uracca

Updated: June 19, 2025

The proud Spaniards advanced in their invading march with as much of war's pageantry as could be assumed. They hoped that nodding plumes and waving banners, and trumpet peals, would strike with consternation the heart of the Indians. Uracca calmly awaited their approach. His men were so concealed that Espinosa could form no judgment of their numbers or position.

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

The brutal soldiery of Spain paid no respect whatever to the wives and daughters of the natives, even to those of the highest chieftains. On one occasion a Spanish lady, Donna Clara Albitez, fell into the hands of Uracca. He treated her with as much delicacy and tenderness as if she had been his own daughter or mother, and availed himself of the first opportunity of restoring her to her friends.

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

The Spaniards entered a sheltered bay skirted by a plain, which could be swept by their guns, and where the Indian warriors would have no opportunity to hide in ambush. Uracca allowed the Spaniards to disembark unopposed.

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

They dared not again attack the natives who were flushed with victory in their stronghold. They were well aware that the band of warriors before them was but the advanced guard of the great army of Uracca. These eight hundred natives were led by one of Uracca's brothers.

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

Panama was north of Darien, or rather west, as the isthmus there runs east and west. Its seaport was on the Pacific, not the Atlantic coast. Uracca, having thus rescued his country from the invaders, did not pursue the retreating Spaniards. He probably in this course acted wisely.

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

At midnight the Spaniards commenced their retreat as secretly and silently as possible. But they had a foe to deal with who was not easily to be deceived. His scouts were on the alert, and immediate notice was communicated to Uracca of the movements of the Spaniards. The pursuit was conducted with as much vigor as the flight.

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

Uracca must have been in all respects an extraordinary man. We have the record of his deeds only from the pen of his enemies. And yet according to their testimony, he, a pagan, manifested far more of the spirit of Christ than did his Christian opponents. In the war which he was then waging, there can be no question whatever that the wrong was inexcusably and outrageously on the side of Don Pedro.

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

Aid sent to Borrica. Line of Defense Chosen by the Natives. Religion of the Buccaneers. The Battle and the Rout. Strategy of racca. Cruelty of Don Pedro. The Retreat. Character of Uracca. Embarrassment of Don Pedro. Warning of M. Codro. Expedition of Pizarro. Mission of M. Codro. Letter of De Soto to Isabella.

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

In the mean time the Indian chief Uracca had received full information of the position and condition of the Spanish troops. Very sagaciously he formed his plan to cut off their retreat. Detachments of warriors were placed at every point through which they could escape; they could not venture a league from their ramparts on any foraging expedition, and no food could reach them.

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

One division of about one hundred men, he sent in two small vessels along the western coast of the isthmus, to invade the villages of Uracca, hoping thus to compel the Indian chief to draw back his army for the defence of his own territories. This expedition was under the command of General Espinosa.

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