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How the Governor Vaca de Castro came from Cuzco, and what happened to the Factor Illan Suarez and the others who went to meet the Viceroy.

The Governor Vaca de Castro set out from the city of Cuzco to proceed to the city of the Kings, with the intention of seeing the Viceroy, notwithstanding that many of his friends advised him to go to the port of Quilca, where he could embark in a ship without seeing the Viceroy, and sail away to Tierra Firme. But he declined to take that course, and started from Cuzco with some troops to guard his person, with arms and artillery. There are some who say that he did this that he might supplicate for the good estate of the kingdom with them. Others affirm, and this is certain, that he took the artillery because he would not leave it in Cuzco, foreseeing what might happen. For the clouds had always originated in Cuzco to spread over all parts. He, therefore, thought it prudent to take away the artillery and arms, as he did.

Leaving Cuzco he travelled onwards until he reached the city of Guamanga, where some other persons had also arrived. Thence he went on to the valley of Xauxa where he was met by the Licentiate de la Gama, who told him all that had passed. After having discussed the ordinances with some of his friends, and what was said of the Viceroy, he determined to send his Secretary, Pero Lopez, to meet the Viceroy and convey to him a welcome on his arrival, assuring him that he would serve him in all things, seeing that he came in the name of the King our Lord. Eventually he sent his servant Pero Lopez who started on his journey.

When the municipality of the city of the Kings knew that Vaca de Castro was coming accompanied by a large number of people, they wrote to him to leave his arms and his following, and to enter the city of the Kings privately, without appearing as Governor of the kingdom, for he no longer held that office, and that when he came they would guard his honour as a Member of the Royal Council and as having been their Governor and Captain General.

After Juan de Barbaran had returned to the city of the Kings, the Factor Yllan Suarez de Carbajal, the Captain Diego de Aguero and the others journeyed onwards towards the city of Truxillo. Travelling on Thursday and Good Friday they arrived at a town of Indians called Huara, which is 18 leagues from the city of the Kings. Late on Friday they continued their journey to another town called La Barranca, and on Saturday before Easter of 1544 they came up with one Ruiloba[22] who was coming as a messenger from the Governor Vaca de Castro. His coming caused no small perturbation for, when asked whether he had seen the Viceroy, he replied that he remained near Truxillo where he was liberating Indians; and that at San Miguel he had left the Lieutenant Palomino and others without any Indians, saying that he was going to do the same in all parts, including the officials of the royal treasury. After giving this news Pero Lopez went on to inform Vaca de Castro. The Factor Illan Suarez, tired with the journey and enraged at the news, was leaning against a pillar in his lodging when Captain Diego de Aguero said in a loud voice: “I do not care to wait until we meet the Viceroy. If he wants to take away my Indians let him do so at once, my son will not be in want of food, for he has property on which he can live.” Saying this he set out for Truxillo, accompanied by Rodrigo Nuñez a citizen of Huanuco who was also at enmity with Vaca de Castro for having taken away his Indians because he had been a follower of Diego de Almagro the lad.

Meanwhile the Viceroy had departed from the city of San Miguel accompanied by settlers and soldiers, giving ear to anything evil that was said to him against Vaca de Castro. For from the time of his arrival in Peru he allied himself with the Almagro faction, and they spoke without any restraint against Vaca de Castro.

The ancient name of San Miguel is Piura, of Truxillo Chimu, and of the city of the Kings, Lima. The reader will remember this, for, forgetting uniformity, I may sometimes put one name and sometimes the other.

The Viceroy travelled by the Royal Road of the Coast, gazing on the vast deserts and the ruined edifices. He was told that they were once densely peopled, and he felt regret, saying that the numbers of these people had been so diminished through bad government. He admired the great and very ancient edifices which were built along the road, with such lavish care. In the valleys where some Indians remained, he made the lords and caciques to understand that the people were vassals of the King of Spain, that in future they were free, that their tribute would be moderate, as well as the calls upon them for provisions and necessaries. If more was wanted they must be paid for it. Arriving at Truxillo he had a grand reception, though with mournful and pensive countenances. The citizens received the ordinances as a sign of war bringing ruin and a sad look-out, coming with words of peace but bringing war. Yet the magistrates came out dressed in purple, and Blasco Nuñez Vela was received as Viceroy in obedience to his Majesty’s command.

The Factor Illan Suarez de Carbajal and the other knights went back to Lima, and they say that the Factor left a motto at La Barranca which said—“Each man knows what he has, and does not give up his property to another. If he does he may be a laughing stock, but it will cost him who takes it his life.” Others say that this motto was left there by Francisco del Solar, a citizen of Lima, and this may be considered a certainty[23].