Читать книгу The War of Quito - Pedro de Cieza de León - Страница 18

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Of what happened in the town of Plata, and of the Procurators who set out to go to Lima.

After the Governor Vaca de Castro had defeated Don Diego de Almagro at Chupas, he appointed Luis de Ribera as his lieutenant-governor of the town of Plata. He was an important knight, native of the city of Seville. At a time when the town was quiet and peaceful, without any sign of disturbance, the news of the ordinances sent by his Majesty the King arrived, and of the arrival of Blasco Nuñez as Viceroy. Besides the news, there came letters from the municipality of Cuzco, and from Vaca de Castro corroborating it, and advising that Procurators should be sent so that, with others from all parts of the kingdom, they might protest against the enforcement of the new laws.

The news did not fail to cause much agitation in the minds of the people, as it had done in other parts where it had been received. When the first tumult was over there was a meeting consisting of Luis de Ribera, Diego Centeno, Antonio Alvarez, all three Alcaldes, and Lope de Mendieta, Francisco de Retamoso, and Francisco de Tapia, perpetual magistrates. They consulted in what manner they should receive these laws and ordinances. After having thought well over it they came to the conclusion that, as the King had decreed the ordinances, it would not be proper to resist to the point of rebellion, but to obey and, as humble vassals, pray that either some or all the ordinances might be suspended. With this object they would send persons from their town, who, with the voice of the people, would entreat the Viceroy not to enforce the laws until his Majesty had been informed of the truth, when he would order what would be most conducive to his service. Having considered who should be their procurators, they nominated Diego Centeno[28] the Alcalde and Pedro Alonso de Hinojosa[29], a magistrate who was also in the town. They gave them full powers to concert with the procurators who might come from other cities and towns the course to be taken in their petition, but all was to be done with great humility. Luis de Ribera spoke graciously to all the townspeople, assuring them that they need not trouble themselves about the ordinances, as his Majesty would be served by their revocation. Diego Centeno and Pedro de Hinojosa set out from the town to go to the city of Lima, Hinojosa having first seen Gonzalo Pizarro at Chaqui.