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On receiving this report, the general resolved to return in the first place to Casquin, and thence to proceed towards the west, having marched northward all the way from Mavila, in order to remove to a distance from the sea.
The weather was intensely hot, and these rustic bowers were found to be refreshingly cool and grateful. The name of this friendly chief was Casquin. Here the army remained for three days, without a ripple of unfriendly feeling arising between the Spaniards and the natives.
After resting six days, they proceeded up the banks of the river, through a plentiful and populous country, till they came to the town where Casquin resided, who received and entertained them with great attention and kindness.
After resting five days at Casquin, they marched other five days down the river, where at a town in the province of Quiguate the inhabitants fled without any hostilities, but they returned in two days and the cacique made an apology for his absence.
The devout Las Casas writes: "God, in his mercy, willing to show these heathen that he listeneth to those who call upon him in truth, sent down, in the middle of the ensuing night, a plenteous rain, to the great joy of the Indians." Vagrant Wanderings. Trickery of Casquin. The March to Capaha. The Battle and its Results. Friendly Relations with Capaha. The Return Journey. The Marsh Southward.
Learning that the Spanish commander was making preparations for an attack on Capaha, Casquin requested him to wait for sixty canoes which he had ordered up the river, by means of which the army could be transported to attack the fortified island.
A slight pause occurring in their discourse, Capaha fixed his eyes sternly for a moment upon Casquin and said, in tones of strong indignation, "You, Casquin, undoubtedly exult in the thought that you have revenged your past defeats. This you never could have done through your own strength. You are indebted to these strangers for what you have accomplished. Soon they will go on their way.
He treated the envoys with great affability, reciprocated all their friendly utterances, and they returned to Capaha highly pleased with their reception. Casquin was very indignant. He did everything in his power to excite the hostility of De Soto against Capaha, but all was in vain.
The subjects of Casquin were so intimidated by these threats and the brave opposition they experienced, that in spite of every thing their cacique could say they took to flight, carrying off forty of the canoes, and would have done the same with the other twenty, had not two Spaniards that were left in charge of each defended them with their swords.
But the bodies of the natives, thinly clad, were easily cut down by the steel blades of the cavaliers. The Discovery of the Mississippi. The Fortress of Hostile Indians. Its Capture. The Disastrous Conflict. The Advance of the Army. Discovery of the Mississippi River. Preparations for Crossing. Unjustifiable Attack. The passage of the River. Friendly Reception by Casquin.
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