chalcukima

Though De Soto had allowed his troops to plunder the temple of Xauxa, he would allow no robbery of private dwellings, and rigidly prohibited the slightest act of violence or injustice towards the persons of the natives. It will be remembered that Pizarro had threatened to hold Chalcukima responsible for any act of hostility on the part of the Peruvians.

John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott - Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi: American Pioneers and Patriots

In trembling solicitude for his own safety, Pizarro not only held Chalcukima as a hostage, but he also seized upon Topaxpa, the young, feeble and grief-stricken son of the murdered Attahuallapa, and declared him to be, by legitimate right, the successor to the throne. Thus he still had the Inca in his power. The Peruvians were still accustomed to regard the Inca with almost religious homage.

John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott - Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi: American Pioneers and Patriots

Pizarro sent far and wide the announcement, that upon the slightest movement of hostility on the part of the natives, Chalcukima would be put to death. The Spaniards now set out on their long march. It was in the month of September, 1533, one of the most lovely months in that attractive clime.

John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott - Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi: American Pioneers and Patriots

With characteristic treachery, Pizarro seized one of the most distinguished nobles of the Peruvian court, and held him as a hostage. This nobleman, named Chalcukima, had occupied some of the highest posts of honor in the kingdom, and was greatly revered and beloved by the Peruvians.

John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott - Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi: American Pioneers and Patriots

The fanatic robber and murderer, insulting the cross of Christ, by calling himself a Christian, sent his private chaplain, Friar Vincent, to convert Chalcukima to what he called the Christian faith. The priest gave an awful description of the glooms of hell, to which the prisoner was destined as a heathen.

John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott - Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi: American Pioneers and Patriots

Dreadful Fate of Chalcukima. His Fortitude. Ignominy of Pizarro. De Soto's Advance upon Cuzco. The Peruvian Highway. Battle in the Defile. De Soto takes the Responsibility. Capture of the Capital and its Conflagration. De Soto's Return to Spain. His Reception there. Preparations for the Conquest of Florida.

John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott - Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi: American Pioneers and Patriots

Chalcukima, with dignity and firmness which indicate a noble character, replied: "If it had been possible for me to communicate with the people, I should certainly have advised them to do their duty to their country, without any regard to my personal safety. But you well know that the vigilance with which you have guarded me, has prevented me from making any communication of the kind.

John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott - Ferdinand De Soto, The Discoverer of the Mississippi: American Pioneers and Patriots