The New Kingdom of Granada

Many Tyrants there were, who set Sail from Venecuela, St. Martha, and Carthagena, hastening to the Conquest of Perusia, Anno Dom. 1539. and they accompanied with many more going farther from this Region, endeavored to penetrate into the Heart of this Countrey, where they found about Three Hundred Miles from Carthagena and St. Martha, many admirable Provinces and most fruitful Land, furnished with an even-tempered or meek-spirited People, as they are in other parts of India; very rich in Gold and those sorts of precious Stones known by the name of Emralds: To which Province they gave the Name of Granada, upon this account, because the Tyrant who first arrived in these Regions, was born in the Kingdom of Granada belonging to these parts; now they that spoiled these Provinces with their rapine being wicked, cruel, infamous Butchers, and delighting in the effusion of Humane Blood, having practically experimented the piacular and grand Enormities perpetrated among the Indians; and upon this account their Diabolical Actions are so great, so many in number, and represented so grievously horrid by circumstantial aggravations, that they exceed all the villanies committed by others, nay by themselves in other Regions, I will only select and cull out a few out of so great a number which have bene transacted by them within these three years, for my present purpose.

Many tyrants sailed from Venecuela, St. Martha, and Carthagena in 1539, hurrying to conquer Perusia. Joined by many others traveling farther from this region, they tried to reach the heart of the country. About three hundred miles from Carthagena and St. Martha, they found many splendid provinces and very fertile land. The people were gentle and mild-tempered, like those in other parts of India. The land was very rich in gold and the precious stones known as emeralds. The conquerors named this province Granada because the first tyrant to arrive there was born in the Kingdom of Granada. That kingdom belongs to these parts. The men who plundered these provinces were wicked, cruel, infamous butchers who delighted in shedding human blood. They had already gained experience committing monstrous, sinful crimes against the Indians. Because of this experience, their devilish acts were so terrible, so numerous, and made so horrifying by their circumstances. These acts surpassed all the crimes committed by others, and even their own crimes in other regions. For my present purpose, I will select only a few from the many crimes they committed during these three years.

A certain Governour, because he that went to commit depredations and spoils in the Kingdom of Granada, would not admit him, as a Companion in his Robberies and Cruelties, set up an Inquisition, and produced proofs confirmed by great evidence, whereby he palpably lays open, and proves the Slaughters and Homicides he committed, and persists in to this very day, which were read in the Indian Courts of Judicature, and are there now Recorded.

A certain governor was refused a share in the robberies and cruelties of a man who went to plunder the Kingdom of Granada. Because of this refusal, the governor opened an inquiry and presented proofs backed by strong evidence. These proofs clearly exposed and established the slaughters and murders the man had committed and continues to commit to this day. The proofs were read in the Indian courts of justice and remain on record there.

In this Inquisition the Witnesses depose, that when all these Kingdoms enjoy'd Peace and Tranquillity, the Indians serv'd the Spaniards, and got their living by contstnat day-labour in Tilling and Manuring the Ground, bringing them much Gold, and many Gems, particularly Emeralds, and what other Commodities they could, and possessed, their Cities and Dominions being divided among the Spaniards, to procure which is the chiefest of their care and pains; and these are the proper measures they take to obtain their proposed ends, to wit, heaping and treasuring up of Gold and Riches.

In this inquiry, witnesses testify that all these kingdoms were enjoying peace and tranquility. The Indians served the Spaniards and earned their living through constant daily labor, tilling and fertilizing the ground. They brought the Spaniards much gold and many gems, especially emeralds, and whatever other goods they could supply and possessed. Their cities and territories were divided among the Spaniards, whose greatest concern and effort went into acquiring these possessions. These are the very methods the Spaniards use to achieve their goals: amassing and hoarding gold and riches.

Now when all the Indians were under their accustomed Tyranny: A certain Tyrant, and Chief Commander, took the King and Lord of the whole Countrey, and detain'd him Captive for six or seven moneths, demanding of him, without any reason, store of Gold and Emeralds. The said King, whose name was Bogoca, though fear, promised him a House of Gold, hoping, in time, to escape out of his clutches, who thus plagu'd him, and sent some Indians for Gold, who frequently, and at several times, brought him a great quantity of Gold, and many Jewels; but because the King did not, according to his promise, bestow upon him an Apartment made of pure Gold, he must therefore forfeit his Life. The Tyrant commanded himto be brought to Tryal before himself, and so they cite and summon to a Tryal the greatest King in the whole Region; and the Tyrant pronounced this Sentence, that unless he did perform his Golden Promise he should be exposed to severe Torments. They rackt him, poured boiling Soap into his Bowels, chain'd his Legs to one post, and fastened his Neck to another, two men holding his Hands, and so applyed the scorching heat of the Fire to his Feet; the Tyrant himself often casting his eye upon him, and threatning him with death, if he did not give him the promised Gold; and thus with these kind of horrid torments, the said Lord was destroy'd; which while they were doing, God being willing to manifest how displeasing these Cruelties are to His Divine Majesty, the whole City, that was the Stage on which they were acted, was consumed by fire; and the rest of the Captains following his example, destroy'd all the Lords of that Region by Fire and Faggot.

Now all the Indians were living under the usual tyranny. A certain tyrant, the chief commander, seized the king and lord of the whole country. He held the king captive for six or seven months, demanding large amounts of gold and emeralds without any justification. The king, whose name was Bogoca, promised him a house of gold out of fear. He hoped, in time, to escape the clutches of the tyrant who tormented him. He sent some Indians to gather gold. They returned repeatedly with large quantities of gold and many jewels. But because the king did not provide a room made of pure gold, as promised, he had to lose his life. The tyrant ordered the king to stand trial before him. So they summoned the greatest king in the whole region to trial. The tyrant sentenced him to severe torture unless he fulfilled his promise of gold. They stretched him on a rack and poured boiling soap into his bowels. They chained his legs to one post and fastened his neck to another. With two men holding his hands, they scorched his feet with fire. The tyrant himself often looked at him and threatened him with death unless he gave him the promised gold. And so these kinds of dreadful torture killed the king. While they were torturing him, God chose to show how displeasing these cruelties were to his divine majesty. The whole city where the tortures took place was consumed by fire. And the other captains followed the tyrant's example, burning all the lords of that region to death on wood fires.

Once it fell out, that many Indians addressed themselves to the Spaniards with all Humility and Simplicity, as they use to do, who thinking themselves safe and secure, behold the Captain comes into the City, where they were to do their work, and commands all these Indians, sleeping and taking their rest, after Supper, being wearied with the heavy drudgery of the day, to be slain by the Sword: And this stratagem he put in practice, to make a greater impression of fear on all the minds of the Inhabitants; and another time a certain Captain commanded the Spaniards to declare upon Oath, how many Casics and Indians every individual person had in his Family at home, who were presently lead to a publick place, and lost their Heads; so there perisht, that bout, four or five hundred Men. The Witnesses depose this of a particular Tyrant, that by beating, cutting off the Hands and Noses of many Women as well as Men, and destroying several persons in great numbers, he exercised horrid Cruelties.

Once, many Indians approached the Spaniards with their usual humility and simplicity, believing themselves safe and secure. Then the captain entered the city where the Indians were to work. He ordered all these Indians killed with swords as they slept and rested after supper, exhausted by the day’s heavy labor. He used this tactic to strike greater fear into the minds of all the inhabitants. On another occasion, a captain ordered the Spaniards to swear how many Casics and Indians each had in his household. These people were immediately taken to a public place and beheaded. So four or five hundred men died on that occasion. Witnesses testified that one particular tyrant committed horrific cruelties. He beat many women and men, cut off their hands and noses, and killed large numbers of people.

Then one of the Captains sent this bloody Tyrant into the Province of Bogata, to inquire who succeeded that Prince there, whom he so barbarously and inhumanely Murder'd, who traveling many miles in this Countrey, took as many Indians as he could get, some of which, because they did not tell him who was Successor of this Deceased Prince, had their Hands cut off, and others were exposed to hunger- starv'd Currs, to be devour'd by them, and as many of them perished miserably.

Then one of the captains sent this bloody tyrant into the province of Bogata to discover who succeeded the prince. The tyrant had murdered that prince so brutally and inhumanely. The tyrant traveled many miles through the country, capturing as many Indians as he could. Some had their hands cut off because they did not tell him who had succeeded the dead prince. Others were thrown to starving dogs to be devoured, and just as many died miserably.

Another time about the fourth Watch, early in the morning he fell upon several Casics, Noblemen and other Indians, who lookt upon themselves to be safe enough, (for they had their faith and security given, that none of them should receive any damage or injury) relying upon this, they left the Mountains their lurking places, without any suspition or fear, and returned to their Cities, but he seized on them all, and commanding them to extend their hands on the ground, cut them off with his own Sword, saying, that he punished them after this maner, because they would not inform him what Lord it was, that succeeded in that Kingdom.

Another time, around the fourth watch, early in the morning, he attacked several Casics, noblemen, and other Indians. They believed they were safe enough. (They had been promised and assured that none of them would suffer any harm or injury.) Relying on that promise, they left their hiding places in the mountains without suspicion or fear and returned to their cities. But he seized them all and ordered them to lay their hands flat on the ground. He cut off their hands with his own sword. He said he punished them this way because they would not tell him which lord had succeeded to that kingdom’s throne.

The Inhabitants of one of these Provinces, perceiving that four or five of their Governours were sent to the other World in a fiery Vehicle or Chariot, being terrified therewith, took to the Mountains for Sanctuary, there being four or five thousand in number, as appears by good Evidence; and the aforesaid Captain sends a Tyrant, more cruel than any of the rest after them. The Spaniards ascend the Mountains by force (for the Indians were naked an unarm'd) Proclaiming Peace, if they would desist and lay down their Arms, which the Indians no sooner heard, but quitted their Childish Weapons; and this was no sooner done but this Sanguinary Spaniard sent some to possess themselves of the Fortifications, and they being secur'd, to attaque the Indians. Thus they, like Wolves and Lyons, did rush upon this flock of Sheep, and were so tired with slaughter, that they were forced to desist for a while and take breath, which done, the Captain commands them to fall to it again at the same bloody rate, and precipitate all that survived the Butchery, from the top of the Mountain, which was of a prodigious height; and that was perform'd accordingly. And the Witnesses farther declare upon Oath, that they saw the bodies of about seven hundred Indians falling from the Mount at one time, like a Cloud obscuring the Air, who were all broken to pieces.

The inhabitants of one of these provinces saw four or five of their governors sent to the next world in a fiery chariot. Terrified, they fled to the mountains for safety. Reliable evidence puts their number at four or five thousand. The captain mentioned above sent a tyrant after them who was crueler than all the rest. The Spaniards forced their way up the mountains, for the Indians were naked and unarmed. They promised peace if the Indians would stop resisting and lay down their weapons. As soon as the Indians heard this promise, they abandoned their childish weapons. Immediately, this bloodthirsty Spaniard sent some men to seize the fortifications and, once those were secured, attack the Indians. Like wolves and lions, the attackers rushed upon this flock of sheep. They became so exhausted from slaughtering that they had to stop for a while to catch their breath. Once they had rested, the captain ordered them to resume the slaughter with the same bloody fury. He also ordered them to throw everyone who survived the butchery from the mountaintop, which was extraordinarily high. His orders were carried out. The witnesses further declared under oath that they saw about seven hundred Indians falling from the mountain at once. Their bodies were like a cloud darkening the air, and all were smashed to pieces.

This very Tyrant came once to the city Cota, where he surprized abundance of Men, together with fifteen or twenty Casics of the highest rank and quality, whom he cast to the Dogs to be torn Limb-meal in pieces, and cut off the Hands of several Men and Women, which being run through with a pole, were exposed to be viewed and gaz'd upon by the Indians, where you might see at once seventy pair of hands, transfixed with Poles; nor is it to be forgotten, that he cut off the Noses of many Women and Children.

This same tyrant once came to the city of Cota, where he captured many men by surprise. Among the captives were fifteen or twenty Casics of the highest rank, whom he threw to dogs to tear apart. He also cut off the hands of several men and women. The severed hands were pierced with poles and displayed for the Indians to see. Seventy pairs of hands could be seen at once, impaled on poles. Nor should we forget that he cut off the noses of many women and children.

The Witnesses farther depose, that the Cruelties and great Slaughters committed in the aforesaid new Kingdom of Granada, by this Captain, and other Tyrants, the Destroyers of Mankind, who accompany him, and have power still given them by him to exercise the same, are such and so hainous, that if his Majesty does not opportunely apply some remedy, for the redress and prevention of such mischiefs for the future, (since the Indians are daily slaughtered to accumulate and enrich themselves with Gold, which the Inhabitants have been so rob'd of, that they are now grown bare, for what they had, they have disposed to the Spaniards already) this Kingdom will soon decay and be made desolate, and consequently the Land being destitute of Indians, who should manure it, will lye fallow and incultivated.

The witnesses further testify to the cruelties and great massacres committed in the new Kingdom of Granada mentioned above. This Captain and the other tyrants accompanying him, these destroyers of humanity, are responsible. He still gives these tyrants the power to commit such acts. These atrocities are so heinous that, unless his Majesty acts in time, this kingdom will soon decline and become desolate. He must remedy these evils and prevent them from happening again. (For the Indians are slaughtered daily so that their killers can accumulate gold and enrich themselves. The inhabitants have been robbed of so much gold that they now have none left. They have already handed over all they had to the Spaniards.) Consequently, without Indians to cultivate the land, the land will lie fallow and uncultivated.

And here is to be noted, how pestilential and inhumane the cruelty of these Tyrants hath been, and how violently exercised, when as in two or three years space, they were all slain, and the Country wholly desolate and deserted, as those that have been Eye-witnesses can testifie; they having acted like Merciless Men, not having the fear of God and the King before their Eyes, but by the instigation of the Devil; so that it may well be said and affirmed, not one Person will be left alive, unless his Majesty does retard, and put a stop to the full career of their Cruelties, which I am very apt to believe, for I have seen with these very eyes of mine, many Kingdoms laid waste and depopulated in a small time. There are other stately Provinces on the Confines of the New Kindgom of Granada, as Popayan and Cali, together with three or four more above five hundred miles in length, which they destroyed, in the same manner, as they have done other places, and laid them absolutely waste by the prementioned Slaughters, who were very Populous, and the Soil very Fruitful. They who came among us from those Regions report, that nothing can be more deplorable or worthy of pity and commiseration, then to behold such large and great Cities totally ruinated, and intombed in their own Ashes, and that in a City adorn'd with 1000 or 2000 Fabricks, there are hardly now to be seen 50 standing, the rest being utterly demolished, or consum'd and levelled to the ground by Fire and in some parts Regions of 100 miles in length, (containing spacious Cities) are found absolutely destroyed and consumed by Fire.

Note how deadly and inhuman these tyrants’ cruelty has been, and how violently they have inflicted it. Within two or three years, they killed everyone and left the country completely desolate and deserted. Eyewitnesses can testify to this destruction. These tyrants acted without mercy, with no fear of God or the King, but driven by the Devil. So it can rightly be said that not one person will survive unless his Majesty slows and stops their unchecked cruelty. I firmly believe this, for I have seen with my own eyes many kingdoms devastated and depopulated in little time. Other great provinces border the New Kingdom of Granada, including Popayan and Cali, along with three or four more. These provinces extend over five hundred miles. The tyrants destroyed these provinces just as they destroyed other places. Through the massacres already described, they left these densely populated provinces, with their very fertile soil, completely desolate. People who have come to us from those regions describe sights beyond all others in their misery. Nothing, they report, deserves more pity and compassion than those vast cities, completely ruined and buried in their own ashes. In a city that once boasted 1,000 or 2,000 buildings, hardly 50 now remain standing. All the others have been demolished or burned and leveled to the ground. In some places, regions stretching 100 miles and containing vast cities have been completely destroyed and consumed by fire.

Finally many great Tyrants who came out of the Perusian Kingdoms by the Quitonians Travelled to the said new Kindgom of Granada and Popayan, and by Carthagena and the Urabae, they directed their course to Calisium, and several other Tyrants of Carthagena assault Quito, who joyn'd themselves in an intire Body and wholly depopulated and laid waste that Region for the space of 600 miles and upward, with the loss of a prodigious number of poor Souls; nor as yet do they treat the small remnant of so great and innocent a people with more humanity then formerly.

Finally, many great tyrants left the Perusian Kingdoms and traveled by way of the Quitonians to the new Kingdom of Granada and Popayan. By way of Carthagena and the Urabae, they headed toward Calisium. Several other tyrants from Carthagena attacked Quito. These tyrants joined forces and completely depopulated and devastated that region for 600 miles and more. An immense number of poor souls died. Even now, the tyrants treat the few survivors of so great and innocent a people no more humanely than before.

I desire therefore that the Readers who have or shall peruse these passages, would please seriously to consider whether or no, such Barbarous, Cruel and Inhumane Acts as these do not transcend and exceed all the impiety and tyrrany, which can enter into the thoughts or imagination of Man, and whether these Spaniards deserve not the name of Devils. For which of these two things is more eligible or desirable whether the Indians should be delivered up to the Devils themselves to be tormented or the Spaniards? That is still a question.

I therefore ask readers who have read or will read these passages to consider these questions seriously. Do such barbarous, cruel, and inhumane acts not exceed all the wickedness and tyranny any human mind can imagine? And do these Spaniards not deserve to be called devils? For which would be preferable: handing the Indians over to the devils themselves for torture, or to the Spaniards? That remains an open question.

Nor can I here omit one piece of Villany, (whether it ought to be postpon'd or come behind the cruelty of Brute Animals, that I leave to decision). The Spaniards who are conversant among the Indians bred up curst Curs, who are so well instructed and taught that they at first sight, fly upon the Inhabitants tearing them limb by limb, and so presently devour them. Now let all persons whether Christians or not consider, if ever such a thing as this reacht the ears of any Man, they carry these Dogs with them as Companions where ever they go, and kill the fettered Indians in multitudes like Hogs for their Food; thus sharing with them in the Butchery. Nay they frequently call one to the other, saying, lend me the fourth part of one of your Slaves to feed my Dogs, and when I kill one, I will repay you, as if they had only borrowed a quarter of a Hog or Sheep. Others, when they go a Hunting early in the morning, upon their return, if you ask them what sport had you to day at the Game? They will answer, enough, enough, for my Dogs have killed and worried 15 or 20 Indian Vassals. Now all these things are plainly prov'd upon those Inquisitions and Examinations made by one Tyrant against another. What I beseech you, can be more horrid or barbarous?

I cannot leave out one act of wickedness here. (I leave others to judge whether it falls below the cruelty of wild animals.) The Spaniards who live among the Indians raise vicious dogs. These dogs are trained so well that they attack the inhabitants on sight, tearing them limb from limb. Then they immediately devour them. Let everyone, Christian or not, consider whether anyone has ever heard of such a thing. The Spaniards take these dogs everywhere as companions. They slaughter chained Indians in great numbers like pigs to feed the dogs, thus sharing in the butchery. Indeed, they often call to one another, saying, lend me a quarter of one of your slaves to feed my dogs. When I kill one, I will pay you back. They speak as if they had merely borrowed a quarter of a pig or sheep. Others go hunting early in the morning. When they return, if you ask what sport they had that day, they answer, enough, enough. My dogs have killed and mauled 15 or 20 Indian subjects. All these things are clearly proved by the investigations and questioning conducted by one tyrant against another. What, I beg you, could be more horrible or barbarous?

But I will desist from Writing any longer at this time, till some Messenger brings an account of greater and blacker Impieties (if greater can be committed) or else till we come to behold them again, as we have done for the space of forty two years with our own Eyes. I will only make this small addition to what I have said that the Spaniards, from the beginning of their first entrance upon America to this present day, were no more sollicitous of promoting the Preaching of the Gospel of Christ to these Nations, then if they had been Dogs or Beasts, but which is worst of all, they expressly prohibited their addresses to the Religious, laying many heavy Impositions upon them, dayly afflicting and persecuting them, that they might not have so much time and leasure at their own disposal, as to attend their Preaching and Divine Service; for they lookt upon that to be an impediment to their getting Gold, and raking up riches which their Avarice stimulated them so boundlessly to prosecute. Nor do they understand any more of a God, whether he be made of Wood, Brass or Clay, then they did above an hundred years ago, New Spain only exempted, which is a small part of America, and was visited and instructed by the Religious. Thus they did formely and still do perish without true Faith, or the knowledge and benefit of our Religious Sacraments.

But I will stop writing for now, until some messenger brings news of greater and darker sins (if greater sins can be committed). Or I will wait until we witness such sins again, as we have with our own eyes for forty-two years. I will add only this to what I have said. From their first arrival in America until today, the Spaniards have shown no concern for bringing Christ’s Gospel to these nations. They have treated these peoples as if they were dogs or beasts. Worst of all, the Spaniards expressly forbade them from approaching members of religious orders. The Spaniards placed heavy burdens on them, tormenting and persecuting them daily. The purpose was to leave them no time to attend preaching and divine worship. For the Spaniards saw such worship as an obstacle to obtaining gold and piling up riches. Their greed drove them to pursue wealth without limit. These peoples know no more about a god, whether made of wood, brass, or clay, than they did over a hundred years ago. The only exception is New Spain, a small part of America, where members of religious orders visited and taught. Thus, these peoples died in the past and still die without true faith, or knowledge and benefit of our religious sacraments.

I Frier Bartholomeas de las Casas or Casaus of the Order of St. Dominick, who through the mercy of God am Arriv'd at the Spanish Court, Cordially wishing the expulsion of Hell or these Hellish Acts out of the Indies; fearing least those Souls redeemed by the pretious Blood of Christ, should perish eternally, but heartily desiring that they may acknowledge their Creator and be saved; as also for the care and compassion that I ever had for my Native Countrey Castile, dreading least God should destroy it for the many sins committed by the Natives her Children, against Faith, Honour and their Neighbours: I have at length upon the request of some Persons of great Quality in this Court, who are fervently zealous of the Honour of God, and moved with pitty at the Calamities and Afflictions of their Neighbours (though I long since proposed it within my self, and resolved to accomplish it, but could not, being distracted with the avocations of multiplicity of constant Business and Employment, have leisure to effect it) I say I have at length finished this Treatise and Summary at Valencia, Decemb. 8. An. Dom. 1542, when they were arrived at the Height, and utmost Degree of executing Violences, Oppressions, Tyrrany, Desolations, Torments, and Calamities in all the aforesaid Regions, Inhabited by the Spaniards (though they are more Cruel in some places than other) yet Mexico with its Confines were more favourably treated than the rest of the Provinces.

I, Friar Bartholomeas de las Casas or Casaus of the Order of St. Dominick, have reached the Spanish Court through God’s mercy. I sincerely wish to drive hell, or these hellish acts, out of the Indies. I fear that those souls redeemed by Christ’s precious blood may perish eternally. Instead, I earnestly desire that they may acknowledge their Creator and be saved. I am also moved by the care and compassion I have always felt for my native country, Castile. I dread that God may destroy my country for the many sins committed by its people, its children. These sins are against faith, honor, and their neighbors. At last, I have completed this account and summary at the request of some people of high standing at this Court. They are deeply devoted to God’s honor and moved by pity for their neighbors’ suffering and distress. (Although I had long intended and resolved to write this account, constant business and duties left me no time.) I say that I finally completed this account in Valencia, on December 8, AD 1542. Violence, oppression, tyranny, devastation, torture, and suffering had then reached their greatest height throughout all the regions mentioned above. These regions were inhabited by the Spaniards, though they are more cruel in some places than in others. Yet Mexico and its surrounding territories were treated more favorably than the other provinces.

And indeed no Man durst openly and publickly do any injury to the Inhabitants; for there some Justice, (which is no where else in India) though very little is done and practiced; yet they are grievously opprest with intolerable Taxes. But I do really believe, and am fully perswaded that our Sovereign Lord Charles the Fifth, Emperour and King of Spain, our Lord and Prince, who begins to be sensible of the Wickedness and Treacheries, which have been, and still are committed against this Miserable Nation, and distressed Countries contrary to the Will and Pleasure of God, as well as His Majesties that he will in time, (for hitherto the Truth hath been concealed and kept from his Knowledge, with as great Craft, as Fraud and Malice) totally extirpate and root up all these Evils and Mischiefs, and apply such proper Medicines as may purge the Morbifick and peccant Humours in the Body Politick of this New World, committed to his Care and Government as a Lover and Promoter of Peace and Tranquility. God preserve and bless him with Renown and a happy Life in his Imperial State, and prosper him in all his Attempts, that he may remedy the Distempers of the Christian Church, and Crown him at last with Eternal Felicity, Amen.

Indeed, no one dared openly and publicly harm the inhabitants. For some justice is practiced there, though very little, unlike anywhere else in India. Yet the inhabitants are severely oppressed by unbearable taxes. But I truly believe, and am fully convinced, that our sovereign lord Charles the Fifth will eventually end all these evils. He is the Emperor and King of Spain, our lord and prince. He is beginning to recognize the wickedness and treachery committed, now and in the past, against these suffering people and lands. These acts violate both God’s will and His Majesty’s. Until now, the truth has been hidden from him with great cunning, fraud, and malice. But I am certain he will completely root out all these evils and wrongs. He will apply suitable remedies to purge the diseased and corrupt elements from the political body of this New World. This New World has been entrusted to his care and rule as a lover and promoter of peace and tranquility. May God preserve him and bless him with fame and a happy life as Emperor. May God grant him success in all his efforts, so that he may remedy the Christian Church’s afflictions. And may God finally crown him with eternal happiness, Amen.

After I had published this Treatise, certain Laws and Constitutions, enacted by his Majesty then at Baraclona in the Month of December, An. Dom. 1542, promulgated and published the Year ensuing in the City of Madera, whereby it is provided, (as the present Necessities requir'd) that a period be put to such great Enormities and Sins, as were committed against God and our Neighbours, and tended to the utter Ruine and Perdition of this New World. These Laws were published by his Majesties Order, several Persons of highest Authority, Councellors, Learned, and Conscientious Men, being assembled together for that purpose, and many Debates made at Valedolid about this weighty Affair, at length by the unanimous Consent and Advice of all those who had committed their Opinions to Writing, they were made publick who traced more closely therein the Laws of Christ and Christianity, and were judged Persons pure, free from and innocent of that stain and blemish of depriving the Indians of their Treasures by Theft and Rapine, which Riches had contaminated and sullied the Hands, but much more the Souls of those who were enslav'd by those heaps of Wealth and Covetousness, now this obstinate and hot pursuit after Wealth was the Original of all those Evils committed without the least Remorse or Check of Conscience.

After I published this treatise, certain laws and regulations were issued. His Majesty had enacted them at Baraclona in December, An. Dom. 1542. They were proclaimed and published the following year in the city of Madera. These laws provided, as current needs required, for an end to such great atrocities and sins. These sins were committed against God and our neighbours and threatened the complete ruin and destruction of this New World. The laws were published by His Majesty’s order. People of the highest authority, councillors, and learned men of conscience had gathered for this purpose. Many debates took place at Valedolid about this important matter. Finally, the laws were published with the unanimous consent and advice of all who had submitted their opinions in writing. These men followed the laws of Christ and Christianity more closely in their opinions. They were considered pure and innocent, free from the stain of stealing and plundering the treasures of the Indians. Those riches had stained the hands, but far more the souls, of those enslaved by such heaps of wealth and greed. This relentless and feverish pursuit of wealth was the source of all those evils, committed without the slightest remorse or restraint of conscience.

These Laws being thus promulgated, the Courtiers who promoted these Tyrants, took care that several Copies should be transcribed, (though they were extremely afflicted to see, that there was no farther hopes or means to promote the former Depredations and Extortions by the Tyranny aforesaid) and sent them to several Indian Provinces. They, who took upon them the Trouble and Care of Extirpating, and Oppressing by different ways of Cruelty, as they never observed any Method or Order, but behav'd themselves most inordinately and irregularly, having perused these Diplomata or Constitutions, before the new made Judges, appointed to put them in Execution, could Arrive or be Landed, they by the assistance of those (as 'tis credibly rumour'd, nor is it repugnant to truth) who hitherto favour'd their Criminal and Violent Actions, knowing well that these Laws and Proclamations must necessarily take effect, began to grow mutinous, and rebel, and when the Judges were Landed, who were to Execute these Mandates, laying aside all manner of Love and Fear of God, were so audacious as to contemn and set at nought all the Reverence and Obedience due to their King, and so became Traytors, demeaning themselves like Blood-Thirsty Tyrants, destitute and void of all Humanity.

Once these laws were announced, the Courtiers who supported these tyrants arranged for several copies to be made. Yet the courtiers were deeply distressed that no hope or means remained of continuing the plunder and extortion through such tyranny. They sent the copies to several Indian provinces. The men who undertook to wipe out and oppress the people through various cruelties had never followed any orderly course. Instead, these men had behaved with utter lawlessness and disorder. They read these laws before the newly appointed judges could arrive or land to enforce them. Then, with help from those who had previously supported their criminal and violent actions, these men began to mutiny and rebel. Such help is credibly reported, and the report is consistent with the truth. The rebels knew well that these laws and proclamations would necessarily take effect. When the judges landed to enforce these Orders, the rebels cast aside all love and fear of God. They dared to reject and scorn all the respect and obedience owed to their king. Thus they became traitors, behaving like bloodthirsty tyrants, utterly devoid of humanity.

More particularly this appear'd in the Perusian Kingdoms, where An. Dom. 1542, they acted such Horrid and Stupendous Enormities, that the like were never known or heard in America, or throughout the whole World before that time: Nor were they only practised upon the Indians, who were mostly destroy'd, but upon themselves also, God permitting them by his just Judgement to be their own Executioners, and sheath their Swords in one anothers Bowels. In like manner the other parts of this New World being moved by the Example of these Rebels, refused to yield Obedience to those Laws. The rest pretending to petition his Majesty turn Rebellious themselves; for they would not voluntarily resign those Estates, Goods and Chattels they have already usurped, nor willingly manumit those Indians, who were doomed to be their Slaves, during Life; and where they restrain'd the Murdering Sword from doing Execution, they opprest them gradually with personal Vassalage, injust and intolerable Burthens; which his Majesty could not possibly hitherto avert or hinder, because they are all universally, some publickly and openly, others clancularly and secretly, so naturally addicted to Rob, Thieve and Steal; and thus under pretext of serving the King, they dishonour God, and defraud his Imperial Majesty.

This was especially clear in the Perusian Kingdoms, where, in An. Dom. 1542, they committed horrific and appalling atrocities. Nothing like these atrocities had ever been known or heard of in America or anywhere else in the world. They committed these atrocities not only against the Indians, most of whom were destroyed, but also against one another. In his just judgment, God allowed them to become their own executioners and plunge their swords into one another’s guts. Likewise, other parts of this New World followed these rebels’ example and refused to obey those laws. The rest pretended to petition his Majesty, but became rebels themselves. For they would not willingly surrender the estates, goods, and possessions they had already seized unlawfully. Nor would they willingly free those Indians condemned to lifelong slavery. And where they held back the murderous sword, they gradually crushed the Indians through forced personal service and unjust, intolerable burdens. His Majesty has so far been unable to prevent or stop this oppression. This is because all these men are naturally given to robbing, thieving, and stealing. Some do so publicly and openly, others privately and secretly. Thus, under the pretense of serving the King, they dishonor God and defraud his Imperial Majesty.

Here the Author having finished the matter of Fact in this Compendious History, for Confirmation of what he has here written, quotes a tedious and imperfect Epistle (as he styles it) beginning and ending anonymous withal, containing the Cruelties committed by the Spaniards, the same in effect as our Author has prementioned, now in regard that I judge such reiterated Cruelties and repeated Barbarisms are Offensive to the Reader, he having sailed already too long, and too far in an Ocean of Innocent Indian blood: I have omitted all but Two or Three Stories not taken notice of by the Author. One of the Tyrants, (who followed the steps of John Ampudia, a notorious Villain) gave way to a grat Slaughter of Sheep the chief Food and Support of the Spaniards as well as Indians, permitting them to kill Two or Three Hundred at a time, only for their Brains, Fat, or Suet, whose Flesh was then altogether useless, and not fit to be eaten; but many Indians, the Spaniards Friends and Confederates followed them, desiring they might have the hearts to feed upon, whereupon they butchered a great many of them, for this only Reason, because they would not eat the other parts of the Body. Two of their gang in the Province of Peru kild Twenty Five Sheep, who were sold among the Spaniards for Twenty Five Crowns, merely to get the fat and brains out of them: Thus the frequent and extraordinary Slaughter of their Sheep above a Hundred Thousand Head of Cattel were destroy'd. And upon this Account the Region was reduced to great penury and want, and at length perished with Hunger. Nay the Province of Quito, which abounded with Corn beyond Expression, by such proceedings as these, was brought to that Extremity that a Sextarie or small Measure or Wheat was sold for Ten Crowns, and a Sheep at as dear a rate.

The author has now finished recounting the events in this brief history. To confirm his account, he quotes a long, incomplete letter, as he himself describes it. The letter names no author at either its beginning or its end. It describes cruelties committed by the Spaniards, much like those the author has already described. I believe these repeated accounts of cruelty and barbarity are distressing to the reader. The reader has already sailed too long and too far through an ocean of innocent Indian blood. So I have left out everything except two or three stories the author has not mentioned. One tyrant followed the example of John Ampudia, a notorious villain. He allowed a great slaughter of sheep, the main source of food for both Spaniards and Indians. He permitted the killing of two or three hundred at a time, just for their brains, fat, or suet. Their flesh was then entirely useless and unfit to eat. But many Indians, friends and allies of the Spaniards, followed them, asking for the hearts to eat. The Spaniards then butchered many of these Indians, solely because they would not eat the other parts of the animals. Two members of their gang in the Province of Peru killed twenty-five sheep, sold among the Spaniards for twenty-five crowns. They killed the sheep merely to extract their fat and brains. Through this frequent and excessive slaughter of sheep, more than a hundred thousand head of livestock were destroyed. As a result, the region fell into severe poverty and need, and finally starved. Even the Province of Quito, which had indescribably abundant grain, was brought to extreme hardship by such practices. A sextarie, or small measure of wheat, sold for ten crowns, and a sheep cost just as much.

This Captain taking leave of Quito was followed by a poor Indianess with loud Cries and Clamours, begging and beseeching him not to carry away her Husband; for she had the charge of Three Children, and could not possibly supply them with Victuals, but they must inevitably dye with hunger, and though the Captain repulsed her with an angry brow at the first; yet she approacht him a second time with repeated Cries, saying, that her Children must perish for want of Food; but finding the Captain inexorable and altogether unmov'd with her Complaints, and her Husband not restor'd, through a piquant necessity wedded to despair; she cut off the Heads of her Children with sharp Stones, and so dispatcht them into the other World.

As this Captain left Quito, a poor Indigenous woman followed him, crying out loudly. She begged and pleaded with him not to take her husband away. She had three children to care for and could not possibly feed them. Without food, they would inevitably starve to death. Although the Captain angrily turned her away at first, she approached him again, still crying out. She repeated that her children would die without food. But the Captain remained unmoved by her pleas and refused to return her husband. Driven by desperate need and despair, she cut off her children's heads with sharp stones. In this way, she sent them into the next world.

Then he proceeded farther to another City, and sent some Spaniards that very Night, to take the Indians of the City of Tulilicui, who next day brought with them above a Hundred Persons; some of which (whom he lookt upon to be able to carry burthens) he reserved for his own and his Soldiers service, and other were chain'd, and perished in their Fetters: but the little Infants he gave to the Casic of Tulilicui, abovesaid to be eaten up and devoured, whose skins are stuft with Ashes and hung up in his House to be seen at this very day. And in the close of this Letter he shuts up all with these words, 'tis here very remarkable and never to be forgotten, that this Tyrant (being not ignorant of the Mischiefs and Enormities executed by him) boastingly said of himself, They who shall travel in these Countreys Fifty years hence, and hear the things related of me, will have cause to say or declare, that never such a Tyrant as I am marched through these Regions, and committed the like Enormities.

Then he went on to another city. That very night, he sent some Spaniards to capture the Indians of the city of Tulilicui. The next day, the Spaniards brought back more than a hundred people. He kept some for his own service and his soldiers’ service, choosing those he thought could carry loads. Others were chained and died in their chains. But he gave the little infants to the Casic of Tulilicui, mentioned above, to be eaten and devoured. Their skins were stuffed with ashes and hung in the Casic’s house, where they remain on display to this day. He ends this letter with these words: It is especially remarkable, and must never be forgotten, that this tyrant knew his own crimes and atrocities. Yet he boasted of himself: People who travel through these countries fifty years from now and hear accounts of my deeds will have reason to say: No tyrant like me has ever marched through these regions and committed such atrocities.

Now not to quit the Stage without one Comical Scene or Action whereon such Cruelties have been lively personated, give me leave to acquaint you with a Comical piece of Grammatical Learning in a Reverend Religioso of these parts, sent thither to convert the West-Indies Pagans, which the Author mentions among his Reasons and Replications, and all these I pass by as immaterial to our purpose, many of them being repeated in the Narrative before.

Before leaving the stage where such cruelties have been vividly acted out, let me offer one comic scene. Allow me to describe an amusing display of grammatical learning by a reverend member of a religious order. He was sent to those parts to convert the pagans of the West-Indies. The author mentions this episode among his arguments and replies. I pass over all these arguments and replies as irrelevant to our purpose. Many have already appeared in the account above.

The weight and burthen of initiating the Indians into the Christian Faith lay solely on the Spaniards at first; and therefore Joannes Colmenero in Santa Martha, a Fantastic, Ignorant, and Foppish Fellow, was under Examination before us (and he had one of the most spatious Cities committed to his Charge as well as the Care and Cure of the Souls of the Inhabitants) whether he understood how to fortifie himself with the sign of the Cross against the Wicked and Impious, and being interrogated what he taught, and how he instructed the Indians, whose Souls were intrusted to his Care and Conduct; he return'd this Answer, That if he damn'd them to the Devil and Furies of Hell, it was sufficient to retrieve them, if he pronounced these Words, Per Signin Sanctin Cruces. A Fellow fitter to be a Hogherd than a Shepherd of Souls.

At first, the responsibility for teaching the Indians the Christian faith rested entirely with the Spaniards. So we questioned Joannes Colmenero in Santa Martha, a foolish, ignorant, and vain fellow. He had been put in charge of one of the largest cities and the spiritual care of its inhabitants. We asked whether he knew how to protect himself against the wicked and ungodly with the sign of the cross. We also asked what he taught the Indians entrusted to his spiritual care, and how he instructed them. He gave this answer: If he damned them to the Devil and the Furies of Hell, he could rescue them simply by saying, Per Signin Sanctin Cruces. A fellow better suited to tending pigs than shepherding souls.

This Deep, Bloody American Tragedy is now concluded, and my Pen choakt up with Indian Blood and Gore. I have no more to say, but pronounce the Epilogue made by the Author, and leave the Reader to judge whether it deserves a Plaudite.

This dark, bloody American tragedy is now over, and my pen is clogged with Indian blood and gore. I have nothing more to say but to deliver the author's epilogue. I leave the reader to judge whether the epilogue deserves applause.

The Spaniards first set Sail to America, not for the Honour of God, or as Persons moved and merited thereunto by servent Zeal to the True Faith, nor to promote the Salvation of their Neighbours, nor to serve the King, as they falsely boast and pretend to do, but in truth, only stimulated and goaded on by insatiable Avarice and Ambition, that they might for ever Domineer, Command, and Tyrannize over the West- Indians, whose Kingdoms they hoped to divide and distribute among themselves. Which to deal candidly in no more or less intentionally, than by all these indirect wayes to disappoint and expel the Kings of Castile out of those Dominions and Territories, that they themselves having usurped the Supreme and Regal Empire, might first challenge it as their Right, and then possess and enjoy it.

The Spaniards first sailed to America not to honor God or out of burning zeal for the true faith. Nor did they go to save their neighbors’ souls or serve the King, as they falsely boast and claim. In truth, they were driven only by insatiable greed and ambition. They wanted to rule, command, and tyrannize over the West- Indians forever, hoping to divide their kingdoms among themselves. To speak plainly, their intention was nothing less than to use these underhanded methods against the Kings of Castile. They meant to rob those kings of their dominions and territories and drive them out. Having seized supreme royal power themselves, the Spaniards could first claim that power as their right, then possess and enjoy it.