Com.
Real., Parte 2, lib. 5, cap. 4.]
The return of their commissions to the insurgent captains was a
politic act in Gasca. It secured the services of the ablest
officers in the country, and turned against Pizarro the very arm
on which he had most leaned for support. Thus was this great
step achieved, without force or fraud, by Gasca's patience and
judicious forecast. He was content to bide his time; and he now
might rely with well-grounded confidence on the ultimate success
of his mission.
Chapter II
Gasca Assembles His Forces. - Defection Of Pizarro's Followers. -
He Musters His Levies. - Agitation In Lima. - He Abandons The
City. - Gasca Sails From Panama. - Bloody Battle Of Huarina.
1547.
No sooner was Gasca placed in possession of Panama and the fleet,
than he entered on a more decisive course of policy than he had
been hitherto allowed to pursue. He made levies of men, and drew
together supplies from all quarters. He took care to discharge
the arrears already due to the soldiers, and promised liberal pay
for the future; for, though mindful that his personal charges
should cost little to the Crown, he did not stint his expenditure
when the public good required it. As the funds in the treasury
were exhausted, he obtained loans on the credit of the government
from the wealthy citizens of Panama, who, relying on his good
faith, readily made the necessary advances. He next sent letters
to the authorities of Guatemala and Mexico, requiring their
assistance in carrying on hostilities, if necessary, against the
insurgents; and he despatched a summons, in like manner, to
Benalcazar, in the provinces north of Peru, to meet him, on his
landing in that country, with his whole available force.
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