428 



APPENDIX. 



would fly to any part to revenge his injuries, and embrue their hands in the 

 blood of his enemies. Guelmo, the interpreter, noted all the principal heads 

 of the cacique's discourse; and Carrera, after examining it particularly, 

 answered in a formal speech, which was interpreted to the Indians by Guelmo. 

 They spoke each in the same simple form, and to the same effect ; and when 

 they had all delivered the messages of their respective tribes, Carrera de- 

 livered to them a speech, in which he returned them thanks for the confi- 

 dence which they placed in him, and the force which they had put at his 

 disposition, declaring to become their protector ; enumerating the advantages 

 which would arise to them from this union with him, &c. &c. When this 

 oration of Carrera was interpreted to them, they offered him their hands, 

 which he cordially accepted one by one. 



As all they had hitherto spoken was not of or for themselves, but for the 

 tribes which they represented, they now ventured to express their personal 

 attachment to the Pichi Rey, whom they presented with various gifts, &c. 

 Wine was served to this august assembly ; but as they were on important 

 business, they observed perhaps as much moderation as might be expected in 

 a more civilised society. Each dipping the middle finger of the right hand 

 thrice in the cup, sprinkled the wine upwards as an offering, before they would 

 taste it (a ceremony which is invariably observed before they eat or drink) ; 

 they then merely tasted the wine, and ordering it away, resumed the business 

 of the day. Each cacique gave in a report of the force which he could bring 

 into the field, which collectively amounted to 10,000 warriors : they then 

 proceeded to give their ideas on the mode of attack against the Christians ; 

 and their horrid plans of bloodshed and desolation argued as much sagacity 

 and penetration, as they did of ruthless barbarity and cruel inhumanity. 

 Carrera used every argument to convince them of the evil of their method of 

 carrying on war ; but no eloquence could prevail against the impropriety of 

 a custom which long usage had rendered sacred. As the Indian maxim is, 

 " Spare an enemy to-day, and to-morrow he will cut your throat," they can- 

 not conceive either propriety, policy, or humanity, in allowing their victims 

 to live, except women and children, who serve them as slaves. 



However Carrera made appear to them, that amongst those whom they 

 considered as their enemies, they and he had many friends ; and that it would 

 be preposterous to inflict on them the same chastisement as on their oppres- 

 sors ; of which being convinced, they promised to respect all such as he would 

 call his or their friends. Carrera then asserted, that as women or children 



