Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-04-21
TIE CONQUEST OF PERU.

The following article is copied from the
works of writer Oh the History of Mexico
and Peru. The fate ofthe unhappy Atahaupa,
who fell martyr to the religion Of his country,
and to the rapacity of band of blood thirsty
invaders, who visited that region under the pre-
tence of carrying the religion Of the cross to
idolatrous nations, cannot fail TO excite the
comIniseration Of the reader 1t also furnish
es melancholy commentary on the motives
and designs which have ever actuated the Cru
saders. and which incite to action those hypo-
critical adyentwers, who at this day, ure en-
gagged in carrying the Cross to Islands Of the
South Pacific, Hindostan and Africa.
"Peru had long been governed by race of
Emperors under the name of lncas, who were
supposed to be the descendants Of the sun.
The name of the Spanish invader was Pizarro,
and that of the Inca in possession of the
crown, Atahaulpa. Alarmed at the rayages
of the spaniarts, this prince agreed to an i'll
terview with their general in order to settle
the conditions of peace. Though Pzarro
solicited the conference, he had no thoughts
but of war. The Inca it is said, was not more
sincere in his professions. He came to the
place of meeting, carried upon throne Of
gold, and attended by upwards Of ten thou
sand men; twenty thousand more are reported
to have waited his signal; but for this report
or the insincerity Of the Inca, there seems to
have been no foundation in iact All the Pc
ruvians were richly dressed, and their arms
glittcred with gold and precious stones. The
avarice of the Spaniards was nlamcd. Pizar-
70 disposed his followers, who did not exceed
Al
while Vincent Valverdc, Il Dominican friar.
advanced towards Atahaulpa with cruciiix in
one hand and a breviary in the other. lie ad-
dressed to the Inca, by the help of an inter-
prefer, loLg discourse; unfolding the princi-
plies Of the Christian faith, and pressing him TO
embrace that religion, and submit himself TO
the king of Spain, to whom the Pope had Civ
en- Peru. Atahaulpa, who had listened with
a great deal of patience, replied thus TO his pi-
Gus admonshcr: How eXravagant it is in tic
pope, TO give away so literally that which
doth not belong 10 him!-1ic is inferior, you
own, to God the Father, to God the Son, and
to God the Holy Ghost:--these are all your
gods, and the gods only can dispose of king
doms. ! should like to be a friend to the king
of Spain, who has sufficiently displayed his
power by sending armies to such distant coun
tries; but will not be his vassal. | owe trib-
ute 10 no mortal prince. KNOW no superior
upon earth. Tie religion Of my ancestors |
veneratc; and to rcnounce it would be equal
ly absurd and mpous, until you have convinc-
ed me il is false, and that yours, which you
would have me embrace, is true. You adore
a god who died upon gibbet: worship the
sun, who never dies"
"Vengeanccr'- Valverde, turning to-
wards the Spaniards " vengeance! my rends;
kill these dogs, who despise the religion of the
cross"
The word Of command was given, the artil-
lory playcd the musketry fred; the cavalry
spread confusion and terror; while Pzarro adj
vancod, at the head of chosen band, and
seized The person Of the Inca.-The slaughter
was dreadful, and the pillagc immense. The
blow was final; Peru ceased to be an empire,
The descendants of the sun, who united in
their persons both tho regal and pontifical Dig
nifty, sunk under set OF bandtti that knew
moi their birth. Aner draining Atahaulpa Of
his treasure, under protence Of a ransom for |
his liberty, Pnarro condemned him TO bc burnt |
alive, as an obstinate idolater. But through |
the mediation of father Valverdc, blessed in
terccssor! the Inca's sentence was changed /
into siranpling, on condition that he should die
IN the Christian faith. !