I N T R O D U C T I O N. 



vn 



confiderable progrefs herein, and acquired much wealth, but not 

 without great danger and difficulties in their ftruggles againft 

 the natives, rendered Hill heavier by their own broils and diiTenti- 

 ons ; which at laft produced a battle between them, wherein Al- 

 magro was taken, and foon afterwards flain. Pizarro fell, in re- 

 turn for this violent proceeding, by the hands of Ahnagro\ 

 friends. The king of Spain ^ to quell thofe tumults, fent over 

 one Vaca de Cafiro ; between whom and Almagro^ the fon ot 

 the former of that name, a bloody battle was fought, wherein 

 the latter was defeated, and foon after taken prifoner and 

 put to death. Mean while GG?2falo Pizarro^ brother of the above 

 FranciSy fet himfelf up for viceroy, in oppofition to Blafca 

 Nuiuz Vela^ appointed in 1544: which, after many conflicts, 

 ended in a total defeat of the latter, who was wounded, 

 taken and beheaded. Thefe diflurbances juftly alarming the 

 Spanifh monarch with apprehenfions of lonng the extendve 

 territories of Peru, he fent over Peter de la Gafca^ one in 

 whofe integrity and abilities he repofed the higheft confidence, 

 with a commiflion fo ample, as almoft in efFedl to equal 

 regal authority : he was a man of great intrepidity, deep pru- 

 dence, mild behaviour, unblemifhed probity, and abfolutely dif- 

 interefted. By his wifdom and courage he gradually quelled the 

 feveral tumults and infurredions of the rebels : and having de- 

 feated Pizarro and his adherents, condemned him and thirteen 

 more to death ; among whom was Francis Carjaval, the 



chief 



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