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The natives and the Spaniards mingled together without the slightest apparent antagonism. The province of Cofa was of large extent, populous and fertile. Here the Spaniards remained five days, entertained by the abounding hospitality of the chief. De Soto had thus far brought with him a piece of ordnance, which had proved of very little service.
He accordingly sent a message to the cacique of Cofa with the usual requests of peace, provisions and a free passage, with which the cacique complied, coming himself to meet the Spaniards, for whom he appointed quarters and plenty of provisions. The land being plentiful, Soto and his army rested here five days.
He then resumed his journey, in a northeasterly direction, along the banks of some unknown river, fringed with mulberry trees, and winding through many luxuriant and beautiful valleys. The natives were all friendly, and not the slightest collision occurred. For eleven days the army continued its movements, encountering nothing worthy of note. They then entered a province called Cofa.
The Spaniards suffered for want of meat; for though game in the forest was abundant, being constantly on the march, they had no time for hunting. The chief of Cofa received the Spaniards in his metropolitan town with great hospitality. He assigned his own mansion to De Soto, and provided comfortable quarters for all his troops.
Again the army resumed its march towards the next province, which was called Cofaqui; whose chief was brother of Cofa. The Spaniards were escorted by Cofa and a division of his army, during one day's journey.
Incidents at Achise Arrival at Cofa. Friendly Reception by Cofaqui. The Armed Retinue. Commission of Patofa. Splendors of the March. Lost in the Wilderness. Peril of the Army. Friendly Relations. The Escape from the Wilderness. They Reach the Frontiers of Cofachiqui. Dismissal of Patofa. Wonderful Reception by the Princess of Cofachiqui.
The next province belonged to a brother of Cofa, named Cofaqui, who came out to meet the Spaniards attended by a great number of his people, all finely adorned with plumes of feathers, and wearing mantles of rich sables and other valuable furs. After this friendly reception, the cacique went away to another town, leaving his own entirely for the accommodation of the Spaniards.
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