Nor will such an inference be found altogether at
variance with truth; for while the narrative of Fernandez
studiously exhibits the royal cause in the most favorable aspect
to the reader, it does scanty justice to the claims of the
opposite party. It would not be meet, indeed, that an apology
for rebellion should be found in the pages of a royal pensioner;
but there are always mitigating circumstances, which, however we
may condemn the guilt, may serve to lessen our indignation
towards the guilty. These circumstances are not to be found in
the pages of Fernandez. It is unfortunate for the historian of
such events, that it is so difficult to find one disposed to do
even justice to the claims of the unsuccessful rebel. Yet the
Inca Garcilasso has not shrunk from this, in the case of Gonzalo
Pizarro; and even Gomara, though living under the shadow, or
rather in the sunshine, of the Court, has occasionally ventured a
generous protest in his behalf.
The countenance thus afforded to Fernandez from the highest
quarter opened to him the best fountains of intelligence, - at
least, on the government side of the quarrel. Besides personal
communication with the royalist leaders, he had access to their
correspondence, diaries, and official documents. He
industriously profited by his opportunities; and his narrative,
taking up the story of the rebellion from its birth, continues it
to its final extinction, and the end of Gasca's administration.
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