Prev | Current Page 976 | Next

Prescott, William Hickling, 1796-1859

"History of the Conquest of Peru; with a preliminary view of the civilization of the Incas"

"
Ibid., loc. cit.
In the accounts of this battle there are discrepancies, as usual,
which the historian must reconcile as he can. But on the whole,
there is a general conformity in the outline and in the prominent
points. All concur in representing it as the bloodiest fight
that had yet occurred between the Spaniards in Peru, and all
assign to Carbajal the credit of the victory. - For authorities,
besides Garcilasso and Fernandez, repeatedly quoted, see Pedro
Pizarro, Descub. y Conq., Ms. (He was present in the action.) -
Zarate, Conq. del Peru, lib. 7, cap 3. - Herrera, Hist. General,
dec 8, lib. 4, cap. 2. - Gomara, Hist de las Indias, cap. 181. -
Montesi nos, Annales, Ms., ano 1547]
The glory of the day - the melancholy glory - must be referred
almost wholly to Carbajal and his valiant squadron. The
judicious arrangements of the old warrior, with the thorough
discipline and unflinching courage of his followers, retrieved
the fortunes of the fight, when it was nearly lost by the
cavalry, and secured the victory.
Carbajal, proof against all fatigue, followed up the pursuit with
those of his men that were in condition to join him. Such of the
unhappy fugitives as fell into his hands - most of whom had been
traitors to the cause of Pizarro - were sent to instant
execution. The laurels he had won in the field against brave men
in arms, like himself, were tarnished by cruelty towards his
defenceless captives. Their commander, Centeno, more fortunate,
made his escape.


Pages:
964 965 966 967 968 969 970 971 972 973 974 975 976 977 978 979 980 981 982 983 984 985 986 987 988