were in the Brigantines seeing that terrible dis­order, did all they could to assist them; but the rapidity of the stream rendered their Attempts useless, because there was no rowing against it to come up to the Enemy; so that there was but four Spaniards saved, who swam to the next Bri­gantine. They lost eleven, amongst whom Iohn de Guzman, and a Son of Don Carlos called Iohn de Vargas were much lamented; the rest also were persons of Quality and worth. They who esca­ped said, that they had seen some Indians carry Iohn de Guzman into one of their Canoes, but whether dead or live they could not tell.

CHAP. XXXVIII.

THis advantage made the Indians so inso­lent and fierce, that they came and at­tacked the Brigantines, which they had not the boldness to do till then. The first they set up­on was that which Caldeiran commanded, and which was in the Reere. At the first discharge they wounded five and twenty men on board; for there were but four in that Brigantine that had Armour. These came to the sides to hin­der the Indians from boarding; but they who had no Arms finding themselves exposed to the Arrow-shot, left the Oars and hid themselves under the Deck. So that the Brigantine fell a­cross the stream, and would have been carried down by the Current, had not one of the Soul­diers in Armour, without staying for the Cap­tains Orders, made a Foot Souldier ply his Oar again, who set the Brigantine to rights, and kept her so, whilst the Trooper covered him with his Buckler, nay and with his Body too. The Indians came no nearer than their Bows [Page 196] shoot, from whence they did us a great deal of mischief, when we could do them no hurt, be­cause there was but one Cross-Bow in each Bri­gantine, the rest being out of condition of ser­ving; so that all the Spaniards could do was to receive their shot, and keep them from board­ing. At length they left that Brigantine and at­tacked another, which they engaged for half an hours space, and so one after another they had a touch at all of them. We made double Mats well put together, and so strong, that an Ar­row could not pierce them. And they who had so much spare time from the Indians shot, made a Target-sence along the sides of the Brigantines. These people being mad that they could not hurt us by shooting upon a level, shot their Arrows at random in the air, that falling down into the Brigantine, they might by their weight do grea­ter Execution; and so they wounded some Soul­diers. Their greatest efforts were against those that lookt after the Horses in the Canoes, which a hundred times they essayed to board; but the Brigantines defended them, turning round the Canoes, and at length put them into the middle of the Fleet. In the mean time that way of fighting wearying them so, that they could hardly stand under their Armour any longer. The Governour resolved to keep going all the night long, that he might pass the Province o [...] Quigaltan, where he thought the Enemies would [Page 197] give us no more trouble. But they followed us on still; and when we imagined them far enough from us, and began to take heart again, they came upon us all of a sudden with such hideous shouting, that we were quite stunn'd with it: These allarms lasted all night long, and half next day, at which time the Fleet was past the Province of Quigaltan; nevertheless, we found no more ease for all that; because the former be­fore they left us, recommended us to the Indians of that other Province, who presently came in pursuit of us with fifty Canoes. We were engag'd with them a whole day and a night; nay, they had the boldness to board one of the Brigantines which was retreating with its Canoe at the stern, out of which they took an Indian woman, and wounded some Souldiers. They who carried the horses in the Canoes, being weary of rowing so long a time, rested themselves sometimes; and then the Indians fell upon them immediately. This obliged the Brigantines to stay for them, which was a great hindrance to us, so that the Governour resolved to put ashoar, and kill all the horses; accordingly having found a place fit for putting that design in execution, we landed, and killed these poor beasts, that were dried as the rest were: There were but onely five or six left alive, which, so soon as the Spaniards were on board again, the Indians went ashoar to seize; but the horses defended themselves by kicking [Page 198] and running from side to side, which put them into such a fright, that most part leapt into the water, and all got into their Canoes again to fol­low the Brigantines, which they mauled with con­tinual shooting of Arrows. In that manner we spent that whole night, and until ten a clock next morning, about which time the Enemy left us. Then seven Canoes with Indians of a little Town upon the side of the River, came to continue the pursuit; but perceiving they did us but little hurt, they return'd to their Town; and from that time forward we met with no more Enemies upon the River. Our course continued seventeen days; wherein we made two hundred and fifty Leagues: the River at its mouth divides it self into two branches, eachof which are at least a League and a halfover.

CHAP. XXXIX.

THe Souldiers being almost spent by so much fighting, and much more by the trouble of rowing, we resolved to go ashoar half a League from the mouth of the River, that they might [Page 199] have some days rest. They had other troubles upon them besides, occasioned by the scarcity of provisions; insomuch that for many days they had nothing but a little Maes roasted or boiled in a pot, which was distributed amongst them by allowances, every mess of three having a Head­piece full, and but scanty measure too. As soon as we were encamped, the Indians came in seven Canoes to attack ours; and at the same time other Enemies made up to us cross a swamp, ar­med with poles with sharp-pointed hooks made of a fish bone, wherewith they fought so vigo­rously, that after they had wounded some Spani­ards with their Arrows, they closed with us; but, at length, with much ado we beat them off. In the mean time the Governour ordered some Souldiers to go into the Canoes and make head against the Enemies: They waited for us till we were within bow-shot; and then having shot, and wounded some Souldiers, they retreat­ed as nimbly as a well mounted Trooper clears himself when he is beset by Foot; and rallying again they renewed the charge always within the reach of their own shot, and without the reach of ours: for though some of our Souldiers had Bows, yet they knew not how to use them; and besides, their Arms were almost broken with rowing. The Enemy on the contrary expected them at their own ease; and having made their discharges, they wheel'd about again, like Horse­men [Page 200] a pickeering. Our men observing this, and that there was but little appearance to come up with them, nay and that those who had got near­est were very ill handled, thought it was enough to beat them off, and so returned to the Brigan­tines. We tarried two days in that place, and then the Fleet, following the Current of that branch of the River where we were, fell down to the Sea: The Governour ordered to sound to see what water we had in the Rivers mouth; and having found forty fathom water, he came to an Anchor, and called a Council, that all might give their Opinions as to the Voyage we were to undertake. The question was put, Whether we should direct our course streight for New-Spain, standing out to Sea, or Coast it along near the shoar. Opinions were divided; but the advice of Dan­husco weighed most with the Governour, because he found others that concurred▪ with him in the same Judgment. Danhusco was a man that presu­med much on his parts and skill in Sea-Affairs, though his knowledge therein was backed by no experience: He alleadged to the Governour, that it was much more convenient to stand out to Sea, and cross the Gulf, than to keep near a shoar that made many Bays, seeing it would shorten our Voyage by three parts in four: Maintain­ing, That according to the Maps which he had seen, the Coast from the place where we were, to the River of Palms, bore East and West, and that [Page 201] from that River to New-Spain it run North and South; so that if we followed it, we should make a compass that would extreamly retard our Voy­ [...]ge, and put us in danger of being overtaken by the Winter, before we could come into a Country [...]nhabited by Christians: Whereas if we had but any favourable wind, we might cross the Gulf in ten or twelve days time. But that advice was not at all approved by the better part of the Council: They said, that it was the far surer way to keep along the Coast, though the Voy­age would be longer; because our Vessels were very slightly built, and without Decks, which made them in danger of being lost, should we meet with the least storm; that the risk was no less if we were becalmed or met with contrary winds, because we had but very little fresh water for want of Casks to put it in. And, in sine, though the Brigantines were strong enough to hold out a storm, since we had neither Pilot nor Compass to direct our course, it would be a rash­ness to cross over an unknown Gulf. That Ad­vice which carried by pluralities of voices, was fol­lowed, and it was concluded that we should not stand off from the Coast. The Fleet being ready to set sail, the Cable of the Brigantine on board of which the Governour was, slipt its Anchor, and left it in the bottom of the water. And though we were near Land, nevertheless it could not be got up again by the Divers, because of [Page 202] the depth of the River. Moscoso and all tha [...] were aboard with him were extreamly trouble [...] at this accident, and they were forced to take [...] Mill [...]one instead of an Anchor, with some bit [...] that the Troopers had still reserved, which wer [...] tied to it to encrease its weight. Thus we pu [...] to Sea with a favourable wind, and in very fai [...] weather, being the Eighteenth day of Iuly. The Governour and Danhusco being on head with their Brigantines, kept out two or three Leagues at Sea; the other Captains bore up to the Go­vernour to ask him if he designed to quit the shoar, which he ought not to do without acquain­ting them, seeing it was contrary to the resoluti­on of Council; that if he would not follow it, neither would they follow him, and every one would make the best of his way, Moscoso an­swered, That he would not undertake any thing without the advice of his Council; that he stood onely off from the shoar that he might sail with more security in the night-time, and that next day he would come in sight of it again when he saw his time. We failed all that day and the next until the Evening with a fair wind, and all the while in fresh water, which was a surprize to us, seeing we were a great way from the mouth of the great River: but its Current being very strong, and the Coast low, it carries its fresh wa­ter a great way out into the Sea. About night we discovered a little Island like a Rock, where [Page 203] the Fleet came to an Anchor to take a little rest. There Danhusco so prevailed by his reasons, that all the Officers consented to stand out to Sea. We followed that course two days; but when we had a mind to put in again to the shoar, we met with a contrary wind, so that the fourth day we began to be in want of fresh water. Every one cursed Danhusco, and the Governour too for com­plying with his advice; and all the Captains swore that they would no more leave the shoar, let the Governour take what course he pleased. It was the will of God that the wind veered about a little, and four days after that the Fleet had stood out to Sea, all our fresh water being spent, we rowed in to shoar again with a great deal of difficulty, and went to land on the sand where there was no shelter. In the Evening the wind turned about to the South, and blew full upon the shoar, on which it forced our Brigantines. The wind was high, and our Anchors being but light and weak came home, so that our Vessels drove. In this extremity all leapt into the water by the Governours order, and stood betwixt the Land and the Brigantines, to keep them out in the wa­ter, until the wind abated.

CHAP. XL.

SO soon as the storm was over, our men wen [...] ashoar and dug pits, which furnished us wit [...] fresh water enough to fill the Casks of all th [...] Brigantines. Next day we set sail again, and af­ter two days came to an Anchor in a little Creel [...] safe from the South-wind that blew at that time [...] and was against us; it detained us four days i [...] that place, till at length the weather being cal [...] again, we rowed out; but towards the Evening the wind began to blow fresh, so that it force [...] the Brigantines upon the shoar. We were sen­sible then of our fault in leaving our Road; fo [...] the Sea began to swell very high, and the win [...] blew so hard, that the Brigantines could not keep company. Two of them that were on head o [...] the rest, were forced into an Arm of the Sea tha [...] run into the Land; and the other five separate [...] from one another a League or a League and a half, were cast upon a slat open shoar, not know­ing where they were, nor what was become o [...] the rest; the Sea being rough broke furiously up­on that shoar, and the Anchors could not hold: [Page 205] The Oars signified nothing at all almost against [...]e violence of the storm, though there were at [...]east seven or eight men at each Oar to keep the [...]essel in the water, which made all the rest jump [...]ver-board. When the wave that forced the [...]rigantine to land was past, they thrust her out [...]gain with incredible pain and labour, whilst the [...]est with bowls laved out the water that broke in­ [...]o the Vessel. In the mean time the tempest was still encreasing, as our fears also of seeing our Brigantines, in which all our hopes lay, broken to pieces, when we were attacked by a far more in­supportable calamity; for about night such a ter­rible quantity of Musketto's came about us, that we were all over covered with them; and their stingings caused so sharp pains, that they seemed to be venomous. About break of day the wind ceased, and we had a calm, but the Musketto's continued as bad as ever, for they fell upon us in such numberless swarms, that our white Sails ap­peared all black; and the Rowers could not set their hands to an Oar, without somebody by them to beat off these Insects. However, we were so glad to see the storm over, that we laugh­ed at the other inconvenience, when by day-light we could see one another with monstrous faces; and it was no unpleasant sight to behold how every one beat themselves to kill the Musketto's. All fell a rowing, and our Fleet got together a­gain in that little Gulf where the two first Bri­gantines [Page 206] had put in to. There we found of that scum of the Sea called Copeck much like to pitch, which some indeed make use of instead of it for their Vessels, as we our selves did, having stayed two days in that place to re fit our Brigantines. We sailed two days more, and came to an Anchor in a Bay where we stay'd as long; we sent out seven men in a Canoe to find out the bottom of the Bay; but they could not. The Fleet set sail with a South wind which was against us; never­theless, seeing it was not violent, all were so desi­rous to make an end of our Voyage as soon as we could, that we employed our utmost endeavours to get out to Sea again. We advanced then for two days with little Wind and much labour, till we came to a little Island at the entry of an arm of the Sea. The weather that hapned after gave us good cause to thank God, for sending us into that safe Road: There were a great many fish thereabouts, which we took with Nets or the Hook; and it hapned that a Souldier having thrown in a Line, the end whereof was tied to his wrist, a fish swallowed the Hook and Bait with so much force, that it drew the man head­long into the water: by good luck he bethought himself of an Axe which he carried about him, wherewith he cut the Line, and swom back to the Brigantine. Bad weather kept us here a fortnight, and then it pleased God to send us a favourable gale, for which we rendred him our [Page 207] most humble thanks, in a very devout Procession which we made along the shoar of that Island; beseeching his Divine Majesty to guide us into a place where we might consecrate our Services to him with more zeal and tranquility.

CHAP. XLI.

FResh water is to be found by digging in the sand every-where on that Coast, which was a great convenience to us for filling our Casks. So after we had ended our Procession, we went on board, and run along in sight of land six days. Danhusco persisted still in his first Opinion, saying, that he had seen Maps, and remembred that that Coast bore North and South, so soon as one was past the River of Palms; that hitherto we had steered from East to West; and that so according to his judgment that River could not be far off. The Fleet stood a little out to Sea, and next day early in the morning we perceived at a distance some Palm-trees, which seemed to rise above the surface of the water, and we observed that that Coast lay North and South. At noon we began to discover very high mountains, which [Page 208] we had not seen before, because from the Port of the Holy Ghost to that place, the Land is low and level, so that it cannot be seen but very near. These remarks made us believe that we had pass'd the River of Palms in the night-time, and we knew very well that it was but threescore Leagues from the River of Panico: But others alleadged that we ought not to lose so good wea­ther, and that Panico could not be so near that we should fear to pass it in one nights sailing. However, we resolved at length to spare sail and keep on our course; all the Fleet did so except two Brigantines, which making what sail they could, were by break of day got beyond Panico without seeing it; but the Captains of the five other Brigantines that were in the reer, were wiser and more fortunate. The first Brigantine that discovered the River was Captain Caldei­ran's; they were within a quarter of a League without discovering it, when perceiving the wa­ter thick, they tasted it, and found it to be fresh; then they advanced towards the mouth of the River, where the water broke upon a bank of sand at the entry into it. No body knowing what River it was, they consulted together what was best to be done if they should put in, or keep on their course forwards; at length they resolved to enter in, rowing close by the shoar to avoid the Current, and so they found a Harbour. As they put into it they observed some Indians cloathed [Page 209] after the Spanish fashion, which gave them the boldness to ask them what Country they were in. The Indians answered in Spanish, that they were in the River of Panico, and that the Town was fifteen Leagues off. It is not to be exprest with what joy they received those glad tidings; their Birth day seemed not to them so happy a day as that was: They leaped ashoar, and kist it a thousand times, lifting up their eyes and hands to Heaven to thank God for the favour he had bestowed upon them. The Souldiers of the Brigantines that followed Caldeiran's, perceiving that he entered the River, steered the same course, and arrived at the Harbour; but those who were on board the other two Brigantines, had not the same fortune. When they found that the rest did not follow, they tackt about to look after them, but the wind was contrary, and the Sea so rough, that they were forced to come to an Anchor near the shoar. In that place they were tossed with so furious a storm, that finding they could not weather it neither at Sea nor in that station, they took the course to run ashoar: And seeing the Brigantines were light and drew little water, and that that shoar was low and of a soft sand, the wind drove them on dry ground without any hurt to the Vessels, or to those that were in them. So that whilst the Spaniards who were in the Harbour, tasted pleasures which can­not be exprest, these were over-whelmed with [Page 210] grief and trouble, seeing they knew not what was become of their Companions, nor whether Fortune had cast them into a Country, where they should meet with savage people and Ene­mies to the Spaniards. They were shipwrackt two Leagues below the Harbour; and so soon as they found themselves out of danger, every one packed up what he was able to carry, and so ad­vanced up into the Country; at length they met with Indians, who told them where they were, which turned their sadness into extraordinary joy, and they thanked God, as it was their duty, for delivering them out of so many miseries and dangers.

CHAP. XLII.

OUr Voyage lasted fifty days from the mouth of the great River in Florida, to the mouth of the River of Panico, into which we entred the Tenth of September, 1543. We spent four days ingoing up the River with our Brigantines; but the wind being low, and not very useful to us because of the compasses which that River fetches, so that we were many times obliged to tow them up, the passage was so tedious and toilsome, that we left the Brigantines to the care of the Sea­men, and went by Land to Panico, being impa­tient to get, as soon as we could, into a Christian Country, and to be present at Divine Service, which for a very long time we had not been. We were all cloathed in Buck-skins died black; and so soon as we entred the Town, we went streight to the Church to offer up our Prayers to God, and most humbly to thank him for the Miracles he had wrought in saving us. The Burghers who were informed by the Indians of our arrival, came to the Church, from whence they took home with them such of us as they could know, [Page 212] or who belonged to their Relations or Friends. The Governour of the place offered his House to Moscoso, and ordered the other Spaniards to be quartered by sixes, or even more, according to the convenience of the Inhabitants, who kindly entertained their Guests with Pullets and Bread of Maes, and the fruits of the Country, which are the same that are in the Isle of Cuba. The Town of Panico contains about threescore and ten Fami­lies: their Houses for most part are built of Stone and Lime, except some few that are only wooden, and they are all thatched. The Country is not Rich, because it produces neither Gold nor Sil­ver; but, on the other hand, the Inhabitants have plenty of all that is necessary for life. The wealthiest have not above five hundred Crowns of yearly Rent; and their Revenue consists in Cotton, Poultry, and Maes, which the Indians who are their Vassals, pay them as quit-Rent. We were in all three hundred and eleven Gentle­men and Souldiers, remaining of above six hun­dred who followed Soto into Florida, when we entered this Town. The Governour of the place forthwith dispatched a Burgher to give ad­vice to Don Antonio de Mendosa Viceroy of Mexi­co, that three hundred men of the Forces that had been with Don Fernando de Soto for the Discove­ry and Conquest of Florida, were arrived at Pa­nico, to the end he might give orders for their subsistance, as being in the Emperours Service. [Page 213] The Viceroy and all the Inhabitants of Mexico. were extreamly surprized at the news; for all gave us over for lost so soon as we advanced up into the Country of Florida; and they lookt up­on it as a Miracle, that having no place of retreat, nor no assistance sent us, we could have main­tained our selves so long amongst these Infidels. So soon as the Viceroy received the advice, he sent Orders in writing, to furnish us in all places we past through, with Provisions, and Indian Servants; and if they refused to supply us accor­dingly, he gave us leave by the same Order to take by force, without any danger of punish­ment: But we needed it not; for all the way we went, the people came out and met us, striving who should first present us with Pullets and other Provisions.

CHAP. XLIII.

IT is reckoned threescore Leagues from Pa­nico to the great City of Mestitam, or Mexi­co; and it is as far from that City to the Port of Veracruce, which is also threescore Leagues from Panico. Veracruce is the Port where they take shipping to go from Mexico to Spain, and where they land when they come from Spain to Mexi­co; and these three Towns make a Triangle, Ve­racruce being the South-Angle, Panico the East, and Mexico the West. This Country is so popu­lous, that the most remote Villages of the In­dians, are not a League and a half distant one from the other. Some of our Souldiers who were most spent, abode a month in Panico, others a fortnight; and, in a word, as long as they had a mind, their Landlords not grudging it in the least: On the contrary, they shared with them what they had; and all, without exception, see­med troubled at their departure. The truth is, what they gave cost them but little, since their Indians furnish them with more Provisions than [Page 215] they can well spend; and they took extraordi­nary pleasure to hear the relation of our Adven­tures. The Governour gave of the Goods in his hands belonging to the Emperour for his dues, to those who would accept of them. They were very happy men who had reserved a Coat of Mail, for they trucked it for a Horse; so some were mounted, but the greatest part performed the journey to Mexico on foot. The Indians in all places received us very kindly, and did us all sorts of good Offices, offering the Souldiers whatever they had in their houses, though they had no want of Provisions; for when one asked a Pullet of an Indian, he was sure to bring four; and if one seem'd to have a mind to a fruit which was not to be found but at a Leagues distance, immediately he ran to fetch it. When the Soul­diers came to any Indian Town, the Cacique pre­sently commanded an Indian who carried in his hand a Verge or Mace, to see that Provisions were furnished. They call that Officer, Tapile; that's to say, Serjeant. He took care also to pro­vide us Indians for carrying the sick, and our small Baggage. The Viceroy sent a Portuguese to meet us twenty Leagues from Mexico, with Sugar, Rasins of the Sun, Pomgranates, and o­ther refreshments for the sick who might stand in need of them: And he acquainted us that he would cloath all the Souldiers at the Emperours charges. The Citizens of Mexico came to re­ceive [Page 216] us without the City-Gates, and desired it as a great favour of the Souldiers that they would lodge with them, and they who prevailed car­ried them home to their houses, where they trea­ted and cloathed them so well, that the Apparel of him that was worst cloathed, was worth thir­ty Crowns at least. The Viceroy had the same care of those whom he entertained in his Palace, where they of the better quality eat at his Table. He had another Table for the private Souldiers, where all were welcome, but though he had in­formed himself of their several qualities, that he might shew them honour accordingly, yet seeing he denyed not his Table to any of the Conquerours whether Gentleman or Peasant, it sometimes happened, that the Servant sate cheek by joule with his Master. However, that little disorder proceeded only from his Officers fault, of whom some though, that knew their duty better, informed themselves of the qualities of persons, and treated them with distinction. In a word, all strove who should entertain us best, and that in so gentile and obliging a manner, that they prayed the Souldiers to make no ceremony to take what they offered them, saying that they themselves had been in the like straights, that others had assisted them, and in fine, that it was the custom of the Countrey. God Almighty re­ward them for it, and may it please him to give grace to those who have been preserved by his [Page 217] goodness in that discovery, to spend the rest of their days in his holy service, and that of his in­finite mercy he would vouchsafe, to receive into glory those who have ended their days in that en­terprise, and those who believe in him, and con­fess his holy Faith.

CHAP. XLIV.

FRom the Port of the Holy Ghost, where the Spaniards landed when they entred into Flo­rida, to the Province of Ocute it is reckoned about four hundred Leagues all in a flat Countrey full of Lakes and thick Woods, excepting in some places where the ground is light, and produces wild Pine-trees; and in all that way, there is nei­ther Mountain nor Hill to be seen. The Land of Ocute is fatter and more fertile, the Woods are not so thick there, and it has Meadows watered with little Rivers. It is a hundred and thirty Leagues from Ocute to Cutifachiqui, of which fourscore are through a desart Countrey, that yields no­thing but wild Pines, and yet has great Rivers running through it. But from Cutifachiqui to [Page 218] Xuala there is nothing but Mountains, for the space of two hundred and fifty Leagues. These two Towns are seated in a high Countrey, but le­vel, and cut by Rivulets which have Meadows on the banks. Beyond Xuala are the Provinces of Chiaha, Cosa, and Talise, which are lovely Plains of a dry ground, that produce Maes in plenty. From Xuala to Tascaluca it may be two hundred and fifty Leagues, and three hundred from Tas­caluca to the great River. That Countrey is low, full of Lakes and Swamps, but the soil is of ano­ther nature beyond the great River. It is pretty high, yet there is champion ground in it, and is the most populous Countrey in all Florida. On the sides of the great River from Aquixo to Paca­ha and Coligoa, for the space of an hundred and fifty Leagues, the Countrey is plain, and in some places very fertile and pleasant. From Coligoa to Autiamque it is reckoned two hundred and fifty Leagues, in a Mountainous Countrey, and from Autiamque to Guacay two hundred and thirty of a level Countrey; but the Mountains begin a­gain from Guacay to Daycao, that are an hundred and twenty Leagues distant. The way from the Holy Ghost to Palache is from East to West, and North West; from Cutifachiqui to Xuala from South to North, from Xuala to Cosa from East to West, and from Cosa to Tascaluca, and from thence to the great River and the Provinces of Quizquiz, and Aquixo from East to West. [Page 219] In short, Pacaha is Northward from Aquixo, Tula West of Pacaha, and Antiamque to the South of Tula, so as are the Provinces of Gua­choya and Aycao. The bread they eat all over Florida is made of Maes, which resembles great Millet, and the same Maes serves for food in the Antilles, and in all the Indies belonging to the Crown of Castille. In Florida there are also Nuts, Plums, Mulberries, and Grapes; every one la­bours his field of Maes apart, but all the other Fruits are common, because they grow in the fields in great plenty, without any necessity of cultivating or watering the Trees. The Moun­tains yield Chestnuts, which are smaller than those of Spain. From the great River Westwards the Nuts differ from those of the other Provinces, for they are soft and shaped like an Akorn, and from the same River to the Port of the Holy Ghost, they are harder and the Trees as well as Fruit re­semble those of Spain. All over Florida there is a Fruit which grows upon a kind of Plant like to a Lilly which the Indians sow. That Fruit resem­bles a bon Chreteen Pear of an excellent relish. There is also another Herb which bears its Fruit near the ground as the Apple of Love, and is ve­ry good. The Plums are of two colours, the one red, and the other a dark gray of the bigness and shape of Walnuts. They have three or four stones, and of these last excellent Prunes are made, which in goodness surpass those of Spain. The [Page 220] Vines want onely care and dressing; which may be easily known, because the Grapes have very great and hard stones, nevertheless they are very good. In a word, all the Fruits are better and less hurtful than those of Spain. That Country breeds a great many Bears and Lions, Wolves, Stags, Wild cats, Tame cats, and Rabbets. The Poultry are wild there, as big as Peacocks, and very plentiful▪ The Partridges are small like those of Africa▪ and you have also Cranes, Geese, Turtles, Field­fares, Sparrows, and other black birds that are bigger than Sparrows, and less than Starlings: as also Goss-hawks, Falcons, Sparrow-hawks, and all other Birds of Prey that are to be found in Spain The Indians in general are well enough shaped▪ but those of the Plains are better limbed and much nimbler than the Mountaneers, as also the people that inhabit the heart of the Countrey, live more at their ease than those of the Coast. For the Land on the Sea-coast is barren and poor, but seeing misery renders them fierce and warlike, they rob and play the Pyrates. From the Port of the Holy Ghost to Palache, and from Palache to the River of Palms, the way is from East to West, and from the River of Palms to New Spain from North to South. That Coast is low and soft, but full of shelves and banks of sand.