A 849,071
ARTES
LIBRARY
1837
SCIENTIA
VERITAS
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
TUEBOR
SI QUERIS PENINSULAM-AMⱭNAM
CIRCUMSPICE
A
RELATION
OF THE 912
MISSIONS
OF.
PARA GUA Y.
Wrote Originally in ITALIAN,
BY
Mr. MURATORI,
And now done into ENGLISH from the
FRENCH TRANSLATION.
LOND ON:
Printed for J. MARMADUKE in Long-Acre.
M,DCC.LIX.
1751
eth
THE
ADVERTISEMENT
+
OF THE
FRENCH TRANSLATOR.
HE motives that induced the celebrated
Mr. Muratori to publiſh this work, have
engaged me to tranflate it. Thoſe who fincerely
defire the progrefs and glory of Religion wili
peruſe it, I hope, with real pleafure; and thofe
who read purely to be informed, may find
fomething that will fatisfy their curiofity.
The merit and reputation of the author,
Mr. Muratori, is a very great advantage to a
work of this nature. Some have complained,
that the relations we have of Paraguay are only
from Jefuits. The relation we offer to the
public comes from a learned author, who had
no connexions with that Society, that could
leave room for any fufpicion.
One may object, that Mr. Muratori feems to
write moftly from the memoirs of Jefuits; but
he himself has prevented this objection, and
often repeats in his Book, that he has fpared
no pains to come at the truth of the facts he
A 3
?
relates,
iv
The Advertiſement
relates, and that he relates nothing of which he
was not affured.
Several circumſtances gave him an opportu
nity of being thoroughly informed of the fub-
ject he took in hand; and eſpecially the frequent
converfations he had with the Prince of Santo
Bueno..
'
This Prince, after he had been feveral years
viceroy of Peru, returned to Italy, his native
country, and ſtaid a confiderable time at Bologna.
The high employs he had gone through in the
West Indies, had procured him means to be well
acquainted with what paffed in the fouthern
parts of America fubject to Spain; and he took
pleaſure in communicating to Mr. Muratori
fuch lights as were neceffary for the compofing
of his work. I wave other fources of infor-
mation mentioned by this celebrated Italian
Writer. It fuffices to obferve with him, that
fo many atteftations fent into Spain year after
/year by the Bishops and Governors of the
Provinces, on which the Miffions of Paraguay
depend, form as demonftrative a proof in
favour of the Miffionaries, as can be had in
fuch a matter.
After he had ufed all the means, which the
prudence and penetration of a folid Scholar
can fuggeft to afcertain material facts, no one
can, without great injuftice and partiality,
blame the author, if in other matters he relies
/on the accounts of the Miffionaries.
Knowing the truth was not the only fruit
Muratori
of the French Tranflator.
Muratori reaped from his fearches into the
Miffions of Paraguay, he found a pleaſure,
which every one has not his difpofition to reliſh.
He was tranfported with a moft fenfible joy,
when he obferved the victories, which Religion
has gained, and continues to gain in the new
world. Glorious conquefts of the Minifters
of the Goſpel; many fouls wrefted from the
groffeft Idolatry; numbers of people, who
formerly might pafs rather for wild-beafts than
rational creatures, drawn up under the ſtandard
of Jefus Christ, and reviving by their fervour
the brighteſt days of primitive Chriftianity,
gave his foul the greateſt comfort. He is feized
with raptures, and his heart overflows, when
he fpeaks of the Miffions of Paraguay. He
invites all true Catholics to perufe his Book,
and to enjoy this glorious Scene, which does fo
much honour to the church, and which clearly
fhews that it ftill retains the primitive ſpirit of
chriſtianity, delivered by Jefus Chrift to his
Apoſtles; and which it is in vain to feek among
Sectaries. Our learned author even dares to
defy them producing any thing of this nature
in their behalf.
Muratori was not one of thofe Scholars puffed
up with learning, who upon their having made
ſome progreſs in human Sciences, imagine that
nothing goes beyond what they know, and who
would be apprehenfive of ranking with the
vulgar, if they fhewed the refpect, that is due
to religion. His extenfive knowledge ferved
only
vi
The Advertisement.
L
Vonly to ftrengthen his faith, and he not only
refpected, but loved Religion tenderly. This:
fame author who has publiſhed ſo many works
in every branch of literature, could find time
to compoſe ſeveral treatiſes of piety. But his
zeal for the church appears no where more
confpicuous, than in this performance, whereof
we give a tranſlation. Here may be obſerved,.
how fenfibly he was intereſted in the welfare
of Religion; fince every thing breathes that
warm and prudent zeal which characterifes the
true Chriftian.
In the tranſlation I have ventured on fome
flight alterations in that learned Italian's work,
which it behoves me to give fome account
of to the reader. Nothing new has been added,
but a few explanations that ſeemed to be
wanting, which in the whole do not exceed.
fix pages: befides they relate to points not
very material, fuch as the deſcription of the
herb of Paraguay, which Mr. Muratori fre-
quently mentions, without ever acquainting
the Reader what it is.
I have taken a greater liberty in cutting off
fome things; that is, I have fuppreffed repe-
titions, and ſome particular and uſeleſs accounts
foreign to the fubject. I have tranfpofed from
one chapter to another fome facts that feemed
to be mifplaced, and ranked them among facts
wherewith they appeared to be more con-
nected.
The firſt Chapters of Muratori's Book are
taken.
of the French Translator.
vii
taken up with a prolix narrative of the fouthern
Parts of America fubject to Spain. He tells
us, he writes chiefly for fuch Perfons as are but
little verfed in what regards that fide of the
new world, and that among his readers there
may likely be fome, who have not even heard.
of the name of Paraguay. As we on this fide
of the Alps are ufually more knowing in fuch,
matters, I have reduced the author's account
to half the length; but yet the fubftance is
preferved, and eſpecially what can throw any
light on the principal object of his Book;
however it may ftill appear too long. But in
quality of a Tranflator I did not think I was.
obliged to cut more off.
The only place where I have not faithfully
followed my author, is where he treats of the
cruelties uſed by the Spaniards, who first came
into America. Were nothing advanced but
facts, it is uſeleſs to dwell on odious accounts;
and to me it ſeems ſomewhat unjust to reproach
the prefent Spaniards with what was done by
fome of their anceſtors two centuries ago. The
ftrong ties that unite France and Spain, and
the commendations fo juftly due on many re-
fpects to the Spanish nation, particularly at a
time, when it daily flourishes more and more,
require prudence and a cautious reſerve, which
will not be thought unfeafonable.
I have been more circumfpect in what con-
cerns the Miffions of Paraguay, and have made
it my buſineſs to ſtick clofe to the Author, and
A 4
even
I
viii
The Advertiſement of
even to follow him in his minuteft accounts;
yet I have retrenched a good deal, but this
was in confining the ftyle, which is perhaps
too diffuſed in Mr Muratori, and lopping off
every thing that favoured of panegyric. The
beft manner of praifing is to relate facts.
Thoſe which are read here fhine abundantly,
and of themſelves form a fufficient and ample
Eulogium of the Miffionaries in Paraguay,
without need of additional reflections to point
out their value and merit. The very title of
the work in Italian appeared fomething too
pompous, which is, The happy fate of christianity
in the Millions of the Fathers of the Society of
Jefus in Paraguay, but I have reduced it to-
the greateft fimplicity, and in this have only
taken the privilege Tranflators have of hu
mouring the genius of their own language.
By theſe ſeveral ways the work comes out a
third part ſhorter than in the Italian, and has
three, chapters lefs: not that theſe are entirely
omitted; but as there appeared nothing in them
very material, what was worth the Reader's
notice I have more properly placed in other
chapters.
I had propofed giving an abftract of the life
of the Author, who died advanced in years at
Modena 1750, but I have been prevented,
and thofe, who defire to be more particularly
informed concerning this man, one of the
greateſt ornaments of Italy, may confult the
xth volume of the new critical literary memoirs
of
of the French Tranflator.
ix
of Hiftory, by the Abbot d'Artigny. There a
lift may be feen of all the works he published;
works equally to be admired for the variety,
the importance of the fubjects, and elegance
of the ſtyle.
N. B. The fame reafons prevailed with the
English Translator to give Mr. Muratori's Rela-
tion of the Miffions of Paraguay rather from
the French Copy, than the Italian original,
which he hopes he has done without any in-
jury to the Relation, or to the reader.
Since Mr. Muratori publifhed his work,
there has come cut an hiftorical account more
in full of the faid Miffions, by Father Charlevoix
a French Hiftorian of no fmall repute; but as
his work would be both very expenfive, and
perhaps tedious, as being in fix volumes, and
moreover from the pen of a Jefuit, it might
not be fo well relished, or credited in a
Country not very favourable to that fet of
men; upon which the publisher of the prefent
Relation judged that this would give a fufficient
and well timed fatisfaction to the religious or
curious Reader, and be a fairer account of the
proceedings both of the Paraguayan Jefuits and
their Neophytes, than what has been induftriously
and maliciouſly ſpread about the world by their
enemies, and fome pretended chriftians, and
which has not failed of being largely com-
mented on here, according to the fpirit of vera-
city and truth fo diftinguishable of late in our
public Papers.
THE
[ x ]
..
THE
AUTHOR'S PREFACE.
W
HEN I undertook this fmall work,
I was in hopes of giving the Readers
a double pleaſure. The firft, tho' leaft con-
fiderable, is that which commonly attends the
perufal of the narratives of Travellers; I don't
mean Travellers of little credit, who bury truth
under heaps of romantic adventures, and fa-
bulous tales; but the wife and underſtanding
Travellers, who relate faithfully what they
have feen, and know the eſtimate which is to
be ſet on what they fee. If travelling were
not fo expenfive, nor fo dangerous and fa-
tiguing, moſt would take the pleaſure of
viewing the different parts of the world. It
would above all be agreeable to be a ſpectator
of the manners and cuftoms of nations, which
are as different as their drefs and complexion.
But if our fituation allows us not the pleafure
of travelling, let us at leaſt own that we are
obligated to thofe, who after visiting the moſt
diftant climes, have been at the pains of giving
us an account of them. They have diſcovered
a method of conducting us in fome meaſure
about with them, and of affociating us in their
pleaſures without any fhare in their fatigues.
This pleaſure increaſes in proportion to the
greater
The Author's Preface.
If
greater diſtance of the nations defcribed; the
leſs they are known to us, and the more their
ways differ from ours, All theſe particulars
are found in the nations I am about to deſcribe:
theſe inhabit the inland parts of South America,
or the vaft continent of Paraguay, a name
under which I comprehend all thofe immenfe
tracts of land, that ftretch eaft and weft from
Brafil, to the mountains called Cordillera's.
Some Travellers excepted, few Europeans
have had the curiofity of vifiting Paraguay,
and fewer are led thither by a defire of grow-
ing rich. The Country is ill fuited to the
purpoſe, and for this Reafon it is very little
known, particularly to the Italians. There
is an infinity of people, moftly favages, the
omiffion of whofe names, it is thought, the
Reader will eafily difpenfe with. Taking a
view of a Country almoft unknown to our
days, will undoubtedly pleaſe the Reader, tho
he only finds an occafion of learning fome-
thing new every new point of knowledge
being a valuable acquifition to the mind, let
the object be never ſo trifling.
All will not be equally affected with the
pleaſure which is offered here to the Reader.
That is only for true Catholics to enjoy fully.
They will fee with what fuccefs our holy Re-
ligion continues to fpread among numbers of
nations, who were formerly engaged in the
darkneſs of Idolatry. They will obfervé, with
joy not to be expreffed, the prefent flouriſhing
ſtate.
L
xii
The Author's Preface.
ftate of the new chriftian Colonies. The fight
will make them break out into demon-
ſtrations of the fatisfaction they take in
the confiderable additions daily made to the
kingdom of Jefus Chrift upon Earth. I
have not ſcrupled to affert, that the Catholic
church has no where fuch flourishing miffions,
as thofe of Paraguay. And I hope that all
who will take the pains to peruſe this ſmall
work, will be fully convinced of what I have
advanced.
But how is it poffible I fhould write on fo
diftant a part of the world, who never fept
out of Italy, and hardly ever out of Modena ?
I have conveyed myſelf in thought into Para-
guay, where I have beheld thoſe flouriſhing
Miffions, if not with my own eyes, at leaſt
with thoſe of perfons whoſe teftimony one may
certainly rely on; and I can without fear war-
rant the truth of whatever I relate.
Father Cajetan Cattaneo, a Jefuit and a Mo-
denefe, arrived in Paraguay in 1729. He went
from his native country in 1726. He was
taken ill in the reduction of St. Roſe, and died
of a malignant fever the 26th of August 1733,
equally regretted by his Brethren and his Neo-
phytes, on account of his extraordinary accom-
pliſhments, which got him the love of all,
and made every one defire the pleaſure of his
acquaintance. This amiable miffionary had a
peculiar talent in difcovering the good and the
bad of each People and clime. He knew how
8
to
The Author's Preface.
xiii
to defcribe matters with an admirable exact-
nefs and elegance, and to give a graceful turn
to all he faid. Nothing can be more agreea-
ble than the Letters he wrote from Seville, and
the delicious Port of St. Mary near Cadiz, to
the late Mr. Jofeph Cattaneo, his brother. Mrs.
Mary Belloni Cattaneo, widow of Mr. Cattaneo,
was fo obliging as to communicate them to me;
their being foreign to the fubject is the reafon
they are not tranfcribed here. I will give the
Public three of F. Cattaneo's Letters, which
contain the account of his voyage from Cadiz
to his Miffion. I wish I could have added fome
other Letters of his, which he wrote to Mr.
Francis Baglioni, a noble Venetian, his intimate
friend, wherein he informed him in particular
of all that concerned Paraguay; as alfo fome
of F. Gervafoni's Letters that fell into the hands
of the faid nobleman. But he had fome time
ago delivered them up to Mr. Algarotti, who
intended to publiſh them; and it is believed
that Algarotti has taken them along with him
into Pruffia, which has been the occafion that
neither I, nor the public, have been the better
for them. Had Heaven been pleaſed to grant
F. Cattaneo a longer life, it is probable, that
this amiable and worthy miffionary would have
exhaufted the fubject, and that we ſhould now
have a full account of Paraguay from his
hand.
He had however fent to his brother a Rela-
tion of the Paraguay Miffions, compofed about.
1690
ziv
The Author's Preface.
1690, by a Spanish Prebend, and acknowledged
to be genuine throughout the whole by all fuch
as were qualified to judge of it; and another
writing entitled, La Relacion Hiftorial de las
Miffiones de los Indios, que llaman chiquitos. This
work of F. John Patrick Fernandes was printed
at Madrid 1726. Theſe are the chief Me-
moirs I have followed, I have alfo confulted
fome other Books, which, tho' they only ſpeak
of Paraguay incidentally, yet they have fome-
times fupplied me with important facts.
I am not unappriſed that ſeveral writers have
handled the ſubject before. The annual Let-
ters of the Society of Jefus, which formerly
were printed, contain many particulars con-
cerning thefe Miffions. In them may be
feen with what ardour the firft Miffionaries là-
boured in the converfion of Infidels, tho' the
fuccefs did not anfwer their pains. There is
ſtill a Book intituled, Jacobi Ranfonier S. J.
Annua Paraguarie Annorum, 1626 & 1627;
and another of F. Nicholas Maſtrilli under the
like Title. I have alſo had before me the fol-
lowing Books, viz. Francifci Labier S. 7.
Annua Paraguariæ Annorum 1635, & duorum
fequentium, Adami Schimbeck Meſſis Paraguarienfis,
five annales illius Provincie, ab Anno 1638, ad
1643. A Relation of Paraguay from 1635 to
1637, put out in Spanish by F. Philibert Moner,
and tranflated into French by Francis Hamal.
Antonii Ruiz de Montoyo de Milla fub Chrifti
jugum Paraguaria... Nicolai del Techo Hiftoria
Provincie
The Author's Preface.
XV
Provinciæ Paraguaria Societatis Jefu: a Book
faid to be very uncommon. Jacobi de Machault
Relationes de Paraguaria.
The above Books, wrote moſtly in Latin,
are known to few now-a-days; and befides
they recount only what paffed in Paraguay a
hundred years ago. They are of little fer-
vice to acquaint us with the preſent ſtate of
Religion in thoſe parts. Formerly the Fathers
of the Society chiefly applied themſelves to
making frequent excurfions into South America.
From time to time they converted a few
Indians; but no chriftian Colonies were fettled,
nor was there a church of the true Religion to
be ſeen then in Paraguay. The chief and almoft
only fruit of fo much labour, was the baptifing
fome dying infant. The adult, or grown up
perfons, who embraced the faith, were ufually
removed from among the Infidels, and per-
fuaded to fix in places inhabited by Chri-
tians.
The face of things is now greatly altered.
The croſs triumphs in thofe barbarous Coun-
tries; a great number of colonies adore the
true God, and enjoy the greateſt happineſs
that can be wifhed.
Such is the ſcene which will be exhibited here
to the Reader. I can anfwer for the goodneſs of
the memoirs that ferved by way of materials
for the work. I only could have wiſhed
for a more particular account of the nature of
the Country, their plants, beafts, and birds;
the qualities of the foil; the fishing, and hun-
...
xvi
The Author's Preface.
ting of the Indians, with other informations
of the like nature, which would have afforded
all the charms of Novelty. My enquiries on
thefe heads have procured me but very fuper-
ficial notions. However I fhall fay enough to
give the Reader a tolerable idea of a Country,
that is ſo immenſe, and ſo remote from us, and
the commerce of Europe. In a word, of a
Country, whofe very name will appear quite
new to fome Italians.
A
A
RELATION
OF THE
MISSIONS OF PARAGUAY.
A
of
య
The Defign of this Work.
1
MONG all the marks that ferve
to diſtinguiſh the Catholic Church
from fects delivered over to error,
the ardent zeal fhe has ever fhewn
for the propagation of the Goſpel
is one that ſtrikes us moft. Guided at all times
by the ſame ſpirit of charity, it has never ceaſed
fending into divers parts of the earth fervent
labourers to plant the true faith. There has
always been within her Communion, a number
of perfons courageous enough to undertake
without reſerve, all the fatigues of fo painful
an employ, and to expoſe themſelves to all the
dangers that are infeparable from fo arduous a
tafk. Not to run back to diſtant ages, we need
Ꭱ
only
2
The Defign of this Work.
only to caft an eye on the time that has paffed
fince the diſcovery of the new World. What
an innumerable multitude of Miffionaries have
flocked to cultivate thoſe waſte Countries? Is
there any tract ever fo barbarous that has not
been fprinkled with their ſweat, and rendered
fruitful by the blood they have fhed? Have
we not heard of feveral, even in our days, who
have died for Religion like the firft Apoftles of
the Goſpel, after they had led holy lives like
theirs?
Let the modern Sectaries be confidered;
this heroic charity will not be found amongst
them. They are wholly bent on extending
their dominions, and leave the bringing over
of Idolaters and Infidels to the belief of the
Goſpel to the Miffionaries of the Catholic
Church, and freely refign to them. the inefti-
mable advantage of being confumed with evan-
-gelical labours, and expofing their lives to en-
large the Kingdom of Jefus Chrift.
Hence the Church in Communion with Rome
is the only one that keeps up the firſt ſpirit of
Chriſtianity: She alone, like the primitive
Church, abounds in Apoftles and Martyrs;
hence the alone is the true fpouſe of the Sa-
viour of mankind.
If the Miffions of the Catholic Church are
an honour to her, as being a proof of the zeal
that animates her, and which can only come
from the Holy Ghoft; the fervour of the Neo-
phytes in thote Miffions adds infinitely more to
her
The Defign of this Work.
3
her glory. Their lives recal to our memory,
and faithfully reprefent thofe of the firſt Be-
lievers. Their whole deportment affures their
being children of the fame Church that was
formerly the admiration of the heathen World;
and this is what every one may be convinced
of, by the peruling of this work.
Hereupon I thought that nothing. could be
more glorious to the Church, than a defcription
of her Miffions; and I pitched on thoſe of
Paraguay eſtabliſhed and directed by the Fathers
of the Society of Jefus. I undertake this fub-
ject fo much the more willingly, becauſe what
concerns Paraguay is commonly little known,
eſpecially in Italy, either as to the manner how
Chriſtianity was first introduced, or the pro-
greſs it daily makes, or its preſent flouriſhing
ftate. I fhall preſent the Reader with a faithful
account of that blissful Country; he will fee
men, perhaps the most barbarous that ever were
heard of, changed into fervent Chriftians; com-
monwealths, that ſcarce know any other laws
than thoſe of the Gofpel, and where the ſub-
limeft virtues of Chriftians are become, if I
may uſe the expreffion, common virtues. It
imports to the edification of the chriſtian world,
and the honour of the Catholic Church, that
fo fine an eſtabliſhment, and fo many virtues
worthy our veneration, as well in the Miffiona-
ries as the Neophytes, fhould remain no longer
unknown.
B &
But
4
Of South-America.
+
But before I enter on the fubject, I cannot
well avoid giving fome previous account of the
Country, inhabited by the people, of whom
I intend to ſpeak; without this I fhould not
be ſo eaſily understood by most of my Readers.
Befides fomething fhould be faid of its an-
cient condition, that a better judgment may
be framed of the prefent. This fhall be done
as briefly as poffible, in the firft chapter of the
Book.
CHAP.
I.
Of South-America. Extent of the Spanish and
Portugueſe Territories in that Part of the
World.
TH
HE Weft-Indies were difcovered in the
year 1491, by Chriſtopher Columbus, a Ge-
noeſe, and took their name of America from
Americus Vefpucius a Florentine. They are di-
vided into two parts, and known under the
names of South and North-America. The South
part alone might be computed a fifth part of
the World, as being near equal to Africa, and
much larger than Europe. The figure of it is
very near triangular; and if credit is to be
given to fome Geographers, it is 3900 miles
in length from North to South, and 3600 miles
in breadth from Eaft to Weft. Geographers and
Travellers are not as yet agreed on this point,
which at preſent is not very material.
What
Of South-America.
5
What is moſt remarkable in South-America,
are two of the largeſt Rivers on the Globe.
The one is the Maragnon, or the River of the
Amazons, called fo by the first Europeans, who
failed up there and faw the women armed with
bows and arrows on that River. It rifes from
the highest mountains of Peru, and after a
courfe of 3000 or 3600 miles difembogues itfelf
into the Atlantick ocean, where the mouth of
that River is 50 leagues over.
·
The other large River is Rio de la Plata, or
the Silver River. It runs from North to South,
and is better than 40 leagues over, where it
opens into the fea.
The Spaniards pretend, that all South-Ame-
rica, Brazil excepted, is fubject to the King of
Spain. This is rather a pretended, than a real
right. From fome Relations it is fancied, that
fome Princes of Europe, who enjoy ſome poſ-
feffions in America, are entirely mafters of the
vaſt tracts within that compafs.
But ſtrictly speaking, the Sea-coafts are the
moft they poffefs, or, where they have Towns
with a territory, it is commonly of no great
extent. The inland parts are moſtly inhabited.
by people little known, who ftill enjoy entire
freedom, and dread nothing more than to re-
ceive laws from Europeans.
Thus Brazil, which belongs to Portugal, is
divided into many Governments not far from
the Coaft, except where there are Silver and
Gold Mines. A diſcovery has alſo been made
B 3
there
L
6
Of South-America.
there of a Mine of Diamonds, fo much the
more to be valued, becauſe hitherto the King-
dom of Golconda in Afia has been the only spot,
where precious ftones were found. In short the
Portuguese Dominions reach no where above
100 leagues within land. The rest of the Bra-
zils is ftill in the poffeffion of the ancient
owners.
༄
On the Weſtern Coaft the King of Spain
poffeffes Peru and Chili, thofe rich and famed
Provinces for hence comes that prodigious
quantity of Gold and Silver, which we fee from
time to time conveyed to Cadiz, and the Spa-
niards faithfully parcel out the treaſure among
other nations of Europe; and theſe by a great
miſtake in trade fuffer this treaſure to be loft
and buried in Turky, Perfia, Indoftan, and the
other Kingdoms of Afia. Befides this the Spa-
nish Monarch poffeffes on the Northern Coaſt,
New Caftile, New Andalufia, and New Granada.
The Spaniards poffeffed of thofe fruitful Pro-
vinces, have made fome conquefts towards the
South, and built fome Towns. Lastly, to.
wards the South the King of Spain is mafter
of the immenfe Tracts comprehended under the
name of Paraguay, of which we ſhall ſpeak
more at large.
What is faid of the South, muſt be ſaid in
proportion of North America, where there are
ftill more nations utterly unknown. The great
River of Miffifipi is faid to water above 1800
miles of land, before it is difcharged into the
Gulph
Of South-America.
グ
​Gulph of Mexico.
almoſt alone to difcover this Country, took
poffeffion of it for the Crown of France and
in order to bring fo many nations difperfed on
each fide of the River, under the King his
Maſter's Dominion, he erected, by way of
taking poffeffion, a large Crofs with the arms
of France, a great way up the Country.
A French man, * who went
The Princes of Europe meet with ſeveral
difficulties in extending their conquests very far
in America. The firft is, the love of liberty
fo natural to man, and which equally affects
the favages, as well as ourſelves; for they will
not leave any means untried to avoid flavery.
Numbers are wanted to fubdue them, efpecially
in Spain, which is not overſtocked with people,
and whofe Dominions are too vaft, confidering
the fewness of the inhabitants fince the difco-
very of the new world; upon which the Spa-
niards have work enough on their hands to
maintain their former acquifitions. Befides,
the Colonies of Europeans, which are propofed
to be fettled in America, are always in danger
of being foon deftroyed by the change of Cli-
mate; and they are too much expofed to the
incurfions of the Natives, who are conſtantly
upon the watch to feize every advantage, which
the weakneſs of new eftablishments always.
affords to an enemy.
L
But the Spaniards themſelves have contri-
buted the moſt to make the Indians invincible.
Many
M. De la Salle.
8
Of South America.
Many forts of Indians reduced to ſmall numbers
and always wandering, are now the melancholy
remains of flouriſhing nations, whom the Spa-
niards have deſtroyed. All the Savages are in-
formed from their infancy with what thofe In-
dians have fuffered, and ftill fuffer, who are
under the yoke. The tyrannic manner of
commanding, and the loofe lives they obſerve
in numbers of the Chriftians, equally aſtoniſh,
ſhock, and ſcandalize them. As they neglected
gaining them by fair and gentle means, they
can only hope to bring them under by force
and violence. The Indians oppofe force to
force; or where they find they are over-matched,
they avoid by flight the fervitude that hung
over their heads.
:
I will not enlarge on the cruel and barbarous
treatment, which had been reproached to the
first Spanish Conquerors; few Authors having
handled the fubject impartially.
Some, either to render the Spaniards odious,
or from other motives, feem to magnify ob-
jects; whofe narratives have all the air of de-
clamation. The hiftory of Bartholomew de las
Cafas, a Dominican of Seville, and afterwards
Biſhop of Chiapa in Mexico, is in this frain.
This Prelate, otherwife a great and good man,
had indeed been an ocular witnefs in part of
what he wrote; and had taken great pains to
fave the Indians from the fword of his Coun-
trymen; but his great zeal did not leave him
entirely at liberty, to fee calmly, and to judge
well
Of South-America.
9
well of what paffed. Others feem to undertake
too much, when they offer to vindicate the
Conquerors of America in all their conduct :
for it muſt be owned, that their courage dege-
nerated fometimes into barbarity.
But not to enter into deductions that are fo-
reign to the principal object of this work, it is
fufficient to obferve, that the Indians who fur-
vived the conqueft, and who by removing to
a great diftance, were out of the reach of the
Spaniards, conceived an implacable hatred againſt
the Europeans, and of courſe againſt their re-
ligion. The fad effects of this averfion are felt
daily.
Parents tranfmit it to their children; and it
will probably paſs to the lateſt generation. This
is fo much the more to be feared; becauſe tho'
the blood of Indians is not fhed any longer in
fuch quantities as it was formerly, yet the peo-
ple who have fubmitted to the Spaniards, have
continued to meet with very hard ufage. The
Catholic Kings have iffued at feveral times, but
in vain, Decrees full of humanity, to eaſe the
yoke of their new fubjects: for thofe parts
have never been without perfons, who, fecure
at fuch a diſtance from the fovereign, have pro- V
miſed themſelves impunity for the greateſt
crimes, and have met with too much fuccefs
in their execrable ſchemes. They have trampled
all divine and human laws under their feet, and
without any regard to the real intereft of
church and ftate, have only liftened to their
paffions..
10
Of South-America.
paffions. We fhall foon ſpeak more fully of
the exceffes to which they abandoned them-
felves.
CHA P. II.
The Provinces belonging to the King of Spain in
the Southern Parts of South-America ; a
Defcription of Paraguay.
A
LL the Sea-coaft of Brazil belongs to
the Portugueſe, who formerly pretended
to extend their Dominions to the banks of
Rio de la Plata; but notwithstanding their pre-
tenfions, the Spaniards have always claimed
that part of the coaft, which lies between Cape
St. Vincent and the mouth of the River, tho'
they have not yet made any fettlement there.
The Portugueſe however have raiſed a Fort in
the Inland of St. Gabriel, over againſt Buenos
Ayres; and have maintained their ground in
fpite of all the attempts from the Spaniards to
difpoffefs them. * This fettlement has been
very prejudicial to the Spanish Nation, as will
appear afterwards. But the Country I have
juſt
*This Settlement of the Portugueſe is called the new
Colony, or the Colony of the B. Sacrament. The King
of Portugal has made an exchange of it for fome Tracts of
Paraguay, adjoining to the Brazils, which the King of Spain
engaged to grant him, by a treaty made in the Sunimer of
1752, but which has not yet taken place.
Of South-America.
II
juft mentioned, is inhabited only by favages,
and thoſe few in number.
The Kings of Spain have divided the im--
menfe Regions they poffefs between Brazil and
Peru, into four Provinces or Governments; viz.
Magellan, Tucuman, Paraguay, and Rio de la
Plata. Within theſe governments are contained
the Provinces of Ciaco, Parana, Guaira, and
Uraguay.
The government of Magellan is the moſt
fouthern; its extent from North to South is
about 990 miles, and it terminates in a point
at the Magellanic Streights, which are fo named,
as it is well known, from Magellan, who firſt
diſcovered this paffage into the South-Seas.
The inhabitants of Magellan are called Patagons;
and are moſtly of a gigantic fize, and not lefs
fierce than they are robuft, living in Foreſts
without laws or religion. Tho' the Spaniards
give themſelves out as mafters of this fpacious.
tract, yet they ftill want the confent of the
Patagons to be in peaceable poffeffion. A Fort
or two built on the Magellanic Streights were
foon deftroyed, the garrifons placed there being
quickly reduced to ftarve for want, cold, and
mifery for the Magellanic is much expofed to
the feverity of the winter; yet there are good
Paftures, fine Forefts, plenty of Cattle, and
Fish in abundance.
The Province of Tucuman, on the north-west
of Paraguay, is preferable to that of Magellan,
the air being more temperate, and the foil more
fruitful.
12
Of South America.
fruitful. It is watered by two large and very
pifculent Rivers, that overflow their banks in
the rainy ſeaſon, and fertilize the plains. As
the country abounds with excellent Paftures,
there is yearly a prodigious increaſe of horned
cattle, Sheep, Deer, &c. One meets with
game at every ſtep, and may often take it with
the hand; eſpecially Pigeons and Partridges,
very ſhort indeed in taste of thofe in Europe,
Many forts of Cottons and woolen- ftuffs are
manufactured here, and a very fine mine of
Rock-falt has been lately difcovered.
They reckon in this Province three Towns
built by the Spaniards, viz. St. Jago's of
L'Efterro. St. Michael's, and Cordova. At Cor-
dova the Jefuits have a celebrated University,
much frequented by the Spaniſh youth, whọ
defign to be inftructed in the liberal fciences.
Some other Spanish fettlements with few inha-
bitants fcattered here and there in the vaft plains
of Tucuman, have the name of Towns. They
are faid to be at the diftance of 150 or 180
miles from one another.
The Provinces of Rio de la Plata and Para-
guay, have four principal Towns; the Aſſumption,
the capital of Paraguay; Buenos Ayres, the.
capital of Rio de la Plata; Corrientes, and San-
tafe. The two firſt have each a Bishop. The
Aſſumption is about 600 miles from Santafé, and
Santafé about 270 from Buenos Ayres. The
Spaniards had founded fome other fmall Towns
in the Parana and Uraguay; but moſt of theſe
have
Of South-America.
13
have been deſtroyed by the Mameluffes, a fort of
people, an account of whom will ſhortly be
given.
Thefe Countries want nothing to equal the
beft in Europe, but to be cultivated by men
more inclined to labour. The thick woods that
grow almost every where of themfelves; the
ever-green plains that reach from Buenos Ayres
to Cordova, are an unquestionable proof of a
fruitful foil; to fay nothing of the innumerable
herds of cattle, and wild horfes, to be feen
about Buenos Ayres. But the prodigious increaſe
of cattle is a peculiar property of South-Ame-
rica. I am indebted for this remark to a very
judicious perfon, who ferved the King of Spain
many years in this part of the new world, and
had feen almoſt every part of it.
The horfes, horned cattle, and feveral other
beafts that are to be feen in fuch quantities in
America, came originally from thoſe the Spa-
niards brought with them, when they firſt ſettled
here. Some of thefe domeftic animals ftrayed
from their maſters, to be at liberty in the
woods; and it is not eafy to conceive how they
have multiplied, confidering the numbers of
lions, tygers, bears, wild dogs, and wild cats,
their perpetual enemies and the furprize muft
be ftill greater when one hears what numbers
are yearly flaughtered by the inhabitants. *
As
*Vid. the third letter of F. Cattaneo at the end of this
work.
14
Of South-America.
As I fhall chiefly treat of the people that live
in Paraguay, a more circumftantial account of
this Province will be expected; and I will not
diſappoint my readers. But I muſt premife,
that I underſtand by the name of Paraguay, not
only the Province that goes under this name,
but all the Countries, where the Fathers of the
Society of Jefus have eſtabliſhed their flouriſh-
ing Miffions, which will be laid in this work
before the Reader, that is, almoſt the whole in-
teriour part of South-America.
Paraguay owes its name to the great and ca-
pital River, in the fame manner as the Province
known by the name of Rio de la Plata does to
the lower part of that River, which a little
above Buenos Ayres changes its name into that
of Rio de la Plata, or the Silver River. This
name was probably given it by the first Spa-
niards that failed up the River, on account of
the filver duft they obferved intermixt with the
fand. Some Geographers pretend, that both
filver and gold mines are to be found in the
neighbourhood; but they would find very great
difficulties in proving what they advance. At
leaft it is certain that Paraguay neither produces
iron nor copper. As to the Gold and Silver
Mines, we ſhall fhew in another place, and
more explicitly, what is to be thought on that
head. *
The
* Vid. the laft chapter.
Of South-America.
15
The Paraguay rifes from the famous lake
Xarayes or Carayes, under the fixteenth degree
of South Latitude; and yet the climate is very
temperate.
The lands about the lake were
formerly very populous; but are much leſs fo
fince the Mameluffes laid the Country wafte.
The extent of this lake may be gathered from
what follows: among many Islands placed in
the midst of this lake, the fingle one of Ore-
jones is 120 miles in length, and 30 in breadth.
The Paraguay begins here, and in its courfe to
the Southward receives on the right feveral
large Rivers; the moft confiderable of which
the Pilcomaio, Vermeio, and Salado; on
the left it receives about the 27th degree of
South latitude, the Parana, as large at leaft as
the Paraguay. The name itfelf is a proof of
the bignefs: for in the Indian language Parana
fignifies the Sea. The Uraguay, another very
large River, helps to fwell the Paraguay towards
the 34th degree of fouth latitude.
Moft part of the countries here mentioned,
prefent to the eye beautiful lawns watered with
feveral fmaller ftreams, delightful hills, and
thick forefts. If fome fenny or unfruitful fpot
is found, fuch places are fo fcarce, as not to
deferve any confideration.
If the Indians only, underſtood making the
moſt of their lands, perhaps none could fhew
a finer Country; but the greateſt part are fo
lazy, as not even to think of tillage. They
live
16
Of South-America.
live on their fiſhing and hunting, and the fruits
and roots that naturally grow in their Country.
Not to fay any thing of the Mayz, or Indian
wheat, of which the Indians fubject to the Spa-
niards, ufually make their Bread; nor the Ma-
nioc, and Yuca roots; of which Caffava is made,
a fort of bread that keeps very well, and is
uſeful in their journeys; ali forts of grain and
pulſe the Spaniards have fown in Paraguay, come
up and thrive very well. Very few vines are
to be feen, which may be owing either to a
defect in the foil, or the precautions of the
Miffionaries, who have hindered their being too
common, to prevent the diforders, which com-
monly attend excefs in wine. Instead of wine
the Indians in their great entertainments, drink
a fort of beer made only of water, wherein they
ferment for two or three days a quantity of
Mayz ground into meal, after the Mayz has
been firſt malted and then dried by the fire.
This liquor is intoxicating, and is called Chica,
or Ciccia. The Indians know nothing more
delicious. Chica is faid to be better tafted than
Cyder, lighter and wholefomer than our beer
in Europe, and very ftrengthening as well as
nourishing,
There is in Paraguay, but particularly in the
Iflands, a great number, and feveral kinds of
birds, of which fome are eſteemed, as very
nice eating; others entertain the eye with the
moſt agreeable variety of colours in their plum-
age. Among these are the Parrots, birds toa
well
Of South-America.
17
!
well known in Europe, to need enlarging on
them; but extremely inconvenient to the In-
dians, whilft their Mayz is growing. The
Parrots are extremely fond of this grain, and
make a great havoc, where it is fowed.
The moft fingular bird in theſe parts, is
that, which on account of its finalnefs, is
called the Bee, or Humming-bird. With the
brighteſt feathers he has the fong and note of a
Nightingale; and one is extremely furprized to
hear a little bird maſter of ſo ſtrong a voice.
To pretend to a defcription of all the dif-
ferent products in Paraguay, would be too wide
a digreffion from the main fubject. Befides
the Miffionaries have not given us all the in-
fight we could with on this head. Let us there-
fore confine ourfelves to what is moft extraor-
dinary, and give an idea of it in a few Words.
Paraguay produces all the kinds of trees that
we are acquainted with in Europe, whether
planted there originally by the Creator, or by
the Spaniards. In fome places the famous
Brazil tree is found, tho' it is much more com-
mon in the extended and charming territory,
which gives it that name.
The fhrubs that
bear Cotton are to be feen in almoft all parts,
and is a principal article in the revenue of the
country. The Sugar-Cane grows of itſelf in
moift grounds; but the Indians are altogether
ftrangers to the uſe of it,
The valuable tree, from which the liquor
called Dragon's Blood is extracted, and of which
C
fo
18
Of South-America.
fo many fables are related, is feldom found elfe-
where. It is brought infpiffated into Europe,
and fold very dear. There grows on the banks
of the Paraguay a fort of Bamboo's large and
ſtrong enough to make a pretty long ladder.
In a word, it is not uncommon to meet
Wild Cinnamon in the woods, which is fome-
times fold in Europe for that of Ceilon. Ano-
ther bark, whofe name I know not, is eſteemed
very ſtomachic, and being properly taken, in-
ftantly affwages, as they fay, all kind of pain.
Paraguay produces alfo fome fingular fruits,
with which it may be proper to acquaint the
Readers. Among thefe, one refembles a bunch
of grapes; but the grape confiſts of grains as
ſmall as pepper-corns.
This fruit is called
Mbegue, and is in taſte and ſmell very agreeable:
each grape has but one pip, or ftone, as fmall
as a millet-feed, and hotter than pepper when
broken in the mouth. This fruit is ufually
ſerved at table by way of defert; and accord-
ing to the greater or leffer quantity one eats, it
gives a gentle and eafy evacuation fome hours
after.
The Pigna, another fruit, is fomewhat like
the Pine-Apple, and the tree is called the Pine;
however it is more like an Artichoke, and its
yellow pulp or fubftance, which is not unlike
the Quince, is far fuperior to it in flavour and
taſte.
Another plant of Paraguay is known by the
name of Mburufugia, and much celebrated; it
I
has
Of South-America.
19
has firſt a very beautiful flower, called the
Paffion-flower, and turns afterwards into a fort
of gourd, of the fize of a common egg.
When it is ripe they fuck it, and it yields a
moft delicious juice, of the confiftency of the
yolk of a new-laid egg properly boiled, which
is very refreſhing and cordial.
The Pacoe, another plant, bears long thick
pods of various colours, which inclofe a fort
of well tafted bean. There are ſome Ananas,
but in no great quantity.
Before we conclude this article, it will not
be improper to add fomething of the celebrated
herb of Paraguay, which is uſed in Peru, as
tea is in China and Europe. The Herb of Para-
guay strictly is the leaf of a tree or fhrub,
which at firft was only found in the mountains
of Maracaya, 600 miles off from any chriftian
fettlements. When theſe were firft formed,
fome plants or fets were brought from Mara-
caya, and put into freſh ground cleared for til-
lage. Though thefe come very well, yet the
leaves of the wild original fhrubs are in moft
requeſt. The Indians bring yearly a certain
quantity of this herb to the Spanish fettlements,
where they exchange it for fuch commodities
and proviſions as they want. This traffic has
given birth to numberless calumnies, as will
be feen hereafter.
I pafs over in filence the ferpents, lions, ty-
gers, bears, that are bred in Paraguay, efpe-
cially in the forefts bordering on the fea; as
C 2
there
20
Of South-America.
there will be frequent occafion of mentioning
theſe animals elſewhere. It fuffices to obſerve
here, that thefe different animals feldom hurt
any but thoſe who attack them; ants and
monkeys being far more hurtful: for the
former, which fwarm in Paraguay more than
any where, nibble tender plants and hinder
their growth; and the others lay waſte the
fields, ftrip the trees of their fruit, and deſtroy
the crops. There are fome not inferior in fize
to men. Some nations among the Indians make
an advantage of thoſe troubleſome neighbours:
for they kill and eat them not only without re-
pugnance, but with pleaſure.
The Paraguayans are faid to have an excellent
remedy againſt the bite of a ferpent, in an herb
called for this reafon viper-wort; whofe virtue
is fuch, that if it be bruifed green and applied
to the wound, it works a fpeedy cure.
Water
in which this herb, green or dried, has been
infuſed, is not lefs efficacious.
CHA P. III.
The Genius and Manners of the uncivilized
Indians.
I
Said that the Spaniards built Towns, and
fettled Colonies, in the Provinces which
they poffefs in South America; but it is not to
be concluded from this, that the King of Spain
is
The Genius and Manners, &c.
2 I
1
is maſter of all theſe Countries. Theſe Towns
are at a great diſtance from each other, and be-
tween them there are Indian nations in conftant
enmity with the chriftians; or if not at war, in
the greateſt dread of having the chriftians for
their maſters. The Catholic King has no Indian
fubjects but fuch as have embraced Chriftianity:
fome of which are on the footing of flaves, and
the others pay only a tribute; the laſt are the
chief fubject of this work.
But before I begin, the manners of the un-
civilized Indians that are at liberty fhould be
defcribed. This is neceffary to underſtand what
they formerly were, who now live under the
laws of chriſtianity, and what amazing change
the grace of God has wrought in them.
The favages know neither King, nor Lord;
and if any kind of commonwealth be found
among them, as it has no fettled form, fo there
are no known laws, nor any fixed rule for the
civil government, or the adminiſtration of juſ-
tice. Every family, and even every favage
thinks himſelf entirely free, and lives abfolute-
ly independent. But as the inteftine feuds, and
frequent wars they are engaged in with their
neighbours, continually endanger their liberty,
neceffity has taught them to form a fort of fo-
ciety, and to chufe a Chieftain, who is called
Cacique, that is, Captain, or Commander. By
this choice they don't intend to ſubmit to a
maſter; they rather look upon him as a parent,
or director, under whofe conduct they put
C 3
them-
L
22
The Genius and Manners
1
themſelves. No one is raifed to this dignity
who has not given ſignal proofs of his valour;
and the greater the reputation of his exploits is,
the number of his Subjects increaſes the more.
It happens fometimes that a Cacique fhall be at
the head of a hundred families
The relations of fome ancient Miffionaries
give an account, that among the Caciques, there
are fome magicians, who make their authority
refpected by the charms they employ againſt
thofe, who have incurred their difpleaſure ;
were they to puniſh them by a regular courſe
of juftice, they would be foon forfaken. Theſe
impoftors make the people believe, that they
have ſtorms and tygers at their command, to
devour them and deſtroy them who fhould
refuſe to obey their orders. They are fo much
the eaſier believed, as it is not uncommon to ſee
fome, that the Cacique has threatened, linger
away and die, very likely by fome poiſon that
they have found fecret means to give them
The Miffionaries add, that to be raiſed to the
dignity of a Cacique, a poſt in great requeſt,
the Candidates have recourfe to fome celebrated
magician. After he has rubbed them ftoutly
with the greaſe of ſeveral different animals,
and harraffed them with painful and laborious
exerciſes, he gives them a fight of the Devil,
who converſes a while with them, and promifes
them his protection.
Thefe fmall Republics, or bodies of people,
difperfe as eaſily as they meet together. As
every
of the uncivilized Indians.
23
every individual is his own mafter, he leaves
his Cacique on any diſcontent, and goes over to
another. What the Indians leave behind them
in a place is fo little, that the lofs is very foon
repaired. Their dwellings are wretched hutts
raiſed in the woods, and made of boughs of
trees, or Bamboos put together without order,
whofe entrance is ufually fo narrow and low,
that they muſt creep to go in. When the
Savages are afked the reafon for fo odd a
contrivance, their anfwer is, that they cannot
otherwiſe be well guarded againſt flies, gnats,
and infects, wherewith the air fwarms in the
rainy ſeaſons, or be fheltered from the darts
and arrows, which their enemies would not
fail to fend amongst them through the entrance
of their hutt, were it higher and larger. Re-
building fuch houſes cofts very little; a little
earthen ware makes up the whole of their
moveables.
Many of their nations neither till nor fow
their land, as they are little concerned for
what is to come; and their voraciouſneſs makes
them devour greedily what they have to eat,
without any care for the next day.
They live, as has been faid, on their hunt-
ing and fishing, wild-fruits, and honey which
is found in the woods, or roots that grow in
the ground. The woods are fo ftocked with
deer, and wild-boars, that the Indians can, in a
few hours, bring in a freſh ſupply of proviſions;
and the lakes abound equally with large fifh.
However
C 4
24.
The Genius and Manners
However to be furer of plenty, the Indians
often change their quarters: and the fame
reafon hinders greater numbers affembling in
one place, and is one of the greateſt obſtacles
to their converfion.
However most of the Indians fow and raiſe
Mayz, and Manioc, of which they make a
kind of pottage, bread, and Chica, their
favourite liquor. This takes up their whole
morning; and the remainder of the day they
ſpend in ſports, and diverfion, unleſs neceffity
drives them out a hunting. Inftead of ploughs
to turn up the ground, they uſe ſtakes of a
wood fo hard as to fupply the room of iron,
which is abfolutely wanting in all that Coun-
try.
The Indians are generally very tall, nimble,
and active; and in their features they reſemble
much the Europeans, but are eaſily known by
their tawny complection. They encourage the
growth of their hair, inafmuch as they fancy
that beauty in great meaſure confifts in a long
head of hair; tho' really nothing disfigures.
them more. Few of them wear any cloaths.
They hang round their necks a collar fet with
ftones that might be taken for emeralds, or
unpolished rubies. Some have little diminutive
ftones fixed in the chin, which amongſt them
is eſteemed very magnificent. On days of
ceremony they put on a girdle made with
feathers of feveral colours, which look well
enough; and on their heads they wear a plume
compofed
of the uncivilized Indians.
25
ī
L
compofed of like feathers. The women almoſt
every where wear a kind of fhift, called Tipoy,
with ſhort fleeves. Some that are more expofed
to, or fenfible of, the cold, cloath themfelves
with hides of beafts, the hair inward in winter,
and outward in fummer.
Activity and valour are almoft the only
qualities in eſteem with the Savages, and of
which they chiefly boaft. They are taught
early the ufe of the bow, and other weapons,
to which thofe nations are accuſtomed; and
they become fo expert in thefe exerciſes, that
they ſeldom mifs a mark, even when they fhoot
flying. The clubs they uſe in battle are made
of a hard ponderous wood; they have a double
edge, are thick in the middle, and end in a
fharp point. Beſides theſe offenfive weapons,
fome wear, when they go to war, a large buckler
made of bark, to guard againſt the enemies
darts and arrows.
The Indians are fo vindicative, that the leaft
provocation, or difcontent, is enough to kindle
up a war betwixt two of their Townships.
It is not uncommon to take up arms, and
quarrel with a neighbouring nation, for a bit
of iron, which they value more then we do
filver or gold. Sometimes they take the field
out of mere fancy, and to encreaſe their repu.
tation of bravery.
Perhaps Europeans accustomed to take up
arms one nation against another, may not
obferve all the barbarity of theſe proceedings.
What
26
The Genius and Manners
What muſt raiſe the greateſt horror is to find
that the Indians feed on their own fpecies;
and that in war they strive to make as many
Prifoners as they can, in order to feaſt after-
wards on the mangled limbs of the unfortunate
captives; and that, in times of peace, Indians,
who live in Society together, mutually hunt,
purfue, and lay fnares for one another, to
fatisfy their inhuman appetite. Barbarity and
cruelty, fure, cannot be carried higher;
but it muſt be owned, that many Indians in
the midſt of infidelity have a horror of ſo
unnatural a cuftom: for there are fome of a
humane, and pacific diſpoſition, who live in
peace at home; or if they engage in war
againſt their neighbours, it is only, when they
are compelled to it by neceffity. Thefe are
the most formidable in battle; but they lay
afide all animofity after they have overcome
their enemies. Very far from devouring their
prifoners, they employ all methods of winning
and engaging them to fix and fettle with the
victorious.
The Indians are uſed, and the cuſtom is
pretty common among them, to eat their meat
half raw, which denotes a great ftrength of
ftomach, and perhaps much more an impatient
and ravenous appetite.
This caufes feveral difeafes, to which they
are fubject.. The most dangerous is the
fmall-pox, which is as deftructive there, as the
plague brought from the Levant is fometimes.
in
of the uncivilized Indians.
27
in Italy. As foon as they find a perfon feized
with this diſorder, which is generally mortal in
Paraguay, they quit the place, and retire in
hafte to the woods, leaving three or four
days provifions with the fick body. From
time to time they bring a fresh fupply, till the
perfon dies or recovers. This is the method of
the Savages in thefe occafions; but the be-
haviour of the chriftian Indians is widely
different: for their charitable care reaches even
to their infidel neighbours under this diforder.
But it is impoffible to give an idea, that can
repreſent at once the manners of fo many
different nations: for cuftoms and ufages one
may eaſily conceive, muft vary infinitely. 'Tis
enough to lay before the reader, the cuftoms
moft generally eſtabliſhed among the Indians.
There is ſtill a greater variety in their language-
than manners for they are confined to a fmall
number of people, and to as little an extent of
territory; being as numerous as their feveral
fmall nations: and this is another great ob.
ſtacle to the propagation of the goſpel.
It may be faid in general, that there are
two forts of people in this country; one
compleatly favage, and the other, tho' in the
center of barbarity, whether by nature or
education, poffeffed of moft amiable qualities.
By not obferving this difference, Hiftorians
have difagreed very much about the nature of
the Indians, and reprfented them in very different
lights.
Some-
...
28
The Genius and Manners
Sometimes they are defcribed as a coarfe
rough fet of men, as narrow in their views,
as they are inconftant in their refolutions;
ready to embrace chriſtianity to day, and to
return the next to their brutifh habits in the
woods. Then we are told, that they are men
of ſpirit and mettle, that undergo labours with
wonderful patience, have much wit and under-
ftanding, and are very tractable with regard to
thofe, who have authority over them; and in a
word, very careful in all things to follow the
dictates of true reaſon.
This is the idea given by the above cited Bar-
tholomew de las Casas, Biſhop of Chiapa, of the
Indians of Mexico, Peru, and feveral American
Iſlands, when the Spaniards firft arrived among
them. But it must be remarked, that theſe
Indians were civilized; they had a King and a
fplendid court, which was not to be ſeen in
any other part of America; without doubt the
habit of obeying their Prince had humanized
them.
It would be wrong to form a judgment
by thefe Indians of the reft. Good or evil
cuftoms in every diftrict are tranfmitted from
father to fon; and the good or bad education
that is received prevails over the private cha-
racter of particulars.
No wonder that among nations as favage
and wild, as thofe are generally that inhabit
the Paraguay, and who do not find interiorly
any check from a notion of divine or human
laws,
of the uncivilized Indians.
29
laws, fo little humanity is to be found; that
youth fo ill educated, and corrupted by bad
example, fhould deliver themfelves up to
diffoluteneſs, and exceffes; or that habituated
to fishing and hunting, laborious exercifes,
tho' not without pleaſure, they fhould neglect
tillage and huſbandry; in fine that drunkenneſs
fhould be a common vice among them. They
are fure to exceed when they have Chica at
difcretion; and particularly when they are
prefented by Europeans with fome bottles of
wine and ſpirits.
The rainy feafon is their time for mirth.
Their feafts and dances hold out ufually two or
three days and nights, of which the greateſt
part is ſpent in drinking; and frequently the
fumes of Chica getting into their heads, diſputes,
quarrels, and murthers fucceed to their di-
verfions and pleaſures.
The Caciques are allowed a plurality of wives,
the reft can have but one; but if they diflike
her, they can turn her off, and take another.
A father never gives his daughter in marriage,
unleſs the fuitor gives proofs of his dexterity
and valour. On theſe occafions the lover fets
out a hunting, kills all the game he can, and
brings and lays it at the entrance of the hovel,
where the young perfon lives that he courts,
and then retires without faying a word. By
the quality and quantity of the game, the
Parents judge whether he is a man of fpirit,
and deferving of their daughter.
Numbers
30
The Genius and Manners, &c.
Numbers of Indians have no bed but the
ground, or fome rough boards upon which
they ſpread a mat, and the hides of fome beaſts
they have flaughtered. They are very happy
when they can purchaſe a hammock, which is
a kind of net they hang up, and faften to four
poſts; they uſe it in their journies, and when
night comes on, they faften it to the trees, and
there take their reft.
Towards funfet the Savages make their laſt
meal, and immediately after go to bed. But
the young people that are not married ufually
pitch upon that time for their affemblies, and
dance together for two or three hours, to a fort
of flute or flageolet: the girls in dancing form
a large ring round the men.
The Americans who raife Indian corn, at the
clofe of harveft, divide into feveral bands,
and go on their hunt into the woods. To
preſerve what they kill, they drie it by the
fire, to a degree that it becomes as hard as
wood.
In the month of August they return home,
to ſow their fields. The almoft continual
rains from December to May, keep them much
at home, infomuch that they have no inter-
courſe with the neighbouring nations. The
rivers overflow, and form lakes, which are
foon full of fish; when the floods are quite
fallen, they take again to hufbandry till
harveſt.
CHAP
( 31 )
CHA P. IV.
The Religion of the wild South-Americans.
TH
HO' few people in the world carry
ignorance fo far, as to own no fuperior
Being worthy of their homage, yet it is certain
beyond all doubt, that feveral nations in
Paraguay pay no external worſhip whatever,
either to God or Devil. They are notwith-
ftanding perfuaded of the exiſtence of the
latter, and have a great dread of him. They
alfo believe that the foul dies not with the
body; which is evident from the care they take
in their burials to place provifions near the
dead bodies; a bow and arrows, that they may
provide for ſubfiftance in the other world, and
not be obliged by want to return to this, and
to moleft the living. This principle, univer-
fally received among the Indians, is of great
fervice towards bringing them to the knowledge
of God. As to any thing more, the greatest
part have no thought, what becomes of the foul
after death.
They give the name of mother to the moon,
and honour her as fuch. When the moon is
eclipfed, they run in hafte out of their huts
with lamentable fhrieks and howlings, and
fhoot a great many arrows into the air to
defend her, they fay, from dogs that are fallen
on her, and tear her to pieces. This they
take
32
The Religion of
take to be the caufe and origin of eclipfes.
They continue fhooting their arrows till the
moon has recovered her ufual brightneſs. It is
well known, that feveral, tho' civilized, na-
tions in Afia, entertain nearly the fame notions
of the Lunary Eclipfes, as the Savages in
America.
When it thunders, the Americans imagine
the form is raiſed by fome of their deceaſed
enemies to revenge the fhame of their defeat.
All the Indians are very fuperftitious in their
enquiries after what is to happen; and for this
purpoſe they often obferve the finging of birds,
the changes that happen to trees, and the cries
of fome animals. Theſe are their oracles, and
they believe that they can receive from them
a certain knowledge of the accidents wherewith
they are threatened.
Nevertheleſs fome Indians adore the devil
and Idols, as the people called Manacicas.
Their priests are called Mapono. The Manacicas
are ſpread among many villages, tolerably
populous; whofe ways are quite different from
the other Indians. Their houſes all of timber,
have an appearance of fymmetry and neatnefs,
not to be met with elſewhere; and form large
ftreets, and fizeable fquares, one of which is
larger than the reft, where the chief Cacique re-
fides; and a ſpacious hall befides, where the peo-
ple affemble to worship their Gods, and for all
public ceremonies. The other houfes of the
town have ſeveral rooms. The only tool they
ufe
the wild South-Americans.
33
ufe in building, is a kind of hatchet made of
a hard ftone, with a ſtrong edge, to cut and
fhape the largeſt pieces of timber. The women
are chiefly employed in manufacturing cloaths,
and making very nice and curious earthen ware,
in which they are very ſkilful.
As the towns of the Manacicas lie not far
afunder, frequent vifits, and grand enter-
tainments are very common, which concludę
with a general dance.
The Manacicas are the only nation where the
chief Cacique has fovereign authority. His
lands are tilled, and his buildings are raifed
at the public charge. His table is conſtantly
provided with the beſt the country affords, and
without any expence of his. No one dares to
take in hand any thing of moment without
his approbation. The Cacique puniſhes offend-
ers feverely, and orders with impunity and
arbitrarily, what puniſhments he pleaſes for thoſe
he diflikes. The Women are fubject in the
fame manner to the principal wife of the Cacique.
All the inhabitants pay the tenth of their hunt-
ing and fishing to him, and are not allowed
either without his leave. His power is not
only abfolute, but hereditary. As foon as the
Cacique's eldeſt fon is of age to govern, the
father refigns his command to him, and the
inveftiture is performed with great pomp and
folemnity. This voluntary refignation always
increaſes the refpect and love of the people for
their old maſter.
D
As
J
34
The Religion of
As abfurd as the Religion of the Manacicas
appears, fome traces of the true are diſcovered
in the number of fables it contains, and of which
it is full. For they believe according to
tradition from their anceſtors, that a lady of
exquifite beauty conceived formerly without
any operation of man; that he brought forth
a moſt charming child; that this child having
attained a certain age, filled the world with
admiration of his virtues and prodigies; that
one day in the prefence of a numerous crowd of
difciples his followers, he afcended into the air,
and inftantly transformed himfelf into this fun,
which fhines upon us. They add, that were
it not for the vaft diftance, his features would
ſtill be visible.
Yet the Manacicas do not adore the fun.
They hold three gods, and one goddefs, who,
according to them, is the ſpouſe of the firſt,
and mother of the fecónd, whom they call
Urafana, and the goddeſs Quipoci. Theſe gods
now and then appear, ſay they, under frightful
figures, to the people affembled in the hall of
the Cacique to caroufe and dance according to
cuftom; a loud noiſe announces their coming.
The moment they appear, the people interrupt
their diverfions, and break out into acclamations
of joy. Then the gods begin to fpeak, and
encourage the people in the most courteous
manner, to eat and drink heartily. They
promiſe them plenty of fifh and game, and
all other good things; after that, to honour the
feaft
The wild South-Americans
35
feaft, they call for drink, and fwallow down
furprizingly and readily the bowls that are
prefented to them. To underſtand right the
whole myſtery of theſe apparitions, it fuffices
to know, that a great part of the hall lies
behind a curtain, this is, as it were, the fanctuary
of the pretended deities. No one is admitted,
nor even allowed to look within except the
principal Mapono, who knows how, and when
it is moſt proper to introduce his actors on the
ftage. They are no doubt fome confidents of
his, under the difguife of figures and dreffes fuit-
able to the farce.
Sometimes the Mapono from behind the
curtain, puts queftions to the gods, concerning
future events; and offers the vows and prayers
of the people. After a few moments filence,
he comes out of the fanctuary, and reports to
the people the moſt favourable anſwers from
the gods. Theſe oracles are often fo ridiculous,
that thoſe who hear them, cannot hold from
laughing. Once an Indian took it into his head
to cry out in the affembly, that the gods had
drunk heartily, and that the Chica had made
them merry; upon which the Mapono changed
his flattering promifes into imprecations, and
threatened the people with ftorms, thunder,
famine, and death.
Sometimes the Indians fuffer themfelves to
be perfuaded, that the Mapona has taken his
flight up to heaven, whence he foon comes back.
in company with the goddeſs Quipoci. She
fings
D 2
36
The Religion of
"
fings behind the curtain fome fongs with an
agreeable voice, and the people from the mo-
ment they hear her, fhew all the marks of the
moft fenfible joy, and demonſtrate, in the moſt
expreffive terms, their refpect and love for the
deity. She anſwers in the kindeft manner
poffible, calling the Indians her children, and
telling them that fhe is a true mother, and that
The only protects them from the wrath of the
gods, and their cruelty. And indeed the
Indians invocate her in their wants, and
when they ſuffer under any calamity.
It happens not very feldom, that the Mapono
fhall come with a. commiffion from the gods,
ordering the people to take up arms, and in-
vade fome neighbouring township. The im-
poftor recommends the enterpriſe to the people,
as a means to be very rich in a fhort time.
Tho' the Manaciĉas repented more than once
following the Mapono's advice, yet they feldom
fail complying. But the Indians pay very dear
for thefe deceitful oracles: for they are obliged
to offer a large fhare to their gods, of their
hunting and fishing, thro' the hands of the
Maponos, who get a confiderable revenue by
the credulity of the poor people.
The Manacicas believe the immortality of
the foul, and that, when it leaves the body,
it is conducted to heaven by the Mapono, there
to live eternally in joy and delight. On the
death of an Indian, the Mapono diſappears for
fome time, which he fays is employed by him in
conveying
The wild South-Americans.
37
conveying the foul of the diſeaſed to the man
fion of blifs. This journey muſt be very
troubleſome for it lies thro' thick forefts, high,
craggy, and ſteep mountains, deep valleys
full of vaft lakes and pools, and over a very
broad river, with a wooden bridge, guarded
night and day by the god Tatutifo, This deity
is not unlike the fabulous Charon of the Poets;
and moreover his buſineſs is to purify the fouls
from all ſtains contracted in their life paft. If
any fail in due refpect, he throws them over
to fink in the ſtream, At laft they reach pa-
radife; a poor paradife it is, and the pleafures
they find there not very engaging. Nothing
to be had but a kind of gum, fome honey,
and fish, to feed the fouls of the Indians with.
The Mapono at his return, tells a thouſand other
filly ftories of his journey, and takes care to be
well paid for his trouble.
In fome parts the Maponos alfo profefs phyfic.
To be entituled to this lucrative imploy, the
doctor must have had frequent engagements
with wild beafts, tygers efpecially; and muft
fhew by fcars on his body, that he has been
either bit, or fcratched by fome of thefe ani-
mals. After theſe fevere trials, the Maponos,
and in fome places, the Caciques, have a right
to heal the fick, and are called in preferably
to the others. Thefe phyficians know only.
two methods of cure, both very extravagant
for all forts of complaints.
·
The first method confifts in examining the
ཙྩི་ཏི་
patient,
D 3
38
The Religion of
patient, where he has been of late, whether
he has let any Chica fall to the ground (a
great crime with them) or whether he has
thrown fome bit of veniſon, tortoiſe, or other
animal, to the dogs. If fo, there needs no
farther enquiry into the caufe of the diforder;
the gods punish in this manner the abufe of
their bleffings. Or elfe it is the foul of fome
animal, which refenting the ill ufage it has
met with, has got into the body of the patient...
The Doctor fucks the place where the pain is
felt; then he wheels about his patient, with
violent ſtrokes of his club laid on the ground,
to drive away, as he pretends, the fpiteful fpirit,
that torments him night and day. By this,
one may well prefume, the patient is not much
better, and that nothing is to be depended
on, but the ſtrength of his conſtitution.
However the Miffionaries inform us, that
moſt of the fick die rather of hunger and want,
than of the illneſs they fuffer. They are allowed
but a handful of Indian corn a day, and that
moftly raw, which the fick often loath, and
cannot eat. All the care of the family is for
the knowing doctor, who fits by his patient,
and eats very contentedly the beſt poultry and
game laid before him.
The other way of cure is very cruel and
barbarous. Some of thefe Indians are per-
fuaded, that all their diſeaſes are caufed by the
malice of women. In this cafe, let the patient, or
phyſician pitch upon any woman as the fancied
cauſe
The wild South-Americans.
39.
cauſe of the diftemper, it is a ſufficient realon
enough for the Indians to go and diſpatch the
unhappy creature. Tho' experience ought to
have convinced them, that ſuch recipes, or pre-
ſcriptions are of no fervice, they ſtill will believe
that distempers proceed from external cauſes,
and not from any internal alteration of the hu-
mours.
Thefe ridiculous methods of cure are a-
boliſhed where the Miffionaries are fettled. And
it was not without great difficulty, that they
undeceived the poor Indians, and difcovered to
them the ignorance and knavery of their pre-
tended Phyſicians.
CHA P. V.
The principal obftacles to the Indians converfion,
eſpecially from the Europeans. The Mameluffes
of Brazil.
I
This eaſy to imagine how difficult it was to
ſubject the Indians, fuch as they are repre-
fented here, to the laws of the gofpel. But as
barbarous as their manners could be, I dare ven-
ture to ſay, that this was not the greateft obftacle
to their converfion. The Europeans themſelves,
more than any thing elfe, have been the main
cauſe of the averfion the Indians have to
Chriſtianity, by their barbarous ufage of theſe
unfortunate people. The nature of this work
D 4
makes
40
The principal Obſtacles
makes it neceffary to give a fhort ſketch of the
paft and prefent behaviour of the Europeans in
South-America, and its pernicious confequences.
'Tis well known, that the Spaniards, whether
neceffitated to it by a chain of circumftances
not in their power to avoid, or otherwife, did
not eſtabliſh their empire in South-America, but
by force; and that they deftroyed millions
under various pretexts. If they fpared any, they
did it to make them flaves.
A great number of thefe miferable creatures
were confined to the mines, where they were
oppreffed with labour and ill ufage. This
excess of cruelty raiſed among the Indians, that
had eſcaped the yoke, a furious hatred of the
Spanish nation, and which is fo much the
more fure to continue, as their tyranny holds
on at leaſt in part, notwithſtanding the wife
and rigorous ordinances of the catholic Kings,
and the complaints of all the good Spaniards,
who ceaſe not to lament the exceffes, fo contra-
ry to the maxims of the gofpel, and humanity.
Now this has raifed a great obftacle, and fo
difficult to get over, as to render the propagation
of the chriſtian faith almoſt impoffible. From a
hatred of the Spaniards, there follows naturally a
hatred of their Religion. And indeed, how could
they be ever perfuaded, that the God, whom
cruel and unjuſt men, and enernies of mankind
adored, ſhould be a merciful and good God, and
that his law is moſt holy? This conduct of the
Spaniards has not been lefs prejudicial to the con-
2
cerns
to the Indians Converfion.
41
cerns of the ſtate, than of Religion. When the
Spaniards intended to ſtretch beyond the high
mountains of Peru and Chili, to the inland
parts of the continent, they were forced to uſe
violence; but often fell very short of the expected
fuccefs. For the Indians not only made ftout
efforts to preferve, or recover, their liberty; but
in their turns became aggreffors, and penetrated
more than once into the Spanish towns and cities,
which they deftroyed with fire and fword, and by
all the means that hatred and fury could fuggeft.
The Muscovites in the year 1590, and under
the reign of the Czar Fedor Ivanovitz, con-
quered Siberia, an immenfe tract of land, and
which has no bounds, but the Chinese Tartary.
We have a faithful relation of that glorious
expedition, that pacific conqueft, if I may ufe
the expreffion. The Mufcovites engaged the
Siberians fo much with prefents and demon-
ftrations of kindnefs, that they all voluntarily
fubmitted to the Emperor of Ruffia. Towns,
forts, and churches, were built without oppo-
fition and now flouriſh more than ever;
and if the Ruffians had been more zealous in
endeavouring to convert the Siberians, perhaps
there would not have remained the leaft trace
of Idolatry. "Would to God", fays the
author of the relation," that the Spaniards
"had treated the Indians in the fame gentle
❝ manner. They would have civilized the
"fierce minds of thoſe barbarians, and made
"them their friends. After this it would
" have
42
The Principal Obſtacles
"have been eaſy to carry on their conqueſts,
"as far as they would. This I am fully con-
"vinced of, by a voyage I made to America.
"But by taking a quite contrary method, and
''
incurring the univerfal odium and execration
" of the Indians, they can get no ſubjects but
"by force; a means that feldom fucceeds.
"The Muscovites can fay it with truth, and ex-
"perience has taught them, that to eſtabliſh
new Empires, and civilize favage people,
"they must be treated with humanity".
Great numbers of Spaniards are abfolutely
deftitute of this virtue, who fail to the Indies
merely to get riches. They are in this world,
one would think, only to command. They
are above all work. In many parts even of
Spain, the lands are tilled wholly by flaves, or
ftrangers. This humour goes yet farther in the
Indies. A Spaniard would rather die for hun-
ger and want, than hold the plough. What
has been the confequences of this out-of the-way
pride? In the immenſe countries that are com-
prehended under the general name of Pa-
raguay, there are hardly to be found a do-
zen cities, with fome village-towns raiſed
by the Spaniards; and neither the one or the
other very populous. Some ſcattered hutts
are to be ſeen here and there in the parts
adjacent to the towns, for men to watch
the corn, which makes up the bulk of their
riches. There are befides at fmall diftances,
little townships of Indians fubject to the Spa-
niards,
to the Indians Converfion
43
niards. The reft of the Country is either
deferted, or poffeffed by independant Indians.
The Kings of Spain were no fooner mafters
of this vaft country and the richeſt in the world,
but thay imagined they had a ready means to
recompenfe the officers, who had ſignalized
themſelves in the wars. They gave them not
only a great extent of lands, but alfo the old
inhabitants the Indians, and thoſe who had been
brought thither from other parts. Thefe lands
were called Commanderies, as thofe to whom the
lands were given, Commanders. They and their
poſterity were to enjoy them, as a reward of
their labours, under certain conditions. This
cuſtom ſtill fubfifts. After the death of the
Commander, in default of iffue, the Cammandery
reverts to the crown; and the royal treaſury
receives the rents for fome years. The term
being elapfed, the Governor of the Province
may difpofe of the Commandery in favour of
any other family, that has ferved the ftate
faithfully, fo that all, in proportion to their
deferts, may hope, fome time or other, to
fucceed to a fhare in the King's benefac-
tions.
Every Indian muft pay five Piafters * yearly.
to their Commander; who ftrictly speaking, has
no right to exact any more; and the fifth part
(one piafter) is due to the Curate of the Com-
mandery,
* A Piafter. or piece of eight, is about four fhillings and
fixpence English money
44
The principal Obſtacles
mandery, and is the whole income of his Curacy.
The remainder is for the Commander, but with
an obligation to affift the Indians in their wants,
and to watch for their fafety. Tho' this may
ſeem a heavy tax, yet it is a very eafly one with
reſpect to what many fubjects of Europe pay to
their Princes; and thefe regulations are con-
formable to the laws of prudence and equi-
ty.
Hence the misfortune of the Indians is wholly
due to the almoft general neglect of the wife
ordinances made in their favour by the Kings
of Spain. They are not content with what the
laws allow; but the Indians are oppreffed with a
thouſand other heavy impofitions, that reduce
thefe poor creatures to extreme mifery. Many
officers are appointed, to ſee the King's orders
duly executed. There are alſo magiſtrates
called Protectors, whofe only buſineſs is to attend
the Indians in the courts of justice; and without
this formality, all acts of theſe courts are void.
But altho' Biſhops, Governors, and principal
officers, are commonly men of probity and
equity, 'tis impofible that of fo many fubaltern
officers there fhould not be fome, that a fordid
and baſe intereſt will induce to commit crying
injuftices and the evil will fcarce admit of a
remedy, at this great diftance from the court
and the prefence of the Sovereign. Let the
miniſters be never fo well difpofed, they are
under a neceffity of leaving the cafe to the
judgment of the very authors of thefe evils;
who
To the Indians Converfion.
45
who tranfmit what accounts they pleafe, and
affure the miniftry, that nothing is done, but
what is agreeable to his majefty's intenti-
ons.
No
They
The way that is ufually taken to grow rich
in a fhort time, is to make the Indians work
without reſpite, or moderation. The unhappy
creatures are a thousand times worfe off, than
even the Negroes; and the reafon is obvious.
The Blacks are the property of the mafters;
whereas the Indians are, as it were, only lent
by the King; and if they fail, the lofs is the
King's. Thus the Commanders, who foon be-
come Gentlemen, if they were not fuch at their
arrival in America, make all the advantage they
can of the Indians in their Commanderies.
care is taken for them, or their families.
are oppreffed with labour. They fink under
the weight of burthens that are above their
ftrength; or elſe run away in defpair, and take
to remote foreſts for refuge among the indepen-
dant Indians, whom they fail not to inſpire with
the greateſt hatred for the name of a Spaniard,
and of a chriſtian. Some after their eſcape,
go to the high-ways, and lie in wait to murther
the paffengers. They engage the Savages, to
carry defolation to the very gates of the Spanish
Towns, with impunity from the Spaniards,
who dare not punish them for fear of farther
exafperating the Indians.
It appears in an excellent memorial, fent in
1735, by Father d'Aguilar to the court of Spain,
and
45
The Principal Obftacles
and of which I fhall give a more ample ac-
count at the clofe of this work, " that fome
"Indian nations ravaged the Province of Tu-
r
66
'
.
cuman, at that time that they had ſeized all
"the roads, that there was no going by land
to Peru, without extreme danger; that they
daily committed infinite murthers and rob-
"beries; that many chriftians were led off
captives by the Savages; and that the Spaniſh
"Towns were in a manner blocked up".
This Father adds, "that the Indians had maf
"facred Spaniards in the broad day, and even
"at the gates of their cities; fome of which
"were fo diftreffed, that the inhabitants durſt
not go out at night, no not ſo much as out
"of their own houſes, without danger of fal-
"ling into the enemies hands.” Such are the
fruits of oppreffion, pride, and covetouſneſs.
..
But tho' the bad conduct of the Spaniards
fhould not be attended with pernicious con-
fequences; it muft of neceffity have another
effect of very great prejudice to the crown of
Spain. The beſt peopled Colonies are foon
reduced. The Indian families are deſtroyed by
degrees; and the number of inhabitants, the
main fupport of a ſtate, and without which the
moſt extended and fruitful Country, and
even all the treafures of the world, fignify
nothing, decreaſes daily in a very fenfible man-
ner.
The Indians, if you will, are baptifed; but
without any advantage to either foul or body.
I
They
to the Indians Converfion.
4.7
They are inceffantly taken up with hard work
in places at a great diftance from any Church;
they can neither go to Mafs, nor partake of the
Sacraments, nor hear any inſtructions from
their Curates; nay, they ſcarce have any know-
ledge of their Curates. This is alfo the cafe
of all the labouring people; as Negroes, thofe
that are born of European and Indian parents,
and Mulattoes, who live in village townſhips
or places very diftant from towns.
Every year indeed the Jefuits run over theſe
Provinces with unfpeakable zeal and charity.
They go from Colony to Colony, performing
the miffions in each, adminiftring the Sacra→
ments, and diftributing the word of God,
without fear of the fatigues, or dangers, that
are unavoidable in thefe long excurfions.
They comfort the Indians, diftribute the chari-
ties, which they have taken care to collect be-
fore; theſe they accompany with ſmall preſents,
and equally proper to gain their hearts, and
keep up the devotion of thefe poor people. In
fine, theſe fervent Miffionaries endeavour all
they can to alleviate the hardships of their fla-
very.
But the apoftolic labourers are too few for fo
vaft a harveſt. The Jefuits have but eight or ten
Colleges in theſe immenfe territories. Some of
thefe Colleges have but fix prieſts, and thoſe
fufficiently employed among the Spanish inha-
bitants of the towns. Even the College of Cor-
dova
48
The Principal Oftacles
dova in the Tucuman, the moft numerous and
flouriſhing, where they have their novice-
ſhip and univerfity together, has not a fufficient
number of fubjects, if the wants of the Country
are confidered. For the number of different
plantations and townſhips in the diſtrict of that
city amounts to 670, and thefe are difperfed
at a great diſtance in the inland parts.
The fcandalous life moft Chriftians lead in
America, obftructs the Converfion of the Indians
as much as their mercilefs barbarity. I need
not repeat what prejudiced or mifinformed
Travellers fay on this head. I fhall confine
myſelf to what is atteſted by perſons of known
worth, in Books printed at Madrid, without
any objection ever made to the truth of their
accounts. The Spanish nation has always been
justly commended for that edifying piety and
religion which it profeffes. But thofe who go
over to America are not commonly the moſt
zealous. The defire of being Saints is not
their motive to undertake the voyage. And
fo, tho' there are in the Indies, eſpecially a-
mong the Spaniards of the best rank, perfons
of a very regular conduct; the moſt part are
corrupt in their morals by 'intereft, luxury,
and an immoderate love of pleaſures and con-
veniences of life. To judge by outward ap-
pearances, one would be perfuaded that God
is well ferved. But this is all a fpecious out-
fide, Ignorance, injuftice, pride, an infa
tiable thirit of gold, take in their hearts
the
to the Indians Converfion
49*
the place due to religion. The infidels come in
time of peace to the Spanish towns to traffic.
The counterfeit piety of the inhabitants does
not deceive them long. They are immediately
ſtruck with the barbarous uſage of their brother
Indians. They foon perceive that the Spaniards,
even thoſe who are bound to give better exam-
ple, becaufe they preach up virtue to others,
fhame, by their conduct, the religion they profefs.
When the Jefuit Miffionaries, who are
owned even by Sectaries to lead irreproachable
lives even in America, endeavour to infinuate
the holy maxims of religion into the hearts of
thefe Indians they will fcarce give them the
hearing. If they fucceed fo far, as to bring
over a few Infidels to Jefus Chrift, the con-
verfions are commonly of no long continuance,
on account of the fad impreffions, which the
fcandalous behaviour of the Spaniards makes
on the new converts. When the Savages are
told, that our religion does not allow polygamy;
that it teaches humility, felf-denial, and chari-
ty, they retort the manners of the Spaniards
againſt all that has been faid, and accompany
their anſwers with a difdainful fmile, and
which is fufficient to defeat the warmeſt zeal.
At laft experience has too fenfibly convinced
the Miffionaries, that it is next to impoffible
to convert the Indians, who have opportunities
of being aquainted with the Spaniards way of
life; and that they must feek out other nations,
which by their fituation had no intercourfe
E
with
50
The Principal Obftacles
with Europeans. How the enterpriſe fucceeded
we ſhall ſee very foon.
But firſt I am to give an account of a parti
cular calamity, which oppreffed the Indians grie-
vouſly and for a long time. And now it is alfo
proper to fhew my reader what the Mamelues of
Brazil are, the robbers I have already mention -
ed. Theſe lights will be of great fervice
to underſtand other things that follow in this
work.
Some Spanish merchants that were fettled on
the other fide of the mountains of Peru, and
eſpecially thofe of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, had
entered into a kind of an affociation to make
flaves of the Indians, and after that to bring
them to market. They came with armed force
into the lands of the Indians, and ran thro' an
extent of Country of fome ninety, or one
hundred and twenty miles, or more, purſuing
the Savages much in the fame manner, as
hunters follow their game. If the booty made
in the enemies quarters did not answer their
expectation, they fell unawares on the neigh-
bouring Indian townſhips with whom they were
at peace, and without mercy put all to the
fword, who pretended to refift, or burnt them
alive in their huts. The reft were led off
captives. Some injury or other was always
pretended, to give a colour of juſtice to theſe
atrocious attempts. Theſe merchants when re-
turned home fold their flaves very cheap to
others, who drove crouds of thefe ill-fated
creatures
تا
to the Indians Converfion.
51
creatures bound and fettered to Peru, where
they fold them to confiderable advantage
The profit of the parties concerned amounted
yearly to feveral thouſand Piafters.
Mean while the true Spaniards could not fee
without horror and indignation fo many nations.
unjustly oppreffed, and facrificed to the infatiable
avarice of the inhabitants of Santa Cruz. But
they dreaded men, who were in great credit by
their riches, and no one had courage to oppoſe
this torrent of iniquity. The evil was inveter-
ate, and proof againſt ſeveral rigorous Edicts of
the Kings of Spain.
Father Jofeph de Arce, a Jefuit, full of
zeal for the falvation of fouls, appeared in
1690 before the Governor of the Indies, and
petitioned for leave to preach the Goſpel in the
Country of the Chiquitos. The merchants of
Santa Cruz uſed all endeavours to prevent the
fuccefs of the Miffionary's propofal; they made
no doubt that their trade muft fall, if he were
allowed to go on with his enterpriſe. All their
efforts were without effect. The undaunted
fervant of God, whom neither fear, nor any
human confideration could reftrain, where the
honour of God was concerned, in defiance to
all oppofition began his apoftolic labours and
excurfions, which were afterwards bleffed with
wonderful fuccefs. Nevertheleſs the wretches
went on plundering and carrying off Indians,
till the Miffionaries, who could not bear any
longer being diſturbed in their functions, nor
E 2
the
52
The Principal Obſtacles
the inhuman treatment of their Neophytes,
and the cutting off thus all hopes of bringing
over the other Indians to the fold of Jefus
Chriſt, took the refolution of making their
complaints to the royal audience, or tribunal,
of Chiuquifaca, and begged moſt earneſtly that a
ftop might be put to thefe violent abuſes.
The merchants of Santa Cruz were fupported
and protected by a perfon of power in the
Country; and the magiftrates not daring to
determine any thing in regard to the petition
laid before them, referred the caufe to the
Viceroy of Peru. This was the Prince of
Santo Bueno, a Neapolitan, and a man of great
religion and piety. And this I can affure with
fo much the greater confidence, as I was very
particularly acquainted with him at Bologna.
He took inſtantly the moſt effectual and ſpeedy
meaſures to redreſs theſe flagrant diforders.
The Prince iffued a moft rigorous ordinance,
whereby every one was forbid under the penalty
of banishment, confifcation of goods and
chattles, to fell, or purchafe Indians, or make
any attempt whatever on their liberty. As to
Governors who fhould tolerate fo criminal an
abufe, he condemned them to be deprived of
their pofts, and to a fine of 12000 Piafters.
Thefe exact orders put an end to their ini
quitous traffic; the Indians were moleſted no
more; and it is to be believed, that they feel
to this day the good effects of ſo wife a re-
gulation,
to the Indians Converfion.
53
gulation, and fo agreeable to the laws of
nature.
But whatever the Indians fuffered from the
Spaniards, thefe unhappy nations have fuffered
ftill more from the Mamelufjes of Brazil. And
here we fhall give in a few words the hiſtory of
this other fet of robbers.
Beyond the Rio Janeiro, and towards the
Cape of St. Vincent, where Brazil is terminated,
the Portugueſe built on a very ſteep rock the
town of St Paul by fome called Piratininga.
The climate is temperate. Inacceffible moun-
tains and the thick forefts of Pernabacaba fur-
rounds, and is a fence to it on all fides. The
territory is fruitful, and well cultivated; it
produces plenty of all neceffaries for life, as
corn, Indian wheat, plenty of cattle, fugar,
and ſeveral ſpices in fufficient quantity to ſupply
the neighbouring Countries.
The inhabitants of this town, for want of
European women married the natives of the
Country. From this mixture of bafe with the
noble blood of the Portuguefe, sprung a race
with all the defects of their mothers, and with-
out any of their fathers virtues. They funk
into fuch difrepute, thro' the profligacy of their
manners, that the neighbouring towns would
have thought themfelves utterly difgraced, had
they kept up any correfpondence with the
inhabitants of St. Paul. Tho' they were
originally Portugueſe, they were deemed un-
worthy of bearing a name, which they dif.
honoured
54
The Principal Obftacles
honoured by their infamous actions. They
were called Mameluffes, and the name continues
to this day in Brazil; tho' they commonly go
among Hiſtorians by the names of Paulifts,
Paulitians, Paulopolitans.
However for fome years they remained true
to God and their King; and this was chiefly
owing to the labours of the renowned Father
Jofeph Anchieta, the apoftle of Brazil, and
other Fathers of the Society of Jefus, who had
a College at St. Paul's founded by the town,
But at length, whether they found too ftrong
an oppofition to their diffolute lives from thefe
Fathers, or whether the Governors of Brazil
had not a fufficient regard and confideration
for them, they turned out the Jefuits, and threw
off in a manner all fubjection to Portugal. For
they obey the Governors of Brazil no longer
than they pleaſe; that is, as long as it ferves
their intereft; infomuch, that a kind of Com-
monwealth is formed in the town, and is go-
verned by its own particular laws.
St. Paul, which at firft had not above 400.
inhabitants, flaves, negroes, and Indians, in-
cluded, now reckons many thouſands within
the walls. The refufe of all nations is in-
difcriminately admitted. 'Tis the afylum of
all the Portugueſe, Spanish, English, Dutch, and
Italian robbers, who have left Europe to eſcape
the puniſhments due to their crimes; or fuch
as defire to lead a licentious life with impunity.
A
to the Indians Converfion.
55
A Black who runs away from his maſter is fure
to be well received.
The Mamelufjes declare openly, that they are
independent. But yet they pay to the King of
Portugal yearly a fifth of the Gold got out of
their mountains, which are not without mines.
But when they pay, they never forget to pro-
teft, this payment is neither made out of fear,
or on account of any indiſpenſible obligation;
but out of refpect and confideration for his
majefty. The advantageous fituation of St.
Paul, and the fortifications added by the inha-
bitants, have made the Portugueſe drop, not
the defire, but all hopes of ever fubduing this
ftrong-hold. Befides the arms common to
them and the Indians, the Mameluffes have
plenty of fire arms, brought partly by fugitive
Blacks, or which themſelves have taken from
paffengers, on the high ways. It
It appears,
that they have got the fecret of making gun-
powder.
They are alſo faid to have prieſts and religi-
ous among them; but certainly very little
religion remains: and if the Mameluffes ftill
call themselves Chriftians, they fhew very little
refpect to the laws of Chriftianity.
In effect, from the time the Mameluffes with-
drew their obedience to the authority of the
Vice-roy of Brazil, they took to pillage and
plunder; and in a manner that only became
the moſt barbarous nations. It is well known
that they made yearly excurfions, into the lands
of
56
The Principal Obftacles, &c.
of the Indians, and carried off an infinity
of theſe poor fouls into flavery, in order to
put them to hard work in the mines, and fugar
plantations. The lands in the neighbourhood
of St. Paul were ever after tilled by the poor
Indian captives only. The Provinces of Guaira,
Paraguay, and Rio de la Plata, were the moft
expoſed to the inroads of the Mameluffes, and
were the places that fuffered moft. They
deftroyed entirely feveral populous townſhips
of the Indians, and only ſpared thofe that paid
them tribute. After they had depopulated
their neighbouring Countries, they carryed on
defolation to the more remote. It would almoft
be thought incredible, were it not attefted by
all accounts, that the Mameluffes frequently
penetrated as far as the vaſt lake of the Xarayes,
and to the river Maragnon; that in the ſpace
of five or fix months they have made courfes
of three thousand miles in length; and it is
not easy to underſtand how they found means
to fubfift at this diſtance from home, under a.
neceffity of traverfing immenfe tracts, which
they had already ravaged. It is however
certain, that very few of the Indian popu-
lations, which were fo numerous about that lake,
efcaped their fury and barbarity.
They have not fpared even the Spanish cities
and Colonies; but pillaged fome, and carried
off the inhabitants. They have deftroyed
fourteen chriftian reductions, or townfhips;
and in the compafs of 130 years have made
above
The Establishment of, &c.
57
above two millions of Indians flaves, and among
thefe fifty thouſand chriſtians.
Among ſo many captives, fcarce one in a
hundred proved of any ſervice. The greateſt
part perished with mifery and hardship, before
they reached St Paul; and thoſe who came
found and fafe were foon taken off with the
bad air in the mines, or exceffive labour in
the Sugar-works. An authentic record has
been feen, whereby it is proved that of three
hundred thouſand Indians taken and brought
home by the Mameluffes, there were ſcarce
twenty thouſand living at the end of five
years.
The piety of the Kings of Portugal has
been frequently and moft earneſtly folicited, and
reiterated complaints have occafioned vigorous
Edicts againſt the Mameluffes, who have given
themſelves no great trouble on that account,
and whom thofe Edicts have not hindered
ravaging the Country in the ufual manner.
Perhaps the Kings of Portugal have deferred
too long the taking neceffary meaſures, to de-
ftroy this afylum for all crimes.
ย
CHAP. VI.
The Establishment of the Paraguayan Millions.
I
N the parts of South America, where Colleges
were founded for the Society of Jefus, the
father
58
The Establishment of
fathers found an ample field for the exercife
of their zeal, either in endeavouring to keep up
and promote piety and devotion among the
inhabitants of the Towns, or in performing
miffions among the country people, for the
moft part Indians employed in tillage by the
Spaniards. From time to time they vifited the
Countries of the Infidels. The whole of their
care was to baptife fome dying infants, or to
inftruct ſome adults, who ſeemed beſt diſpoſed
for their inftructions. But they rather paffed
thro' than made a ſtay in thefe favage Coun-
tries.
About the middle of the laſt century, thoſe
chriſtian Heroes formed a bold plan, and
refolved to fettle in the midft of the favage
Indians, that were fartheft removed from the
Spanish Towns, and plantations. Experience
had taught them, that this was the only means
to fuceeed, and to fecure fuccefs among the
Indians.
But the queſtion was, how to introduce
chriſtianity among men difperfed like wild
beaſts, retired very far into the thickeſt foreſts,
or lurking in dens, always at variance, never fixed
in a place, continually in wars with each other,
breathing nothing but revenge, and carrying
barbarity to that excefs, as to make their
moſt delicious meals on the fleſh of their fellow
creatures.
To fucceed in this project, the Miffionaries
judged, that it must be brought about by very
near
the Paraguayan Miffions.
59
near the fame means, which in the earlieſt
ages were of fervice to civilize the favage na-
tions, that filled Afia and Europe, as the wild
Indians do America. The firft ftep taken by
theſe ancient fages, was to bring the Barbarians
into Society, and to convince them how much
a civil life was to be preferred to the brutish life
they had led hitherto, whether they confidered
their prefent maintenance, or their habitations,
or even the wars fo frequent among them.
They artfully ingaged them to make a trial.
The Indians grew more tractable, as they be-
came more acquainted with a ſocial life, and,
as it were, by common conſent, accuſtomed
themſelves to the practice of virtues fuitable to
rational beings.
Cicero * commends very much the wiſdom
and abilities of that great man who firſt found
means to bring together, and to affemble in
one place, men formerly difperfed in fields, or
fhut up in caves among the rocks, and taught
them to know and to value what is virtuous
and profitable. The firft leffons, adds the Ro-
man orator, were frequently oppofed by the
outcries of the Barbarians, furpriſed and a-
larmed with the novelty. By degrees his
difcourfe gained ground among them, and
engaged their attention: and he brought fierce
and cruel people to live in friendship and
peace.
* Lib. 1. de Rhet.
Horace
60
The Eſtabliſhment of
}
Horace afcribing the fame glory to the
Thracian Bard, fays; † Orpheus that facred
minifter and interpreter of the gods, brought
mankind out of forefts. The charms of his
eloquence prevailed, and forced them to give
over murthers and their former terrible manner
of life. They became fociable, and this gave
occafion to Poets to feign, that he could tame
lions and tygers.
All theſe encomiums are juftly due to the
firſt Miſſionaries of Paraguay. And well they
may have a fhare of praife with former Legi-
flators, as they have followed their footſteps
with equal fuccefs, The wild Indians were
fcarce to be looked upon as men, when the
deſign was formed to make them chriftians,
The advantages and the pleaſures of a focial
life, and intereft which has fo great an in-
Aluence on the minds of men, were in the
beginning frequently reprefented to the Savages,
who were not altogether infenfible of what was
propofed. Their former life, fcarce different
from that of brutes, was defcribed to them in
a natural manner. The inconveniences of this
way of life were pointed out; the Indians laid
hold of the truth, which they obferved in thefe
accounts of themfelves, and were ftruck with
the reprefentation, When they were afked,
whether they did not think it against reafon and
humanity, to hunt down their fellow-creatures
+ Art. Poet.
merely
the Paraguayan Millions:
61
merely from a defire of devouring them, they
were at a lofs what to reply. And they already
began to look upon themfelves with fome
horror.
•
At length after a competent number of
Indians was brought together, they were
taught to build houfes with fome appearance
of neatneſs and fymmetry.
This coft very
little for thefe houſes, or rather huts, were
only made of rough wood and branches of
trees put together with bamboos, mats, and
ftakes. This however was a great improve-
ment, if compared to their former dwellings.
But this infant Republic would have ſoon been
deſtroyed, had not due care been taken to
provide neceffaries for their fubfiftance. With
much difficulty they were convinced, that it
was neceffary to hufband the ground. The
Miffionaries not only furniſhed the grain wanted
to fow their lands, but found them all neceffa-
ries for their maintenance till the harveſt. The
Indians continued hunting and fishing; they
looked for honey and wild fruits in the woods.
Before the year's end the good people grown
more gentle and tractable, began to reap the
fruits of their labour. The harveſt was plen -
tiful, and the fuccefs made them ftill eagerer to
take pains.
This new people raiſed at the fame time a
church entirely made of wood, under the
direction of the Miffionaries, who omitted no-
thing that could ferve to inftruct them with
re-
62
The Establishment of
regard to religion. The fuccefs perfectly an-
fwered their expectation. They began with
baptifing the children; in proceſs of time they
baptifed the adult, when they found them
fufficiently difpofed. And foon after it was
judged proper to fay mafs, and to adminifter
the Sacraments in public. The Neophytes
affifted at the myfteries with fuch fervour and
attention, that the Miffionaries could not
forbear fhedding tears of joy and tender-
nefs.
This firft Colony was fcarce fettled, when
many others were formed on the fame plan.
Theſe were called Dorines or Redullions, a
term which has continued ever fince to fignify
this kind of eſtabliſhments.
It is not to be faid how much theſe early
fuccceffes encouraged the Miffionaries. To
extend this new empire of Jefus Chrift, they
daily made farther progrefs into thofe immenfe
tracts, in queft of the Indians difperfed among
the plains, the mountains and forefts. They
endeavoured to gain by ſmall prefents the hearts
of the Indians they met; they laid before them
in the ſtrongeſt manner, the misfortune of a
man that owns no God, or adored falfe deities;
they alſo repreſented the advantages of chriftian
religion, and did their beſt to make them fen-
fible of the truth of it. The Savages came
to obferve with their own eyes the happy
fituation of the Reductions. Nothing could be
of greater power and efficacy for engaging
them
the Paraguayan Miffions.
6g
them to join in the fame manner, under the
laws of the gofpel, and to follow in all things
the advice of the Miffionaries, whom they
looked upon as perfons come from heaven.
Thus feveral Reductions were formed fuc-
ceffively, and the old ones were increaſed by
numbers that came in crouds to be admitted
into theſe new 'fettlements.
The first fettlements were made in the
province of Uraguay; which in the opinion of
the Jefuits feemed the moft proper for the
execution of their defign. This province lying
eaft of Paraguay is encompaffed with a chain
of mountains which inclofes a vaſt and fruitful
plain, watered from end to end by the river
Uraguay, for the ſpace of 690 miles, Some
Redutions were foon after eſtabliſhed in the
province of Guaira, to the north eaſt, with
very fine plains, and as good air. The inde-
fatigable Miffionaries conducted the Indians that
were willing to receive their inftructions into
thefe parts, as fitteft for culture and tillage.
And before it was long, they reckoned in the
faid provinces 30 Reductions, and the number
of inhabitants in each from four to fix thou.
fand.
It must not be diffembled, that the moſt
pathetic exhortation would not perhaps have
been of fufficient weight to bring thefe men
to the knowledge of the true God, if fome
means that are merely human had not alſo been
employed at firſt. They faw plainly that pro-
viding
64
The Establishment of
viding them with victuals in plenty was one of
the moſt efficacious. For when the firſt fettle-
ments were in agitation, the Indians would tell
the Miffionaries; if you would have us stay with
you, give us plenty of victuals; we are like beasts
that are always eating; not like you, who eat but·
little, and that little at fet hours. As to this,
the Indians are ftill the fame, and have no
regular time for their meals.
not their rule, but the calls of a craving
ſtomach. They eat their meat almoſt raw, as,
I think, I have obferved before, and refemble
in this, as they do in many other things, the
Savage people of Africa, and the Tartars in
Afia.
The clock is
;
This put the Jefuits on all the means, they
could poffibly ufe, to find their infatiable.
ſtomachs with a fufficient quantity of victuals
they hereby entirely gained their confidence,
and got a fort of right to work on their minds
as they pleaſed. They taught them to love.
labour and huſbandry, which the richeſt foil
requires to be fruitful. The charitable Miſſion-
aries took care befides to provide them gratis
with fish-hooks, knives, hatchets, fciffars,
needles, and other things in that kind, of
great requeſt with the Indians, but held too dear
in the Spanish towns to be purchaſed by the
poor people. They generouſly ſupply'd them
with the drugs and remedies they wanted, and
their charity not only appeared, but was truly,
univerfal. Theſe pious arts were the means
by
the Paraguayan Millions.
65
by which they got power and authority
to bring them under fubjection to Jefus
Chriſt.
As the province of Guaira was not far from
St. Paul, the Mameluffes foon got intelligence
of theſe new Colonies affembled under the
ſtandard of the Crofs. They looked upon this
as a favourable opportunity to increaſe the
number of their flaves. Eight hundred of
theſe public robbers, followed by two or three
thoufand Indians, broke in unexpectedly upon
theſe chriſtian Colonies. All that attempted
to refift were put to the fword, the reft were
carried of as ſlaves. Above 85000 chriſtians
loſt either life or liberty in a few years. The
Mamelues entirely deftroyed twelve or thirteen
of the most promiſing Reductions.
The Miffionaries were now convinced, that
there was an impoffibility of faving the weak
remains of the Indian fettlements, in places too
much expofed to the inroads of the Mameluffes.
Moreover they obferved, that the misfortune
befallen to the new Colonies was a real obftacle
to, the converſion of the Indians. For theſe
faw, that the bringing together of chriftians
into plantations, had contributed to make them
fo much easier a prey to the Mameluffes, and
were on this account the more alienated from
chriſtianity. Upon this the Miffionaries de-
termined to tranfplant their remaining Neo-
phytes above 390 miles, to the banks of the
river Parana. The tranfinigration was attended
F
with
66
The Establishment of
with more difficulty than can be believed; but
the Indians, after they had fuffered much on the
road, notwithſtanding all the precaution and
care of their paſtors, reached at laſt the place
appointed, about 12000 in number, and formed
the Reductions of our Lady of Loretto, and
St. Ignatius. Several other fettlements were
afterwards made between the large river Parana
and Uraguay. They are difpofed in fuch a
manner, that they can defend, and give
mutual aid to one another when neceffary; and
moreover the Neophytes having been fince
inured to the hardships of war and military
difcipline, repoffeffed themfelves of the countries
they had been forced to quit. Here they built
new towns, and were in a condition not to
fear the Mameluffes, whom they have more than
once taught to repent their former violences and
cruelty.
In the year 1717, the province of Guaira
alone, fituate betwixt the rivers Parana and
Uraguay, reckoned thirty two very populous
Redutions, and upwards of 121168 Indians,
all baptifed by the fathers of the ſociety of
Jefus, the only Miffionaries in thoſe parts.
Many other Reductions were founded near to
one another between the great River Uraguay
and the Sea. Others were formed towards the
North, on the banks of the large river Mamore,
that runs into the famous river of the Ama-
zons.
On the other fide of South America lies a
fpa-
the Paraguayan Miffions.
67
fpacious tract, bounded on the weft by the
Peruvian mountains; on the Eaft by the river
Paraguay; the length from North to South is
goo miles. It is watered by confiderable rivers,
the Pilcomaio, and Vermejo, not to mention
many others lefs confiderable. This tract
contains many nations, and particularly the
Ciriguanes, a nation of great extent. There
is to the eaſt of the latter another nation that
ftretches to the lake Xarayes, where the Pa-
raguay takes its rife. This is moſtly inhabited
by the Chiquitos, and Manacicas. The Jefuits
had often attempted, but in vain, to introduce
the chriftian religion among thefe Savages:
their converſion feemed quite defperate, when
the reverend father Jofeph de Arce accompanied
by F. John Baptift de Zea, undertook to fubdue
them to the empire of Jefus Chrift. Provi-
dence had prepared the way by two happy
incidents, and both extremely favourable to
the carrying their defign into execution.
Two nations were then at war. Father de
Arce compofed the difference by his talent in
perfuading, and reſtored peace and concord
between the contending parties. Much about
the fame time he obtained a pardon for an Indian
under fentence of death from the Governor of
Santa Cruz de la Sierra. This charitable office
of the Miffionary procured the good will of
the other Indians. He got leave to make an
excurfion into thofe parts, and founded fome
Reductions. The labours of this apoftolic man,
F 2
and
L
4
68
The wonderful Fervour of
and his heroic companions, fome of whom
were ſo happy as to receive the crown of
martyrdom, were published in Spanish by F.
Patric Fernandez, in a book printed at Madrid
1726..
The Succeffors of thefe illuftrious Miffion-
aries were not content to keep up the ancient
Reductions to the flouriſhing ſtate they were in,
but without any intermiffion carried on their
labours, and planted chriftianity in the vaft
province of Chiaco, and other favage tracts of
the continent. They frequently had the fatis-
faction to fee whole favage nations come of
their own accord and beg to be inftructed.
The number of the faithful increafes yearly;
and we have juft grounds to hope, that the
time is near when we fhall fee all this part of
the world fubject to the laws of the gofpel,
by the laborious miffions and preaching of the
Fathers of the Society of Jefus.
CHAP. VII.
The wonderful Fervour of the Chriftians in Pa-
raguay: their Affiduity at Church: their ordi-
nary Practices of Piety.
To
O bring over the Indians to Chriſtianity
was not fo much; but they were to be
taught befides the practice of their religious
duties; wherein the Miffionaries fucceeded even
be-
the Chriftians in Paraguay.
-69
yond their moſt fanguine hopes. The fervour
that animates the Indians in the difcharging
the duties which religion lays upon them,
is not to be expreffed. But to have fome idea
of their ſurpriſing fervour, it is proper to
remember what they were formerly; men,
who had ſcarce any thing human befides the
figure, who made it their bufinefs only to fa
tisfy their brutiſh apetites, are now the patterns
of all chriſtian virtues. The purity of their
manners, and their devotion lay before us
a perfect reprefentation of the primitive.
church.
Experience has fhewn, that the Indians are
for the most part, mild, docile, and have a
fenfe of friendly ufage. That beautiful fim- y
plicity which the gospel reprefents as a faithful
attendant on innocence, is very remarkable in
thoſe that profeſs chriſtianity, There is room
to believe, that the fiercenefs, which before
their converfion appeared in their whole be-
haviour, was not fo much the effect of temper,
as of a bad education, Vicious habits were
tranfmitted from parents to their offspring by
example; but as foon as the Indians had virtues.
propofed for their imitation, probity, candour,
and modefty, were feen to take place of un-
bridled paffions that governed them, and it may
be faid in general, that they are all good and
fervent chriftians.
But the nature of man being alfo corrupted
fince the fall of Adam, no numerous fociety of
F 3
men
-70
The wonderful Fervour of
men can be found on earth àbfolutely free from
fault, and without fome perfon, that may ſtray
from the rugged paths of virtue. Among the
firft chriftians all were not irreproachable; and
it is not to be imagined, that the Reductions of
Paraguay are more privileged than the primitive
church in this refpect. If the miffionaries have
not been able to prevent all fault, they have
at leaſt endeavoured to prevent the bad confe-
quences.
To preferve order in the Reductions, fome of
the eldeſt Neophytes are chofen, and they are
among the Indians what the Cenfors were of old
in Rome, and the Nomophylaxes among the
Grecians. They are ftiled Regidores; and the
particular duty of fome among them is, to have
an eye to the behaviour and manners of the
young converts.
If the Regidores find that any
one is guilty of fome confiderable fault that
may give ſcandal, as an offence againſt modefty,
or an exceſs of paffion, attended with any
injury to their neighbour, they feize the delin-
quent; he is brought in a penitential habit
to the church, to beg pardon of God in a
public manner for the offence, and a penance is
enjoined to the offender. He is then brought
out to the fquare, where he fuffers in public a
puniſhment fuited to the nature of the offence.
The criminal after he has received his correction
with great humility, generally kiffes the hand
that has puniſhed him, with thanks, and fays,
God reward you for helping me to avoid, by
this
the Chriftians in Paraguay.
71
this flight correction, the eternal punishments
that hung over my head. One feldom hears that
any relapfe, and feldomer that the contagion of
ill example ſpreads among the other Chrifti-
ans.
But what is more furprifing, men, and even
women, who had fecretly committed the faulţ
that they faw punished in another, ran of their
own accord to the Rigidor and accufed them-
felves, withall earneftly begging to fuffer the
fame penance. A very remarkable inítance,
which fhews how nearly the Reductions reſemble
the primitive Church, where public penance
was fo much practiſed.
Men utterly void of the firft principles of
humanity, ſtood in need of the fulleft in-
ftructions with regard to the duties of chriftians.
The Miffionaries were very attentive and care-
ful in this point, as alfo to infpire them with
the greateſt reſpect for the myſteries of faith,
and whatever is the object of chriſtian worship.
But as they dealt with perfons of coarſe un-
derſtandings, and more affected by material
objects than the ſtrongeſt arguments, thefe wife
minifters of the gofpel took a fpecial care to
ftrike the imagination of their Neophytes with
all that could increafe their refpect for holy
things.
Hence they refolved, that the temples of the
true God ſhould be built and kept in order
with all poffible magnificence and neatneſs.
The firſt churches were wooden buildings, and
F 4
of
72
The wonderful Fervour of
of a homely ſtructure; yet they had an appear-
ance that feized and ftruck the Indians, not
accuſtomed to fuch objects. In procefs of
time the Jefuits taught them to make brick and
lime; and alfo brought from Europe fome of
their lay-brothers that understood building.
Whence in moſt of the Reductions churches are
now to be feen built of brick or ſtone; and of
which the moſt part would not difpleaſe a nice
European. Beſides the body of the church
there are ifles, and thofe fometimes are double.
They never have more than five altars; a
greater number would be quite fuperfluous.
Thefe Churches, tho' very low, are large
enough. The roof which is fupported by
wooden pillars for want of ftone, cannot be
raiſed in proportion to the breadth and length
of the Edifice. But as the houſes are but one
ſtory high, the churches may be looked upon
as ftately buildings. Befides the great gate,
and thofe by which they enter the ifles, a great
number of windows are contrived in the walls,
to have more light. Moreover this number
of windows is very neceffary in fummer, par-
ticularly for the preachers and the prieſts that
officiate, when the church grows quite hot by
the crowds of Indians that come to attend
the church office, and who tranſpire very copi-
ouЛly.
The Reductions founded among the Moxos
being the lateft, their churches are far better
built than elſewhere. Befides the nave and
the
The Chriftians in Paraguay.
73
the ifles, there is a handfom choir under a cu-
polo.
As the Miffionaries have from time to time
brought with them lay-brothers who had learn-
ed in Europe ſeveral arts, of uſe for the de-
coration of facred Edifices; the altars are fet
off with large pictures, or pieces of devotion,
well framed, columns and cornifhes highly
finiſhed, and even ſtatues and Baffo rilievos.
The walls are commonly hung with paintings
on linen bound with fringe, or fixed in a frame
of wainſcot-work. Here the principal my-
fteries of religion are reprefented, to make a
deeper impreſſion in the minds of the Neophytes:
for pictures, to fpeak with St. Gregory, are
Books, wherein the common people ſtudy re-
ligion.
Each church has a baptifmal font placed in
a large chapel, moſt elegantly decorated, as
being the first thing that ftrikes the eye at the
entrance. The ornaments for divine fervice
are rather neat than rich; the alters are
chiefly fet off with artificial or natural flowers,
and are ftrewed with fweet herbs. Garlands
made with leaves and flowers are hung about
the church, and yield a moſt agreeable fmell.
On the greater folemnities perfumes are
burnt; the pavement is fprinkled with fcented
waters; they alfo fpread all about the ſweeteſt
herbs and flowers, which the country affords
the year round.
In this manner Nepotian came to be deferv-
edly
74
The wonderful Fervour of
edly commended by St. Jerome, who writes
thus of that virtuous man, in the Epitaph he
made to honour his memory +: " he decked
"the churches with flowers, branches and
leaves of trees, and tendrels of vines, in
mixing of which he diſplayed an elegant
<< taſte. The Miffionaries have more than
one reafon for keeping up this ufage.
There is in every Reduction a chief facriftan,
and two others under him; befides fix clerks,
who wear bands and caffocks, with a train three
quarters of a yard in length, like the clergy in
Spain. However they begin now to leave off
this troubleſome fashion. All the poſts juſt
mentioned are in the greatest requeft; and
thofe, who are promoted to thefe places, dif-
charge their refpective duties with the greateſt
punctuality. The novices of religious orders,
even the moſt fained for fervour and difcipline,
cannot appear with more modefty, or a greater
fhew of attention, than the Indian youths, who
officiate as clerks. All that relates to the divine
fervice, even the pavement, is kept extremely
neat.
But it is needlefs to feek in thefe churches
for choice marbles, or precious ftones. Gold
and Silver are feldom ufed, except for the
facred veffels. What is the moſt worthy of
notice, and is really wonderful, is the chriftians
+ Bafilicas Ecclefiæ diverfis floribus, & arborum comis,
vitiumque pampinis adumbravit.
affiduity
the Chriftians in Paraguay.
75
affiduity in their churches. They not only
practice what is ufually obferved in the beft
regulated parishes of Europe; but ſeveral other
exercifes of devotion, which the Miffionaries
have introduced among the Indians. With re-
gard to this point, I beg leave to give a more
circumftantial account, and which cannot but
be of great edification, and is a ſtrong proof of
the zeal of the Paftors, and the fervour of the
Neophytes.
Every morning by break of day all the
children repair to the church, where they take
their places, the boys on one fide, and the
girls on the other. There they recite alternately
the morning prayer, and the chriftian doctrine,
till fun-rife. Then Mafs is faid, and all the
inhabitants are obliged to affift, without fome
particular reafon be a juft excufe for their ab-
fence. After Mafs all go to work. In the
Evening the children are catechifed; then the
bell fummons all the faithful to the church, to
recite the Rofary, and the evening prayers.
A Mafs of the bleffed Lady is fung with mufic
every Saturday; and in the evening, after the
Rofary is faid, her Litany is fung, and a prayer
for the dead. But the account to be ſhortly
given of the Indian mufic, will certainly ſurpriſe
the reader.
Early on Sunday morning all repair to
church, to fing the chriftian doctrine. The
efpoufals, and marriages are celebrated next,
which takes up much time, as all marriages
for
X
76
The wonderful Fervour of
for greater folemnity are put off to Sunday.
This teaches the Infidels and new converts to
reſpect marriage as a facrament. Then High-
Mafs is fung; after the gofpel a Miffionary
goes up to the pulpit; and explains the goſpel
of the day. At the end of Mafs enquiry is
made whether any one has been abfent without
juft caufe from Mafs, and whether any have.
miffed attending at the recital of the chrifti-
an doctrine; whether within or without the
Reduction any diforder has happened that calls
for a remedy: penances are impofed upon thoſe,
that are found in fault.
The children and catechumens, of which
there is commonly a large number, are baptifed
in the afternoon. This is performed with all
poffible folemnity, to animate their faith, and
to inſpire them with efteem and refpect for
the holy ceremonies of the church. Then the
particular congregations and focieties meet to
perform their reſpective exerciſes, and hear
an exhortation. After Evening fong the whole
congregation fays the Rofary. When that is
ended, all retire to their homes and prepare for
the next day's work.
The Neophytes are prefent at all theſe
different exercifes with fuch modeſty and re-
collection, as cannot well be expreffed. But
their devotion appears in a ftill more fenfible
manner, when they are to receive the holy
Euchariſt.
The Miffionaries always conclude their fer-
mons
the Chriftians in Paraguay.
77
mons with an act of contrition, that contains
the ſtrongeſt motives to be forry for paft
offences: the church rings again with fobs and
fighs; and the Neophytes full of a holy hatred
of themſelves, endeavour to expiate their
failings with aufterities and macerations, which
they would carry to excefs, if care was not
taken to keep them within bounds.
How far they carry their tenderneſs and
delicacy of confcience, appears particularly at
the tribunals of penance. They fhed a torrent
of tears when they accufe themfelves of defects
fo very fmall, that it is fometimes a queſtion
whether they are fufficient matter for abfolution:
yet they are never weary of putting queſtions
to their confeffor with a fcrupulous anxiety,
whether this or that be a fin. If it happens.
after, that they find they have any ways offend-
ed God, they leave all buſineſs whatever im-
mediately; they run to the church to wash away
their guilt in the facrament of penance. They
confefs their fins with fo much grief, that the
confeffor feels the emotion of the penitents,
and cannot forbear mingling his tears with
theirs.
Almoſt all the Indians in general are poor,
and yet there are none, but what are ready to
fuccour their neighbour when they are wanted.
If a church is to be built, they freely lay afide
all their work, and run to offer their fervice.
They would rather want neceffaries, than not
contribute towards the raifing of fuch an edifice,
were
78
The wonderful Fervour of
were not bounds prefcribed to their pious ge-
neroſity.
The catholic church has always fhewn a
particular reſpect for the afhes of thofe, who de-
part this life after they have received the grace
of baptifm; and orders due care to be taken
for preferving their remains, which are one day
to be reanimated and to die no more. Perhaps
the intention of the church in this regard is
not better obferved any where, than in Paraguay.
The burying-ground, which is of a greater or
lefs extent in proportion to the number of the
faithful in each Reduction, always joins to the
church on one fide. It is commonly a fquare
piece of ground, incloſed with a wall breaſt
high, and encompaffed with palm and cyprefs
trees. Within the fquare are feveral rows of
orange trees that grow naturally in this mild
climate. On the fide of the fquare that looks
towards the country, there is a fpacious alley
wholly planted with orange and citron trees.
This leads to a chapel to which they go in
proceffion every Monday, to affift at a Mafs
fung for the Dead. At the two extremities
and the middle of this alley are planted large
cruffes, and there the proceffion halts while
fome prayers of the church are fung.
Perhaps it may not be improper to obferve,
that none are buried in the church but priefts.
Would to God that the fame cuftom formerly
obſerved in Italy, had ſtill continued! Our
churches
the Chriftians in Paraguay.
79
churches would not be lo infected as they are
with the cadaverous ftench of dead bodies.
In the parts adjacent to the Reductions, they
have built at proper diftances fome little cha-
pels, kept in very good order and neatly ador-
ned. The folemn proceffions on the feaſt of St.
Mark, the Rogation-days, on the titular feſtival of
the church, and when the ftations of a Jubile
are performed, are made to theſe chapels. The
proceffion goes through the ftreets, which are
all laid out by the line, and have all of them
a crofs of good workmanſhip erected at the
end. The proceffion makes a ftop before each.
The children fing to fet mufic fome part of the
chriſtian doctrine, and the people anſwer in
plain-fong. The proceffion only leaves the
town to enter into moft delightful avenues
of Pines, Palms, and Orange Trees fet by
the line; thefe reach to the Oratories to which
the proceffion is intended, and are an agreeable
fhelter from the wind, and the fcorching heat
of the fun. Thus every thing contributes to
promote the devotion of the faithful, without
any danger of its being obftructed.
CHAP
[ 80 ]
CHAP VIII.
How careful the Jefuits are to binder the tri-
dians relapfing into their former Diſorders, The
Success of their Endeavours.
T
HE devotion of the chriftians in Pa-
raguay is not confined to exterior prac-
tices and mortification; they are trained up
with care to the effential part of chriftianity,
which conſiſts in fubduing the Paffions.
I have already obſerved, that drunkenneſs,
incontinence, and cruelty, were vices almoft
univerfally predominant among the Savages of
Paraguay. As to the first of the faults, thefe
Miffionaries have infpired fuch a horror of it
to the Neophytes, that Chica is become now
an innocent liquor, without any other effect,
than enabling them to go through with their
work. The rigorous laws made formerly
againſt exceffes in point of liquor, are become
in a manner ufelefs. When Indians have come
to the Spanish towns, they have often been
earneſtly folicited to drink wine, which they
refuſed to taſte. And they have more than
once reproached the Spaniards who were afto-
niſhed at the refufal, that nothing that was
good came from Spain but wine; and which
in their hands feemed to be poifon.
C6
Incontinence is equally baniſhed the Re-
ductions. The Indians are generally married as
foon
How careful the Jefuits are, &c.
8 r
foon as they attain ripe age. If any ſcandal of
this kind fhould happen, the punishment would
foon follow the fault. Befides, all imaginable
precaution is taken to remove the occaſion of
fin from the Neophytes. There is no more
than one family in a habitation, and that con-
fifts of the father, mother and their children.
Men and women are never ften promifcuouſly
together in public places. Wells, fprings, and
bathing places, in common to the people, are
always laid open on all fides, and expofed to
public view. Some of the old men, and thofe
deferving of refpect for their age and virtue, are
ordered to watch the whole day, that nothing
happen contrary to decency and good manners.
Still greater care is taken, that the churches
of Jefus Chrift may not be an occafion of fin
and fcandal, Conformable to the inftructions.
of the great St. Charles Borromeus, which are
ſtill followed in many places of Italy, every
church in the Reductions is divided into two
parts, one for men, the other for women: an
empty fpace is left betwixt, from the great gate
to the Sanctuary, or chancel. Both fides are
fubdivided into three parts, or claffes. The
firft for the children, who are placed next to
the rails of the Sanctuary; two, or three
Zelaters ftand behind the children; they have
this name from their being appointed to keep
good order during the divine fervice. They
have a wand in their hands, and with it touch
or ftrike immediately thofe, that depart in
the
G
82
How careful the Jefuits are
the leaft from a modeft and refpectful beha-
viour.
The fecond clafs is made up of the young
people, placed after the children, and watched
by other Zelators more advanced in years. The
third clafs comprifes men of all ages: thefe
have alfo their Zelators, chofen from among
the moſt venerable perfons of the elder fort.
The women are placed in the fame manner,
on the oppofite fide of the church.
They go in and come out of the church by
the fide gates, the men at one, the women at
the other. As they come in, they go directly
to the place appointed to their clafs. This
agreeable method of difpofing the Indians in
their proper places, is obferved fo rigorously
that no one dare act to the contrary.
The Jeſuits do not think it enough to keep
a watchful eye in the day time, by themfelves,
or others, over the moral behaviour of the
Neophytes; they have for the night fecret
emiffaries, who are to inform them punctually
of whatever may call for immediate redrefs.
The night is divided into three watches. This
kind of fentinels are relieved at every watch,
and appear as if they were only employed for
the fafety of the country, and deſigned to pre-
vent all furpriſe from the Savages, or Mame-
luffes.
Thefe, and many other like precautions,
with the lively and fervorous exhortations of
the Miffionaries, keep up a horror of vice in
the
to binder the Indians relapfing.
83
the people :
Young girls have often chofe
rather to die by the hands of Infidels, or ill-
converted Indians, than confent to their criminal
defires. All the Savage kind of Indians en-
courage the growth of their hair, and nothing
can be a more fenfible affront to an Indian,
than cutting it; by which means it comes that
an Indian man is not fo eafily diftinguiſhed
from a woman, particularly as the men have
fcarce any beard, and what they have comes
very late. But there is no danger of this in-
convenience among the chriftians of the Re-
ductions, the men wear fhort hair, and bring
up their children to the fame cuftom. Thus
men are eaſily diſtinguiſhed from women, and
the faithful from infidels.
But what contributes more perhaps, than
all theſe precautions, to preferve the Indians
from vice, is the excellent habit they have
acquired, of never lofing fight, as I may fay,
of the prefence of God, and religious duties.
Every thing recals' them inceffantly to this holy
exerciſe. Their memory is ſtored with pious
fongs, which they learned in their tender years.
Theſe they frequently repeat within doors, and
at their work without; their pious canticles
make the fields and woods ring again.
The Spaniards are furpriſed when they meet
theſe good Indians, and particularly when they
have any dealings with them; they hear no-
thing but fongs of devotion, and difcourfes
on pious fubjects. They neither fwear nor
G. 2
curſe,
84
How careful the Jefuits are.
curfe, or ever drop an injurious or ill becoming
word, tho' the Europeans are not very ſtreight-
laced about this point and many others, before
the Indians, who can with the grace of God
avoid the contagion of ill example.
The Prefident Don Jofeph de Salazar had
ordered 500 chriftians from the Reductions to
Buenos Ayres, to be employed there in fome
public work.
On their return, fome very
frankly faid to their Miffionary; "How can
you tell us, that fuch and fuch actions are
"offences against modefty and charity, when
''
we certainly know that the Spaniards commit
"them with impunity? "Dear children,
"the father anfwered, I can only tell you, that
<C
we preach the fame doctrine to the Spaniards
"that we do to you; it comes from God, and
"is like him unalterable: if the Spaniards
"obferve it not, they must be accountable for
"it at the tribunal of the fovereign judge, who
will punish their neglect feverely. Be you
"faithful in the practice of this holy law, and
you will by that means fhew that you are
wifer than the Spaniards.
CC
To prevent the pernicious effects. of bad
example, the Kings of Spain have, at the
request of the Miffionaries, ſtrictly forbid the
Spaniards and other Europeans going to the
Reductions, unless it be a cafe of neceffity on a
journey; and then they are not fuffered to ftay
above three days in any Reduction. This order
does not include the Bishops, their grand vicars,
and
to hinder the Indians relapſing
85
and the governors of the Province.
As foon
as an European arrives at a Reduction, fome fober
diſcreet Indian joins him immediately under
a pretence of accompanying and honouring
the ftranger, but in effect to obferve his con-
duct.
The Colonies are moft remarkable for fer-
vour and innocence, that lie at a greater diſt-
ance from any communication with the Europe-
ans; yet thoſe that are nearer are far from ad-
mitting any remiffness among them, and their
piety feems to increafe daily, and to gather new
vigour. Thus we find in Europe, that the fear
of God, and the horror of fin, prevail much
more among country people, who are feparated
from wicked chriftians in towns. Their frugal
meals and conftant labour contribute alfo to
their not having either any defire or opportunity
of offending God.
But as the example of parents has the greateſt
influence on the behaviour of children, the
chriſtians in the Redutions, take a fpecial care
in educating thofe well, whom they have
received from heaven. They endeavour to
inftil into them true and folid piety, and to be
the model, which they are to copy.
advanced in age are the moft punctual in the
obfervance of their duty. Can it be a wonder,
that the youth fhould ftrive to imitate their
example, or not dare to go beyond the bounds
of modeſty ?
The moſt
As to cruelty and a revengeful fpirit, vices
G 3
fo
86
How careful the Jefuits &c.
fo rooted in the hearts of Savages, there is not
the leaft trace of them in the Reductions; the
inhabitants live like brothers, and what the
Scripture fays of the firſt chriftians is verified in
them: and the multitude of them that believed were
of one heart and one (cul. [Acts iv. 32.] Hither-
to a murder has not been heard of among
the chriftian Colonies of Paraguay; difcord
appears very feldom; and law differences, if
any happen, which is very rare, are immediately
determined by judges appointed for the pur-
poſe.
Tho' public funds are fixed for the main-
tenance of the poor, every one makes it a point
of duty to fuccour them according to his
abilities. And what is much more, if the
inhabitants of a Colony have had a bad crop,
the neighbouring Reductions contend who fhall
do their beſt to relieve them in their want.
They give what will fupport them conveniently
till the next year, and what is fufficient to fow
their grounds, without expecting any confidera-
tion for this fignal fervice, except the fame good
office on a like occafion.
The charity of the Indians feems to redouble
in behalf of the idolatrous Indians, to draw
them to the knowledge of the true God. They
fubmit willingly to any ill ufage in hopes of
converting an infidel. When they can engage
an unbeliever to vint a chriftian colony, they
receive him with all the demonftrations of
gladneſs and pleafure. The more their gueſt
feems
The Music of the Indians
87
deems deftitute of humanity, the more he is
carreffed. They lodge, maintain, and cloath
him; all give him the beft they have. He is
taught the chriftian doctrine, and the prayers
of the church; and when he determines to
embrace the chriftian faith, this occafions a
public rejoicing, in which every one has a
fenfible fhare.
CHAP. IX.
The Mufic of the Indians.
Ntroducing mufic among them was another
means, which the Miffionaries uſed, and is
equally powerful to maintain and increaſe the
devotion of the faithful, and to bring over in-
fidels to our holy religion; and must have a
place here. The greateft part of the Miffion-
aries were fufficiently acquainted with this
liberal art. How mufic pleaſes the Indians, is
not eaſy to imagine. The minifters of Jefus
Chrift began immediately to think of making
their advantage of the particular inclination they
obſerved in thofe people to harmony.
Miffionary could hardly begin finging fome
canticles relating to chriftian doctrine, but theſe
favage infidels at that time would inftantly
bolt out from their thickets, and lurking holes,
and follow with the greateft tranfports the voice
they heard. When the Miffionary perceived
G.4
A
88
The Mufic of the Indians.
a great number gathered about him, he would
then fet out with preaching evangelical truths,
thus prepare the way for founding a new Re-
duction.
Befides the natural inclination, which the
favages had for all kinds of mufic, the Miſ-
fionaries diſcovered that they had excellent
qualifications for their becoming good mu-
ficians. There are very fine voices commonly
found among them, owing in part, as it is
pretended, to the waters of the Parana and
Uraguay.
The Miffionaries chufe among the children
thole who appear at that age beſt qualified to
be formed into musicians. They teach them
to fing, and to touch inftuments with fo much
exactness and nicety, that their pious concertos
are not lefs pleafing and affecting than thofe in
Europe. And hence they have eſtabliſhed in
each Reduction a chapel, as they term it, or a
band of muſicians, who equally execute the
eafieft and the moft compofed pieces of mufic.
}
It muſt no doubt be furprising to hear, that
we have ſcarce any mufical inftrument in Europe,
that is not in ufe in the Reductions; that they
play on the organ, lute, fpinet, violincello,
trumpet, &c. and what is ftill more, that very
near all the inftruments ufed among them are
of their own making.
Several Europeans, who have heard the In-
dian mufic, affure it is no ways inferior to that
of the Spanish cathedrals. F. Cattaneo, among
other
The Mufic of the Indians.
89.
other things which he defired Mr. Cattaneo his
brother to fend him, afks the following in
thefe words, by a letter of February 1730,
"I would gladly have alſo three or four maffes,
the vefpers of the confeffors, and thofe of our
Lady, in muſic, with all the parts; the whole
well copied as to the notes and words, and
compofed by the beſt maſters in Italy; as alfo
twelve or fifteen concertos of Signor Alberti of
Bologna, the firſt of his compofition, which are
fo much efteemed by the connoiffeurs, and
which are not too difficult for our performers.
The Miffionary defired thefe things of his
brother for his dear Neophytes. And hence a
judgment may be formed of what the Indians
are able to do as to mufic.
Let us add here the teftimony of a Spaniard,
who accompanied the Biſhop of the Affump-
tion, when that Prelate made his vifitations
in the Reductions of Uraguay. "In one of the
laft vifitations, he fays, which his Lordſhip
our Bishop made among the Guaranis, we were
just coming into one of the Reductions; all the
inhabitants were affembled there to meet the
Biſhop, a choir of children advanced towards
us finging the praifes of the chriftian doctrine.
But one amongſt them very foon engaged the
attention and eyes of as many Spaniards as we
were in company. He played on the violin-
cello fo gracefully, and in fo mafterly a manner,
that the Prelate ftruck with admiration, as
well as the reft, ordered the choir to ftop, and
the
90
The Music of the Indians
the child to come nearer, and play a fonata by
himſelf. The child came forwards in obedience
to his Lordship's orders, and after making a
low and respectful bow to his Lordship and the
perfons who attended him, refted the inſtrument
on his foot, and played about a quarter of an
hour, with fuch exactnefs and fo nimbly, that
it was impoffible to be tired with hearing
and admiring the performance. On other oc-
cafions, as I have gone by myself through
fome of the Reductions, where I always found
the kindeft welcome from the Miffionaries, I
have heard the mufic of the Indians more than
once, and always with the fame furpriſe that
I experienced at first. I fhall not be eaſily
brought to believe that the mufic of the moft
celebrated cathedrals in Spain can be heard with
greater pleaſure." Such is the care of the
Miffionaries, to make an advantage of every
thing that can endear religion to the Indians;
and experience fhews that this noble and maf-
culine mufic of the church, far from foftening
the heart, at once encreaſes the devotion of the
Neophytes, and procures them a moſt ſenſible
pleaſure. This appears evidently when they
affift at folemn maffes, proceffions, and other
pious ceremonies, where the praifes of God,
and his holy myfteries are fung forth in fo
devout a manner. This makes the ſtrongeſt
impreffion on the infidels that come to the Re-
ductions, and inclines them moft to fix their a-
bode there.
1
+
The
The Manner of folemnizing, &c.
N X
The ancients in their writings recount won-
derful inftances of the power of mufic on the
fierceft minds, and their expreffions really fall
fhort of the truth. But nothing furely is fo
glorious for this charming art, as being highly
inftrumental in increafing the number of chrifti-
ans. Their eſteem for mufic makes them look
upon being elected to the office of a chanter in
à church as a fingular honour. In effect the
perfons raiſed to this kind of dignity are after-
wards efteemed the moſt knowing in the nation,
às they can read the Mafs, and the canonical
hours.
CHA P. X.
Their Manner of folemnizing the principal Feafts
of the Year in Paraguay.
Zi
OT to repeat what I have faid on the
affiduity of the Neophytes at church, I
only obſerve in fhort, that their affiduity re-
doubles on the greater feftivals, when moſt of
them appear at the holy table and receive the
Eucharift. I fhall dwell more particularly on
the feafts, which are celebrated in a manner
that is fo fingular as to deferve being rela-
ted.
When Corpus Chrifti, or the day appointed
for folemnizing the feaft of the Sacrament of
the altar, draws near, the Reductioniſts make
pre-
誓
​2"
92
The Manner of folemnizing
preparations to honour the feftival with all the
magnificence that is in their power. The
church is adorned with particular care, as well
as the fquares and ftreets where the proceffion is
to paſs. As their poverty affords nothing better
than rural decorations for fetting off the cere-
mony, they diſpoſe theſe fo elegantly, and with
fuch agreeable variety, that the appearance is
not in the leaft fhort of pleafing as much as our
tapeſtry paintings and plate in Europe. At
certain diftances the Indians raiſe triumphal
arches in the ſtreets, which take up their whole.
breadth. Thefe are covered with branches of
trees twined together, and borders and feftoons
made up of the gayeft flowers and fruits the
feafon affords. Some go a fishing for the
choiceft fish; others a hunting for deer, tygers,
lions, and other extraordinary animals, which
they hang up in fymmetry on the triumphal
arches. They add peacocks and other birds,
which are to be provided by the Caciques. But
they chiefly get together as many extraordinary
birds alive as they can, that are remarkable
for the bright colours and variety of their
feathers. They find thefe very commonly on
the banks and iflands of the larger rivers,
eſpecially the Paraguay. And this river has in
effect its name, which expreffes the river of
feathers, from the multiplicity of extraordinary
birds that are bred on the fide of its ſtream.
The Indians tie thefe birds by the leg to the
triumphal arches with a long ftring, that they
may
the principal Festivals in Paraguay.
93
may be at liberty to fly from branch to branch
and diſplay the beauty of their plumage.
They likewife place along the ftreets, young
tygers alive, and other wild beafts, that they
have taken in fnares, and fecure them fo faft
that they cannot hurt any one; and this in
their thoughts is the higheſt pitch of magnifi-
cence.
The front of the houfes is fet off in much
the fame taſte as the triumphal arches, with
fweet fcented herbs, fruits, flowers, birds, pies,
and cakes of all kinds, which the women make
on purpoſe for the occafion. The whole is
intermixt in the form of feftoons, trophies,
and a thouſand other figures, exceeding one
the other in beauty. One fees alfo pieces of
linnen cloth, or callico, adorned with feathers,
which by the variety of colours, or being
difpofed with great art, prefent the eye with a
particular kind of fpectacle. The ground is
ftrewed with leaves, flowers, and odoriferous
herbs. And it looks as if all kinds of creatures
had agreed to pay homage to their creator.
In fine the Paraguayans fet before their door
in neat baſkets, Mayz and other grains, de-
figned for fowing their lands, that their Lord,
as he paffes by in the Sacrament, may blefs
and multiply them in proportion to the wants of
the Reduction.
After the folemn mafs is over, the proceffion
is difpofed in the fame order very nearly as in
Europe. Some troops of foldiers open the march
with
94
The Manner of folemnizing
with drums, and other warlike inftruments,
On this occafion the foldiers are armed with
mufkets, and a volley is difcharged from time
to time. The men and women go fome be-
fore, others after the bleffed facrament, ranked
in the fame order as they are at church. The
Caciques, captains, Royal Corregidor, the Al-
caldes, public notaries, and the reft of the civil
and military officers, take their place about the
canopy, under which the holy Eucharift is
carried. Some of the moſt refpectable Ze-
lators are difperfed here and there to keep
order, and prevent any thing contrary to the
refpect due to the prefence of Chrift. No one
dares to abfent from this ceremony without
having a juft excufe. No one utters a word;
their mouths are only open to fing forth the
praiſes of Jefus Chrift. Men and women, old
and young, all give authentic proofs of their
belief in this auguft myflery of the love of
God for mankind. Bands of muſicians, divided
into different choirs, fill the air, which echos
again with pious canticles, during the courfe
of the proceffion. When they are returned to
the church, fome chriftians of a riper age,
and fit to be trufted for their fidelity, are chofen
to go and collect all the eatables which ferved
for the decoration of the houfes and triumphal
arches. Thefe are diftributed by the Miffion-
aries, who fend what is choiceft to the fick.
What remains is for thofe Indians, who con-
tributed moft to the decoration of the triumphal
arches
the principal Feſtivals in Paraguay
95
arches, and their houſes. In this manner the
true God triumphs in the midſt of theſe nations,
who appeared not long before to be almoſt
wholly ignorant of his being. The neighbour-
ing infidels are invited to the feftival; and
frequently it happens that many ftruck with this
devout and religious fight, renounce their
infidelity, and beg to be admitted into the
population as catechumens.
The concourfe of people is yet greater on
the feaſt of the titular Saint of the Reduction.
The inhabitants of two or three adjacent
Colonies are commonly invited, and repair
to the place, with the Corregidors and Ca-
ciques at the head in their formalities.
On the eve the feaft is proclaimed at noon,
by ringing of bells, found of trumpets, and
beat of drum, before the houfe of the royal
Alfiere, fo they call the officer that carries the
royal ftandard on folemn occafions. This
ſtandard is difplayed under a magnificent
canopy over the entrance into the Alfiere's
houfe. At the hour appointed, the Alfiere
mounted on a horfe richly caparifoned, fets
out with all his retinue for the church. He is
attended by the moft diftinguifhed perfons
of the neighbouring Reductions, commonly to
the number of 500, on horſeback, and preceded
by fome companies of foot. The royal ftand-
ard goes before the Alfiere, and is delivered
into his hands at the gate of the church; and
after being prefented with holy water by the
pariſh
96
The Manner of folemnizing
parish Prieft, he is conducted in ceremony to
the principal chapel, and placed on an Eſtrade,
or a floor raifed above the pavement, and
covered with a carpet. But he enjoys this
honour on this folemnity only throughout the
year. When the first vefpers are over, fome
bands of children, neatly and decently attired,
are fet to dance in the church, as they do in
the cathedrals of Spain. The Alfiere is recon-
ducted home in great pomp, but not the fame
way that he came. This officer, as well as
the Corregidors, Alcaldes, and Caciques, are to
lodge the principal ftrangers: the reft are
diſtributed in different quarters of the town.
At the cloſe of the evening, all the ſtreets
are illuminated, bonefires are made, and fome-
times fire-works are played off. Next morning
and the day of the feaft, all the inhabitants
refort to church very early to partake of the
holy facraments. A great many ftrangers alſo
come to the holy table. At the hour appointed
for High-Mafs, the royal ftandard-bearer re-
pairs to church with the fame ceremony as
he had done the day before. After fervice they
bring the Alfiere home, where a fplendid enter-
tainment is prepared. Meffes of all forts, and
the beſt of bread, are ferved up in fuch pro-
fufion as fatisfies their craving appetite. The
guefts are the Caciques, captains, and the
ftrangers of greateſt confideration in other Re-
ductions. Their common drink in thefe enter-
tainments is an infufion of fome herb, very
pro-
the principal Festivals in Paraguay.
97
probably the herb of Paraguay. Some bottles
of wine are brought in towards the end of the
entertainment. But as wine is very dear in
thefe parts, it is diftributed with fuch frugality
that tho' it raife their fpirits, it does not affect
their heads.
The other ſtrangers are regaled according to
the abilities of the perfons with whom they are.
There they ſpend their time til vefpers, and
go to church when called by the ringing of
the bells. The Alfiere comes with the ſame
pomp. After divine ſervice they go to the
great fquare, where a kind of entertainment is
performed. Thofe who have iffued public
challenges to all that will conteft the prizes
with them being well mounted, and divided
into feveral bands, advance under the banners
of their respective Reductions affembled on the
occafion. At first fome lances are broken,
then they run at the ring. The Miffionaries
are prefent, both to prevent diforders by their
authority, and to determine in quality of judges
the differences between parties. They have
their particular places, and a table before them,
where the prizes for the victors are laid. Theſe
are only beads, medals, fciffors, knives, &c.
After the most valuable prizes have been ad-
judged to thofe who have fhewed the greateſt
dexterity, they divide the reft in fuch manner,
that even thofe, who have deferved leaft, are
rewarded; and thus all retire fatisfied. A
H
fignal
98
The Manner of folemnizing, &c.
fignal given by the judges immediately puts an
end to thefe diverfions.
They are alſo allowed to dance fometimes. But
they dance by themſelves; I am not ſure that
the women dance in the fame manner. Thefe
Indian dances accompanied with inftrumental
mufic pleaſe fo much, that even the Euro-
peans are furpriſed, and always find them too
fhort.
In this manner the chriftians in Paraguay
find means to reconcile piety with innocent and
commendable mirth. And thus the love of
fraternal charity and hofpitality are kept up in
thefe little common-wealths.
It is needleſs to enlarge on the fervour and
devotion, which the Neophytes fhew at the
ſervice in holy week. They add ſeveral pious
ceremonies to thoſe of the church, which are
of themſelves fo moving and affecting.
The better to revive the memory of Christ's
fufferings in his paffion, they endeavour to
reprefent the whole hiftory, and to exprefs
in outward fhew the fentiments of pen-
ance and compunction that penetrate their
hearts.
CHAP
[99]
CHA P. XI.
The Employments of the Miffionaries among the
TH
Neophytes.
HERE are commonly two prieſts in
every Reduction, one of them is by office.
the parish prieſt. One of the two is always in
town to affift the Neophytes, if wanted, while
the other makes excurfions into the country,
either to vifit the fick, or inftruct and comfort
them, who by their condition being to attend
the cattle, and the corn, cannot come to church.
When any preffing occafion calls, the neigh-
bouring Miffionaries give one another mutual
affiftance.
Sundays and holidays the chriſtian doctrine
is explained to all the people affembled at
church; and the children are catechifed every
day; their number is generally upwards of a
thousand.
There are ſet times for inftructing the chil-
dren, who come to the tribunal of penance for
their first confeffion, or for their first receiving
the facrament of the holy Eucharift. Other
times are affigned for inftructing the catechu-
mens. Theſe are commonly in great numbers,
and give the Miffionaries a great deal of trouble:
for they must make ufe of interpreters to be
underſtood by the Indians, till they have
learned the language of the Guaranis ufually
H 2
*
9
fpoken
100
The Employments of
ſpoken in the Reductions of Parana and Ura-
guay.
The confeffion-feat alfo takes up much of
their time: for their confeffions are always
long and perplexing, the good people having
numberlefs doubts to propofe, or ſcruples to
be removed. It is an eſtabliſhed practice a-
Among all the Neophytes to confeſs at Chriſtmas,
Eafter, Whitfuntide, on the feaſt of the tutelar
Saint of the church, and at the Jubilee, which
his holiness grants them yearly.
During the Jubilee, the Miffionaries of
different Reductions go over to each other, not
fo much to help, as that chriftians may have
the liberty of confeffing to ftrangers.
The
confeffions begin eight days before that ap-
pointed for gaining the indulgence. In this
manner the faithful are prepared during the
whole week for a general communion, by
all the exerciſes of piety practifed on fuch occa-
fions.
In every Reduction the Miffionaries have
inftituted two confraternities, confifting of a
certain number of the faithful, and like thoſe
in Europe. They admit into one of them the
younger people from twelve to thirty years
This is under the protection of the
archangel St Michael. The other under the
Protection of our bleffed Lady is for perfons
more advanced in years. None are received
into theſe confraternities, but who have been a
long time candidates, and earneft fuiters for
of age.
their
ΙΟΙ
the Millionaries among the Neophytes. 101
their admiffion, and have moreover given
affured proofs of fervent and fteady piety.
The members of thefe affociations meet on
Sundays before vefpers, to hear a Sermon, after
which they recite the prayers in ufe among the
Sodalities of Europe. They confefs and com-
municate very frequently. When any commits
a confiderable fault, he cannot be more fenfibly
puniſhed, than by being expelled the congre-
gation.
The cares and labours of thefe indefatigable
Miffionaries do not ſtop here; one of their
chief employs is to attend the fick.
Hitherto it has been impoffible to moderate
their ravenous appetite. Cuftom and a craving
ftomach, which has a great power over them,
have conftantly prevailed againſt all the in-
ftructions they have had with regard to the
advantages of temperance for the prefervation of
health, and fo they ftill continue to eat without
moderation. As we have faid above, they glut
themſelves with all forts of fruits, they eat their
meat almoft raw, which brings on frequent
indigeftions. Their only remedy then is to
plunge themſelves in the great river near which
the Reduction lies. After this they fleep on the
grafs, or the damp ground, without farther
care. This irregularity is the cauſe of many
infirmities, that defcend from father to fon.
What is worſe, the Indians when indifpofed,
cannot take the leaſt care of themfelves. A
Reduction of feven or eight thouſand fouls is
efteem
102
The Employments of
efteemed very happy that has only two hundred
fick at once, or reduced to keep their bed.
So many infirm perfons are a heavy burthen to
the Miffionaries. They vifit them all one by
one, provide them fuitable remedies, and fee
that the remedies are taken in proper time; they
preſcribe the diet proper for each cafe, which
is prepared at the houfe of the Miffionaries.
At laft when death is near at hand, and threatens
the fick, the Mifionaries never leave them
neither day nor night, that they may adminiſter
the Sacraments in due time, and comfort them
with all forts of charitable offices.
Still this is nothing to what theſe zealous
fervants of God do and fuffer, when an epide-
mical diftemper rages in the Reductions. The
plague is not known in Paraguay; but now and
then malignant fevers of various kinds have a
run amongſt them. Sometimes the fmall-pox,
which is only known in Paraguay by the name
of the plague, lays the Reductions waste. They
die by thouſands; and whatever care is taken,
they are generally carried off in a few days.
Every houſe becomes an hofpital. The fick
lie on the ground; their bedding is a deer's
ſkin, and a callico coverlid, or at beſt a ham-
moc. It is eafy to imagine what refolution and
patience muft arm a Miffionary on theſe occafi-
ons, to adminifter the facraments to fo many
fick in the midſt of the infection, that fills
their huts, and to procure them all neceffary
relief. For the Miffionaries are the fhepherds
of
The Millionaries among the Neophytes.
103
t
of their fouls and phyficians for their bodies.
More than once Infidels have flocked in crouds.
to the Reductions, and overlooked the danger
to which they were expofed, to be witneffes of
the Miffionaries charity, and have been brought
to embrace chriſtianity through the impreffion
made on them by this edifying and affecting
fight.
But, as if fo many laborious and almoft con-
tinual employments could not fatisfy their zeal,
the Miffionaries have moreover fet up a ſchool
in every Reduction, for the children of the
Caciques, and of the better fort; and for thofe
alfo, who are intended for the church mufic.
They are taught reading, writing, cafting
accounts, and finging. This eftablishment is
of great ſervice, and daily makes the Reductions
flouriſh more and more: for when their under-
ſtandings are thus improved in their infancy,
their hearts are prepared in a more particular
manner for the practice of chriftian virtues.
Befides they are put into a way of directing
the manufactories, taking care of the public
Revenue, and managing the interefts of the Re-
duction, conducting embarkations, and in a
word, of diſcharging all functions in the com-
mon-wealth.
The Indians, before they were taught chrifti-
anity, had no word to fignify any number above
four if they would fignify five, they held up
one hand, if ten both; to exprefs twenty they
pointed to both hands and feet. Any number
:
above
104
The continual Labours
above twenty was expreffed by a generical word,
that fignified many. They could not diftin-
guifh a number of years, perfons, or other
things, that should be told exactly. But now
they learn arithmetic from their infancy. Nor
is this all on Sundays after divine fervice, the
numeration table is repeated to the people in
the church, that the Indians may retain better
what they learned in their infancy.
CHA P. XII.
The continual Labours of the Miſſionaries to extend
the Empire of Jefus Chrift in Paraguay. The
Fatigues and dangers to which they are ex-
poſed.
W
E have feen what methods the firſt
Miffionaries of Paraguay took, to
bring the Barbarians of thoſe vaft tracts under
the yoke of Jefus Chrift, and how they fuc-
ceeded in their glorious enterpriſes. Their
worthy fucceffors have not difcontinued their
labours for the farther propagation of chriftian
religion; and tho' they meet with lefs difficulties
in the execution of this project, they ftill un-
dertake fatigues, and run the hazard of dan-
gers, fufficient to dishearten perfons of lefs
courage and intrepidity than theſe apoftolic
men.
But men muf not imagine, that the Mif.
fionaries
of the Miffionaries, &c.
105
ffionaries I am about to mention, are not the
fame with thoſe whofe labours and employments
I have juſt deſcribed. They are the very fame
perfons, who, it ſhould ſeem, finding the Re-
ductions too ſmall a compaſs for their charitable
zeal, make frequent excurfions into infidel
countries, yet fo as to have one conftantly with
the Neophytes to affift them in cafe of necef-
fity.
When they have hopes of gaining a barbar-
ous nation over to Jefus Chrift, a Miffionary
ſets out directly with his Breviary under his
arm, and a ſtick headed with a crofs in his
hand. He commonly takes fome thirty In-
dians, who are his interpreters, and by that
means join with him in the functions of preach-
ers and apoſtles. They are often obliged to
travel above a hundred miles with a hatchet in
hand, to cut a paffage through the forefts,
before they can reach the habitations of the
Savages. Sometimes they muft climb up fteep
and craggy mountains, wade through bogs
and fens, lakes, deep and rapid rivers. Com-
monly the bare ground, or a flender matt, is
the only bed they have in thefe laborious expe-
ditions. Happy is the man who fets out with
a hammoc, wherein to reft at night, fecure
from the bites of venomous ferpents, and the
attacks of wild beafts. They are frequently
reduced to a few handfuls of mayz for their
food. Their provifions are often quite ſpent in
long expeditions, and the travellers have no
other
106
The continual Labours
other relief but wild roots and fruits.
At other
times they are forced to fuck the dew of the
leaves, to allay the thirſt that torments them
under the cxceffive heats of a burning fun.
When they meet a body of Savage Indians,
they find them always armed and ready to be
upon the defenfive, from a fear the Savages
have of the Mameluffes, who have fometimes
furpriſed them diſguiſed like Jefuits and Re-
duction-Indians. They had indeed too much
reaſon for their fears. For the cruel inhabi-
tants of St. Paul obferving, that proper mea-
fures had been taken againſt their depredations,
have made frequent ufe of this hellifh ftrata-
gem. They went beyond the river Paraguay
as far as the territories of the Chiquitos and
Ciriguanis. Some went before dreffed like
Jeſuits, and attended by a certain number of
Indians, as the Miffionaries generally are on
thefe occafions. They could counterfeit the
behaviour, and difcourfe, of the Milionaries,
and induce the Indians, to quit their poor
habitations, in hopes of joining with other
Indians, and forming a confiderable population,
to live in greater fecurity and plenty, than
they had done in their forefts. When they had
brought a great number-together, they amuſed
them till their warriors came up, who fell upon
thefe unfortunate Indians, put them into Irons,
and drove them to St. Paul's. This infernal con-
trivance was for a long time an obſtacle, which
the
of the Miffionaries, &c.
107
the true Miffionaries could fcarce get over in
their enterpriſes; they loft the confidence of
the Indians, and a great deal of time was ſpent
before it could be recovered.
Some of the Savages are perfuaded, that the
Miffionaries only come among them to make
them flaves and fell them after to the Spaniards,
for whom they have the utmoſt averfion. As
often as they have room to ſuſpect, that a
Miffionary, who is in fearch of them, comes
from any part of the Spanish dominions, his
arrival immediately caufes a popular tumult,
not eafy to be pacified, and of which the
Miffionary is frequently the victim.
66
Some Savages have obftinately refuſed to
give ear to the Miffionaries, or after a little
attention, have given them this cool anfwer:
you fay that the God of the chriftians knows
every thing, that nothing is hidden from
"him, that he is every where, and fees all
"that is done here below. We do not defire
cr
"a God fo fharp fighted. We chufe to live
"with freedom in our woods, without a per-
"petual cenfor and judge of our actions over
"our heads.
But the converfion of the Indians is more
difficult, where they have a Mapono, who, to
fecure the advantages and perquifites of his
poſt, can do no leſs than prevent his country-
men giving any credit to the minifter of the
true God.
After the Miffionaries have by dint of pati-
ence
108
The continual Labours
ence calmed the minds of the Indians and en-
gaged them to receive the gofpel, they com-
monly give their confent upon very hard terms,
and with many reſtrictions.
So when father Jofeph d' Arce penetrated as
far as the Chiquitos in 1690, and made them a
propofal of embracing the chriftian religion;
the neighbouring Caciques fummoned a general
meeting of the Indians, to deliberate on fo im-
portant an affair. All came to the rendevouz
about midnight, and began to dance to the
mufic of Flutes and Hautbois. The Caciques
dancing propofed the affair, and difcuffed it
feriously, without difcontinuing their dance.
After dancing, they fell to drinking. It was
in July, and the midst of winter, with regard
to their fituation on the other fide of the equa-
tor. They all went notwithſtanding to bathe
in a neighbouring river; in the next place they
put their fineſt plumes of feathers on their
heads, to make the ceremony more folemn, and
painted their faces and bodies over with the
oddeft colours. When day came, their firſt
care was to fit down to a plentiful meal. After
theſe ſtrange preparations, it was unanimously
reſolved, that the chriftian law fhould be ad-
mitted in the country, but on the two fol-
lowing conditions. The firft, that who did
not chufe to become chriftian, fhould not be
obliged to leave the country: the fecond, that
children, tho' their parents were chriftians,
muſt not ſerve at the altars. The Miffionary
ac.
of the Miffionaries, &c.
109
!
accepted theſe terms, tho' he forefaw they
might have bad confequences. Full of con-
fidence in God, he hoped that the moſt ob-
ftinate would in time be gained by the example
of others, and the efficacy of the word of God.
And accordingly they began to work at the Re-
duction the laſt of July: and as the church on
that day keeps the feaft of St. Ignatius, this
new ſettlement took the name of the Saint,
and was put under his protection.
I have often ſpoke of the fatigues, which the
Miffionaries fuffer in thefe expeditions. To
place this in a ſtronger light, I fhall give here
an inſtance, which at the fame time will confirm
what I have faid.
Father John Baptift de Zea, a renowned
Miffionary, had formed a defign to propagate
the faith of Chrift among the Zamucos, a
populous nation, fituated to the weft of the
river Paraguay. He fet out in the month of
July 1716. The bluftering ftorm they met
with at firft, violent and continual gufts of
wind, with the overflowing of the rivers,
proved fuch an obftacle, that in nineteen days
they only advanced fome two and forty miles.
Going farther, he came foon after to a thick
foreft thirty miles in length, and which he
was of neceffity to crofs. A hundred Neo-
phytes who accompanied the Miffionary, and
who were ftrangers to the extent of the foreft,
undertook to open a paffage with their hatchets.
After ſeveral days, when they faw no end of
their
1
110
The continual Labours
their toil and labour, they were wholly dif
couraged. It is not eafy to conceive what they
fuffered under whole clouds of Moſquitos, feveral
kinds of horfe flies, that attacked them day
and night without any refpite. The Miffionary
revived their drooping fpirits, by his warm
exhortations, and much more by his example.
He led the way with a hatchet in his hand; he
fetched water to refresh the poor creatures
burning under a fcorching fun. At laft having
made their way through the foreſt in nineteen
days, they found that all their pains and labour
were to no purpofe; for want of provifions
obliged them to return home. The next year
he fet out again, and he and all his company
were very near being drowned. They were
furpriſed with a fwell of waters, which came
infenfibly upon them, whilft they cut a paffage
thro' another foreft that they found in their way.
The Miffionary with great difficulty got back to
the place from whence he came. All theſe
obftacles however did not abate his refolution.
He was refolved to make another attempt,
and fetting out from his Reduction in May 1718,
he reaches the firft village of the Zamucos on
the 12th. of July. The people in appearance
fhewed the most promifing difpofitions. Many
Infidels embraced chriftianity, and others did
not ſeem averfe to religion. This Miffionary
was in a fhort time after nominated Provincial
of his order, he left his dear Neophytes with
regret, and entrusted them to the care of father
Michael
of the Miffionaries, &c.
III
Michael de Yegros. Nothing feemed left to be
done by his fucceffor, but to gather the fruits
of the other's labours. He was full of the
flattering profpect, when he repaired to the
Zamucos, accompanied by Albert Romero a lay-
brother, and fome Indian-Reductionists. He
was received with all poffible demonftrations
of joy and friendship; and the converfion of
the whole nation feemed to be beyond all dif-
pute, when they threw off the mafk on a fud-
den. Brother Romero was maffacred by the
Barbarians, when he was ufing his beſt en-
deavours to bring them back to the way of
falvation. Twelve Indians of the Reductions,
who had followed him with an intent to fecond
his zeal, met with the fame end. Father de
Yegros was at the diftance of fome few days
journey, and looking out for a proper place
where the new Reduction could be fixed, when
he received this melancholy account.
However intrepid and prudent a Miffionary
may be, and tho' he were bleffed with a ſweet-
nefs of temper that could prevail with the
greateſt Barbarians, he must be in a conftant
difpofition and readineſs to fall a victim to
their rage, under a fhower of arrows,
by their clubs. But this continual danger,
far from cooling the zeal that inflames thofe
fervants of God, is feemingly a greater en-
couragement to abandon themfelves in the
forefts to the will of thofe cruel nations, well
or
con-
112
The continual Labours
contented to die, if they can but fucceed and
bring them over to the faith of Chrift.
The Society of Jefus may juftly boaſt of a
great number of chriftian Heroes her fons,
who have had the happineſs of dying for
Jefus Chrift. But here I confine my pen to
thoſe who have had this glorious fate in the
miffions of Paraguay, and it fhall fuffice to
name them as they occur to my memory, viz.
FF. Roch Gonzalez, Alphonfus Rodriguez, John
del Caftillo, and Peter Romero, the firft founders
of the Reductions, and who cemented them
with their blood. The Savages murthered
afterwards on different occafions, the FF.
Peter Ortiz, Bartholomew Blende, James de Al-
faro, Jofeph d'Arce, Peter Efpinofa, Luke Ca-
vallieri and the FF. Fernandez, Arias, Mazzo,
de Silva, Mendoza, Solinas, Ozorio, Ripario,
Sanchez, befides numbers of others, who have
made theſe barbarous tracts fruitful by fhedding
their blood, which, as in primitive times, has
been the feed of an infinity of new chriftians.
Two other Miffionaries, whofe names have not
reached me, obtained the crown of martyrdom
in 1721. and 1722.
If fo many other evangelical labourers, who
inceffantly water the provinces of Paraguay
with their fweat, have not the fame exit with
the great men now mentioned, they cannot
furely want the merit, who have the defire of
martyrdom. And moreover, what is a labori-
OUS
of the Miffionaries, &c.
113
ous and painful life like theirs, but a continual
martyrdom?
I could wish that fome one among the enemies
of the church of Rome, who carry their averfi-
on to the Jefuits fo far, as to afperfe the zeal
of thoſe admirable miffionaries, and their
purity of intention in the laborious functions,
which they discharge among the infidels, would
only accompany them awhile in their apoftolic
excurfions, to fee, and examine what they do,
and what they fuffer for the falvation of fouls.
He would undoubtedly, and that very foon,
lay afide former prejudices, and perhaps what
he had feen would fuffice to make him re-
nounce his error, which the Sectaries can ne-
ver pretend to have been propagated by apo-
ftles that could be compared with thofe of the
catholic church.
Thefe illuftrious fervants of God, 'tis true,
have not at prefent fo many difficulties, and
are in lefs danger. The number of Reductions,
and their preſent flouriſhing ftate have made a
ſtrong impreſſion on the minds of the Barbari-
ans. They have conceived a high opinion and
efteem for the authors of theſe wonderful
fettlements, and which have fpread their repu-
tation far and near. Even thoſe that refufe
fubmitting to the laws of the gofpel, refpect the
evangelical minifters; fo that they feldom dare
to maltreat them, much lefs to take away their
lives. The chriftians are become formidable
by their numbers and the victories, which they
I
have
114
The Zeal of the new Converts
have obtained, when obliged by neceffity to
have recourſe to arms. The Infidels fear that
the chriftians would revenge the death of
their paſtors; and they well know, that if
they went about it, nothing could withfland
them.
CHA P. XIII.
The Zeal of the new Converts for the converfion
of Infidels.
H
Itherto the zeal of the Miffionaries has
been the chief fubject of our diſcourſe;
but the holy flame, which carries them into the
heart of the moſt barbarous countries is not
wholly confined to them; they have transfuſed
it to their Neophytes. The converted Indians
became in their turn moft fervent preachers of
the Goſpel.
When a Miffionary fets out to carry the faith
of Chrift into any Savage nation, thirty, or
forty, and frequently more, come and offer to
accompany him. Thefe zealous Neophytes
have all they can wiſh, when the Miffionary is
pleaſed to admit them as companions in his
labours. We have obferved already, that they
ferve him as guides and interpreters; that
they open and clear the way for him through
the thickeſt foreſts; and that they watch for his
fafety.
How..
for the converfion of Infidels.
115
However ready the Miffionaries may be to
feal with their blood the faith, which they
preach, ftill prudence teaches them to take
ſpecial care of their lives, as it may be for the
ſervice of religion; and they muft as far as
they can prevent in the Barbarians fuch crimes
as would draw upon them the wrath of heaven,
and be attended with confequences very fatal
to chriftianity. For if a Miffionary be killed
by the Savages before a Reduction is well eſtab-
liſhed, the converfion of the murderers is not
to be hoped for of a long time. They retire to
the forefts and to inacceffible rocks, and ima-
gine that either the Spaniards, or the new chrifti.
ans are ready to fall upon them.
For this reaſon, the Superiors of the So-
ciety, when they fend any fubject into the
quarters of the Infidels, infift upon his taking
with him a fufficient number of Neophytes
for the fafety of his perfon, and that the Bar-
barians may conceive an idea of the refpect due
to the law of God. But it has happened after
all theſe wife precautions more than once, that
the Miffionary and his efcort of Indians have
been affaffinated by the Barbarians.
I have faid before, that there is now an
cafier access to the Savages. Means have been
found at laſt to perfuade the moſt part, that no
one intends to harm them. They are perfectly
eafy as foon as they are affured, that the perfon,
who comes to them is really a Miffionary:
The head Cacique comes up to the travellers,
falutes
I 2
116
The Zeal of the new Converts
falutes them after the faſhion of the country,
and defires to know what caufe has moved the
fervant of God to vifit their people. The
Miffionary anſwers in perfon, if he know the
language, otherwife he intimates by his inter-
preter, that he only undertook the journey, to
make the great God, the creator and Lord of
the univerfe, known to thofe he fpeaks to;
that as he comes deputed by the fame God, he
hopes they will hear him. Then he diftributes
among the Caciques the little prefents he has
provided, and by that means difpofes them
the better to hear, and profit by his inftructi-
ons.
Now the Neophytes give full fcope to their
zeal, by the encomiums they give to the
Indians of the chriftian religion, and of the
Miffionary, of whom they fpeak with reſpect,
and whom they introduce to them as the
miniſter of the almighty. They endeavour
chiefly to convince the Indians, that not only
they have no defign to make them flaves,
(this is what they fear moſt) but earneſtly defire
to make their lives eaſier and more comfortable.
They inftance in themfelves as proofs of the
truth they affert. Their zeal, feconded by the
divine grace, gives a wonderful efficacy to
their words. Generally the Barbarians take a
refolution to embrace chriftianity, or they
confent at leaft, that the Miffionary fhall be at
liberty to live amongst them. But it happens
fometimes, that none will fubmit to the yoke
of
for the Converfion of Infidels.
117
of the gospel, whatever efforts the Miffionary
makes; either becauſe the Savages will not
refolve to renounce their former vicious habits,
or becauſe the Maponos threats make them.
continue Idolaters.
When the Savages fhew a willingness to
receive the Miffionary's inftructions, he takes
proper meaſures according to the number
gained over to Jefus Chrift. If that be great,
he forms a new Reduction. If only two or three
hundred, or lefs, are converted, he invites
them to come and fettle in fome old Reduction.
Tho' the new converts fhould formerly have
been looked upon as irreconcileable enemies,
they are now welcomed as relations and friends,
whom a long abfence had feperated. The Bar-
barians are in raptures, and quite tranfported,
with this behaviour; nothing civilizes them
more than the kind welcome they find, when
they come without any bad defign among the
chriſtians; and more particularly, when they
come to live fubject to the laws of Chrifti-
anity.
But their charity does not ſtop here; they
fupply, as far as in them lies, the ſcarcity of
evangelical labourers, who are often wanted in
thoſe parts.
When the great rains are paft,
there appear whole troops of Neophytes led
by their Caciques, who make their excurfions
into the neighbouring countries, to announce
Jefus Chrift to the Infidels. Theſe fervorous
chriſtians take with them large
large ftores of
I 3
pro-
118
The Zeal of the new Converts
proviſions, and fome trifles, which they know
will be acceptable to the favage Indians. After
they have received the facrament of the Eucharift,
and aſked the Miffionary's bleffing and advice,
they fet out chearfully on their journey. The
toil and dangers infeparable from thefe excurfi-
ons, have no power to weaken their zeal. To
fuffer death on this account is what they moft
earnestly defire. Above a hundred Neophytes,
who endeavoured in this manner, to procure
the converfion of the Barbarians, have fallen
by their hands.
However they feldom return without a
great number of Infidels. When theſe find
the chriftians fo faithful in keeping their words,
and diſcharging their promifes, they foon peti-
tion to be baptifed, and in a ſhort time become
zealous chriftians.
The Neophytes exercife their zeal and
charity in a different manner, and which very
well deferves to be related. It is well known,
that theſe favage nations are engaged in con-
tinual wars. The chief advantage of victory
in their opinion, confifts in the number of
prifoners, who are kept to be flaughtered, and
devoured in the feafts and rejoicings wherewith
they conclude their military expeditions. The
bones of the perfons devoured are ufed by the
Indians to head their arrows; and this is fo
dangerous, that the wounds received from theſe
arms are judged mortal, if the leaft fplinter
remain in the flesh. They have a cuſtom to
keep
for the Converfion of the Infidels.
119
keep the captive children, that they may fell
them to other nations, and procure what they
want by this traffic. When they are upon this
trade, and near any of the Reductions, this is a
precious occafion of gaining new fubjects to
Jeſus Chriſt, and they purchaſe them for
corn, mayz, cloth, and the fruits the Coun-
try affords, which they give in exchange.
The Corregidor, after he has received the
inftructions of the Miffionary, goes to the
Savage Indians in the name of the community,
to buy all the prifoners. The bargain being
ftruck, he carries off the children. The mifer-
able creatures half ftarved, and worn out with
the hardships they have fuffered, when they
fee that they are delivered from this horrible
bondage, and the dread of approaching death,
foon recover their ftrength. The Caciques and
chiefs of the fettlement take care of the boys,
as they are diftributed among them by the
Miffionary. The girls are placed with the
moſt diſcreet and exemplary women in the
town. Theſe children educated with thofe of
the chriftians, fed and maintained as they are,
acquire by degrees a regard and love' for virtue.
They are taught the language of the Country,
and are inſtructed in the myſteries of Religion.
When they are thought to be duly prepared,
they are admitted to baptifm. The day they
are releaſed from the bondage of fin, is alfo
the day on which they recover their liberty in
all
120
The Zeal of the new Converts, &c.
all refpects, and are upon the fame footing with
other chriftians
There are Reductions where yearly favings
are laid up, to purchaſe the liberty of fome
of theſe prifoners, who may be faid to find
their fafety in the ruin of their country.
It would be in vain to undertake giving a
circumftantial account of all the particular
means that their piety fuggefts to propagate
Religion. Some among the Neophytes take
in charge the teaching the Miffionaries newly
arrived, the language of the Country. And
this they do with incredible application and
patience, and are never weary with repeating
the fame word a hundred times over.
There
was a Cacique, who employed his time in
tranflating Prones and Sermons into his mo-
ther tongue, that the new Miffionaries might
be enabled to enter fooner on the evangelical
functions.
Infine the charity of the Neophytes facili.
tates at prefent more than ever the eſtabliſhing
of new Reductions. When one is to be founded,
the ancient undertake to furniſh the infant ſet-
tlement with all neceffaries, till they can fup-
port it with their own labour. They gener-
oufly fupply them with grain, as well for their
food, as for fowing the lands they have cleared
for tillage. They fend in cattle, labourers,
and tradefmen of all forts. It is true, that the
Bishops, Governors, and moft of the Spaniards
diftinguished for birth and generofity, are
alfo
The Ecclefiaftical Government, &c.
12 I
alſo uſed to contribute towards this charitable
work.
*
CHA P. XIV.
The Ecclefiaftical Government of the Reducti-
W
ons.
Hat I have farther to fay of the form
of government established in theRe-
dutions will engage in a particular manner
the attention of the Reader. As the run of
diſcourſe has been fo various, and according
to the different difpolitions of perſons for or
againſt the Miffionaries, with regard to their
conduct in the Reductions, and the authority
they affume; this confideration has obliged me
to be the more exact in my inquiries concerning
this article. And first, I folemnly proteſt,
that I will not advance any thing in this or the
following chapters, but what I am well affured
is true.
The Neophytes of Paraguay are fubject, as
the rest of the faithful are, to the jurifdiction of
the Bishops, in whofe Dioceffes the Reductions
were first founded. Theſe Dioceffes are thofe
of the Affumption, Buenos Ayres, Cordova, and
two or three others in thofe immenfe tracts.
But this part of their Diocefs is not very diffi-
cult to govern. The church of each Reduction
is ferved by two Jefuits, one is the curate, the
other
122
The Ecclefiaftical Government
other his vicar. As for the reft, here are
neither Abbots, tonfurate clerks, nor fecular
Prieſts; no Monasteries, nor confraternities,
as in the catholic parts of Europe. The Bishop
needs only to take care that his paftoral man-
dates, the decrees and briefs from Rome, and his
wholeſome inftructions on certain emergencies
be forwarded to them, with his alms, and thofe
he collects from the liberality of opulent and
zealous Spaniards for the propagation of the
faith.
When the Miffionaries arrived from Europe
have attained a competent knowledge of the
languages, fpoken by the Indians, and have
given proof of the qualifications neceffary to
difcharge the duties of this arduous office,
they are preſented by the Provincial of the
Jefuits to the governor of the Province, who
under the royal authority nominates them to
the vacant places, after which the Biſhop gives
them inftitution to the refpective churches, and
is alſo pleaſed to grant them the powers referved
to him, as Bishop, for their being farther
enabled to take care of fouls. Thefe Miffion-
aries enjoy an infinity of privileges which they
have from the Bishops, or the fee apoftolic,
both to promote the converfion of Infidels, and
to benefit the converted.
The Bishops nevertheleſs
nevertheleſs are fometimes
prompted by their zeal to vifit the Reductions,
chiefly to adminifter the facrament of con
firmation to the Neophytes, who have not yet.
re-
of the Reductions
123
received it. The intent of thefe long voyages
is not ſo much to exerciſe their vifitatorial right,
as to be edified themfelves, and to imitate the
excurfions of the first apoftles.
When the Biſhop of Buenos Ayres defigns to
vifit the Reductions in his Diocefs, he muft lay
in provifions to fubfift himſelf and his atten-
dants during a journey of fix hundred miles.
This is what they generally compute the length
of the way from his epifcopal city to the firſt
chriſtian colonies of Uraguay. Throughout this
part of the journey there is not a dwelling, or
a village, to be feen, where the leaft thing can
be had. The travellers of neceffity pafs the
nights under tents, or in portable chambers,
which they bring with them.
The whole country is a continued defart as
far as the Reductions. Another thing is to be
obferved, that this prelate's annual income is
only three thouſand Piafiers; whereas the
Archbishop of La Plata, the Metropolitan of
the Province, enjoys a yearly revenue of more
than fixty thouſand.
It muſt alſo be owned, that thefe charitable
Prelates are amply indemnified for the pains
and inconveniences, to which they are expofed,
by the comfort they find, when they reach the
end of their journey. The Indians know no
greater happiness, than that of receiving, and
feeing their chief Paftor, once at least in their
lives. They invite him in the most preffing
manner to make them a vifit. As foon as they
know
124
The Ecclefiaftical Government
know their requeſt will be granted, they pre-
pare to make him as welcome, as their circum-
ftances will allow. All beg earnestly, that
they may have the honour of ferving him
in fome fhape or other. Some undertake to
Ivel the roads, where he is to paſs; others
will be his guides, his eſcort, and his
guard againſt the Savage Indians, and wild
beafts.
Some take upon them to furnish proviſions
and refreſhment along the moſt defart paffes;
and that theſe Indians, commonly a courſe
fort of men, may diſcharge their employs
about his Lordſhip in a handfome manner, Cor-
regidors, and fome of the leading men of the
Colonies, that have more underſtanding, and
are politer than the common people, are nom-
inated to accompany and to command them.
In fine the Prelate is received by the Neophytes
with all the pomp and reſpect imaginable. No
Biſhop has ever vifited the Reductions without
tears, when he has obferved the fervour of
thefe good chriftians, the regularity of their
manners, their refpectful behaviour in the
churches, and to make an end, their fubmiffion
and docility with refpect to thofe, whom they
look upon as the fathers and paftors of their
fouls.
But what I am chiefly to obferve is, that
* the Jefuits of Paraguay have always defired
and petitioned for epifcopal vifitations more
than any other perfons, to the end that the
pre-
The civil Government of, &c.
125
prelates might fee with their own eyes, what
little foundation there is for the calumnies and
afperfions thrown out againſt the Miffionaries.
In effect all the Biſhops, that have gone
through Paraguay, have given the moft lonour-
able teftimony in favour of thefe excellent
miniſters of the goſpel; and eſpecially in their
letters to the Popes, and the Kings of Spain,
on this fubject. They have always thought it
an obligation incumbent upon them to publish
the virtues of thefe apoftolic men to the whole
world.
CHA P. XV.
The civil Government of the Chriftian Settlements
in Paraguay. The happy Situation of the Neo-
phytes.
HE temporal compared with the fpiritual
advantages enjoyed by the chriftians of
Paraguay, are not refpectively inferoir to the
latter. Perhaps our Europeans accuſtomed to
luxury, ftate, and pleafures, will not be eaſily
perfuaded, that fo poor a nation can be truly
happy. But yet it really is fo; and their
fituation, when examined by true principles,
is preferable to the prefent ftate of the moft
flouriſhing nations in Europe. Their liberty is
well regulated; they have in plenty all ne-
ceffaries for life; their houfes are fmall, but
fuffici-
126
The civil Government of
fufficient; peace, union, and concord, reign
amongſt them; and is not this all that can
make a nation happy?
Thus the Indians themſelves adminiſter
juſtice, and govern the Reductions. As they
all have no other object in view but the public
weal, this makes them act in concert, and
maintains a concord, and harmony among
them extremely advantageous to the nation.
Befides the Miffionaries, whoſe difintereſtedneſs
is fufficiently known, and who are even uni-
verfally refpected for this reafon, are very
vigilant, and take care, that no one abuſes the
power he has by his office.
They never go to the full feverity of the
law in puniſhing criminals. A due regard is
always had to the narrow compafs of their
underſtanding, which has a great ſhare in the
faults committed by the Indians. But as
chaſtiſements are neceffary to keep within bounds
fuch as are deaf to all motives but fear; and
as ſome of theſe are always to be found in
every Reduction; the royal Corregidor and the
Alcaldes inflict penalties, but with great pru-
dence and moderation. And no final deter-
mination is made without confulting the Mi-
fionaries. Ways and means are found to
puniſh offences in fuch a manner, that the
offender may not conceive any averfion to
continue his refidence in the colony. But in
cafe an atrocious crime is to be punished,
which is capital, for which it would be difficult
to
1
the chriftian Settlements.
127
to produce precedents, the affair is carried to
the tribunal of the Governor of the Province,
in whom alone is veſted the power of condem-
ning an Indian to death.
If we confider next the burthens impofed
by the Kings of Spain on the Indians in the
Reductions, theſe are fo eafy, that all the nations.
in Europe would think themſelves happy under
the fame. A very ſmall tribute is exacted as
an acknowledgment of their vaffalage; they
have no other obligation befides, but to march
for the King's fervice, when they are commanded
to take the field; for building, or fortifying
towns; but this feldom happens. They are
very well recompenfed in confideration of thefe
burthens, by the privileges which Philip the
IV. and Charles II. granted to the Indians, and
which the most religious King Philip V. now
reigning has confirmed. [The author wrote this
in 1743.]
For firft, all the Indians, who have embraced
the catholic faith, and who on their own accord
have fubmitted to the crown, are the im-
mediate fubjects of the King; nor can their
lands, or perfons be made over in fee, or in
Commendam to any one, (as it is done with
reſpect to other Indians, who are fubjects of
Spain,) or any ways depend on any particular
perfon. 2dly. No more than a Piafter a head
can be annually demanded; while the other
Indians, made over in Commendam, pay five
times as much, and are befides liable to many
other
128
The civil Government of
other vexations. 3dly. The converted Indians are
not taxed, till they are twenty years of age, nor
is this tax payable by Indians, who have em-
braced the chriftian religion in an advanced age,
nor by women, nor by any turned of fifty. All
the Caciques, as being noble, and twelve other
Indians, in every Reduction, who are employed
in the fervice of the altar, are exempted from
this duty.
The Indians pay this money themſelves at
the capital of the Province into the hands of
the Kings officers, who immediately give them
an acquittance in writing. The officers of the
Reductions, in concert with the Miffionaries,
are to fee that the tribute is duly paid; and
this is done without any difficulty. And by
this means there is no occafion in this country,
as in Europe, for collectors, who are often
a greater burthen, than the duties they
collect.
The Revenues paid to the King by the
Indians hardly fuffice to bear his expences on
their account. For as often as evangelical
labourers are fent by his orders from Europe
to Paraguay, he allows three hundred Piafiers
for every one, and is at all the charges of
their embarkation. Ten thouſand Piafters more
are allowed yearly out of the royal Treaſury,
for the fupport of the Miffionaries in Paraguay,
The King gives a Bell to every new Church,
and all the facred ornaments that are neceffary
for every new Settlement. The King is alfo
at
the chriftian Settlements.
129
at the expence of all the wine ufed at the
altar, and of all the oil that burns night and
day in the lamps before the altar. This is no
trivial charge, as both are brought from
Europe. They cultivate vines in Peru and
Chili, which yield a pretty good wine; but
this muſt come by land-carriage, which would
add confiderably to the expence. I am not
informed, whether the Jefuits have attempted
to plant the Olive in Paraguay. It feems that
thofe trees would fucceed in that foil, unleſs it
be like that of Hifpanitla, where they fet down
fome plants brought thither, which in a few
years came on to admiration, but never yielded
any fruit.
In fine, the royal Treafury allows each Re-
duction a hundred and forty Piafters to find
drugs for their uſe. I do not bring in to ac-
count, the extraordinary alms given by the
Kings of Spain, which often amount to con-
fiderable fums. It is obferved that the catholic
Kings are at the fame charge, for the benefit
of Religion, throughout all their Dominions
in America; and in effect they receive even in
this world the reward of their generous piety,
It is a kind of a miracle, that they have kept
a quiet poffeffion of fuch a vaft and extended
empire for two hundred and fifty years.
Add to theſe advantages, the real title which
the Indians have acquired to his catholic Maje-
fty's protection by this eafy tribute. They have
more than once found the happy effects of
K
his
点
​130
The civil Government of
his patronage, when they were not yet able
to raiſe fufficient forces for their own de-
fence.
Is it not another great advantage for the
Indians to have it in their power, as it were, to
decide all fuits and differences without Lawyers,
Attorneys, Notaries, and to be utter ſtrangers
to all the by-ways and evafions of pettifoggers?
If any diſpute arifes among them, it is immedi-
ately determined by a peremptory judgement
of the Alcaldes, who neither know what it
is to protract law-fuits, or to take a bribe.
As to what concerns the fubftance of the
Indians, there is not a family that has not a
parcel of land allotted, more than fufficient, to
fupport every perfon in it. The large rivers,
which have infinite numbers and variety of
birds on their banks, abound, as do the lakes,
with all forts of fish. One cannot ſtep without
meeting game of all kinds in the woods, and
fruits, tho' wild, yet very agreeable to the
tafte. Bees of various kinds provide plenty
of exquifite honey, and the fineſt wax.
The
fugar cane grows wild in moiſt places. Among
the fifh, particular notice is taken of two
amphibious animals the fea-hog and wolf, in
fhape and fize not unlike the land animals
from which they take their names. The fkin
of the fea-wolf or Bafe, is fo foft and fine,
that it might be miſtaken for velvet; it is of
a fnuff colour, and fells at a high price when
well
the chriftian Settlements.
131
well cured. The flesh of the fea-hog is faid to
be very wholfome and delicious.
The knowledge of the true God, and paffing
from a brutish life to the practice of all chrifti-
an virtues, are unquestionably the moſt ſignal
benefits the Indians have received from the
Miffionaries. But what is there, that they do
not owe to their care and trouble in procuring
all conveniences of life for every Reduction, as
far as their fituation could allow ?
To confider what the firft fettlements must
have coft theſe evangelical workmen is fome-
thing that muſt ftrike our imagination. A
whole body of people was to be provided for the
ſpace of a whole year, that is till their firft har-
veft. But what was ftill harder, a coarfe and
unexperienced people were to be taught by de-
grees thofe arts, which are neceffary, and in
proceſs of time fuch as are uſeful, tho' not ne-
ceffary, to fociety. The Miffionaries were forced
to act, if I may be allowed the expreffion, all
forts of parts, and to work at all trades fuc-
ceffively. Sometimes they forwarded the pub-
lic work much more by example, than words.
Then they took to clearing of lands till that
time waste and uncultivated. Some turned
up the ground with wooden ploughs, others
fowed Mayz, barley, beans, and all forts of
pulfe, of which they had procured feeds.
Some hewed down trees, and conveyed them to
the Reductions, to build a church and houſes.
Others drove fix or nine hundred miles herds
K 2
of
132
The civil Government of
}
of cattle, flocks of fheep, goats, and do
meftic fowls, which they fetched from the Spanish
towns, to ftock the fettlements. Father Peter
Efpinofa loft his life in this commendable exer-
cife of charity. He drove a numerous flock
of fheep from Santa Fe, when he was taken,
Fè,
and maniacred, by the barbarous nation of the
Guaiaguires. What can be more edifying, than
the project which thofe great men had in view!
Theſe were born in the chief cities of Eu-
rope. Many were diftinguished by their noble
extraction, or had by their fuperior talents
deferved applaufe in the chairs of the moft
celebrated univerfities. Not content to re-
nounce the conveniences of life, and the re-
putation, which they had reaſon to expect in
Europe, to the end they might embrace the
painful and obfcure life of Miffionaries in bar-
barous countries, they became herdſmen, ma-
fons, joiners, and carters. They took to the
meanest, and moſt laborious trades; and all to
teach the Indians, whom they had converted theſe
profeflions, and to make them underftand,
how neceffary it was they fhould apply them-
felves feriously to thofe trades.
1
While the Miffionaries toiled in the fweat of
their brow, the Savages ufually kept with
folded arms, and looked on in amazement;
but never fo much as thought of offering to
take their fhare in the work, tho' fatisfied,
that they were better able to bear it than the
Miffionaries, who on the other fide underwent
thefe
the chriftian Settlements.
133
thefe fatigues for the benefit of their Neophytes.
In the Spanish towns this fcheme of the Miffion-
aries was generally looked upon as a downright
piece of folly. But God who had infpired this
noble defign to his fervants, gave his bleffing to
an enterpriſe they went upon for his glory.
Thanks to the early labours of thefe firft brave
Miffionaries, the lands of the Reductions are
this day well cultivated, and generally anſwer
the labourers hopes. There are now in every
colony Carpenters, Maſons, Smiths, Weavers,
Sculptors, Architects, and even Painters, and
Engravers, who all vie one with another to
excel in their profeffions. Nothing forwards
them more in theſe arts, than their earneſt de-
fire to beautify the churches and altars. Some
have learned to melt metals, and make all
forts of mufical inftruments. And lastly, the
women can ſpin, few, embroider, and cut out
clothes.
The Indians in general are reprefented as
unfit for fpeculative fciences. I apprehend
that this character is impofed upon them.
This feeming dulnefs may be only an effect of
their education. The Indians in Paraguay live
much as our people of the country in Europe.
Do not thefe appear as fimple and coarfe,
without any genius or tafte? And yet the
Country, eſpecially where the air is thin and
fharp, produces as well as the towns, men of
invention and parts, who when they are trained
to arts, fciences, and trade, are great profici-
ents.
134
The civil Government of
ents. The fame would happen, I am per
fuaded, among the Indians, could their children
be exerciſed and brought up in fchools as they
are in Europe; and fome would fhine with
diftinction in fciences and the Belles Lettres.
This may be well inferred from a great facility
they have in learning mufic, and other arts,
taught them by the Miffionaries.
We have here in Modena at meffieurs Catta
neo's, a fmall piece painted by an Indian, and
fent over by Father Cattaneo their uncle. The
piece does not indeed give any great idea of the
painter; but the uncle took care to let them
know, that many better were to be ſeen in
Paraguay. As the Indians are without means to
come at nice colours, the colouring wants life
and ftrength. They imitate extremely well
with a pen printed Letters, Engravings on cop-
per. Father Cattaneo gave the following ac-
count in a letter to his brother Cattaneo, dated
the goth. of December 1730.
"I fend you a couple of draughts drawn by
"an Indian with his pen from the original
"prints. To me they appear two maſter-
Fe
'
pieces. I am bold to fay, that had thefe
been done by fome celebrated hand in
"Europe, he would have gained credit by the
"delicacy and eafinefs of the drawing. It is
well known, how difficult it is to defign
with the pen.
But our admiration is
"raifed much more, when we find it is the
work of a poor raw Indian, who ſpends his
"days
the chriftian Settlements.
735
"days at work in the fields. An Indian
"copied in the fame manner a fmall picture
"of the conception of our Lady, fuch as is
"commonly put in Breviaries, or the priests
"office book, which the German Miffionaries
"prized fo much as to fend it to Vienna by way
" of a valuable curiofity, to be placed in a
"famous cabinet with another of the ſame
"nature, fent formerly by Miffionaries of the
"fame Nation. The two pictures you receive
"from me, are without difpute fuperior to
"thole in the elegancy of the work, and the
great number, and the happy difpofition of
"the figures
I think they would grace a
..
"Prince's cabinet."
If the Indians have no great fuccefs in feveral
pieces of work, it is owing to the mediocrity
of the patterns they copy. Can they want wit,
who have fo great a difpofition for all arts?
Is it not far more likely, that were the Indians
applied to higher ftudies, their capacities would
foon begin to fhew and display themſelves?
Some would be fit to be admitted into the
Society of Jefus. This would be a great ad-
vantage to Paraguay. And this extended part
of the Lord's vinyard would not be fo often
deftitute of labourers.
Since the Mufionaries have not yet taken
this courſe, they muft without doubt have
cogent reafons for the contrary. I muft low-
ever beg leave to affirm upon the evidence of
feveral creditable relations from thofe parts,
K 4
that
136
Their Way of Life.
that the Indians have as good heads as we;
and that they want nothing but ſtudy, and being
cultivated.
CHA P. XVI.
Their way of Life. The wife Regulations, that
keep up Order, Plenty, and public Tranquility
in the Reductions.
A
FTER a general view of the happy
ſtate the chriftians enjoy in the Reductions,
it is proper to confider the means that contribute
moft to fecure theſe advantages to the Indians.
We must alio fay fomething with regard to their
way of living, and their drefs
The Indians have neither flaves to command,
nor haughty and imperious mafters to obey.
Each inhabitant occupies a parcel of land lent
him by the public; they are ufufructuary
Tenants, without any payment to be made to
any perſon, except the Piafter mentioned above,
and which is the yearly tribute due to the
Sovereign. Every Indian is rich in proportion
to his diligence and application to work. The
Indians fow their fields with all kinds of grain,
and pulſe; eſpecially Mayz, and Manioc, which
are their most common food. Manioc has this
advantage, that the bread made with it is very
ftrengthening, and keeps very well. It is of
great
Their Way of Life.
137
great fervice on a journey, or when country work
is to be attended many days together.
I do not underſtand why the Indians neglect
cultivating rice; as their lands lie along the
rivers, theſe would fupply the great quantity
of water neceffary for that fort of huſbandry.
According to an account fent from the country
of the Chiquitos, the vaft plains between them
and the lake Xarayes, are yearly covered with
plentiful crops of rice, which the foil naturally
produces. The Payagnas, the Gnatos, and other
neighbouring nations, come to reap what they
have not fowed.
The Caciques, captains, magiftrates, and
the chiefs of every Population, are diftin-
guiſhed from the common; but this diftin&tion
does not confift in greater, or more lafting
poffeffions, or in any riches that are the fruit
of trade and induftry. Hence it does not
affect their equality, like the difference we
make between noble and ignoble, rich and
poor, mafters and fervants; odious diftincti-
ons, that make one part of mankind per-
petually hate or envy the other.
Their commen dreſs is a waftecoat breeches,
fuch as the Spaniards wear, furtout or upper
garment, which is fhaped fomething like the
ancient upper veftment of a prieft at mafs,
and reaches to the midleg This kind of
gar-
ment is called Poncio, and like the rest of their
clothing, is white. This colour is pitched upon,
that they might be washed from time to time.
IF
138
Their Way of Life.
If an Indian wear a Poncio of another colour,
it is either a prefent made him, or a prize
gained in the tournaments above mentioned.
Some indeed, more induftrious than the com-
mon, have learned to die cottons. But the
common dreſs is generally white; and cloaths
of colours are only worn on the greater folem-
nities.
None but the Caciques, Captains, and chiefs,
wear fhoes. The drefs for the women is a
fhift without fleeves, that comes down to their
feet, a girdle, and gown called in their
language Tipoi. The gown has fleeves, and
is of the fame length with the fhift. The
women never go without the Tipoi, unlefs
when they are at hard work; and as their
long flowing hair nearly refembles a nun's
veil, one would think at a diſtance, that they
were nuns bufied at country work.
The Indian women bind their foreheads with
a head-band drawn very tight; to this band
they faften their burthens, which reft on their
ſhoulders; much the fame account is given of
the women on the coafts of Africa.
The chriftian Reductions are built with great
fimplicity; the church is the most remarkable
edifice; the houſe of the Miffionaries joins to
the church; next are the ftore houfes, and
the public granaries, where all forts of grain
the herb Cua, cotton, and other provifions,
are ftored up in common, to be diftributed
to the people yearly as they want. Contiguous
here-
Their Way of Life.
139
bereto are built the fhops and work-houſes for
the different trades; then follow the houfes of
the Indians, difpofed like ftalls in a market place.
The ftreets are laid out by a line. The houfes
have only a ground floor, and confiſt in a
fquare hall, where all the family is lodged.
They are made of reeds plaſtered with mortar,
and without any chimnies or windows; and fo
have no aperture but the door, to admit light,
and to let out the fmoake of a conftant fire
kept in the middle of the room.
The Indians
ufually take their reft in hammocs, fixed at
the ends of the dwelling. As foon as they rife,
they fold up the hammoc, and hang it upon
a hook in the corner. They fit crofs legged
on the floor round the fire, Thefe good people
give themſelves little concern about unneceffary
furniture, which would only be an incumb-
rance and are perfectly eaſy with mere
neceffaries; in fo much that the defire of fu-
perfluities never difturbs the tranquility they
enjoy.
The entire want of gold and filver, and of
all money whatever, is the folid baſis of the
union and concord that fubfift among the In-
dians; they are abfolute ftrangers to thofe idols
of cupidity. Paraguay has no metal mines;
at leaſt none has been difcovered. The iron and
fteel ufed here, are imported from old Spain,
in fhips that arrive every three or four years at
Buenos Ayres. And thus it happens that the
Indians being but ill provided with neceffary
in
140
Their Way of Life.
inftruments, cannot without great difficulty
be great proficients even in thofe arts, which
they underſtand. They bring their bell-metal
for cafting Bells from Coquimbo in Chili 1500
miles off Parana and Uraguay.
Some hundreds of Indians go annually to
trade in the Spanish towns. All the Reductions
equip, at their common charge, Baljas or
Floats, to carry to Buenos Ayres and Santa Fé
their merchandiſe down the rivers that fall into
La Plata. Thefe commodities are the herb of
Paraguay, Leaf- Tobacco, Honey, the fruits
of the country, Hides, and furrs of feveral
animals, and cottons. The Indians have Fac-
tors in theſe towns, whom they leave charged
with their interefts. Fart of the money arif
ing from their effects goes to diſcharge the
yearly tribute to the King; with the remainder
they purchaſe firft what is neceffary to be
provided for the church, and then all the
utenfils for huſbandry, and what other tools.
the Indians may want. In this manner their
traffic, like that of the first inhabitants of the
earth, confiſts in the exchange of merchandife
and provifions.
Thefe journeys of the Indians to the Spanish
towns, where they only have in view the
welfare of the public, and private intereſt
has no fhare, commonly laft fome months.
And to the end their lands may not fuffer by
this long abfence, fome of the moſt induftrious
inhabitants of the refpective Reductions, are
ap-
Their Way of Life.
141
appointed to look after them. Thefe difcharge
this office fo well that the travellers, at their
return find their plantations in as good a con-
dition, as if they had done the work themfelves.
All their travelling charges are allowed, and
the Reduction they belong to make them a
prefent of fome furniture, or provifions from
the public ftores.
It was forefeen that the Indians, what by
neglect, what by other accidents, might find
the want of neceffaries. Many of them have
no thought of what is to come; and we must
not forget that the American, as well as the Afri-
can nations, are averfe to work. The Miffiona-
ries were to provide, that their Neophytes.
ſhould not by their fault fuffer a fatal fcarcity,
which fooner or later would bring on the ruin
of religion. They must look on themfelves as
fathers of families with great numbers of
children not yet arrived to maturity, unable
to act for themfelves, and unacquainted with
what conveniences of life they ought to pro-
cure.
The wife minifters of the gofpel took this
method to preferve plenty in the Reductions,
and rescue the Indians from their indolence and
natural lazinels. After having affigned a parce!
of land more than fufficient to maintain each
family, they diftribute amongst them the
quantity of grain that is neceflary to fow their
ground, but on this condition, that after har-
veft they shall bring to the public ftores as
much
*4*
Their Way of Life:
much grain as they have received, that the
common fund of feed grain may be always kept
up. Without this precaution, the Indians would
certainly eat all their grain, and leave themſelves
even without hopes of another harveſt.
Every family has a pair or two of oxen
lent them for their husbandry. If they were
the property of the Indians, the poor animals.
would be foon paſt all ſervice. For it has
often happened, that fome Indians to fpare
themſelves the daily trouble of putting the
yoke on their cattle, never took it off. Others
would knock them down, and foon eat them.
up, without giving any reafon but that they
were hungry. Now indeed they are more.
careful of them, as they are obliged at the
expiration of a certain term to restore them in
good plight.
pro-
In fine the Miffionaries chufe overfeers among
the moſt active and vigilant Neophytes, to
run over the grounds, and obferve whether
they work, fow, and reap, in due time;
whether meaſures are taken to make the
vifion of grain hold out from one harveft to
the next; and to conclude, whether the cattle
be well looked after. The faulty are puniſhed
feverely. It is equally the advantage of the
public, and of particulars, that every one do
his tafk, and that the flothful be not maintain-
ed at their expence who are more laborious.
But whatever care is taken, provifions are
wanted by many about the middle of the year,
either
Their Way of Life.
143
either thro' ficknefs, or fome private misfortune
they have fuffered; or it is owing to their im-
prudent profufion, They will fuffer no beggars
in the Reductions, much lefs put the poor
under
a neceffity of ſtealing. To fence againſt theſe
two inconveniences, they take this method.
Befides the lands affigned to particulars, there
is a confiderable extent of ground, the beft and
the moſt fruitful that they can find, which the
Indians call Tupambae, that is, the poffeffion of
God. The management is committed to fome
underſtanding laborious Indians. This is culti-
vated under their direction by the children of
the Reduction, who to the age of fifteen are
employed in this work, and who fupply by
their numbers what they want, in ftrength. In
the morning all theſe children except thoſe at
ſchool, or in the workhouſes, after they have
faid their prayers, got their breakfaſt and heard
mafs, repair to the Tupambae, Here they
ſpend the whole day, they turn up the ground,
plant, or cut down the Mayz, according to
the different feafons; or thrash out the grain,
fow greens and pulfe, or attend the cotton
fhrubs; this laft requires the moſt care.
bout two hours before fun-fet the children give
over working, and go to church, where they
are catechifed by the Miffionary; then all the
people recite the Rofary, and evening prayers in
common. When this is over, all the girls
affemble in the fquare, and the boys in the
court of the Miffionary's houfe. Victuals are
A-
di-
144
Their Way of Life.
diftributed to both, which they carry home,
and eat before their time of reft. All grains,
fruit, and cotton, gathered from the Tupambae,
are depofited in the public granaries and ſtore-
houfes, in order to be diftributed in the courſe
of the year to the fick, the orphans, the handi-
craft's men, who have no profit from their
labour but being fed and maintained at the
public coft; in a word to all fuch as are any
ways difpenfed from tillage by their employ-
ment or buſineſs, and even to thofe, who
thro' their own negligence, or fome cafualty,
reach the end of their provifions before that of
the year.
Hence alfo are taken the ftores
furniſhed to thofe who go from home, either
on the affairs of the Reduction or the crown.
From time to time, by order from the governor
of the Province, five or fix thouſand Indians col-
lected from the different Reductions, have marched
from Paraguay, and their maintenance has not
coft the King of Spain one Piafter all the time
they were on his fervice, unless it be judged
proper to make them fome gratification, which
they are with the greateſt difficulty brought to
accept.
The advantages of this communion of goods
among the Neophytes appear at once. The
Indians are poor and want nothing. A perfect
equality is kept up among them, which is
the ſtrongeſt fupport of public peace and
concord.
Another particular, which deferves the great-
eft
Their Way of Life.
145
eft notice, is what has been mentioned elfe-
where, that if any of the fettlements is reduced
to want by the diftemperature of the feaſons,
or by accidents, which make the most in-
duftrious labourers lofe all their pains, or by
the mortality of cattle, the neighbouring Re-
ductions never fail relieving and helping them
to recover their loffes, without defiring any
thing but the fame affiftance on the like oc-
cafions.
Keeping the Indians in cloaths does not re-
quire the lefs attention. Were this left to them,
they would foon go naked, like the Savages.
All the work houfes and fhops are placed to-
gether about a large court, near the houſe and
under the eyes of the Miffionaries. Here are
to be feen all the different artificers that are
neceffary, and chiefly numbers of weavers,
who are conftantly employ'd in weaving cottons,
for cloathing the Indians. They are main-
tained, as has been faid before, at the public
expence, nor do they receive any other falary
for their labour. All the cotton gathered,
either on the Tupambae, or on the estates of
particulars, is brought to the public ftore-
houſes. A certain quantity is diftributed in
the beginning of the week to the women and
little girls, who bring the cotton back on
Saturday all fpun and ready for the Loom.
And by this means more cloathing is provided,
than is wanted for all the Reduction.
An Apothecary's fhop is eftabliſhed about
L
the
146
The Animals of Paraguay.
the center of Paraguay at the common charge,
and furniſhes all the Reductions with the medici-
nes they want. There is likewiſe a library
common to all the Miffionaries. Theſe admi-
rable contrivances, and many more too long to
be related here, are due to the prudence and
charity of the Miffionaries. They have neg-
lected nothing to make the Reductions an
agreeable Reſidence for their dear Neophytes,
and to invite Infidels to fettle among them.
CHAP. XVII.
The Animals of Paraguay, and the uſe and ad-
vantage made of them.
TH
HE Spaniards have brought into America
almoft all the domeftic animals known
in Europe. We have obferved before, that
many ftraying from their owners ran wild.
Their numbers are fo increased, that the plains
in the neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres are co-
vered with cattle. They have ſpread more or
lefs over all the other parts of South America.
The people of Buenos Ayres ſpend ſeveral
months of the year in hunting thefe wild cat-
tle; as this will be very fully related in one of
Father Cattaneo's Letters, I will not dwell any
longer upon this fubject. It fuffices to obferve
in fhort, that the hides of the wild cattle killed
yearly, are the chief riches of the country.
That
The Animals of Paraguay.
147
That ftout and thick leather imported from
England to Italy, is moftly made of the hides,
which the English bring from the weſtern parts
of Africa, and chiefly from Paraguay, where
they purchaſe them for fix or feven reals, that
is about two fhillings a hide. The Spaniards
now and then fend fhips whofe cargo is chiefly
hides to Cadiz, where the English merchant has
for a long time bought them It is alſo
forbidden under fevere penalties to the Europ-
eans, fettled in Paraguay, to fell theſe hides to
any but Spaniards. This prohibition is fo ill
obſerved, that the English, and Portugueſe,
carry off the far greater part.
But certainly
they have them not from the new converts
in Paraguay. What favours chiefly this coun-
terband trade, fo detrimental to the intereft
of Spain, is an important poft which the Por-
tugueſe feized in 1679. It is fituated overagainſt
the town of Buenos Ayres, on the other fide of
the river Plata. The Portugueſe erected a fort,
which they were forced to quit foon after.
But taking the place again, they raiſed ſuch
fortifications in the Inland of St. Gabriel, that
they have held it against all the attempts of
the Spaniards. This fettlement, which they
call the new colony, or commonly the colony
of the bleffed Sacrament, is a staple for them
and the English. The latter in 1727 had
formed a deſign of ſeizing on another Iſland at
the mouth of the river; and would have
fucceeded in the attempt, had they not been
L 2
pre-
148
The Animals of Paraguay.
prevented by the Spaniards. The Indians of Pa-
raguay hunt alfo wild cattle, Deer, &c. The
fleſh of thefe, and fuch like animals, and
bread, is almoſt the whole of their food. And
the hides and fkins are carried to the Spanish
towns, when they go out upon their traffic.
Moreover every Reduction is provided with a
fufficient ſtock of domeftic cattle and horſes,
for the uſe of the Indians in tilling their lands,
or for other purpofes. They have no fort of
ſtalls, or ſtables. Excepting a horfe or two
which they keep in a kind of court yard near
their houſes, the reft are left to ramble at
liberty in the open fields.
When they have occafion for any horned
cattle, or horſes, whether wild, or tame, they
catch them with a flip knot, much in the
fame manner as they do in fome parts of Italy,
where the cattle rove in the fame manner.
Three or four Indians mount their horfes.
They all have ropes in their hands; one end of
the rope is faſtened to the faddle, there is a
nooſe at the other end. As foon as they per-
ceive a bull or cow, they twirl the rope about
to keep it in a proper motion, and purſue the
beaſt they intend to catch. When they think
they are within reach, they dart out the cord,
and with the noofe feldom mifs catching the
animal, either by the horns, or the neck.
If the animal, finding itfelf hampered, turns
againſt them, they avoid him with wonderful
dexterity. If the beaſt refifts, they keep fide-
ways
The Animals of Paraguay.
149
ways to break the force of its fudden pulls.
They chiefly endeavour to faſten the rope a-
bout a tree, that there may be lefs room to
ſtruggle in. A youth about fifteen will ftop
this manner one of the largeſt and fierceft bulls.
By pulling the rope fuddenly this and that way,
he forces him to make fo many turns and back
again that he wearies out the beaft, and ftuns
him; and after he has caft him, he knocks
his brains out with eaſe. When there are a
great many hands together, they catch the
beaft in a fnare by the legs, and never leave
off pulling at the rope, till they have brought
him down. From what is faid, it is eafy to
conclude, that the Indians make no uſe of cow's
milk, which appears in Europe in fo many
different fhapes, and almoft generally agreeable
to the tafle, and conducive to health.
Horſes are not fo eafily caught, and run
incomparably fwifter than the horned cattle.
The main difficulty is to be near enough to
caft the noofe about their necks. But what
may not be ſo eaſily believed, the Indians catch
the wildeft and fierceft of creatures in the ſame
manner. But they must be a good deal more
dexterous, for instance, to catch a tyger; and
were not the Indians the beft horfemen, there
would be reafon to fear their being unhorfed,
and falling a prey to thefe fierce animals. The
tygers of Paraguay are faid to be greatly larger
and fiercer, than thefe of Africa.
Wild beafts are alfo attacked in another man-
L 3
ner
150
The Animals of Paraguay
ner, particularly by the unconverted Indians,
who are more dexterous, and more uſed to
this exerciſe, than others. Befides their javelin,
bow and arrows, they carry a rope fome two
or three fathoms long about their wafte by way
of a girdle, and a round ſtone in a leather bag
at each end of the rope. The bags are made
of neat's leather. Among all their weapons
the Indians have none more dreadful. When
they are to engage a lion, or tyger, they take
one of the ftones in the left, and whirl the other
about as in a fling with their right hand, till
they are within reach, and let it fly with fuch
force, that it either kills, or difables, the
animal. Beſides, the legs are fo entangled with
the rope as to hinder his running or even
moving without great difficulty, then no hazard
is run in difpatching him. They uſe this wea-
pon chiefly in taking oftriches.
When the Indians go a fowling, or hunt
animals that are not fo dangerous as thofe juft
mentioned, they have only bows and arrows.
They are fo dexterous that they feldom mifs
a bird even flying.
even flying. They often kill large
fishes as they fpring above the furface of the
water. But thofe, who hunt the ftag, the
Vigogna, Guanacos, and the like fwift-footed
animals, make uſe of the nooſe, and the rope
with a ſtone at each end.
The Vigogna refembles much a ftag but is
larger. The hair that grows under the belly
makes the fineſt hats, called Vigogna-hats.
That
The Animals of Paraguay.
151
That growing on the fides, ferves to make
towels and handkerchiefs.
The Guanacos comes ftill nearer to the Stag,
but is fomething lefs. He has a long neck,
and large beautiful black eyes. This animal
bears his head aloft with great majefty; he is
very ſwift, but does not hold a long courfe.
He is foon tamed. The Spaniards make uſe of
them to carry the oar from the mines. The hair
of the Guanacos refembles much that of the goat,
fometimes white, fometimes black, or reddiſh.
As it is always a ſpan at leaſt in length, and
fometimes two or three, the Guanacos wants
no pannel for the eafier carriage of his load.
He cannot endure heat; and when the beams
of the fun are very fcorching, he begins a
bleating, throws himſelf on the ground, and
endeavours to get rid of his burthen. 'Tis to
no purpoſe to force him to rife, he will not
ftir till he finds the air cooler. The Indians
eat this animal as we do mutton, and the
Spaniards in their language give it the name of
fheep; it is extremely difagreeable to the Eu-
ropeans by a faint and wild ſmell.
There are moreover great quantities of
Roebucks, wild-hogs, and hares, feen in
Paraguay. They have three forts of tags,
one larger the other lefs, than ours. Venifon
is in high requeft among the Indians. Oftriches
are very common. Their necks and legs, as
all know, are very long; and they carry their
heads fix or ſeven foot high from the ground.
L4
As
152
The Animals of Paraguay.
As their wings are not proportioned to their
bodies, they only ferve them to run the fafter.
Their feathers are of an afh-colour, mixed for
the moſt part with black and white. They are
died in feveral colours. The egg of the
Oferich eats very well, but is not eafily digefted;
and fome are pretended to be big enough to
dine feveral perfons. It has been affirmed by
fome, that the Ostrich digefts ftones and iron;
but this fact is without any proof.
There is a fingular animal in the country of
the Moxos, and known there by the name of
Orocomo. Its hair is red, and the nofe ends
in a point. When this animal, which in fize
is as big as a large dog, and lives in the woods,
fees an Indian armed, he runs away; but if
he find him unarmed, he attacks and throws
him on the ground, without any further harm,
if the Indian take care to feign himſelf dead.
After tumbling him about for awhile, and as
it were to examine whether he is really dead,
the Orccomo is fatisfied with covering the Indian
with leaves and boughs, and goes off into the
thickeft of the foreft. The Indian, who knows
the animal, rifes as foon as the other has
diſappeared, and feeks his fafety by a speedy
flight, or climbing up a tree; where he can
obferve at leifure all that paffes. The Orocomo
is not long before he returns accompanied with
a tyger, which he fems to have invited to
part of his prey; but meeting with this dif
appointment, he fets up a moft hideous howl,
and
7
The Animals of Paraguay.
153
and looking forrowful at his companion, feems
to exprefs his concern for giving him the trouble
of an unneceffary journey.
There are alfo different kinds of Bears in
theſe foreſts; and one peculiar to Paraguay.
The pifmire-bear (for this is the name he goes
by) has inftead of a mouth, a round hole that
is always open. This country produces an
infinity of pifmires. The bear claps his muzzle
to the pifmire neft, and thrufts in his pointed
tongue very deep; he waits till it is covered
with pifmires, and draws his tongue quickly
in, to fwallow a fwarm of thefe diminitive ani-
mals. The fame ſport is renewed often, till
he has enough of this favourite food.
Tho' the pifmire-bear is without teeth, he
is very well provided with other terrible wea-
pons. If he cannot attack his enemy like the
lion, or tyger; he hugs him, and ſquezes him
ftrongly between his paws; he tears, and pulls
him foon to pieces. Thefe bears frequently
engage the tygers. As the tyger makes as
good ufe of his teeth, as the bear does of his
claws, the engagement generally ends in the
death of both the combatants. But all thefe
fierce creatures feldom attack a man, unleſs
they are first attacked; and the Indians pafs
whole days in the forefts without the leaſt ap-
prehenfion.
Befides the horned cattle and horfes employ-
ed in tillage, there is in the chriftian colonies of
Paraguay, a number of mules that ferve for the
car-
154
The military Government.
carriage of goods from one Reduction to a-
nother. For the Indians do not only traffic
with the Spaniards, but the Reductions trade
with one another. All kinds of fruit and grain
are not equally the produce of every foil.
The inhabitants of a colony give others what
they have to fpare in one kind or other, and
receive in return fuch other provifions as they
want. The prices are fixed, and not to be
changed on any acount. Thus covetouſneſs
has no access to the Neophytes. After the
Reductions are abundantly provided with the
natural products of the country, cloths, and
other ſtuffs the manufactures of Paraguay,
the overplus is fent off to the markets of
Buenos Ayres and Santa Fé as we have remarked
above.
CHA P. XVIII.
The military Government of the Reductions.
TH
HC' peace reigns within the chriftian.
Reductions, and they live in the greate
harmony, without even the leaft appearance of
diffention, it has been found neceffary even from
their beginning to introduce the military art
among the Indians. Thefe fmall Republics
have on one fide the heathenifh nations, that
abhor chriſtians, and chriftianity. If no check
was given to their fierce nature, thefe barbari-
I
ans
of the Reductions.
155
ans, who are enemies to peace and quiet, and
accuſtomed to purſue one another inceffantly,
with a view to devour their enemies, would
foon carry the terrors of war into the center of
the chriſtian Reductions. Some inftances of
a freſh date prove fufficiently all that can be
apprehended from their cruelty. In 1735, they
came pouring down on one of the two fmall
Reductions founded in the country of the
Ciriguanes. The church was burnt down,
and the Miffionary maffacred. Another Re-
dullion newly formed on the confines of the
Province of Chiaco, between the Lules and
Mocovies met with the fame fate.
On the other fide, the Mameluſſes of Brafil
muſt ever be dreaded by the Neophytes, till
the Kings of Portugal are pleafed to take proper
meaſures, for putting a ftop to this terrible evil.
We have given elfewhere an account of their
horrible ravages in Paraguay. I beg leave to
infert here another fpecimen of their cruelty.
Tho' it is out of place, I hope the fmall di-
reffion will be forgiven, which is another
proof of the undaunted zeal of the Miſſionari-
5, who labour and toil in Paraguay.
The Mameluffes, towards the cloſe of the laſt
century, furprized the Reduction called Jefus
and Mary in the Province of Guaira, which lies
the nearest to St. Paul. Upon the first rumour
of their arrival, Father Simon Mazetta a re-
nowned Miffionary, comes out of his houſe
in a ſurplice and ftole, and a crucifix in his
hand,
156
The military Government
hand, with hopes that men who went ftill
under the name of chriftians, would at leaſt
refpect a priest of Jefus Chrift. But his hopes
deceived him. One of their captains named
Frederic MELLO, to whom the Jefuit addreffed
himſelf first, lifted up his hanger and would
infallibly have killed him, had he not luckily
avoided the blow.
Almoft at the fame inftant he faw the Cacique
Coruba murthered by his fide. The houfes of
the Neophytes and the church were to be plun-
dered, and the Neophytes, men, women, and
children, were made flaves. As the Mameluf
fes apprehended the chriftians of the neighbour-
ing Reductions coming to affift their brethren,
they fet out at day break on their return to St.
Paul, with their captives. The Reductions were
not then in a condition to undertake the de-
liverance of their brethren. But Father Ma-
zetta, in concert with Father Francis Diaz,
who came to join him, took a moft heroic
refolution. And this was to go after their
dear Neophytes, and venture all the dangersof
this hazardous ftep. Upon this the two Mif-
fionaries fet out as foon as they could. What
a fight for theſe tender Paftors to find all a
long the road, old men, women, and children,
fome dead with hunger and hardships, others
breathing out their laft fighs! At length they
overtook the main body, and without any
regard to their own fatigues and without any
refpite fet about comforting their parishioners,
and
of the Reductions.
157
and procuring them all the relief, that lay in
their power. Neither the outragious behavi-
our of the Mameluffes, nor the blows laid on,
more than once, were able to check their re-
folution. At laft, after a journey of nine
hundred miles, they arrived at St. Paul's. All
their reprefentations were ineffectual, and could
not prevent the immediate diftribution of the
captives, fome to till the ground, others for
the fugar works, and fome to work in the
mines.
The Miffionaries faw clearly, that they had
conceived very vain hopes of finding any re-
dreſs, or even the fhadow of justice, at St.
Paul's; they fet out directly for the Bay of
All Saints the capital of the Brafils, fome fix
hundred miles diftant from St. Pauls, and pre-
fented themſelves to Don Francis Oliveyra, then
captain general of the Brafils, and requeſted of
him the diliverance of their Neophytes. The
humane Governor gave them letters, with or-
ders to the inhabitants of St. Pauls for the
reftoring the Indians of the Reductions; and
appointed a Commiffary to accompany the
Fathers in their return, and fee that his orders
were duly executed. The Mameluffes were like
to tear the Miffionaries in pieces. It was not very
long before that Father James Alfaro loft his
life on the like occafion. At leaft, threats,
and abuſes were not fpared, and in the night,
arrows, and ftones were fent in at the windows.
At laft all the pains of the Miffionaries ended
in
158
The military Government
in procuring the liberty of fome fifty Indians
out of fifteen thouſand and upwards taken
away by force from Paraguay. Father Mazetta
and his companion made no long ftay at St.
Paul's but went off with juft reafons to think
that the Mamelufjes meditated fome new enter-
priſe againſt the Reductions.
To prevent any fuch fatal accidents for the
future, companies of foot, and troops of horſe,
were formed in every Redution, on the fame
footing as they are in Spain. Their forces have.
two forts of arms; firft thoſe which have been
of old ſtanding among the Indians, viz. the
bow and arrow headed with bone, or wood
as hard as iron, a fling, and a huge club made
of very heavy wood, called Macana. The
Neophytes want no other weapons to oppofe
the Infidels.
But as the Mameluffes, a far more formidable
enemy, are armed with pikes, fwords, and
fire arms; the Indians are allowed the fame
weapons, the better to withſtand this dangerous
foe. Thus when they are at war with them,
the Infantry is armed with pikes, fwords,
and guns; and the Cavalry with lances and
mufkets.
The only precaution they ufe, is to keep
the fire arms lockt up in the armouries, and
not to let the Indians have them but in cafe of
neceffity. There are proper officers, who have
the charge of the arms, and are to keep them
in order.
The
of the Reductions.
159
The royal Corregidor mufters the troops of
the Reduction, and exercifes them every week,
on the great place which forms a fquare, en-
compaffed with buildings all of an equal
height, except the fide where the church and
the houſe of the Miffionary ftand.
The Indians learn very early the ufe of the
bow and fling. Prizes are given to thofe who
exceltmoft in theſe exerciſes. The first horfes
that the Indians faw frightened them fo much
that they climbed the trees as they would at the
fight of lions or tygers. Now the Indians
fit a horſe extremely well, and their cavalry
is the terror of all the enemies of the Re-
ductions.
Thefe forces being raifed, not to make any
conquefts, but only for the defence of the
country, great care is taken, that nothing be
done which may hinder a good underſtanding
with the Infidels. And this is neceffary for
the welfare of Religion.
As they found that the Mameluffes were con-
ſtantly on the watch for a favourable oppor-
tunity to make new inroads among them, and
that they fent out fcouts for the difcovering of
proper roads, that they may arrive with greater
fecurity and privacy at the Reductions, the Neo-
phytes are conftantly on their guard. All the
fummer long, men are kept for no other end,
than to fcour the country. Thefe will go a
hundred and fifty, or a hundred and four core
miles to obferve whether any thing is done,
tha
160
The military Government
that ſeems to indicate the approach of their
enemies, and then come back to make their
report. If there appear any juſt reaſon to fear,
arms are diſtributed to the troops, and the
neighbouring Reductions have notice given them
of the danger they are threatened with. The
forces march foon after towards the enemy,
with whom they endeavour to engage in an
open country. The Indians are invincible,
when they can ufe their horfe and fire arms.
Befides by going out to meet the enemy, the
women and meaner fort of people are freed
from thoſe perplexing terrors, which are occafi-
oned by the prefence of the enemy. And
laftly, for fear the Mameluffes and the favage
Indians fhould take the advantage of the time
when the church fervice is performing, it has
happened fometimes that the chriftians even
when they go to church take their bow and ar-
rows with them.
They never take the field without the per-
miffion and bleffing of the Miffionary. When
they have this they make fure of victory.
The people of St. Paul's have been taught by
more than one defeat to fear and refpect them.
But the moſt ſignal victory which the chriſtians.
have gained, was fome years ago near the
Reduction of Santa Cruz. The army of the
enemy compofed of eight hundred Mameluffes,
and four thoufand of their Indians, were com-
pleatly routed. The greateſt part loft their
lives in the action, the others owed their lives.
4
I
to
4
ら
​of the Reductions.
161
to the mercy of the conquerors, who gene-
rouſly allowed them to go back to Brafil, and
even furnished them with proviſions for their
journey, after they had taken an oath never
more to moleft the Reductions. Thefe will
very likely keep their word, and fo much the
more, for that the Reductions are in a con-
dition to make them repent any fuch breach of
promiſe.
As to the infidel Indians, it is certain they
have not fufficient force to refift the chriftians;
and confequently they are very careful, when
near the Reductions, not to fall out with them.
Thoſe who are not difpofed to live peaceably,
generally retire to a greater diftance. There
are notwithſtanding fome Savages fcattered
about the country, who lie in wait for the
travellers in the high roads, or fteal their
cattle, and kill thofe that guard them, or
carry them off prifoners, if they furprife them
alone in the fields.
The Reductionists have not only fignalized
their bravery in their own defence; their
important fervices for the ftate have gained
them the higheſt commendations from the
Kings of Spain, and the Governors of the
Provinces
As early as the year 1662, Don Alphonfo
Sarmiento, Governor of the Affumption, the
capital of Paraguay, whilft he was on a progrefs
to inſpect his government, took up his quarters
in a kind of caftle on the road to Villarica. He
A
M
Uor Mfaw
162
The military Government
faw himſelf on a fudden inveſted by a nation
of infidels, and the moft warlike in thofe parts.
Don Alphonfo had but a fcore of foldiers, and
very little provifion. A Reduction in the ter-
ritory of the Itatines was timely informed of
the extreme danger the Governor was in.
Three hundred men were inftantly dispatched;
they made forced marches, and in twenty four
hours, which on another occafion muft have.
been four days, they came up with, and fell.
very ſmartly on, the enemy. The action was
obftinately difputed on both fides. Victory
at laft declared for the chriftians,who daughter-
ed a great number of Infidels, put the reft
to flight, delivered the Governor, and eſcorted
him fafe to the.capital. Sarmiento from that
time could never give over commending the
brave Indians. Don Sebaftian de Leon was in
the fame danger, and in the fame manner
reſcued by the Reduction of St. Ignatius in the
Parana.
No action of any importance has happened
in Paraguay this hundred years, nor has any
victory been gained, where they have not only
had the greatest fhare, but have given the
ſtrongeſt proofs of their courage and zeal for
the King's fervice. We muft add that the
Indians have always waged war at their own
expence, without any pay, or being indemni-
fied. They thought they were fufficiently paid
with the honour of ferving his majefty, and
were glad that they had it in their power to
make
r.t
4
2
1
J
Г
L
6
of the Reductions.
163
make this acknowledgement for the privileges
he was pleaſed to grant, as a reward of their zeal
and fidelity.
It muſt be owned however, that in order
to fucceed in the field they muſt have Spaniſh
officers to head them, as they neither know
how to put themſelves in order of battle, or
how to keep it. Their way is to rush on the
enemy all together, with great outcries and
howling dreadfully. This might perhaps do,
were they only to engage other Indians. But
they must be more cautious againſt Mameluffes
and Europeans. They have prudent and ex-
perienced officers fent them in time of war,
who train them up for fome days before they
lead them to battle. After this they do won-
ders, and fight like lions. The Portugueſe
found it fo in the year 1680. This event is
too glorious to the brave Indians, to be paffed
over in filence.
The Portugueſe in the year 1679, under the
conduct of Don Emanuel de Lobos, had feized
the poft where the colony of the B. Sacrament
is at prefent. The river La Plata forms here
a port capable of harbouring a great number
of fhips and sheltered from contrary winds by
the Inand of St. Gabriel, which ftands over
againft this harbour. While D. Jofeph de
Barro, Governor of Buenos Ayres, kept dif
patching expreffes one after another to Lobos,
to be informed directly by him what the
Portuguese meant, the latter had all the leifure
M 2
they
164
The military government
they wanted, to raiſe a fort well provided with
artillery and to hold out a long fiege.
Barro, though fome thing too late, found
he had been duped, and refolved to be even
with Lobos. The Corregidors of the Reductions
had orders to raife immediately an army of
Indians. In eleven days three thoufand three
hundred Indians well equipt were ready to
march. They brought with them four thou-
fand horſes, four hundred mules, and two hun-
dred oxen, to draw the artillery. This fmall
army in a ſhort time came fix hundred miles,
which is reckoned to be the diftance from the
Reduction to Buenos Ayres.
The Indians made no doubt of meeting an
army of Spaniards; who would find their ac-
count in the four thouſand horfes they brought.
But all the Governor's forces amounted only
to three hundred, including the Spanish foot,
Negroes, and Mulattos, that joined the Indians.
To complete their diftrefs, there were but two
hundred muſkets, and fome broad fwords, to
diftribute among them. The Indians were on-
ly armed with their flings, bows and arrows,
and their clubs. The Indian militia was not
then upon the footing it is at preſent.
But however the fiege of the fort built by
the Portugueſe was refolved on; and the Go-
vernor nominated D. Jofeph de Vere to com-
mand the fiege. This general, being deter-
mined to ſtorm the fort, drew up his forces in
a very fingular manner. The four thouſand
horfes
of the Reductions.
165
horfes without riders formed the van. The In-
dians came next led up by Spanish Officers. The
three hundred regular foot made up the rear.
D. Jofeph imagined that the horſes would ferve
as a rampart to his forces, and that after the
firſt diſcharge of the artillery againſt the van,
the Indian militia might eafily fcale the work,
and get poffeffion of the Terre-plain.
This order of battle could only end in the
defeat of his army. The Indians faw the dan-
ger; they halted, and reprefented to the Ge-
neral, that the horfes frightened by the fire and
noife of the Cannon would certainly fall back
on the troops, and would throw them into dif
order and confufion, and that taking this way
to work would be only yielding the victory to
the enemies.
D. Joſeph approved of their opinion, and or-
dered the horſes to be withdrawn, and ſet aſide.
Then the Indians reſumed their march, and ar-
rived under the walls of the fortrefs with fur-
prifing filence and order. He had forbid any
of the foldiers ftirring, till the firing off a pif-
tol gave notice for the affault to be made on
the place. Mean while an Indian had the cou-
rage to ſcale the walls and get up to the plat-
form; and finding the centry afleep, he cut off
his head, and was about doing as much for the
reft, when he was fired upon. The Indians
taking this to be the fignal agreed on, fcrambled
up all of them with the greateft intrepidity to
M 3
the
166
The military government
the terre-plain, and helped the Spaniards to come
up after them. The Portugueſe made a tout
refiftance for feveral hours, animated by the
example of D. Emanuel Galban their Comman-
der. This brave officer performed prodigies of
valour; but at length overpowered by num-
bers, and covered over with wounds, he fell
down dead on the walls of the place. They
faw with wonder and furprize his Lady fight-
ing fword in hand by his fide. It was to no
purpoſe for the Spaniards to offer an honoura-
ble retreat to this Heroine; fhe would hearken
to no terms, but was wholly actuated by her
affection to her huſband, and fought to the laſt
breath. The befieged feeing the fort covered
with the dead, or the dying, begged quarter.
But as the Indians did not underſtand Portu-
guefe, and thought they were engaged with the
Mamelues of Brafil, did not give over flaying
the enemies, till they received orders from the
Spanish chiefs. On the fide of the victors
in this memorable action no one gave more
fignal proofs than the Cacique Don Ignatius
Landau. He faw his men difpofed to lofe
ground at the beginning of the engagement,
and reſtored them to their former intrepidity
much more by his example than his words.
The military ftores, fortifications, and flaves
were feized for the King. The reft of the boo-
ty was affigned by found of trumpet to the
Indians as a reward of their bravery. Theſe
good people fell on the provifions they found
3
in
of the Reductions:
1207
in the place, and took the knives, fciffors, and
other trifles, and the cloaths of the flain; while
the Spaniars carried off at their eafe the filver,
gold, jewels, and what was most valuable.
Two hundred Portuguese loft their lives in the
a&ion; the reft were made priſoners with their
General D. Emanuel Lobos. On the victorious
fide, fix Spaniards only and thirty Indians were
killed. The wounded were in greater number.
Four Miffionaries at the Governor's requeſt
accompanied the Indians in this dangerous ex-
pedition. During the battle they were taken.
up with hearing the confeffions of thoſe who
were dying, and afterwards gave all their at-
tendance promifcuoufly to the wounded on
both fides. This victory raifed the reputation
of the Indians to a high degree. The Vice roy
of Peru, and the Governors of the provinces
and towns, thought they were obliged to write
to the court of Madrid on this important event.
At the fame time they infinuated how neceffa-
ry it was to fend to, and to maintain Jefuit
Miffionaries in thofe parts; that nothing could
be of greater ſervice to the Monarchy, than to
fecond the zeal of thefe fathers in eſtabliſhing
new Reductions, and that all their enterpriſes
were both a credit to Religion and an advan-
tage to the State. Many other memorable ex-
ploits are related of thefe good Indians, whom
nothing can withstand, when they are to fight
for the intereft of a Prince to whom they have
choſen to be ſubject. In 1735 four thousand
M 4
marched
168
The love and refpect the Indians
marched again to ferve his catholic Majeſty
againſt the Portuguefe. Six thousand more un-
dertook a long journey to eſcort the new Go-
vernor the court had fent to the city of the AS-
fumption, at that time greatly diſturbed with
inteftine diffenfions, but which do not come
within my fubject. It fhall fuffice to obferve
that the prefence of the Indians enabled the
Governor to restore peace and tranquility with
much lefs difficulty.
CHA P.
XIX.
The love and respect the Indians have for their
TH
Miffionaries.
HAT one may form a juft idea of the
reſpect and love the Neophytes bear to
their Miffionaries, it would be neceſſary to have
made ſome ſtay in Paraguay. And indeed it is
hard to determine whether theſe ſentiments are
a greater honour to thoſe who have them, or
to the objects of their affection and veneration.
The fervants of God could never have gained
the hearts of the Indians, if the example of the
greatest virtues united in their perfons had not
recommended them, and the luftre of a thou-
fand heroic actions had not raiſed a general ad-
miration. And the Indians on their fide could
not have that great affection for their Miffiona-
ries without a heart, that can be moved, and
is naturally difpofed to be grateful.
From
have for their Miſſionaries ·
169
From the time the Indians hear, that a freſh
fupply of Miffionaries is arrived from Europe,
the contention is, and it is carried on with great
earneſtneſs and zeal, who fhall have the honour
of going to receive them at Buenos Ayres, and
of efcorting them to their refpective deftinati-
ons. One cannot exprefs the joy and reſpect
they fhew at their firft arrival into the Redui-
ons, nor their readineſs and humility in fubmit-
ting to the penalties impofed on them, when
they have committed any confiderable faults.
On theſe occafions the Caciques and captains of
the Nation are the readieft in fetting examples
of fubmiffion to the reft.
Some years ago a troop of Savages formed a
defign againſt the life of Father Anthony Ruiz.
Thefe barbarians propofed to make a delicious
meal of his body: for, faid they, it muſt be
exquifitely nice, as the Jefuits ufe falt in Para-
guay, as well as in Europe; whereas the Indians
eat their meat without this kind of ſeaſoning.
Upon this the Savages took the opportunity of
a dark night, and came into the Reduction where
Father Ruiz was, and fought for him every
where. A Neophyte, who difcovered them and
their defign, ran in all hafte to the Miffiona-
ry's, and taking his cloak and broad brimed
hat went to fhew himfelf in this attire to the
barbarians, with this perfuafion that they would
take him for F. Ruiz, and that by their dif
charging their fury against him, the Miffiona-
ry would efcape their hands. In reality, as foon
23
170
The love and refpect the Indians
as the Indian appeared, the Savages let fly a
fhower of arrows against him. But by a kind
of miracle not one hit him, and God did not
permit the generous Neophyte to fall a victim
of his zeal and charity. In the mean time the
other Neophytes having notice of what was
doing, came armed out of their houſes, and in-
ftantly difperfed the enemy. This inftance
alone fuffices to fhew, how much the Miffio-
naries are beloved by their Neophytes. Many
more examples of this nature can be produced.
But this affectionate love after all has nothing
that is furprising, when one confiders the mo-
tives, on which it is grounded. Every Indian,
let him reaſon never fo little, is very fen-
fible of the wretched former condition of his
forefathers, and perhaps of his own, when he
led the life of a brute in the woods. He has
conſtantly before him too lively a reprefentation
of that animal life in thoſe Indians, whom, as
yet, they have not been able to draw from their
barbarity and infidelity. He knows, that if
he enjoys the advantages of civil fociety, that
if he has renounced thefe fhocking meals, where
the flesh of his fellow creature was the favou-
zite diſh, in fine, that, if he fpends his days in
peace and content, he owes thefe bleffings to
the care of the Miffionaries. But however great
thefe may be thought, there is another infinite-
ly fuperiour and of greater power to make the
Indians acknowledge their obligations to the
Miflionaries, I mean the knowledge of the
true
have for their Miffionaries.
171
true God, and the happinefs of living in the
true and holy Religion, out of which no one
can be faved. Thefe new chriftians look on
their Paftors, as the inftruments which the Al-
mighty has employed to make them happy in
this life, and to direct them to the poffeflion of
their chief happineſs in God.
A good capacity, regularity of manners, and
a molt exemplary life, are the valuable advan-
tages, that diſtinguiſh the Fathers of the Soci-
ety of Jefus in all parts. They find means to
preſerve theſe treaſures amidst the pleaſures and
the corruption of Mexico and Peru. And the
world is unanimous in giving them the fame
teftimony on this head. The care they take in
Paraguay more perhaps than elfewhere, to do
nothing that may difedify their converts, in-
creaſes their veneration for them. The people
have always their eye open to obferve their be-
haviour; and as mankind is ever ready to take
offence at the leaft failing, on the contrary
whatever they find is virtuous and edifying in
thefe fervent religious men, makes the deepeſt
impreffion in their favour. While an Indian
fees them fo devout and recollected at the altar,
fo patient in their labours and fatigues, and in
the troublefome tedioufnefs which is infeparable
from their miniftry; fo retired, and never ſeen
out of their church or houfe, unleſs to admi-
nifter the Sacraments, or to vifit the fick, and
which they never do without being accompani-
ed by the Infirmarians, or thofe, who take care
of
172
The love and respect the Indians
of the fick, and are conftant witneffes to all
their actions; laftly, fo affiduous about perfons
departing from this life; he imagines, that he
fees angels come from heaven.
Another prevailing motive to gain the af-
fections of the Indians, is the daily and earnest
endeavours of the Miffionaries to make life ftill
more eaſy and agreeable to their Neophytes.
So many arts as they have taught them by their
own practising the meanest and moſt toilfome
trades, by undertaking the hardeft work to in-
fpire the Indians with a love of induftry, are
proofs not at all equivocal of charity. In a
word every one is amazed with their indefa-
tigable care to prevent any innovations, which
the Spaniards would introduce, and which have
a tendency to reftrain their liberty, or leffen
the privileges granted to the Reductions.
The very Infidels are fenfible of the care of
the Miffionaries, who come in fearch of them
through a thouſand dangers, and make no dif-
ficulty to own, that it is not a temporal intereft
that brings the preachers of the gospel into their
forests in queft of them, but merely the defire
of procuring their happineſs.
We have the memoirs of a Spanish Canon,
or Prebendary, who lived a long time in the
Reductions. I have extracted thence feveral
particulars for the compofing of this relation.
This ecclefiaftic had been for fome years an eye
witneſs and admirer of the apoftolic labours of
Father Francis Diaz, and of the innumerable
converfions
have for their Miſſionaries.
173
converfions which he wrought. The Canon
fays, that this zealous Miffionary made an ex-
curfion one day to fome rows of huts adjacent
to his Reduction, where Infidels lived, and who
at that time were vifited by a contagious dif-
temper, with a deſign of gaining over to God
their unhappy fouls, as it really happened af-
terwards. Some favage nations that chanced
to be in the neighbourhood had a mind to take
the advantage of their melancholy fituation,
and having made their way thither merely to
be glutted with human flesh and blood, they
flaughtered thofe that were not infected, cut them
in pieces, and intended the fame treatment for
F. Diaz. An Indian, who found means to
efcape, brought news of what was doing to the
Reduction of St. Francis Xavier, and informed
them of their defigns. F. Francis Diaz was their
parish-prieft. The Neophytes immediately took
up arms and flew to the affiftance of their Mif-
fionary. Though the place was at a great dif-
tance, they came up very foon with the Infi-
dels, and without lofs of time attacked them
with fuch bravery, that they made many pri-
foners. The reft fought their ſafety in a ſpee-
dy flight. The victors, to be revenged of theſe
barbarians, and to deter all others from ſuch
attempts, were for hanging up their priſoners,
and would leave them hanging on the trees.
They were upon the point of executing their
defign, when F. Diaz came and interceded for
thefe unfortunate creatures, and obtained by
many
74
The love and refpect the Indians
many intreaties that they fhould be given up
to him. He treated them with all poffible
kindneſs, and after he had inftructed them in
our holy Religion, he fet them at liberty. The
Infidels were fo ftruck, when they faw fo much
tenderness and generofity in the perſon they
intended to treat as their moſt implacable
enemy, that after they got home they became
themfelves zealous preachers of the gospel.
They came foon after with their whole nation
to throw themfelves at Father Diaz's feet, and
to beg moft earneftly that he would admit them
to baptifm, that they were determined to live
under his direction, and to embrace the faith
of Chrift. They accordingly received holy
baptifm after they had gone through proper
trials, and lived after, like good and fervent
chriftians.
Thus true charity triumphs over all hearts.
The violence and tyranny that is uſed to fub-
due the Indians by fome, who trample on di-
vine law, and the wife ordinances of their Ca-
tholic Majefties, ferve only to alienate Infidels,
and to give them the greater horror of chriſti-
anity. Thefe meatures have more than once
made religion lofe conquefts, that feemed ab-
folutely certain.
When the Jefuit Miffionaries penetrated firſt
into the vaft Province of Chiaco, fituated be-
twixt the river Salado, Virmiglio, and the Rio
Grande, they fucceeded fo far as to found fome
Reductions. Many of them ended their days
afterwards
have for their Miffionaries
175
ג'
afterwards by dying glorious martyrs, which
happened upon an occafion I am going to re-
late. A few Spaniards from intereſted views,
undertook the fetting up of Commanderies in this
Province, under the fpecious pretext of efta-
bliſhing the power of the King of Spain on a
more folid foundation. They foon began to
opprefs the Indians, and to haraſs them every
way. What was the confequence? The Neo-
phytes rebelled and revolted from their religion
and the King of Spain. They retired into the
heart of the Country to live at liberty, as they
did before amongst the Savages. They con-
ceived fuch an averfion to chriftian religion,
and thofe who profeffed it, that from that time
they could never be brought to that double.
obedience which they had renounced. Within
thefe few years the hopes of bringing them again
to embrace chriftianity were renewed. The
Miffionaries have even formed already two or
three fmall Colonies of Neophytes in thofe
ters.
quar-
The fame diforder and confufion was feen
fome years ago in that immenfe tract of South
America called Magellanica. Father Nicclas
Mafcardi, an Italian Jefuit, and a fervent Mif-
fionary, who died afterwards a martyr of the
faith he preached, had begun the converfion of
the people, who inhabit thofe parts. Some
Spanish officers took it into their thoughts, that
it would be better to conquer the Nation by
force of arms, than to gain them by lenity,
and
$
175
The love and refpect the Indians
and more to the purpoſe to make ſlaves, than
chriftians. The Indians full of indignation to
find that they were ufed like enemies contrary
to their expectation, renounced chriſtianity,
maffacred their Miffionary, and retired into their
woods and caverns at a greater diſtance than
ever.
It muſt be owned, and is confeffed by Fran-
cis Coreal in his voyages, though he appear in
other refpects extremely adverſe to the Jefuits,
that thefe Fathers of all perfons are the moſt
proper to ſpread the catholic faith among infi-
del nations. Nothing comes up to their pati-
ence, their prudence, their addreſs, in gaining,
civilizing, and governing the favage people of
America. The following inftance will ſtand as
a farther proof of what I advance.
Some Nations that live along the banks of
the river Monday, which falls into the Parana,
fhewed an inclination to receive baptifm, and
fent a deputation to D. Fauftino de las Cafas a
religious of the order of Mercy, or redemption
of captives, and Biſhop of the Affumption, tò
beg he would fend Miffionaries into their parts.
The Prelate was a perfon, who meant very well,
but laboured under fome degree of prevention
again the Jefuits; he granted two or three
very virtuous priefts to thefe Infidels, and they
at first fucceeded very well among the Indians.
But they foon found that their flock began to
difperfe and their hopes vaniſh. The Prelate
more jealous of his conqueft than ever, fent off
the
bave for their Miffionaries.
177.
the Dean of his chapter to thofe barbarians,
The Dean was the moſt able, exemplary, and
difintereſted perſon of his clergy; he fucceed-
ed no better than the firft, and could not fix
the inconftancy of the Indians.
Upon this the Bishop had recourſe to the
Provincial of the Jefuits, and begged that he
would engage fome of his fubjects to undertake
a commiffion of this great importance, and
which was attended with fo many difficulties.
The Prelate faid in his letter to the provinci-
al, that the Fathers of the Society being called
in an eſpecial manner by the divine Majeſty to
the propagation of the chriftian faith, and par-
ticularly chofen of the almighty, were alfo gift-
ed with a particular grace to fucceed in fuch
enterpriſes, as it evidently appeared by fo many
nations they had brought together, and united
under the laws of the gofpel.,
The Provincial, to fecond the views of the
Prelate, made choice of two of his ſubjects,
whom a long experience had taught the moſt
proper means to prevail with infidel nations.
Thefe Miffionarics inftead of making a long ftay
among the Indian neighbours of the Affumption,
carried the light of the gospel into the inmoft
receffes of the moft diftant forefts, and were
foon in a condition to found a Reduction that
confifted of two or three thoufand fouls. This
fettlement gathered daily more and more ſtrength,
and opened the way for the converfion of the other
Infidels who ſeemed at firſt to have been neglected.
God has not been more fparing of his blef
N
fings
178
The love and refpect the Indians
fings on the pains taken by thefe unwearied
labourers in their new miffions. Religion gains
ground daily in the large Province of Chiaco,
and among the Chiquitos and Chiriguanes. The
fierceness of the latter caufed the Spaniards to
look upon them as a Nation never to be tamed;
and even to this preſent time no perfect account
could be had of their Country, by reafon of the
frightful mountains, and impenetrable forefts
that cover it. But the College which the Je-
fuits have lately built at Tarica is of great fer-
vice to make the converfion of the Chiriguanes
eafier; and there are flattering hopes that in
time they will fubmit to the yoke of the gofpel.
From the cloſe of the last century they reck-
oned in the Country of the Moxos eight or nine
chriftian Colonies, and above thirty thouſand
baptifed Indians. Thefe Nations fituated un-
der the tenth degree of fouthern latitude, in the
neighbourhood of the river Guapai, border up-
on other Nations, whofe names are ſcarce
known. The laſt are ſtill in the darkneſs of
Idolatry; but it is very probable that they
would open their eyes to the light of the gof-
pel, if the Society of Jefus had a fufficiency of
Miffionaries to fupply fo many different parts
of the new world. Nothing feems impoffible
to their zeal and charity.
Father Cyprian Baraze was the firſt, who took
in band the converfion of the Moxos about the
year 1675. To bring the Moxos under the o-
bedience of Jefus Chrift required his invincible.
Gourage and patience. He himself drove from
Lime
have for their Miffionaries.
179
Lima to this new miffion a numerous herd of
horned Cattle, which being greatly multiplied
fince, has proved of great fervice to the Coun-
try. He alfo difcovered after many attempts
a much ſhorter paffage by the Cordillera moun-
tains to the city of Lima. In fine he founded
by himſelf the three Reductions of our Lady of
Loretto, of the B. Trinity, and St. Francis
Xavier. After he had opened fo promifing and
fo ample a field for the zeal of other evangeli-
cal labourers, many came in, to enlarge and to
fecure the kingdom of God in thofe parts.
This miffion is at this time the moft flouriſh-
ing in South America.
Father Cyprian Baraze not fatisfied with all
this fuccefs, went over to other nations to
preach the gospel, and reached the Country of
the Baures, who at firft feemed to relifh his in-
ſtructions; but this appearance of docility did
not continue long. The Miffionary was maf-
facred by this perfidious people the fixteenth of
September, 1702, and thus put a glorious pe-
riod to his life, which for the fpace of twenty-
ſeven years he had adorned with a continued
feries of truly apoftolical labours.
CHA P. XX.
The Perfecutions raised through Envy against the
Miffionaries in Paraguay.
THE
HE credit of the Miffionaries would
not be complete, if after fo many labours
N 2
in
180
The Perfecutions raiſed through Envy,
*
in behalf of chriftian religion, they were not
expoſed to the darts of envy, that hideous
monſter, which delights in fhedding its poiſon
upon the brighteſt virtues, whereof the Miffio-
naries of the fociety of Jefus have had but too
much experience. Hence to finish their Eulo
gium, and complete this work, an account muſt
be given of the hardships they have fuffered,
not only from heathens, and Savages, but
from certain perfons, who call themselves ca-
tholics, but have no other God befides Intereft.
In effect, who are the authors of fo many
calumnious imputations, by which attempts
have been made to defame the Miffionaries?
Who are they, I fay, but thofe bafe flaves of
cupidity, and who have been mentioned here
more than once? They only think of acquiring
riches by all forts of means. If they with
the converfion of the Indians, it is not that
they defire to fee great numbers of children
added to the church, or to the fubjects of his
catholic majefty; all they hope for is to have
a great number of flaves. The zeal of the
Miffionaries is an invincible obſtacle to the
execution of their iniquitous defigns. Upon
this account they would if poffible exterminate
them all, or ruin them at leaſt in the opinion
and confidence of his catholic majefty, and
of his minifters, which thefe zealous fervants
of the church and the ftate have fo juftly de-
ferved in a word they would have the care
of the Miffions taken from them. To this
effect
The Perfecutions, &c.
181
effect for more than a century they have not
only made Mexico and Peru, but Spain, and
even all Europe, ring with their clamours, faying
that if the Jefuits have founded fo many Re-
ductions in Paraguay, it was out of intereſted
and ambitious views:
To hear them talk, "Thefe religious men
have made themfelves petty princes. They
almoft engroſs all the commerce of Paraguay,
they and their friends have the whole profit.
They are fo wealthy and powerful, that in a
few years they will be able to invade America.
As they can give liberally, they know how to
have the Governors at their devotion. They
have often procured officers, that did not pleaſe
them, to be difmiffed from their poſts. They
perfuade the Indians, that to pleaſe God, they
must confecrate all that is most precious to the
fervice of the altar; that they must generoy
lay at the feet of the facred minifters the firft
fruits, or rather the best part of the products
of the earth. They add that whenever the
Indians go a hunting, it is for the Miffionaries,
and that the herb of Paraguay is gathered for
them only, and the value of it amounts to
feveral millions; and what is much more, that
they receive all the gold that is found mixed
with fand in the rivers, or taken out of the
mines of Calchacos and Uraguay."
This is an abſtract of the defamatory reports
ſpread about the world, either by word of
mouth, or printed libels, againſt the Miffionaries
of
182 The Perfecutions raised through Envy
of Paraguay. Thus Coreal reprefents matters
in his travels. But before we proceed farther;
it is convenient to obferve, that this traveller by
his own confeffion never went farther than
Buenos Ayres; that the name Coreal is a borrow-
ed name, and a diſguiſe put on by the author,
a common fhift in ufe with dealers in calumny
and impofture; laftly neither he, nor any fuch
as himself, have alledged, as yet, any parti.
cular fact against the perfons whom they decry,
or when they have, the fact has reſted on no
other evidence than their bare word. Let all
men of ſenſe judge, whether this be a fufficient
proof, when fuch heinous imputations as thoſe
charged against the Jefuits in Paraguay are
the matter in debate. Not to copy after theſe
raſh perfons, I will advance nothing without
clear proofs.
I am not afraid of affirming with regard to
the miffions of Paraguay, (the only miffions
that I can give an account of, and of which I
have certain informations,) that all the impu-
tations I have fummed up are mere calumnies,
and deteftable forgeries, fuggefted by envy
and malice. What has been faid of the me-
thod of Government in the Reductions, is e-
nough to confute all the clamours of the ene-
mies of the fociety of Jefus, and to difperfe
the phantom of fovereignty afcribed to the
Miffionaries. The royal Corregidor, as I have
already ſaid, and now repeat it, adminifters
juftice in the King's name in every Reduction.
All
against the Miffionaries in Paraguay. 183
All the Indians depend on the governors of the
Provinces nominated by the King. Thefe two
points are more than certain.
The Miffionaries of Paraguay are only on
the footing of curates, or pariſh Priefts. Pro-
perly ſpeaking they have no more authority,
than pariſh Priests in the towns and villages
in Europe. Can the docility of the Indians
with any juftice be imputed as a crime to their
teachers? To change the hearts of barbarians,
and make mildneſs and charity fucceed to their
former ferocity, to infpire the love of chriſtian
virtues, to maintain thefe happy difpofitions
in them for a whole century, and in fo many
different places; is this the work of worldly
ambition, or of the moſt edifying and irre-
proachable zeal? This can be no problem
to any one, that has the leaft knowledge of
mankind.
As to the interefted views fathered on the
Miffionaries, it is evident that the Indians pay
them no tribute, nor tythes, nor firſt fruits.
His catholic majefty allows every year a con-
fiderable fum for maintaining the Miffionaries.
The fum is paid into the hands of the fuperior
of the Miffions, who provides the Millionaries
with all they want. This is the whole of their
revenue. They receive now and then fome
charities from the more wealthy and virtuous
Spaniards, and chiefly when a new Reduction
is to be made. Theſe alms are laid out for
the
184 The Perfecutions raiſed through Envy
the relief of the indigent Indians, or to facilitate
the converfion of favages.
The Miffionaries are maintained, as if they
lived in colleges. They cannot difpofe of the
leaft thing without leave from their fuperiors,
After they have taken out of the allowance
what fuffices for their fubfiftance, the remainder
goes to make the poverty of the Indians a light-
er burthen. The faithful pay no furplice fees,
and give nothing at chriftenings, marriages,
or burials. The fuperior of the Miſſions not
only provides all that can be wanted, but alſo
fends feveral bagatelles, which are known to
be very agreeable to the Indians, fuch as needles,
fcifors, knives, fish-hooks, medals, pictures
of devotion, &c. The Miffionaries would not
enjoy the liberty they have in the exerciſes of
their miniftry, if they feemed to be in expect-
ation of any advantage from the Indians. They
would fooner or later have perceived, that the
Miffionaries were in hopes of being benefited
by them, and would have fhewn much less re-
gard for religion and its minifters.
Some would fain make the world believe,
that the Indians bring quantities of gold. But
this is another manifeft impofture. There is
not any mine of any metal in all the Pro-
vinces comprehended under the name of Para-
guay. There is no end nor meaſure of the
dreams that take their birth from the avidity
of the Europeans with regard to thefe extended
Tracts. If they fee a mountain, they im-
nic-
against the Miffionaries in Paraguay.
185
mediately conceit it full of gold. A long lift
of all the mines in Paraguay is to be ſeen in
Coreal; but no one has yet got a fingle grain
of the metal fo much defired from thefe mines,
to this day. Confult the work called a relation
of Guianna. No one has ever penetrated into
this barbarous country; thofe who have come
the neareſt, or who have been on the coaft,
have only feen fome favages difperfed here and
there among the woods. The author of the
relation just cited, will fhew you their houſes
and palaces filled with gold and filver vafes.
If gold mines were diſcovered in Paraguay,
there would be an end of that felicity of the
Indians, on which I have dwelt fo long. No-
thing could ſtop the Spaniards, they would ſpeed
their way to thefe fprings of wealth and opu-
lence, and cloaking their own intereft under
the fair title of the intereft of the ftate, they
would ravage and lay wafte all the chriftian
fettlements, which hitherto have had poverty
for their ſtrongeſt bulwark.
As to the herb of Paraguay; here is what
may be depended on as certain and out of dif-
pute The Indians are allowed to bring every
year to Buenos Ayres, or Santa Fe, twelve
thouſand Arrobes of this herb, worth at the
current price four Piafters an Arrobe, that is a
quarter of a hundred. So that if the Indians
would make the moft of their permition, they
could only receive 48000 Piafters (not 12000
terling) from this branch of their commerce.,
Now
186
The perfecutions raised through Envy
Now it is certain, that the Indians have fcarce
brought in yearly 6000 Arrobes of this herb,
the value of which is at moft but 24000 Pi-
afters, which beyond all doubt is not enough
to diſcharge the yearly tribute to the King.
But perhaps the Indians have another mart for
this herb? Let us know, where they have been
known to vend this commodity, and to whom
fuch quantities have been delivered for fo many
years. For if fuch facts are advanced without
any proof, it betrays an unbounded defire of
mifchief; and is more a means to blacken ones-
ſelf, than an adverſary.
And therefore it is no wonder, that all theſe
accufations, laid fo often before the court of
Madrid, have always been without effect. The
piety of the Kings of Spain was not to be fur-
prifed. And yet thefe accufations, fo often pro-
ved to be falfe, have inceffantly been renewed,
and prefented in other fhapes; becauſe there
has always been a number of perfons who
fought to be rich and have a number of flaves,
whatever it coft them. The Miffionaries have
conftantly oppoſed all that offered to break in
upon the liberty, or ftrike off the privileges,
of their beloved Neophytes. And in this they
are warranted by the ordinances of the catholic
Kings, which forbid any Indian being made a
flave. The Miffionaries have hitherto prevent-
ed the eſtabliſhing Commanderies in Paraguay,
like thofe in Tucuman and other parts. The
court of Spain, in confideration of ther preffing
inſtances,
3
against the Miffionaries in Paraguay. 187
inftances, would never impofe this intolerable.
yoke on the Indians, who by their own choice be-
came fubject to Spain, and to the holy laws of the
gofpel. Tho' this indulgent behaviour of the
fovereign is very equitable, it is not at all re-
lifhed by men, who pafs into America with the
proſpect of great fortunes, which they hope
to raiſe in a ſhort time. They have raiſed the
greateſt ſtorms againſt the Miffionaries, and
have ſet every engine at work, to get them
expelled from the Reductions; knowing full
well, that if the fhepherds are once diſperſed,
it will be an eaſy matter to enter the ſheepfold,
and commit all manner of outrages, without
any danger of oppofition from any perfon to
their tyranny.
But all theſe calumnies have only ſerved to
place the irreproachable conduct of the Mif
fionaries in a ſtronger light. They have often
earneſtly intreated the Governors and Bishops
to viſit the Reductions. Theſe have yielded to
their intreaties; they have gone through a
regular courfe of law to examine the accufati-
ons brought against the Fathers, and they have
found every thing turned out contrary to the
information laid against them by ill minded
perfons. The authentic inftruments of all thefe
inquiries, made at the requeft of the Miffion-
aries themſelves, are extant in the courts of
Buenos Ayres, and the Aumption. All Spain
has feen faithful copies of theſe deeds; and the
letters wrote by the Prelates, and principal
Spanish
188 The Perfecutions raised through Envy.
Spanish Officers of the crown in America, in
commendation of the Miffionaries, and the wife
government they have eſtabliſhed in the Re-
ductions. Whoever is not blinded with paffion
muft own, that they have done the greateſt and
moſt important fervices to the church and the
crown. However they have never been able to
procure for themſelves the tranquility and quiet,
which they have procured for fo many nations.
If they have had fome little refpite, it was only
a fhort lived truce. Another new ftorm has been
lately raiſed againſt them, of which I think it
my duty to give an account, as I have had an
opportunity of being thoroughly informed of
the affair.
In the year 1735 the Jefuits of Paraguay had
intelligence of an information fent to the court
of Spain in 1730 by D. Martin de Barua, Go.
vernour of that Province. Several copies were
handed about at Buenos Ayres, and very likely
in Spain. The fubftance of this information
was, that indeed the Indians faid they were fub-
jects of the Spanish monarchy, but that they
were of no advantage to the King; that the
crown ſpent more upon them than it received
from them; that hereafter a more confiderable
tribute fhould be exacted, and that they
fhould be put under Spanish Corregidors, and
that a free trade fhould again be opened be-
tween the Indian and Spanifb towns.
Barua hated the Jefuits too much not to
take this occafion of painting them in the
blackeft
against the Miffionaries in Paraguay. 189
blackeft colours. The Miffionaries perceiving,
that the Governor intended to introduce in-
novations very prejudicial to the Indians, and
quite contrary to the well known intentions
of his majefty, oppofed theſe meaſures all they
could. Barua, enraged at their oppofition,
expelled them twice by force from their college;
but they were always reinftated by the exprefs
orders of his catholic Majefty. The informa-
tion was fraught with heaps of bafe calumnies
againſt thofe Fathers. Among many other
things it was faid, that they had more author-
ity in Paraguay, than the King himſelf. And
laftly the coarfe impoftures that Coreal had ftuf-
fed his voyages with thirty years before, were
repeated word by word,
The mine was difcovered in the manner we
have mentioned, and F. James d' Aguilar,
Provincial of the Jefuits in Paraguay, drew
up immediately an excellent memorial, which
he fent to his catholic Majefty in oppofition to
Barua's. He refuted all his calumnious impu-
tations without leaving his adverſary any poffi-
bility of making a reply. The whole ftrength
of his argument was directed to fhow how ir-
reproachable the Miffionaries conduct had been
hitherto, and how void of fenfe the advice
was, which Barua gave to the court. He de-
monſtrated by authenticated facts, that if the
Governor's advice was followed, the only effect
it could have would be to make the converfion
of the Indians impoffible, and to drive thoſe
back
190 The Perfecutions raised through Envy
back into infidelity whom they had brought
over to the chriftian religion. I have by me a
copy of this memorial, for which I am obliged
to the generofity of the prince Cajetan Buon
Compagno Duke of Sora, Lord fteward of the
houſehold to his majefty of the two Sicilies.
This nobleman was embaffador from the King
his maſter to the catholic King, when this affair
broke out: As he was thoroughly convinced,
that the accufations laid againſt the Jefuits
were falfe, he made ufe of all his credit to hin-
der the Miffions of Paraguay being difturbed.
:
The Governour's information contained pal-
pable contradictions, which F. d'Aguilar took
up with great ftrength of reafon. Here Barua
pretended, that the Indians paid no tribute, there
he allowed that they did, but that the tribute
was not proportionable to the number of in-
habitants. Theſe propofitions were demon-
ftrated to be falfe by the memorial for it was
certain that the payment was regularly made
every year fince 1666, the year, when that tri- .
bute was firft impofed. Barua's ignorance in
this point was inexcufable, and perhaps much
more for not knowing the privileges granted
the Indians fo often confirmed by the catholic
Kings. Privileges by which the women in
general, and the men under twenty, and thoſe
paſt fifty, with ſuch as are lately become chrifti-
ans, are exempted from paying the tribute.
It must not be forgot that the Indians are to
pay it in ready coin. As they have neither gold
nor
against the Miffionaries of Paraguay. 191
nor filver, nor any money, they are forced
to bring their goods to the Spanish towns, di-
ftant above fix hundred miles, to get by the
fale enough to fatisfy the King's demands.
Thefe long journies are very expenfive; the
catholic Kings have thought them a very con-
fiderable article and they deferved fome atten-
tion from the Governour.
Barua will have the tribute doubled; the
Indians must pay two Piafters inſtead of one;
they muſt have Spanish Corregidors, like the o-
ther Indians fubjects to the Spanish monarchy.
But it is anſwered, that a wide difference ought
to be made betwixt Indians fubdued by force of
arms, and Indians of the Reductions, who have
of their own free choice embraced chriſtianity,
by the diligence and care of the Jefuit Miffi-
onaries. Theſe Indians have freely fubmitted
to the Kings of Spain, on condition, to pay no
more than the tribute of one Piafter, to have
liberty to chufe their own officers themſelves,
and to have the government vefted in the Re-
ductions, like ſo many little republics, under
the protection of the Kings of Spain. Hence
it would be unjust to alter their form of
government, and to increafe their burthens,
and more particularly, for that the Indians are
obliged to ferve the King in time of war, to
work at the fortifications of the Spanish towns,
and when thus employed they bear their own
expences without any charge to the King for
their fupport. This very article fuffices to
fhew in the moft fenfible manner, the falfehood
advanced
192 The Perfecutions raised through Envy
advanced by the Governour, where he fays,
the Indians own no other mafters, but the
Provincial of the Jefuits, and the Miffiona-
ries..
Who can in reality be ignorant of their
readineſs to obey the viceroys, the Governours
of Provinces, the Biſhops, and all the King's
officers?" Upon the leaft fign made by your
"Majefty's Governours, fays Father d'Agui-
"lar, they with the greateft eagerness leave
"the country, to the number of five or fix
"thouſand; without any delay they go from
"home, from their wives and families. They
themselves find the neceffary arms, if they
have horfes they bring them, if not, they
<. go on foot fix or nine hundred miles, to
"work, to fight, and if neceffary, to die in
CC
your Majeſty's ſervice. The Indians on theſe
"occafions receive no allowance or pay.
"Where is the vaffal on earth, that ferves his
"Lord in this manner? How then dare they
fay, that the Indians own no other maſters
"but the Provincials, and their Jefuit parifh-
"Prieſts?
..
"The Governours of the Provinces vifit
"the Reductions from time to time, and al-
ways find the most perfect fubmiffion to
"their orders. The officers of theſe diminu-
"tive Republics go every year and prefent
"themfelves to the fame Governours to ob-
"tain their being confirmed in their respective
"offices.
Hence the reafon which makes
"fome Spaniards fo averfe to the Indians is
"this
against the Miffionaries in Paraguay. 193
this; they would have them not only ſubject
"to your majefty, but to every Spaniard, even
66
66
66
*
to the fervants and flaves of the Spaniards.
"When a Spaniard, a Creole, a Meftizo, or
"less than that, fees an Indian who does not
cringe before him, or blindly humour all his
fancies, he declaims against the poor Indian,
calls him a barbarian, a clown, that carries
"infolence fo far as to be wanting in the refpect
"due to a Spaniard, and is no ſubject to the
"King, and owns no authority but that of his
pariſh Prieft.'
..
<<
Barua indeed allows, that putting a Spaniſh
Corregidor over the Indians, would be running the
hazard of an infurrection. But he adds with a
matchlefs affurance, that the Miffionaries difpofe
the Indians to revolt. But can he perfuade any
perfon, that fuch wife and religious men are ca-
pable of betraying thus the caufe of their God,
and their King? Can any one believe that they can
come to this excefs of wickedneſs, that to fatisfy
their refentment they would be eafy and content
to fee their ſpiritual children return to their
woods, and to their former barbarity and infi-
delity?
Father d'Aguilar owns, that were an attempt
made to change the government, the taking of
ſuch a ſtep would probably, and very foon, be
followed by a revolt. There have been but too
* The breed of Spaniards or Europeans, with original A-
mericans.
Q
many
194 The Perfecutions raised through Envy
many inftances of emotions and troubles cauſed
by innovations of this nature, in the towns of
the Affumption, Villa-rica, Corrientes, Santa Fé,
and a thoufand other places. From the time
that the Spaniards were for overcharging the new
chriſtians, they faw them difperfe, and become
their moſt implacable enemies; they faw their
own towns either plundered and deſtroyed, or
in a manner blocked up, for years together.
All roads were infefted, and an infinity of tra-
vellers murthered. And this points out the
true reafon why fuch an extent of country even
in the neighbourhood of the Spanish towns is
at prefent uncultivated; and indeed they ſcarce
dare to ftir out of the towns.
Barua was of opinion, that the Indians of the
Reductions ſhould be brought nearer to the towns,
for that in cafe of a revolt they might be eaſier.
quelled. The ftupidity of this advice appears
immediately. The inftances now made, and others
very recent, fhew what fuccefs may be expected
from fuch attempts. If the Spaniards could
never fubdue by force of arms fo many extended
Countries inhabited by barbarians in the Para-
guay, nor bring the rebellious Indians to reafon
if the Spanish troops march but very unwillingly
againſt the Infidels, becauſe they find that they
have not fufficient forces to conquer the enemy;
if in fine they have more than once repented that
they have attacked them; what muft the con-
fequence be, were all the Reductions to fet up
the ſtandard of rebellion, and in conjunction
·
with
'
against the Miffionaries in Paraguay.
195
with the Infidels to bring their whole force a-
gainſt that handful of Spaniards which could be
brought againſt them?
Will they pretend that the Miffionaries have
ever been concerned in the commotions that have
happened hitherto? But is it not well known,
that on theſe occafions, the Miffionaries have
been the first victims of the enraged Indians?
The maffacre of their Miffionaries has always
been the firſt ſtep thofe people, if they deferve
that name, have taken to their revolt.
Barua further infifted, that a free trade might
be opened between the Indians and the Spaniards;
that the Indians fhould be allowed to fell the
produce of their country, and their manufactures,
to whom, and where they pleafed. For the
Indians have been this long time accustomed to
fend off to the Spanish fettlements, the overplus
of their cloths, tobacco, herb of Paraguay, hides,
and ſkins, &c. after they are provided with what
they may want. All theſe effects are configned
to the procurator general of the Jefuit Miffion-
aries. They are fold or bartered to the beſt ad-
vantage; and afterwards the whole is exactly
accounted for to the Reductions, deducting firſt
on the produce of the goods the tribute payable
to the King; the remainder goes to purchaſe
what he knows to be neceffary and uſeful for the
Indians, without referving the leaft thing for his
own ufe.
'Tis feen immediately, that the quantity of
the goods they trade in with the towns, and the
O 2
ufe
196 The Perfecutions raised through Envy
ufe that is made of the money arifing from the
fale, are not objects, that can easily efcape the
vigilance and zeal of the King's officers. And
'tis impoffible they fhould not know what they
carry home, as well as what they have brought
to market.
In other refpects, the exceflive fimplicity of
the Indians cannot admit of allowing any con-
tract to be made by them without the appro-
bation of the Procurators general. When left
to themſelves, "they have been a hundred and
a hundred times tricked by the Spaniards, wno
dealing with poor people, unacquainted with
the value of their goods, have given them only
a Piafter, and often much lefs, for what was
worth ten or twelve.
The Spaniards would be extremely pleafed with
the liberty of frequenting the Reductions; they
would carry thither trifles of no value, glafs
beads, or fuch like things, which they them-
felves call baits. The immenfe profits the Eu-
ropeans get by theſe bagatelles among the bar-
barous nations of Afia, Africa, and even of A-
merica, is well known. If no oppofition was
made to the enterprifes of fome Spaniards, the
Indians would be foon fleeced in the fame manner.
"It has happened too often, fays F. d'Aguilar,
that the Indians have ftolen horfes and mules,
even thoſe that belonged to the public ftock, or
to the church, to exchange them for trifles that
a Spaniard has let them fee. Now this is the
unjnft
against the Millionaries in Paraguay. 197
unjuft and dangerous trade which the Miffion-
aries defired to prevent, as fathers and guardians
of the people entruſted to their care; and they
believe that your Majeſty's intention is the fame,
Thoſe who would have the commerce of the In-
dians upon another footing than it is at prefent,
are every one of them perfons who, without any
fcruple, would take an uncharitable advantage
of their fimplicity to cheat the Indians, and who
look on what belongs to theſe poor people as
derelict goods, which every Spaniard has a right
to feize on.
"But what deferves more particularly your
Majeſty's attention is that if the Spaniards were
permitted to treat immediately with the Indians,
thefe would fuffer irreparable damages from their
ill examples abfolutely contrary to the morals
and laws of chriftianity. And moreover, that
the Spaniards I fpeak of would be fure to propa-
gate among the Reductions pernicious maxims a-
gainst the minifters of Jefus Chrift. By fre-
quently molefting and cheating the Indians, they
would foon bring them to be as vexatious and as
deceitful as themfelves. Nothing is left un-
practifed to decoy them into the Spanish towns.
They engage the hufbands to leave their wives,
and the children to fly from their parents. Thefe
they take when they can, and carry off per-
fons of all ages and both fexes. Would to God
we had never known by fatal experience what
they are capable of. To prevent thefe evils, the
03
Spaniards
198
The Perfecutions raised through Envy
*
Spaniards were forbidden to make any long ftay,
when they paffed through any Reduction. This
prohibition however does not concern the biſhop,
governours, or their officers. Not long ago a
lieutenant of your Majeſty's dragoons continued
about a year in one of the Reductions, with four
foldiers of the garriſon of Buenos Ayres, by order
of the governour of the province D. Bruno de
Zavola. He had been fent to put fuch arms as
were neceffary into their hands, to teach them
the proper uſe of them, and to prepare them for
the expedition from Paraguay.
Father d'Aguilar adds what has been fo often.
mentioned, and is confirmed by the moſt au-
thentic atteſtations of the bishops and governours,
printed at Madrid, viz. that to communicate
with the Spaniards is a contagious evil for the In-
dians. If an infidel nation frequent the Spaniards,
it is near an impoffibility to convert them.
This has been found too true by experi-
ence in all theſe Provinces. To hope to bring
over to chriſtianity the Payaguas in Pa-
raguay, the Charuas, the Calchaquis, the Abi-
pones near Corrientes and Santa Fe, the Pam-
pas, the Minuanes towards Buenos Ayres and the
other Pampas fettled in the country adjacent to
Cordova, is to hope for the converfion of the
Jews."
i
What Coreal fays of the gold brought to the
Milionaries, who recommend the contempt of
worldly wealth to the Indians, has been already
obferved,
against the Miffionaries of Paraguay. 199
obferved. This author, who has all the air of
a fectary, tho' difguifed under the name of a
Spaniard and a Catholic, goes on and fays, that
the zeal of the good Fathers redoubles when the
time approaches to receive the tribute from the
people, that they collect it after the Sermon,
and take care to get all that is collected brought
fafely to be lodged in the Magazines of the
Society.
After F. d'Aguilar has drawn up in his memo-
rial all the reaſons for hindring the deftructive
commerce which Barua openly favours, he af-
firms without any fear of being contradicted,
that if any oppofition is made to this commerce,
it is not with a view to obftruct the Spaniards in
the diſcovery of thofe chimerical gold mines,
trumpt up by antient enemies of the Society;
and which imaginary mines are ftill the idols of
fome perfons blinded with intereft and paffion.
Is it poffible, that fuch a great quantity of Gold
as they publiſh ſhould not ſome where or other
be betrayed by the brightnefs of the metal. Have
not ſeveral juridical inquiries been made at the
request of the Jefuits themfelves on this account?
Has not the world been convinced in proceſs of
time, that the accufations formed to this effect
by feveral perfons against the Jefuits were en-
tirely calumnious? Are not the fentences paft
by your Majefty's judges againſt the informers
manifeft proofs of what I advance? Tho' this.
gold fhould not diſcover itſelf, it would have
0 4
been
200 The Perfecutions raised through envy
been infallibly diſcovered by ſo many Spaniards
both ecclefiaftics and fecular, and perfons of fo
much wiſdom and zeal for the good of the ftate,
who have feen all the Reductions. To go farther,
could fo many Indians who go down the rivers
in their floats, and who land in the Spanish towns,
fo many fugitives, who, as may be well fup-
poſed, have been cloſely examined on the matter,
would they all have been totally ignorant of
this fecret? Would none of them have reveal-
ed it?
Barua goes on with the accufation. He charges.
the Miffionaries with receiving the whole growth
of the land, and the produce of their Manu-
factories, without the Indians being allowed any
thing but their cloathing. Calumnies, which
can no ways be fupported; fince it is evident
that the Indians pay their Paftors neither tribute
nor tythes. And what is gathered from the
Tupambae, or the land in common, is lodged in
the public Granaries, and public Magazines.
Thefe public funds are employed for the pay-
ment of the tribute, which the Indians, left to
their floth and negligence, would never acquit ;
and alfo to bear their expences, who are abroad
in the fervice of the Reduction, or of the King
in war, or otherwife. And farther, to ſupply
the Indians with the herb of Paraguay, tobacco,
cotton, horfes, mules, horn-cattle, tools, arms,
drugs; to fupport the expences of the church,
and keep it in repair; to relieve the fick; not
to
3
against the Miffionaries in Paraguay.
201
to mention the meat given daily to the children,
when they have done their days work. "It is
a calumny, F. d'Aguilar goes on, to ſay, that
the Miffionaries, inſtead of employing the reve-
nues of the Tupambae in procuring what is uſeful
for the Indians, make uſe of them to provide all
the conveniences of life, to enrich their college,
relations and friends, or to feed their vanity.
Let theſe ſharp fighted people tell, whether they
ever faw a Miffionary with an equipage fuitable
to a wealthy and rich perfon; whether they
have feen any of thefe Fathers, returning to their
Colleges, or going from one part of the country
to another, carry any thing with them, but a
a pair of ſmall bags, or a little box, with a little
linnen, or fome cloathing fuitable to their ſtate,
and provifions for the road. Has any one ever
found at their death, any quantity of gold, bills
of credit, rich furniture, or any thing of this
nature.
""
In fine, to give fresh proof of the Miffionaries.
difintereſtedness, Father d'Aguilar fays, that the
General of the Society of Jefus has forbid in the
moſt expreſs and ftrong terms, that a fuperior
can uſe, all particulars, and even the Provincial,
to appropriate any thing whatfoever from the
public Magazines, or difpofe thereof otherwife
than for the relief of the Indians, tho' it ſhould
be by way of alms, or for pious ules. The
General has alfo forbid his fubjects all palliated
trafic, or any charity, from the lands of the Re-
ductions,
202 The perfecutions raised through Envy
ductions, to poor Colleges. And in effect the
condition moſt Colleges are in, in America, ſhows
that the General's orders are well obferved. And
the Bishops, and Governours of the Provinces,
confirmed this by their unfufpected evidence at
the court of Spain.
It is not foreign to the purpoſe to obſerve,
that the Governour accufing the Jefuits of fo
many atrocious crimes, does not allege afingle fact
that he pretends to warrant. If all the imputa-
tions he lays to the Miffionaries were true, ought
not a perfon in authority, as he was, to have
been provided with fufficient materials to convict
them clearly? He might have filled the country
with fpies, and got juridical informations drawn
up, and thoſe backed with proper witneffes, and
inconteſtable proofs. And yet nothing of this
has been done; the information only offers to
view a vague declamation unfupported by any
folid proofs. There appears in every page, a
man who speaks and Thews that he is carried
away with paffion; and not a Governour of a
Province, examining and difcuffing the affair
with the wifdom and gravity becoming his fta-
tion; nor making ufe of the helps his poft could
ſupply.
Whilft Barua ftrove all he could to decry the
Miffionaries of Paraguay, fome late converted
nations revolted; for that they could not bear
any longer the cupidity and pride of the Spa-
iards. Thefe melancholy events were but too
ftrong
against the Miffionaries in Paraguay.
203
ſtrong a proof of the truth Father d'Aguilar had
advanced in his memorial.
Nevertheleſs the Government found powerful
protectors at court; many adviſed the catholic
King to exact a larger tribute from the Reducti-
ons. It was a fure means to lofe the Indian Co-
lonies in a fhort time, and to increaſe ſtill more
the hatred and animofity of the favage Indians
in a word, to confirm them in their perfuafion,
that the only defign of making them chriftians
was to make them flaves.
But no Prince for this long time has been feated
on the Spanish Throne, who has not profeffed a
fingular piety, and a particular attachment to
the duty of a chriftian. Philip V. went on glo-
riouſly in the footsteps of his illuftrious predecef-
fors. He faw all the injuftice of the counfels
fuggefted to him by fome perfons, and that he
could not follow them without a great prejudice
to religion, and to the ftate, which in many oc-
cafions had received great affiftance from their
important fervices. In fine, F. d'Aguilar's me-
morial made fo ftrong an impreffion on the King,
that he forbid under the fevereft penalties mo-
lefting henceforwards the Indians and their zea-
lous Paftors.
And thus ended this affair, which brought the
Reductions to the very brink of ruin. God only
knows what is to be. There is room to hope,
that nothing will ever weaken the true zeal which
inflames the hearts of the catholic Kings, to pro-
mote
204 The Perfecutions raised through Envy, &c.
mote the converfion of infidels. Thefe Princes
will never ceafe protecting the Miffionaries of
the fociety of Jefus, who expofe themfelves to fo
many hardships and labours, without fparing
even their lives in the occafion, to advance the
glory of God, the falvation of fouls, and to in-
fpire into the people a due fubmiffion to their
lawful fovereigns.
FIN1 S.
( 205 )
THE FIRST
LETTER
O F
Father Cajetan Cattaneo.
Dear Brother,
WE
Buenos Ayres, 18 May, 17293
E are at laft arrived ſafe at Buenos Ayres ;
and I lay hold of the firſt leifure mo-
ments to diſcharge my promife of giving you an
account of our voyage. It has been very prof-
perous; and tho' we have gone thro' many hard-.
fhips that are unavoidable in tedious navigations,
all agree that we are very well off.
Laſt year on Chriſtmas Eve we fet fail from
the road of Cadiz. We Miffionaries, fourfcore
in number, went on board two frigates. We
had with us a Patache, or Pinnace of twenty guns,
and an advice boat, that kept us company for
fear of falling into the hands of pirates, and
was to go in confort with us to the Canarie, and
then to make for Carthagena.
We
206 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
We foon loft fight of land by a favourable
but too brifk a gale. This gave from time to
time fuch violent toffes to the veffel, that we
could hardly keep our feet. An unguarded Sai-
lor fell overboard. We had the diverfion to fee
him ſwim like a fish, without loſing the pipe he
had in his mouth. He got on board again by
the help of a rope, which we threw out. Tho'
we could carry but little fail with this violent
wind, we were in fight of the Canaries in five
days. A contrary wind which aroſe at that time
obliged us to keep tacking about till the Epipha
ny, when we caft anchor in the bay of Santa
Cruz, a town in the Iſland of Tenerif. We made
ſome ſtay there, both to lay in proviſions, water,
mafts, and the like, and to give time to fome
families of the Canaries to come on board the
Pinnace. Thefe families were deftined to po-
pulate a Colony that is now fettling by his Ma-
jefty's orders near the mouth of the great river
la Plata, in a place called Monte Video; of which
I fhall have occafion to fpeak in another.
place.
We met with all manner of civilities from the
French Conful during the few days we ftaid in
the bay of Santa Cruz. He was particularly ac-
quainted with father Jerome Herran, Procurator
of the Miffions of Paraguay, who came with us
and was our Superiour. The Conful's civility
was not to F. Herren alone; we all had a
fhare in his kindnefs, and he fent us refreſh-
ments of all forts.
The
The first Letter of Cajetan Cattaneo.
207
The Biſhop of Santa Cruz was out upon the
vifitation of the Iſland of Palma. But the Se-
cretary of the Diocefs, who knew the fentiments
of the Prelate with regard to our Society, fhewed
us all poffible kindneſs and friendſhip. We ſpent
a whole day afhore. Four of the Fathers dined
at the Biſhop's Palace. An Italian happened to
be there, who is fettled in the Island, and has
a confiderable poſt. The income of his place a-
lone is very fufficient to live decently at eafe in
that cheap Country; but he is moreover con-
cerned very largely in trade. As foon as he heard
that there were fome Italians among the Miffio-
naries, he came to us in all hafte, and with all
the demonſtrations of that gladnefs, which is
ufually felt, when, after a long abfence from our
native foil, we meet with Country-men. Tho
he had not told us that he was a Bolognefe, his
pronunciation diſcovered it fufficiently; and I
do not think that in all Bologna there is a more
voluble tongue than this Gentleman's. He would
not leave us till we had promifed to dine with
him the next day. We kept our word, and he
carried us to a very pretty country-box of his
near the town. The entertainment was very
magnificent. As the Guests were perfons that
had read and travelled much, the converfation
proved very engaging. The entertaining and
facetious accounts thrown in by our Bolognese
hindered it being more ferious. For he is a moft
agreeable, as well as a polite genius. After
dinner he fhewed us round the town, which is
2
not
208
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cottaneo.
not very confiderable; the buildings are very low,
excepting the houfes of fome chief inhabitants
of the Inland, the convents, and the epifcopal
Palace, which is a handfome ftructure enough.
Night come on, and we quitted our amiable
Italian with regret, who had entertained us ſo a“
greeably. He even defired us to take up our
quarters with him, till the fhips fet fail. But
we could not accept this kind offer. He is called
Gafpar Biondi de Conti; his mother is ftill living,
and his brother keeps up the name and the fami-
ly at Bologna. The ifle of Tenerif at a diſtance
prefents the eye with nothing but heaps of moun-
tains, and frightful cliffs. What is moft re-
markable, is the famous Pike. This name is
given to a very high mountain fituated in the
middle of the Iſland; and which on a fair day
is ſeen near a hundred and fifty miles off at fea.
More than half of it is concealed from the fight
by clouds, above which the high point or Pike,
covered almoſt always with fnow, rifes in the
form of a fugar loaf. The chief wealth of the
Inland is tobacco, filk, and wine, well known
and more eſteemed in Europe under the name of
Canary. When we paffed by, there were fifteen
ſhips of different nations in the harbour, pre-
paring for their return into Europe with cargoes
of that wine.
Several forts built along the coaft guard it a-
gainst the Pirates of Barbary, that continually
infeft thofe Seas; and in time of war againſt the
European nations that are enemies to Spain. The
Canaries
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
20g
Canaries lie very convenient for trade. And here
the ſhips bound for the Indies take the chief of
their provifions.
The People of the Canaries are always on their
guard. While we hovered in fight of the Iſland,
before we could make the bay, the captain-gene
ral feared we might be enemies. Two French
fail had joined us, and at fome little diſtance ap-
peared fix more, all together had the appearance
of a ſmall fleet. The Captain fired two guns,
as a fignal to the inhabitants to put themfelves
under arms. The Canon of Laguna, another
town further within-land, anfwered with as ma-
ny guns. In a fhort time four thousand inhabi
tants armed with fire locks appeared along the
coaſts, with fome Spanish troops that garrifon the
forts I have mentioned. They have ftill fome
arquebufes, or old fathioned firelocks, that go off
with a wheel, and which they ufe very dexter-
oufly. After the ufual fignals had declared who
we were, we faluted the citadel with eleven guns.
There needed no more to put an end to their
fears, and the militia was inftantly difmiffed.
Nothing fo tedious as being on fhipboard, par-
ticularly when a veffel is detained in the harbour.
But a fresh incident made it more difagreeable.
We had on board our frigate fome troops that
were fent to Buenos Ayres; thefe were of two
forts the one old dragoons well difciplined;
and the other new raifed men, and not at all
pleafed with their deftination. For Paraguay has
not near the credit in Spain, which Peru and
P
Chili
210 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
Chili have. The new Recruits must needs go
a fhore; but it was not thought at all proper,
for fear of defertion. Upon this a kind of mu-
tiny followed. Several jumped overboard and
made for land. They were foon difcovered and
brought back. This difpofed them ftill more
to revolt. They had not irons enow on board
for them, and the fhip became a mere hell. Be-
fides the difcontented foldiers complained that
no wine had been given them fince their depar-
ture from Spain. It was true, but this com-
plaint was however groundleſs. No wine is ever
given to foldiers on board Spanish veffels, to pre-
vent excefs of drinking, and other diforders.
But when they are arrived at their term, the King
allows them in money the value of the wine,
that would have come to their fhare in the
paffage.
A wealthy Paffenger thought he could pacify
the foldiery, and gave them a barrel of Malmfey.
But this had a quite contrary effect. The glafs
had fcarce gone round before they began with
bitter invectives against their officers. Some of
the moft turbulent were caned, which contri-
buted to keep the reft in awe for a while. Soon
after they fell to quarrelling and fighting one
with another. Luckily for them, they had no
arms. It is a wife cuftom on board the Spanish
veffels, not to allow the foldiers fwords, bayo-
nets, or fire-arms, except fuch as are upon duty
on the forecaſtle, and quarter deck. If an ene-
my appears, the arms are immediately handed
about.
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
211
about. The dragoons were not concerned in the
tumult; and orders were given them to oblige
the feditious to return to their duty. They ef-
fectually difcharged their commiffion with cut-
laffes in their hands. But tranquility was not re-
ftored till we fet fail again on the 21ft of Ja-
nuary.
We then refumed our Novena's, and the ufual
exerciſes of piety and devotion. It is not to be
expreffed how much good may be, and is really,
done by zealous Miffionaries on hip-board.
Paffengers, foldiers and failors, being under a
neceffity of hearing frequent fermons, are often
moved, and take a réfolution to lead a better
life. We had the comfort of feeing numbers,
who fincerely detefted and expiated their fins by
good general confeffions.
The twenty fixth of January we were under the
tropic of Cancer. About this time the black-guard
began to fhew themfelves. This name is given by
the Spaniards to a fet of people, who, having no-
thing in Europe, go for the Indies to try their for-
tunes. But as they are not able to pay their paſ-
fage, they contrive to make a friend among the
crew. The friend, notwithſtanding all the vigi-
lance of the captain, brings them on board amidft
the crowds of people who bring in provifions or
goods fome days before the hip's departure.
They lie conceal'd among the bales, and live as
they can till they are at a fufficient diftance at
fea. When they are well affured there is no
danger of the fhip's putting back to reland them,
P 2
they
ì
212 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
they appear by degrees. The captain ſeeing
thefe fupernumerary mouths, exclaims, ftorms,
and threatens to throw them overboard: they
are fure he will not do any fuch thing, and hear
him with patience. Theſe adventurers are very
commonly found on board: Yet there is not a
captain that goes off, but is fatisfied that he has
by his vigilance kept out theſe interlopers.
Tho' we were in the torrid zone we had fome
feeling of winter, either from the fun's being in
the South Declination, or from a very fharp
wind. Spring came on at once, and we were
fome nine or ten degrees off the Equator. We
foon felt a hot fummer, and the heats continued
till we paffed the tropic of Capricorn. Then it
was autumn with us, and we made Buenos Ayres
in that feafon. Thus in three months time we
went thro' all the feafons of the year.
But to proceed in order, a pretty favourable
wind carried us on towards the Line. We made
two Novena's one to St. Jofeph, and the other to
St. Anthony, to obtain through their interceffion
the favour of eſcaping thofe difmal calms, of
twenty, thirty, or fometimes forty days, which
often furpriſe ſhips on both fides of the Equator,
to the feventh or eighth degree of latitude. When
you come near the equator the wind falls at once,
and the ſhip makes no way without the help of
fome gufts of wind, called by the Spaniards,
Turbonadas. Theſe are hurricanes that riſe ſudden-
ly, and are accompanied ufually with rain, thun-
der, and lightening. The great violence of thefe
ftoris
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
213
ftorms holds ſeldom above half a quarter of an
hour; but they caufe fuch an agitation in the air
and in the ſea, as forwards a fhip for an hour or
two. To reap the benefit of thefe Turbonadas,
all hands muſt be ready to spread or draw in the
fails, as occafion requires. For fometimes the
burſts of wind are fo violent, that they are enough
to overfet or difable a fhip, unleſs the failors be
upon their guard.
Thefe forms are fucceeded by calms, as I
have faid, that continue fome time more or lefs,
and were extremely troubleſome to us, whilft
they lafted. The longeſt calm we had kept on
eight days, and took us about four degrees off
from the equator. In a former letter I obferved
to you how ftreightened we were in our lodgings.
That part of a Cabin, where five and thirty of
us were ftowed, was like an oven. If we ſtepped
out to breathe a little fresh air, the fun fcorched
us, and his rays, then almoft perpendicular, and
reflected from the fea, fet all the air on fire; and
our whole buſineſs in a manner was to wipe off the
{weat that ran down in ftreams from our faces.
But thirſt was our greateſt torment. We were
allowed three glaffes of water in the morning,
and as many in the evening. We were how-
ever far better off than the greateſt part of the
paffengers. The captain had taken care to put
up the water he defigned for the paffengers in
bottles well corked, and what was deftined for
his crew in freſh and very clofe barrels. Both
continued very good, and did not corrupt, as it
P 3
commonly
214
The firft Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
commonly happens. It were to be wifhed, that
the like caution had been taken with our bifcuit;
there was hardly a bit that was not full of mag-
gots, and appeared extremely naufeous.
The night was near as troubleſome as the day.
It was almoft impoffible to get a wink of fleep:
for there were in our apartment feveral rows of
beds one above another, fcarce two foot wide
each, and refembled, efpecially the lowest tire,
fo many dog-holes: one was fmothered with
heat; but the greatest trial of our patience was
the incredible fwarms of flees, bugs, and lice,
that devoured us without any hopes of getting
rid of this vermine. But fuppofing this had
been done, it could not hold long: for there was
no coming near a foldier, or a failor, without
recovering very foon all that had been loft.
Mean while we advanced fair and foftly. Our
veffel called the St. Bruno, the other the St. Fran-
cis, had two Pilots of quite oppofite turns. One
was young, and very fkilful in his profeffion,
but fometimes a little too venturous. Qurs had
more experience; but forty years fpent at fea
had only ſerved to make him exceeding timorous.
He feldom carried any but the mizzen fail, not
to give the wind too much hold. The other,
who found that his fhip was a heavy failor, and
was often forced to keep a ftern, took all the
gale his fails could gather without fear. One
day he would get a head of us, as if he intend-
ed to ridicule the flownefs of our fail, a fudden
blaſt ſnapped two of his mafts, hich gave us the
reateft concern for the St. Francis. We feared
that
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo:
215
that the maſts in falling had killed a great many.
Luckily they hung among the fails and the rigg-
ing time enough for the people to get out of the
way. The St. Francis ſtopped ſhort in her courſe.
We bore up to her directly and offered our affift-
ance. But this was refufed by the Pilot, who
gave us to underſtand that the next day he ſhould
be able to come on. He really kept his word,
but wanted two fails the reft of his-voyage, which
was a hinderance to us who were obliged to wait
for him. This accident happened on the 19th
of February; we had paffed the Line the day be-
fore. The day of paffing the Line is always
kept as a feaſt and day of rejoicing on board all
fhips. Our crew would not mifs the ceremony,
to which fome have given the name of baptifm;
it is alfo called the ranfom, as the paffengers are
obliged to pay fomething to excufe their being
duckt in the fea. Nothing can be more divert-
ing than this ceremony, and perhaps you will
not be difpleafed at my giving you an idea of it;
and 'tis what I fhall now do in as few words as
poffible:
On the eve of the folemnity was feen upon
deck in the evening a company of failors, dreffed
like foldiers, preceded by a couple of officers,
and a herald who proclaimed an order for all
paffengers to be at the hour appointed on the
quarter deck next day, there and then to inform
his excellence the Lord-prefident of the Line
with the motive that had induced them to come.
into thofe feas, and who had given them leave
P 4
for
216 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo,
for it. The proclamation was then fixed at the
foot of the main maft, and the failors withdrew.
Early the next morning they got ready on the
quarter deck a table covered with a carpet, pens,
ink, and paper, and chairs all round the table.
The failors were formed into a much larger com-
pany than on the eve, They had on the dra-
goons regimentals, and each a cutlafs and a pike.
They came by beat of drum with their officers be-
fore them to the place appointed, where an arm
chair was placed for the Lord preſident, who came
laft with the greateſt gravity in the midſt of his
officers clothed like magiftrates. He wore a
very genteel fuit of cloaths in the French fashion.
They could not pitch upon a perſon of better ta-
lents for the part he was to act.
The prefident had ſcarce fat down on his chair
of ftate, when a poor wretch was brought in,
charged, as they faid, with I know not what
crime committed before he paffed the Line. The
criminal without any farther form of law was con-
demned to be plunged in the fea. He offered to
prove his innocence; his excufes were conftrued
into want of refpect to the Lord prefident, who
laying fome blows on his fhoulders with his cane,
onl
ordered three plunges instead of one. They
faftened a rope about his middle that ran through
a pulley at the end of the main yard. They
hoifted him up to let him fall into the fea; but
he was foon taken up and plunged as often as it
pleafed Lord-prefident, after which he was fet
at liberty. The rope remained as it was, for a
2
terror
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 217
terror to all who fhould have any thoughts of
failing in due reſpect to his excellence.
After this firft execution his Lordship fent
his officers to bring the captain of the fhip be-
fore him, who made his appearance uncovered
before the Prefident. He interrogated the cap-
tain how he came to be fo bold as to fail into
theſe feas. I did it, replied the captain, by the
order of the King my mafter; I have his au-
thority to that effect. This was judged a very
bad anſwer. Who befides me, cries out his Ex-
cellence, has any right to exerciſe any jurifdic-
tion on theſe feas, or to authoriſe any perfon to
come into them? I am willing however to fup-
pofe that you have tranfgreffed more through
ignorance, than malice; and inftead of confif-
cating your veffel, as I can do with juftice, I
fhall only condemn you to pay the fmall fine of
one hundred flaſks of wine, to which you muſt
add fome other trifles. The captain expoftu-
lated greatly upon the enormity of the fine, and
reprefented ſmartly that it was more than he
could afford. After a very humorous debate on
this article, the captain came off with twenty
feven flaſks of wine, half a dozen hams, and a-
bout two dozen Holland cheeſes. The whole was
delivered on the fpot. The Prefident having dif-
miffed the captain in the politeft manner, order-
ed his chief officers to bring him back to his
cabin.
All the Paffengers were called upon in their
turn his Excellence put near the fame queftions
to
218
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
to them as he did to the Captain, but ftill with
fomething particular and new to every one.
There would never be an end, were I to relate
all the incidents occafion'd by this farce, with
the diverting flights and repartees of the Prefi-
dent, and fome Paffengers. The Spaniards are
inimitable on theſe occaſions, and our Lord-pre-
fident excelled particularly in this way. He had
a very fwarthy complexion, and an odd forbid-
ing afpect which could not bear looking at with-
out laughing. As to his Excellency, during the
whole ceremony, which lafted a long time, he
maintained his character with the gravity of a
Cato. But while they were making merry after
this manner, every one was laid under contribu-
tion from the first to the laft, tho' in proportion
to their abilities. When the ceremony was over,
the Captain ordered a very handfome collation
for the Prefident and his officers, with fome re-
freshments, of which the failors had their ſhare.
After which they retired by beat of drum as they
came. One thing only was wanted to compleat
the farce, and this was to duck the Lord-prefi-
dent himſelf in his turn, or one of his Officers.
This was not forgot on board the St. Francis,
where his Excellency went through the whole
ceremony. When the Prefident was bringing
back to his quarters, the Captain rufhed out
of his apartment much furprifed, and afked
the meaning of all this pageantry? And being
anfwered, that it was his Excellency the Lord
Prefident of the Line. Who is this Prefident
of
The firſt Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 219
of the Line, replies the Captain, with an ap-
pearance of anger? Is there any maſter here but
myfelf? To puniſh his daring infolence, take
him directly and dip him in the fea. However
as the Prefident was but a paffenger, who had
been defired on account of his pleafant humour,
to perfonate the Lord prefident of the Line, the
Captain who was afraid of mortifying him, or-
dered a couple of his officers to be ducked in his
room. The order was directly obeyed by the
fame foldiers who had juſt now ferved them as
guards. This fudden and difagreeable change
with regard to the two magiftrates, gave the reſt
of the crew a great deal of diverfion.
During the calms, while the veffel lay as ftill
as a rock in the fea, they employed the time in
taking of fhark. The Shark is commonly about
five or fix feet long, and very thick in propor-
tion to his length. He follows the fhips that
are bound to the Indies, in order to feize on what-
ever falls into the fea. An Author quoted by
Franciocini in his Spanish and Italian Dictionary,
reports, that there was found in the belly of a
fhark, a couple of hats, feven hams, a large
pewter diſh, and feveral other things of the like
nature. Thoſe we caught were of a midling fize.
They found in the ftomach of the first we took,
a fhoe, and fome other curiofities, which I don't
recollect. Imagine what dainty morfels theſe
fish muft pick up, while they accompany a whole.
fleet; efpecially when fhips are wrecked. The
Sharks that are taken are commonly opened in
hopes
220 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
hopes of finding fomething valuable. But the
fleſhy part of the is very unfavory and un-
wholefome. In the exceffive heats of the torrid
zone, fome perfons will bathe in the fea to be
refreſhed. Nothing is more dangerous, unless
you are conftantly on the watch. Swimmers
have been more than once devoured inftantane-
oufly by the ſharks. When any of our crew
bathed, they took care to have a guard, to give
notice in cafe of danger.
The hark is taken with a hook, but not
without difficulty. Upon hearing the fall of the
hook baited with flesh into the fea, the ſhark
turns off on his back. Some little fishes named
Romerinos, guide him to his prey, and are alfo
called his Pilots. They either go a head of him,
or ftick on his head or back. When he is hook-
ed it is very amufing to fee the little Pilots fcud-
ing to and fro all in confufion, as it were to help
their mafter. Most of them faften and cling a-
bout him, before he is quite hauled out of the
water, and fuffer themfelves to be taken with
him. This little fish, which is no lefs agreeable
to the taſte, than to the fight, weighs about half
a pound. As foon as the fhark is drawn aboard,
every one takes care to be armed with iron bars
to break his head, where a ftone is found, faid
to have very great medicinal virtues. Some-
times they are fatisfied with laying on a few
blows; they pluck out his eyes, and tie him by
the middle to a barrel, and fling him into the
fea,
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 221
fea, to divert the spectators with his fruitlefs
fruggles to get clear of his incumbrance.
We took feveral other kinds of fifh, and of
various fizes but none very remarkable, ex-
cept the flying fifh. This has two wings that
nearly refemble thofe of a bat: he flies in the
air to eſcape a fish called the Bonite that purfues
him. The Flying Fish cannot keep on the wing
above two or three ftones throw. The Bonite
is extremely nimble, and ſwims after him fọ
fwiftly, that he very commonly comes up time
enough to catch him in his mouth, when he
drops into the fea, which he always does when
his wings grow dry. The Flying Fish like moft
fea birds, go in flocks. Now and then fome
fall on the fhips; we had one fell on board our
veffel. I took him in my hands, and viewed
him at leifure. What we faw was near the fize
of the Mullet.
The twenty fixth of February, the fun was di-
rectly over our heads, and I obferved that at noon
our bodies caft no fhadow. Some days before
we were furpriſed with a tempeft, very luckily,
neither long, nor dangerous. Do not expect I
fhall give you a deſcription of a ſtorm after Po-
ets and Hiftorians have taken fo much pleaſure
in painting a raging fea. Then it was I firft faw
the fire called St. Elmo. This is a fmall flame
that is fometimes feen in a ftorm on the top of
the maft, or at the end of the main-yard. The
failors look upon this as a happy prefage that
the ſtorm will be ſoon over, for which they think
themſelves
222 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
themſelves obliged to the protection of St. Elmo,
whofe picture they always have on board, and
in which he is reprefented ftanding near a fhip
with a little flame in his hand. When I came
on deck to fee this Phenomenon, I found the crew
were finging the Litanies of our B. Lady. Tho'
the wind feemed, off and on, to rife with greater
force, no doubt was made of the ftorm foon a-
bating; and they were not deceived in their
hopes.
Another particular, I thought, deferved to be
remarked; viz. that when it rains under the
torrid zone, eſpecially near the equator, the rain
water in a few hours is feen changed into whitiſh
maggots, like thofe bred in cheefe; and if care
is not taken to dry the wet cloaths by the fun, or
the fire, they will be foon covered with theſe
fmall infects.
I paſs over feveral circumftances of our voyage,
as too trifling to intereft your curiofity. We
reached the tropic of Capricorn about midlent;
the whole time of Lent was fpent at fea, without
any advantage to better our lenten fare. As
many fuffer from thirst, tho' in the midft of
water, fo many, tho' with fifh in plenty all round
them, eat perhaps lefs of that kind at fea, than
is done any where elfe. The motion of the fhip
does not allow fishing. We had fresh fish but
three or four times. As to all the Lent befides
we were to content ourſelves with falt-fifh; if
this did not fatisfy our hunger, at leaft it made
us thirſty. Moreover the hours for Lenten meals
are
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 223
are not the fame on board the Spanish veffels as
in Italy. About nine in the morning we fit down
to table and take our collation, called the Almu-
erzo; at three in the afternoon dinner is ferved
up, called by the Spaniards, La Comida; and
till the next day nothing more is taken.
Fervour and affiduity in the practices of Reli-
gion redoubled during this holy time. We
preached by turns, and the Sermon always con-
cluded with an act of contrition, which the
preacher repeated with a loud voice. The crew
frequently expreffed with tears, the compunction
that pierced their hearts. The Captain, Officers,
and Paffengers, heard the Sermon ftanding, to
fhew the greater refpect to the word of God.
Moreover we daily expounded the chriftian doc-
trine, and the Rofary, with other prayers were
recited in four different parts of the fhip; viz.
by the Paffengers in the forecaſtle, the failors on
the quarter deck, the foldiers on the mid-deck,
and the fervants of the fhip under deck. It was
the greateſt pleaſure to us, to hear on all fides
the praises of our Lord, and his bleffed mother,
ecchoing again in the midſt of the ocean.
The 25th of March, being Lady day, we ſaw
very early in the morning a thick mift rifing,
which made us imagine that we were not far from
Land. We founded, and found that we were
only in 140 fathom water. The fog we were in
hindered the Pilot determining our diſtance from
fhore. As he was apprehenfive of running on
ſome rock or other, he ſteered due South to the
thirty
224 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
thirty fifth degree, which is the latitude of Cape
St. Mary's. His courfe on the 27th was weft,
and he was furprifed in the afternoon to find only
fifty fathom water. He concluded according to
the depths marked in the charts of thofe feas,
that we were not above eight or ten leagues
from land. But it was then too late in the day
to offer at difcovering the land, and we were ob-
liged to lie by, that is, to difpofe the fails in ſuch
manner that by the wind being beaten back from
one fail to another, the veffel neither advances
nor goes back much.
;
The Pilot of the St. Francis was much bolder
and more venturefome; he kept on his courſe to
diſcover land; we endeavoured to diffuade him.
Our ſhip being commanded by the Commodore,
the Captain had a right to command him but
he did not think proper to obey the fignals; and
the thickneſs of the fog gave him an opportunity
to withdraw from the too great fubjection we
had kept him under. He was not long in effect
before he came within fight of land. We for
our part were becalmed, and continued two days
in the fame place. The thirtieth an eafy gale
bore us towards the coaft. About nine o'clock
a young man at the main-maft top called out,
Land, Land. You may judge whether the news
was welcome to people, who for two months.
and a half had feen nothing but the fky and wa-
All the fpying glaffes great and fimall were
immediately directed towards the land, which is
not very easily difcovered, as it lies very low and
ter.
ię
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
225
is very flat. At length when the naked eye
could defcry land diftinctly, we fung Te Deum
in thankſgiving; but our labours were far
from being ſo near an end as we imagined.
We were now very uneafy about the St.
Francis, and feared fhe had met with fome
difafter. The Pinnace that failed with us from
the Canaries, caufed the fame apprehenfions,
when we loft fight of her off the Cape Verd
Inlands; after that we never faw her. The Cap-
tain gave orders to the watch at the main maft
top, to keep a fharp look out for the St Fran-
cis, and promifed him three bottles, if he gave
an account of her. Soon after he cried out
that he faw her. We took our teleſcopes, and
we all agreed that we defcried a fhip under
full fail, making the fhore, and that this muft
be the St. Francis. The bottles of wine were
delivered that inftant; but our joy was not.
long lived. What we took for the St. Francis
was nothing but a heap of rocks, which feen
at a diſtance have the appearance of a fhip un-
der fail. We had read fome days before in a
very accurate relation, that thefe rocks had
often deceived perfons at fea. Mean while we
were ſtill perfuaded that what we faw was a
fhip, and feveral confiderable wagers were laid.
At length when we came nearer, we found
our miſtake beyond all poffibility of doubt.
For theſe fame rocks feen in another point of
view, reprefented old caftles fallen into ruin,
upon which they got the name of Los Caftillos.
а
To
226 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
To compleat our misfortunes, a contrary
wind that roſe on a fudden obliged us to tack
about. On the 2d of April we were above
fifty leagues off the fhore. This caufed very
foon a fedition and very great diforder on
board. We were in the open ſea and very
uncertain when we ſhould make the ſhore.
Our provifions were almoft at an end, and it
was faid that we had only as much water as
would hold out about ten days; and befides
they talk'd of diminiſhing the foldiers allow-
The officers declared, if the project
took place, they could not promiſe to keep
their men in due order and ſubjection. The
foldiers had already proteſted, that if they
were brought to a fhort allowance, the reſt
ought to fare alike; fince every one of them
had an equal right to live. The Captain chang-
ed his mind by the advice of ſome diſcreet and
experienced perfons.
ance.
This was fcarce over, when the Paffengers
had as hot a difpute with the Pilot. The
contrary winds fell, and the Paffengers were
againſt keeping any longer out at fea. The
Pilot replied, that the wind was favourable,
but too fresh, and that there was danger in
coming too near the coaft. They begged at
leaft to be brought within fight of land, that
fome twelve foldiers and as many failors might.
be fent afhore to fetch water, and to kill fome
of the cattle we had feen on the coaft. The
Pilot was not to be moved, and faid he would
3
not
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 227
not direct his courſe to the weft till he was off
the Rio de la Plata, fo as to get into the river
without coafting the fhore. As to the ſcarcity
of proviſions, he added, the Captain ſhould
have provided; but that his bufinefs was to
pilot the fhip with fafety. The Paffengers
made anfwer, that they might as well be caft
away as ftarve; it was but perishing either
way, with this difference only, that they muft
inevitably ſtarve, whereas the danger of being
wrecked fubfifted merely in the Pilot's imagi-
nation, who found fhoals and fand-banks every
where. All was to no purpoſe, and nothing
could prevail upon the old Pilot, till the Paffen-
gers were out of all patience, and affembled
in a body in the ftate room, with the Captain
at their head. When they meet in this man-
ner they are a lawful court of judicature on
board the ſhip, inveſted with full authority.
The Pilot was cited and ordered to fail for the
coaft. He obeyed, otherwiſe an action would
have been brought against him in due form at
Buenos Ayres. He made his courſe by degrees
to the weft, and in two days we defcried and
doubled the Cape of St. Mary, and arrived at
the mouth of the Plata.
I had frequently heard and read in Europe,
that the Plata was fifty leagues over at the
mouth; but I apprehended that the account was
fomething exaggerated. As I had now a fair
opportunity to fatisfy my doubts, I gratified
my curiofity, and was convinced by my own
Q 2
eyes,
228 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
eyes, that what had been advanced was very
true. For when we left Monte video, a fort
built upwards of thirty leagues higher up than
the mouth of the river, where the river has
loft at leaſt half of its breadth, we were obliged
to cross it. We loft fight of land before we
reached the middle, and failed all day before.
we diſcovered the oppofite fide. At Buenos
Ayres, where I am at preſent, the river is con-
tracted one half more, at thirty or forty leagues
above Monte video, and yet the eye cannot
reach the oppofite fide. I have often gone up
in a clear ſky to a place of confiderable height,
and could never difcover any thing but the
Horizon bounded with water, as it is at full
fea. The Plata is not of a depth proportio-
nable to its breadth; it is full of fand-banks
that are not covered with more than two or
three fathom of water. The moft remarkable of
theſe lies at the mouth of the river, and makes
the coming up very difficult for fhips. It is
called the English bank, either from being dif-
covered first by English men, or from a veffel
of that nation with a cargo of counterband
filver, the firft that was known to have been
loft there. The Portuguese in the ſpace of
twelve years have loft eight fhips on the fame.
bank. The Lanfranc, a Spanish man of war
of feventy Guns, narrowly efcaped the like
fate. You may eafily imagine, whether our
Pilot had just reafon to fear this bank; he
only knew the Plata under the name of the
bell
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 229
bell of Pilots; and not altogether without fome
reafon. For the river, eſpecially in hard wea.
ther, is incomparably more dangerous than
the fea. When it blows a ftorm, and there is
fea room, the failors permit the fhip to the
waves without any fear, but here one is always
encompaffed with fhelves or rocks. Befides
the waves run as high in the river as in the
fea; and a fhip runs the hazard of ſtriking
and fplitting in fhole waters, when it falls
from the top of a wave into the lower that is
next to it. We did not venture into the Plata,
till we had taken all imaginable precautions
not to run a ground. Night was coming on,
and the Pilot would gladly have ftaid till the
next morning, for fear of a rock under water,
that lies fome fixty paces off the Inland of Los
Lobos, or the wolves. We were then about
two cannon fhot from the Inland, the moon
fhone very bright, and the Pilot was obliged
to go forward, which he did very fuccefs-
fully.
This Iſland of wolves, is inhabited by no-
thing but multitudes of Bafe, or fea wolves.
When they fee a fail coming, they go in fholes
to meet it; and when they come up with it,
they hang by their fore paws faft to the fides
of the fhip, and ftare at the men that appear
upon deck with great attention, grinding their
teeth, and chattering almoft like monkeys.
After this they take to the water, paffing and
repaffing continually before the hip, with
Q 3
cries
230
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
cries that are natural to them, and which are
not diſagreeable; till at laft they retire to their
Inland, or the neighbouring coafts. They are
hunted by the inhabitants of the country for
their fkins, which ferve for various ufes, and
are much efteemed for the fineness of the hair.
There is no danger in this chace; the fea
wolves are not fo fierce as to be feared, nor
hard to be caught; and they fly away at the
fight of a hunter.
After we had paffed the Ifle of wolves, a
calm furpriſed us, which however did not laft
long. We made ufe of this leiſure to catch a
delicious fort of fifh that is found there.* The
largeſt weigh about two pounds. And we
found fuch plenty of them, that ſome of our
failors who bethought themfelves of faſtening
two or three hooks to a line, drew up two or
three every time.
There is another fort of fish in the Plata,
called viagros. It has four long beards, or
whiſkers; and a fting on the back which is very
dangerous, and caufes in the part that is ftung
an immediate fwelling, and exceffive pains
that are not eafily cured. This fting feems
but weak, but you may judge both of its hard-
neſs and ſtrength from the following inftance.
We laid the fish on a table a full inch thick;
he pierced it through and through, without
any appearance of an extraordinary effort.
F. Cattaneo probably means the gold fish, or gilt head,
faid to fwarm in the river Plata.
The
The firft Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. `231
The day following we made much way by
means of a brifk gale. At night we caft an-
chor near to the Inland Maldonat. Not long
ago the Sea-horſe, a famous Engliſh ſhip, was
caft away near this Inland, by ftriking on a
rock that lay even with the furface of the
water. The whole crew perifhed, and above
1,600,000 piaſters that made up the cargo,
fell into the river. As all the money was coun-
terband, the wreck was confifcated by the
governour of Buenos Ayres to the King's trea-
fury; and perfons were immediately fent to
fifh up the filver, moft of which, it is hoped,
will be recovered. When we paffed by the
wreck, they had already fent off a boat with
80,000 Piafters for Buenos Ayres. The next
1 morning we proceeded again with great pre-
caution, and coafted the Inland of Flowers.
There is not a more dangerous place in this
river. For the fhelves and rocks which run
along that fide of the Island, and the extre-
mity of the English Bank, which ends on the
oppofite fide, form a very narrow and diffi.
cult paffage. About noon we at laft difcover-
ed Monte video, feven or eight leagues off.
This is a Mountain by itself, and rifes like a
fugar-loaf
fugar loaf; and there is a harbour at the
bottom, and the firft that is met with by the
fhips bound from the Canaries to Buenos Ayres.
We made the port before night on the ninth
of April, and the Eve of Palm Sunday.
Q_4
The
232 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
The joy we felt in being arrived at this fafe
harbour, rofe in proportion to the length of a
voyage of two thoufand leagues, and the many
dangers we had gone through. At Monte
video we met with the St. Martin, that had
left us off the Cape verd Inlands. As foon as he
perceived us, he faluted us with nine guns,
and came to meet us. We were then inform-
ed that the St. Francis arrived at Monte video
thirteen days before; but weary of waiting for
us, he had fet fail for Buenos Ayres that very
day. When he fent for a coafting Pilot for
himself, he took care another fhould come and
be ready for us, which enabled us to proceed
on our voyage the next morning. You may
not find Monte video in your maps, un-
lefs under the name of Monte Scredo. This is
a new fettlement, begun about two years ago,
on the north west banks of the Plata. The
King has granted leave to the Canariens, to
fend every year to Buenos Ayres a veffel laden
with wines, and other merchandife, on con-
dition they carry over at the fame time a cer-
tain number of families to Monte video, till
the fettlement is fufficiently populated. And
thus it comes to be inhabited only by families
from the Canaries, of which the St. Martin
had brought about twenty five, or thirty.
This poft is of great importance to the Spa-
niards, as it makes them mafters of the whole
country that lies between the Plata, Brafil,
and the fea. The Portuguefe have frequently
endeavoured
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 233
endeavoured to poffefs themſelves of this fort,
that Brafil might be extended by this addition
as far as the Colony of the B. Sacrament,
which they founded in the Iſland of St. Gabriel,
over against Buenos Ayres, and fortified with
a ftrong caftle. This is a fort of ftaple for all
counterband goods, which they fend off in
what quantities they will to the Spanish domi-
nions, and by land they fupply them as
far as Chili and Peru. This trade is not lefs
advantageous to the Portuguese, than it is rui-
nous to the Spanish merchants. It is not the
Portuguefe only that grow rich at the expence
of the Spaniards. This Colony admits the
fhips of different nations concerned in the
counterband trade. When we arrived at
Buenos-Ayres, our merchants on board our
fhips had the mortification to hear, that actu-
ally there were in the Port of S. Gabriel
twenty English, French, and Portugueſe fhips,
that had fold their cargoes at a good price;
and that the Country was plentifully provided
with the goods our hips had brought.
The Spaniards by means of the Indians have
twice diflodged the Portuguefe from the Island
of St. Gabriel; but the place was reflored to
them by treaty, and they have taken care to
fecure it from any infult by ftrong fortificati-
ons. They had alfo poffeffed themſelves of
Monte video, and had raiſed a fort, they like-
wife attempted to build another, over againſt
Los Caftillos. Their fcheme was to open a
free
234 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
free communication between the new Colony
and Rio Janeiro. At length the Spaniards
opened their eyes, and faw the danger that
threatned them. They attacked the Portu-
gueſe, and drove them from Monte video. Af
ter this, as they became fenfible of the impor-
tance of the place, they erected a fortrefs,
flanked with four baftions, garrifoned by two
hundred foldiers, and plenty of braſs canon.
Cloſe to this fortrefs the Canarians are build-
ing their town. As they are a robust and la-
borious people, it is hoped that in a fhort time
they will be able to ftand by themſelves, and
command all the neighbouring coaſts.
The Miffionaries on board the St. Francis,
being detained feveral days in the port of Monte
video, went afhore. They have told us fince,
that the whole town.confifted but of three or
four brick houſes, together with fifty or fixty
huts covered with hides, where the families
newly arrived from the Canaries were lodged,
till more folid and commodious houfes could
be provided. The Governour of Buenos Ayres
has employed two thouſand of the Reduction
Indians about the works of this new town ever
fince the year 1725. The fortrefs has hitherto
taken up their whole time. They are under
the direction of a couple of Miffionaries,
who acquit themfelves among them of all the
functions of their holy miniftry; and are
lodged in leathern buts. The poor Indians
have no fuch accommodations, but remain af-
ter
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 235
ter hard work expofed to the inclemency of
the air. Being exempted from the yearly tri-
bute paid to the crown of Spain, is all the
falary they receive.
We left Monte video on the tenth of April.
A few leagues higher we defcried the St. Fran-
cis. He had heard of our arrival by a boat
that paft, and caft anchor to wait for our
coming up. From Monte video to Buenos Ayres
the paffage is about forty leagues. But this
laft part of the voyage is without question the
moft difficult; the river is full of fand banks;
and it is not without the greateſt precaution
that ſhips can be navigated. Wherever night
overtakes one, the anchor must be dropt.
Each fhip had her two boats, that kept a head
about half a quarter of a league. The found-
ing line was always in ufe, and fignals were
made to let us know how many fathoms they
had of water. Think of a couple of ſpaniels
ranging in a field before their mafter, and you
will frame a notion of our fituation. With
all our care we ftruck twice; but as the bot-
tom was neither fand nor rock, the keel was
not damaged.
At laft on the fifteenth of April, being good
Friday, we came to anchor three leagues off
Buenos Ayres. The circumftance of the day
did not permit us to fire our canon. But
on Saturday as foon as we heard the town bells
and the guns of the caftle, we made a triple
diſcharge of all our artillery. We could not
land
236 The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
land till Eaſter Tuesday, and we faw the fhore
four days together without a poffibility of land-
ing. A moft violent wind blew from the weft,
and we were in danger of being loft in fight
of the port. This wind is called Pampero,
from its croffing a plain of 900 miles, named
Las Pampas, and inhabited by roving Indians,
known in the country by the name of Pampas.
This plain, that reaches from Buenos Ayres to
the confines of Chili, is perfectly level, and
only covered with very deep grafs. The Pam-
pero meeting in that vaft extent with nothing
that can ftem its fury, gathers more and more
ſtrength, till coming directly down the chan-
nel of La Plata, it blows with fuch rage, that
the fhips are obliged to throw out all their
anchors, and even to fecure their cables with
ſtrong iron chains. Had this furious wind
met us at the mouth of the river, it would
very probably have driven us two hundred
leagues out at fea.
The haven of Buenos Ayres has no fhelter
from the winds, and fhips can come no nearer
the town than three leagues. I cannot con-
ceive what motive the Spaniards had to fettle
in fo inconvenient a place; unless they intend-
ed to guard againſt all furpriſe from the ene-
mies fhips. The very boats, to get up to the
town, are forced to fetch a great compaís,
and to put into a fmall ftream, that falls into
the river, and which may be about two or
three
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 237
three fathom deep. When the river is low
there is no getting into the little river.
We were under a neceffity of continuing on
board till the Pampero ceafed; but we had
abundant amends for this delay from the edi-
fying ſcenes we ſaw on board the fhips. The
Paffengers having the company of fo many
Miffionaries, took this opportunity to fatisfy
the precept of the yearly confeffion and com-
munion, and diſcharged this duty with ex-
emplary piety.
We landed at laft on Tueſday in Eaſter week,
the 19th of April 1729, a hundred and ten
days after we departed from Cadiz. The Go-
vernour of Buenos Ayres, as foon as the wea-
ther would permit, difpatched one of his
barges to bring us to land. The fhore was
crouded with people. The variety of dreffes,
and figures, Spaniſh moreſk, and Indian, made
a very agreeable appearance. All the Fathers
of our College, with the Rector at their head,
came to receive us at the water fide. The Rector
was a venerable old man, who was grown
white with age in the miffions, wherein he had
fpent forty nine years. He received us with
open arms; and one would have thought
that the joy he had of our arrival had made
him young again. All the other Fathers were
not backward in expreffing the fame affec-
tion and kindneſs to us. Their tranſports
correfponded to the impatience they were in,
whilft
238 The first Letter of F Cajetan Cattaneo.
whilft they expected us to fupply the extreme
fcarcity of fubjects in that province.
At ſome diſtance from the town we found
the Governour himfelf, who was pleafed to
come and meet us, and favoured us with a
moft gracious and honourable welcome. His
name is Don Bruno de Zavola. It is not eafy
to find a gentleman of better accomplishments.
He is tall, and well proportioned. His gait
would become a great King. During the late
wars in Spain he loft part of his right arm in
a battle. His Majefty, to recompenfe the
fervices of this excellent officer, gave him the
government of Buenos Ayres, and made him
captain general of the Province, called Rio de
la Plata. The want of his arm is not fo much
a deformity, as a monument that revives the
memory of his brave actions.
As foon as we came into the town, we re-
paired freight to the Church of the College,
where nothing but our arrival was expected to
begin the Te Deum, which was followed with
the Salut, or the Benediction of the B. Sacra-
ment. I could not, I muſt own, forbear
tears during this pious ceremony. I kiffed
with a comfort not to be expreffed the ground
that I had ardently longed to fee, and found
myſelf poffeft of all that I defired.
The firft news that we heard at our land-
ing, was as follows. Many nations earnestly
defire to receive the holy baptifm. Hitherto
the Millionaries they wanted could not be fent.
The
The first Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 239
The nation of the Zamucos, which formerly
brought brother Albert Romero to death with
a fhower of arrows, is at laft converted to the
faith of Jefus Chrift; but Father Caftagnerez
is all alone in the numerous Reduction he has
founded among that people. He makes be-
fides frequent excurfions among the Ugarognos,
who ſeem inclined to embrace the chriftian
Religion. He has converted fo many, that he
talks already of founding a Reduction, and is
by that means in hopes of getting acceſs to
other very populous nations, that lie farther
within land. But one man cannot go through
fo much fatigue and fuch laborious employ-
ments; and Father Caftagnerez preffes very
ftrongly for evangelical workmen, that may
take their ſhare in the toil.
And now, dear brother, you have a faith-
ful and circumftantial account of our voyage.
I might indeed add a defcription of the count-
ry, the air, the number, and manners of the
Inhabitants. But this muſt be the fubject of
another letter, which probably you will re-
ceive with this. I muft beg you to make my
compliments to all the perfons I am uſed to
name in the letters I write to you. I moft
earnestly recommend myfelf to their and your
prayers, to the end that our Lord would be
pleafed to grant me the only grace I beg, the
grace of employing myfelf wholly hence-
forwards to his greater glory, and of confe-
crating
240 The Second Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
crating every moment of my life to my own
and my neighbours fan&ification. I am dear-
eft brother,
Your moſt affectionate fervant and brother,
Cajetan Cattaneo of the Society of Jeſus.
LETTER II.
Dearest Brother,
Reduction of St. Mary in the Miſſions of
Paraguay, April, 30th, 1730.
GAVE you a circumftantial account of
I G
our voyage in the letter I wrote from Bue-
nos Ayres. I went no farther, not to tire you
with a long relation, or rather, to ſpeak the
plain truth, becaufe I was tired with writing.
For 1 muft tell you, that I am more put to it
now in writing four lines of Italian, than twen-
ty formerly. I have loft the ufe both of fpeak-
ing and writing my mother tongue. My pen
would willingly run on, as it did before, but
is forced to halt, till memory comes up, which
follows with great difficulty, and dreads no-
thing fo much as being hurried.
Coft what it will, I will now inform you,
as you defire, of what regards Buenos Ayres,
and the Province, of which it is the Capital,
and
The Second Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 248
and laftly of the chief occurrences fince our
landing.
To begin with the laft article, we made a
ſtay of two months at Buenos Ayres, to recover
the fatigue of our voyage, and to prepare for
entering on the Miffions, for which we were
deſtined. At first almost all of us fell fick,
and many were thought in extreme danger.
This was attributed partly to the alteration in
the humours, occafioned by the ftench, and
other inconveniences on board; partly by the
change of air and diet; but chiefly to the
water of La Plata, which they drink at Bue-
nos Ayres. This water commonly gives the
Europeans, not accuſtomed to it, cholics and
difenteries, and brings on vomiting.
Mean while the carts were getting ready to
carry to Cordova in Tucuman the ſtudents whom
we had brought from Europe. The fociety
has an Univerſity in that town, and the Spa-
niards of Tucuman, Paraguay, and Rio de la
Plata, fend their children thither for their
ftudies. And the young Jefuits of Paraguay
that have not finiſhed their courfe of philofo-
phy, and divinity, repair alfo to the fame town
to end their ftudies.
Cordova is three hundred and fixty miles, or
thereabouts, from Buenos Ayres. All the coun-
try betwixt the two towns is a vaft defert.
'Tis a plain terminated on all fides with a per-
fect horizon. To cross this immenfé flat,
called the Pampas, water and bifcuit must be
R
laid
242 The fecond Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
laid in, as for a fea voyage: for you are fure
not to meet with it on the road.
We had not been quite fix weeks at Buenos
Ayres, when we faw fome Indians arrive from
the Reductions. They were from the Reduc-
tion of the three Kings, or Yapeju, which in
the Indian language fignifies the ſame. Of
all the Colonies under our direction, this is
the neareſt Buenos Ayres, tho' at fix hundred
miles diſtance. The Chriſtians of other
Reductions were making ready to come and
take the Miffionaries with them. Thoſe of
Yapeju being the neareſt got the ftart, and
brought all forts of mufic, to folemnife our
arrival. As foon as the Indians landed, they
came running to the College, quite impatient
to ſee, and to be acquainted with us; and
went first to father Herran's apartment, whom
they all knew, as he had lived a long time in
the Miffions. Their joy in feeing him again
is not to be expreffed. They were at a lofs
how they ſhould demonſtrate their gratitude
to him for bringing ſo many Miffionaries.
F. Herran fent us notice of their arrival.
We came down that moment into the court,
where they had placed themſelves in order to
receive us. In the first rank were placed the
boys of twelve or fourteen years old, who
fung the treble, and the Alts who were fome-
thing older. In the fecond rank were the
young men, who held the part of tenors. Next
to them in the third rank were men who fung
the
The Second Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 243
the baſe. The inftruments were placed on both
fides. As foon as we appeared, the good
Indians intoned the Te Deum. I was extreme
ly ftruck with a fcene fo new to me, and par-
ticularly with the modefty and zeal of which
they gave fuch demonftrations. I was moft
tenderly affected, when on their finging the
verfe, Te ergo quaefumus, I faw them fall on
their knees with an air of devotion that muſt
have moved the moſt inſenſible heart.
Several days were spent in feafting and re-
joicings. The Governour frequently honoured
their ſports and concerts with his preſence; and
was fo delighted, that he often defired them
to be continued till night. All the town
crowded to their performances, and no one
was weary with feeing the Indians. One of
their dances was particularly admired, and I
believe would not have diſpleaſed the niceſt
obfervers in Europe. This was formed of twelve
youths, dreffed after the manner of the Incas,
or the antient nobles of Peru, before the Spa-
nish conqueft. Each had his muſical inſtru-
ment: four had fmall Guitars that hung from
their necks: four had Lutes; and the other
four had ſmall Violins. They danced and play-
ed at the fame time, with moft furprising ex-
actness. They were alfo feen performing the
exercife of the bow, and other arms, with
very great pleaſure to the fpectators.
In the morning they fung feveral motets
in our church fet to mufic, while the Maffes
R 2
were
244 The fecond Letter of F. Cajetan Catianeo.
were faying they were ferved by the children
in gowns and furplices. Their modefty and
exactneſs in obferving the ceremonies that are
preſcribed, put me into a rapture. You would
have taken the fervers at Mafs for two little
ftatues at the foot of each altar, that moved
by one and the fame ſpring. But nothing de-
lighted me more, than to fee them altogether
ferving at high Mafs. Every thing fhewed
their respect and devotion, and infpired it.
Whilſt this was tranfacting, F. Herran, who
had been already declared Provincial of Pa-
raguay, fet out for Cordova, with the ſtudents,
and fome Miffionaries, whom he defigned to
fend above fifteen hundred miles beyond
Cordova, to the new Miffions of the Chi-
quites. Twelve of us were deftined for the
Miffions of the Parana and Uraguay. We
stayed a few days longer, and waited the arri-
val of the Indians who were to conduct us,
and we laid in the quantity of bifcuit neceffary
for fo long a journey. For excepting two or
three plantations not far from Buenos Ayres,
and a Reduction under the care of the religious
of St. Francis, there is not in the whole tract
a fingle houſe that you can have recourſe to,
if you ſhould want. But I referve the particu-
lars of this journey for another letter, and con-
fine myſelf at prefent to the defcription of
Buenos Ayres, and its environs.
This town is fituated on the weft fide of
the river Plata, feventy leagues above the
mouth of it. It is the capital of the Pro-'
vince
The Second Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 245
vince named Rio de la Pláta, where two other
towns are to be ſeen, but far lefs; viz. Cor-
rientes, and Santa Fé. Buenos Ayres is with-
out difpute the chief of the towns the Spa-
niards have built from the Cordilleras moun-
tains to the ocean, not excepting even the
city of the Affumption, which is the capital of
Paraguay. It is faid to reckon eight or ten
thouſand inhabitants. But at Buenos Ayres
there are ſaid to be fixteen thoufand; a thou-
fand native Spaniards; three or four thousand
of Spanish extraction, and are called Creoles;
and the reft are Mulattoes, Meftizes, or Ne-
groes. Thofe are called Mulattoes who are
born of a white man and a black woman,
or a black man and a white woman. They
are very eaſy to be diſtinguiſhed either by their
drefs, or the complection, which is a mixture
of the African and European. The Metizes
are fuch as come from a mixt brood of In-
dian and European. They are pretty much
upon the tawny.
The Negroes, who are much the greater
number, are very well known. America fwarms
with them; not that they make a particular
nation. They come from Africa, where they
are purchafed from their parents, who are not
afhamed to bring their children to market,
and to fell them for baubles, which are brought
by the Europeans, and particularly the Eng-
lifh, who carry off whole cargoes of thefe
poor creatures. This is what is called the
Affiento de los Negros, or the contract for fell-
R. 3
ing
246 The Second Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo,
ing of Blacks in America they will fell for
a hundred, or two hundred Piafters a head,
In all the provinces comprehended under the
general name of Paraguay, the Negroes are
the only fervants. No Spaniard, tho' never
fo poor, will ever go to fervice. As to the
Indians themselves, few are to be ſeen in the
Spanish towns, and what you meet there, go
and come as they pleafe. It is very feldom
that they will ferve a Spaniard. And now the
Spaniards dare not attempt, as they have done
before, on their liberty. They have had frequent
occafions to repent their former violences.
Buenos Ayres is not only the most populous,
but the fairest city of all thefe parts. In effect
the other towns are only an unformed jumble
of huts and houſes, placed without order or
fymmetry. Imagine to yourſelf fome villa-
ges built near one another, and feparated
by groves that hinder the fight of the
houſes, and you will have a tolerable ex-
act idea of the Spanish towns in thefe
parts. The following paffage may help to
caft a little more light on this fubject. F.
Provincial and his companion was on his vifi
tation of the houſes in the province of Tucu
man, and on the road to Rioja, a town about
fix hundred miles from Cordova. The country
he was to pafs through to that town was as
much a defert, as the way from Buenos Ayres
to Cordova, but much more difficult, as it is
very uneven and ftony; infomuch that men
are obliged to ride on mules, and that very
flowly.
The Second Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 247
Пlowly. After a journey of twenty days, the
Father companion found himſelf extremely
fatigued. One day he advanced fome way
before the company, and being very fleepy he
alighted under fome trees in the road, with-
out knowing where he was, or when he ſhould
reach his journey's end, which feemed to be
yet at a greater diſtance from him; he foon
dropped afleep in the fhade. Mean while the
Provincial comes up; the Muletier, who was
their guide, fees the Father aſleep on the
grafs, awakes him haftily, and afks him with
an air of furprize, whether he was not aſhamed
of fleeping in fo public a place? What public
place, replies the father? We have wandered
thefe three weeks in this defert, and God
knows when we fhall reach Rioja. Can any
place be more private than this? You are at
Rioja, anſwers the Muletier. This is the
middle of the town, and yonder is the Jefuits
college behind. thofe trees. The Muletier
was in the right; for the college ſtood in the
middle of a little wood over against them.
The father was extremely furpriſed, and
fomething afhamed, that he had lain down to
reft in the very heart of the town. This ac-
count I had from himſelf.
Not long ago the Corregidor of this fame
town took it into his head to fet up an equi-
page; accordingly he ordered a ſmall coach
to be made; and as foon as it was ready, he
was quite impatient to appear in his vehicle,
and to coach it about the town. Whilft he
R 4
was
248 The fecond Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo,
was driving thro' one of thefe little groves
that ſeparate the different quarters of this city,
a branch of a tree ftruck into the coach, and
put out one of his eyes. Almoſt all the Spa-
nish towns in theſe countries are built after
this model.
As to Buenos Ayres, though you may fee
there, as you do elſewhere, houſes ſcattered
up and down without any order, and fur-
rounded with trees, yet the buildings about
the center of the city form pretty fair regu
Jar ſtreets. The old houfes, it is true, are
but of clay, and have only a ground floor;
infomuch that it is not very long ago fince
one of our lay brothers, fent from Europe
to build us a church, found means to make
and to burn brick in this country, where at
prefent they reckon upwards of fixty brick-
kilns; and the fame brother contrived to
make lime. Moft of the new houfes built
fince that time are of ftone and well cement-
ed; and fome of them are two ftories high.
Some years after the Miffionaries brought
over two lay-brothers well fkilled in archi-
tecture. They have finiſhed our church, which
is very beautiful, and have built fince the
churches of the Fathers of Mercy, and the
Francifcans, after plans of their own, which
would certainly be a credit to fkilful European
architects. As they are lofty, and each of
them is ardorned with a cupola and high
fteeples, they yield a good profpect at a di-
ftance. The fame lay-brothers have, by the
Bishop's
The fecond Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 249
Bishop's orders, raiſed a portal before the Ca-
thedral, of a very grand deſign. They had alſo
undertaken at the requeſt of the magiftrates,
to build a town houfe. But as the edifice
they had begun would run to greater charges
than the town could then allow, the carrying
on of this edifice is put off to another time.
Another confiderable piece of fervice, which
thefe lay-brothers have done for the Spaniards
in America, has been in teaching many Ne-
groes, whom they employed, to be mafons;
and who are fo far mafters, that now it is
fufficient to fhew them but a plan, to have
it tolerably well executed. Thus Buenos Ayres
is beautified and improves every day, and
will foon be in a condition to pleaſe even an
European.
This town lies under the 32d degree of
South Latitude, the air is very temperate,
and is alfo cooled by the winds that blow con-
ſtantly on the great river the Paraguay.
The adjacent plains are vaft deferts. There
are only a few huts fcattered here and there
near the town. Very little wood grows in
thefe plains; but a fufficient quantity for
firing and other ufes comes from the Ilands
formed by the River. The Peach-tree is
almoft the only tree that bears fruit in the
neighbourhood of Buenos Ayres. The vine
cannot poſſible thrive for the great number of
ants that nip it as foon as it ſhoots; and no
wine is drank here, but what comes by fea
from Spain, or by land from Mendoza, a city
of
250 The fecond Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
of Chili, fituated at the foot of the Cordilleras
nine hundred miles off Buenos Ayres.
·
The defert plains I have mentioned, are, it
is true, full of horned cattle and wild horfes.
While I was at Buenos Ayres, an Indian, who
deals with the Spanish towns, fold eight horfes
to an acquaintance of mine for a cafk of
brandy, and they would not have come fo
dear, had they not been extremely beauti-
ful. As to common and ordinary horſes, you
may have as many as you pleaſe for a little
more than two fhillings. Theſe may be had
ftill cheaper for fetching them from the plains
where they graze by thouſands together. The
whole difficulty lies in catching them.
But the horn cattle are far more numerous ;
as may be judged from the quantities of hides
fent to Europe. This article is in a manner
the whole of their trade. The Spanish fhips
that come every three years to Buenos Ayres
go back with forty or fifty thouſand hides;
but the English and Portugueſe fmuglers take
off yearly a much greater number.
It is to
be obſerved that they only take Bull-hides,
and thoſe muſt be of a ſtatutable ſize to be ad-
mitted as faleable; and what comes under the
fize determined by law is thrown among the
refufe. Hence to fend fifty thoufand hides to
Europe they muft flaughter eighty thoufand
Bulls at leaft, of which they only take the
hide, the tongue, and the fat which ferves
them inſtead of oil, lard, and butter.
Such
I
The fecond Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 251
Such heaps of carcaffes lying expoſed on
the ground might infect the air; but it feems
that Providence has provided againſt this
danger. When the flaughter is over, whole.
clouds of ravens almoft of the fize of eagles,
and other birds of prey called here Caracaras,
like the raven except the colour, are ſeen
flocking to the place. They devour the car-
caffes in a few days, fo as fcarce to leave any
remains. I do not mention here the cattle
flaughtered for eating; they have hardly any
other meat at Buenos Ayres: nor the cattle de-
ſtroyed by lions and tygers; the lions eſpeci-
ally, that commonly kill ten or more calves
for one they eat. It is not to be conceived how
the wild cattle that have ſo many enemies fub-
fift in theſe parts.
Perhaps you may want to know, how the
Spaniards go to work for the flaughter of fuch
numbers. A ſcore of hunters on horfeback go to
the places, where there is moft wild cattle to be
found; they have in their hand a long ſtick, and
at the end of it an iron fhaped like an half moon,
and very ſharp. They make ufe cf this to
hit a hind leg of the beaft they purfue; and
they are ſo dexterous that they feldom fail of
ham-ftringing the Bull, by cutting the finew
above the joint. The poor beaft foon after
falls to the ground, and is difabled from
rifing again. The hunter inftead of making
any ftay, follows the others full gallop, and
in the fame manner difables all he can over-
take.
252 The Second Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
take. Twenty men in about the ſpace of an hour
will lay feven or eight hundred on the field.
When the hunters are tired of this exercife,
they alight to take a little reft; and then
without any danger kill the beafts they have
difabled. After they have taken the hide,
and fometimes the tongue and fat, they leave
the reft to the ravens.
Their indifcretion on this head cannot but
be blamed. They already feel it; and the
number of thefe ufeful animals is greatly
diminiſhed. A beaft that formerly was not
worth a fhilling, will now rife to the value of
two or three. It would be more to the pur-
pofe to exterminate the wild dogs that have
increafed prodigiously near Buenos Ayres. They
live in burrows under ground, very eaſily
known by the heaps of bones about the holes.
There is danger of their falling upon the in-
habitants, when they can find no more wild
cattle. The governour thought it deferved
his notice, and fent a great many foldiers to
fhoot the wild dogs, of which they difpatch-
ed great numbers. But at their return from
this expedition, the town's children, who are
extremely mal-a-pert, infulted them. They
nick named them Mataperros, or dog-killers;
and thus reſtrained by a miſtaken point of
honour, the foldiers declined always return-
ing to this kind of chace.
I referve for another Letter what I have
farther to fay concerning this. And in that
I
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 253
I ſhall ſend you an account of our journey
from Buenos Ayres to our Miffions. Remem-
ber me in your prayers. Farewell, I am &c.
LETTER III.
From the Reduction of St. Mary in the Miffions
of the Uraguay, April 25th, 1730.
Dear Brother,
N
OTHING now remains to fulfil
the promiſe I made, but to give you
an account of our paffage from Buenos Ayres
to the Miffions, and to fpeak of the people
with whom I perform the functions of a
Miffionary. It may be long before I have
another opportunity of letting you hear from
me. The regiſter ſhips from Buenos Ayres to
Europe go but once in three years. Befides a
perſon that has fome thouſands of fouls under
bis charge, fpends whole days in preaching,
hearing confeffions, and affifting the fick.
To learn a language that has no manner of
affinity with thofe fpoken in Europe, requires
much time and application. If fome years
fhould pass without your hearing from me,
impute not my filence to any neglect or cold-
nefs, of which with regard to you I am in-
capable; but be perfuaded that it comes from
no
254 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
no other cauſe, but what I have here men-
tioned.
We ſet out from Buenos Apres the thirteenth
of July, 1729; and went fix leagues by land
to the banks of a ſmall river called Rio de
las Conchas. This ferves for a harbour to the
Indian Balfas. A Balfa is a fort of raft made
of two Canoes, which are large trunks of
trees made hollow. They are joined together
by means of light rafters that bear equally on
both Canoes, to which they are very ſtrongly
faſtened they cover the rafter with Bamboos;
and on this a ſmall cabin is made with matt-
ing on this kind of floor, where there is a
room large enough for a bed, with other fur-
niture abfolutely neceffary for a traveller.
Fifteen Belfas, and above three hundred In-
dians waited our arrival. They received us
with drums and fifes, and the greateft demon.
ftrations and tranſports of joy. We embark-
ed in very fine weather, which continued
eight days, tho' it was then the depth of
winter. We took up that time in croffing to
the other fide of the Plata, which being there
above ten leagues in breadth
the Balfas can-
not go directly over. The Indians dare not
even venture too far from land; a fquall of
wind would be enough to overſet the Balfas.
They keep coafting, and when a gale arifes
they take ſpeedily to the fhore.
In this manner we failed up the river fifty
leagues from the place we fet off, and as we
met
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 255
met with many iſlands in the way, we croffed
from one to the other till we reached an iſland
that is not above two or three leagues off the
oppofite ſhore. Hence we fell down the
Itream upon the point of land, which reaches
between the Plata and Uraguay as far as the
meeting of the two rivers.
After we had got over this danger, we were
in the Uraguay one of the capital rivers in
America. Where it falls into the Plata, the
river is ſo broad that the eye can ſcarce reach
from one fide to the other, even in the clear-
eſt day. And over againſt the Reduction where
I am placed, 200 leagues from the mouth of
the river, it is an hour's work to croſs over.
If the Uraguay is not fo full of fand banks
as the Plata, it is thick fet with rocks that lie.
hid juft under water, and are not lefs dange-
rous; and for this reafon no Tartanes, or
other boats with fails, fuch as go on the Pa-
rana, are uſed here; the Balfas are not fo
much expofed to danger. When they ſtrike
on a rock, their lightnefs makes the fhock
lefs violent; befides they only go with oars:
and the Canoes on which they are laid being
only of one folid piece, are not fo apt to fplit
as other boats. The Balfas are fo light, that
they touch the points of rocks without any
hurt; but they wear out in a fhort time,
We ftopt fome days near a little river called
the Rio de las Vaccas, to take in proviſions of
Aleth meat. A Spaniſh gentleman has made
a
256 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattanedi
or five.
a fmall plantation there, where he has within
an eſtate of about thirty or forty miles in ex-
tent, which he has made his own, twenty or
thirty thouſand head of cattle: he fells cattle
to all that pafs that way. We purchaſed
feventy of a ſurpriſing fize in height and bulk,
at lefs than ſeventeen pence fterling a head.
This is the ftanding price all over the country,
if
you except Buenos Ayres. Thus each Balfa
in company had to its fhare better than four
But, what you will fcarce believe,
all this provifion was only enough for eight or
ten days paffage to the Reduction of St. Domi-
nic, where they laid in again a freſh ſtore of
victuals. The Indians are infatiable eaters. I
faw the crew of one Balfa eat up a beaſt of a
good fize in less than a day. What furprifes
me is, that indigeftions are not fo frequent a-
mong them, as in Europe. And yet nothing
is liker to cauſe them, than the manner of
dreffing their meat. They knock down a
beaft, that moment they cut the throat,
others flay it, or cut it in quarters. All this
does not take up a quarter of an hour. Then
a great fire is made near the place; they cut
down branches of trees which they fhape in-
to a ſort of ſpit; they put three or four pie-
ces of meat on each ſpit; and ſet the ſpits on
end round about the fire. In a quarter of an
hour they draw the meat more than half raw,
and eat it fitting about the fire. In a couple
of hours all is digefted, and they are as
hungry
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 257
hungry as ever. In failing up the Paraguay
you meet feveral little rivers on the right and
left, where the Indians put in when the day
light begins to fail, that the Balfas may be
out of danger in the night.
The first thing the Indians took care of
when they got on fhore, was to dreſs up an
oratory of the boughs of trees, where they
placed a picture of the bleffed Lady and thofe
of other Saints, to whom they had a parti-
cular devotion. After a Salute with their fife
and beat of drum, they fung the ave maris
Stella; then recited the Rofary and Litanies,
and concluded their evening prayer with an
act of contrition, which a Miffionary pro-
nounced aloud, with whom they joined both
in heart and by word of mouth. How great
was our comfort to hear on all fides the
praiſes of the Creator refounding in thoſe
barbarous countries !
Prayers being over, their next care was to
provide their ſupper. They lighted up fires,
prepared new fpits, fpitted their meat, and
devoured it a moment after. Then they
ſpread hides and ſkins of tygers on the grafs
round the fire; here they flept very foundly
all the night. The fire not only warmed
them, and prevented the bad effects of the
dampness of the ground, but kept off the
tygers.
The Indians were ſtiring very early in the
morning, and began the day with a hearty
meal.
S
258 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
!
meal. After faying their prayers all together,
they proceeded on their voyage, and plied
their oars till noon; then they put afhore to
take their dinner and a little reft; and reim-
barked at the first order given by the Miffi-
onaries.
The river Uraguay is very pifculent. I was
well pleaſed to fee the Indians fhoot feveral
fish with their arrows. We ſaw ſome fea
wolves, and a kind of fea-hog, called Capi-
gua, from the name of an herb, which they
love mightily. They are eafily tamed: I had
a prefent of two; they foon grew exceffively
troubleſome with their familiarity. The banks
of the river are almost every where covered
with woods. There are Palm-trees, and
feveral others not known in Europe, that keep
their verdure all the year; and birds of all
fizes and colours. To defcribe 'them would
take up too much time, but I will not omit
mentioning one, fingular for his fmallneſs,
but more fo for the beauty of his plumage. It
is lefs by half then a wren. The colour is
green inclining to gold. He flies the whole
day, and feeds only on leaves, which he
fucks, born up by his little wings. His feathers
keep all their luftre even when he is dead;
and the Spaniards frequently fend theſe ſmall
birds in letters to Spain.
Thefe woods are full of deer, roebucks,
and wild-boars. Forty of our Indians killed
thirty five of the latter only with ſtakes. But
the
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 259
the moſt common among the animals are
tygers. They often fit on the water fide to
gaze at the Balfas as they pafs. The tygers
here are both larger and fiercer, than they are
in Africa. Not long ago the Indians brought
me the ſkin of a tyger they had killed. I had
it fet up on end, to reprefent the animal
reared on its hinder legs to attack its enemy.
You know I am pretty tall; all I could do
with ftretching out my arm was to reach his
mouth. The tyger was indeed of an extra-
ordinary fize. But generally fpeaking, I
found the tygers in theſe parts bigger, than
any I had formerly feen in the Duke of
Parma's menagery and they are far more
beautiful, as the ground of their ſkin is near
as bright as gold. They commonly avoid
hunters; but when they are wounded with an
arrow, or ball, if they do not fall inftantly,
they ruſh with incredible fury on the perfon
that has wounded them; and it is pretended
they can fingle him out amongſt numbers.
Father Michael Ximenes, fuperiour of theſe
Miffions, was an ocular witneſs of this, as
he told me himſelf. He travelled with three
Indians, who faw a tyger go into a little wood
that flood by itſelf, they refolved to kill
him. The Miffionary ſtept afide, where he
could obferve without danger what paffed.
The Indians, uſed to this fort of chace, or
combat, difpofed themſelves in this manner.
Two had fpears, and the third a gun, who
placed
S 2
}
260 The third letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
placed himſelf between the two others. They
advanced in this order, and went round the
wood till they perceived the tyger. The In-
dian, who had the gun fired and fhot the
tyger in the head. F. Ximenes related, that
in the fame inftant he faw the fire and the wild
beaft ftuck with the two lances. For as foor
as the tyger found he was wounded, he flew
at the man that fhot hirn. The two other
Indians aware of the confequence had their
lances ready to stop his carreer. In effect
they both pierced his fides with furpriſing
dexterity, and held him up a while in the
air.
The country is much infefted with ferpents.
One of thefe entered our fuperior's Balfa, either
by fliding along a rope tied about a tree to
hold the Balfa faft, or coming over a plank
that lay as a bridge to the ſhore. The Father,
who could not get out of his cabin without
paffing over the ferpent, was in no fmall
fright; till the Indians in the Balja haftening
to his relief flew this dangerous animal.
Many Indians die with the bite of theſe fer-
pents. But it is faid they commonly eſcape
with life, when they can quickly apply the
remedy which providence has prepared of
certain herbs, eſpecially the fpikenard, which
fome parts of Paraguay produce in plenty.
But when they are bit by the rattle fnake it
is confidently affured that the cafe admits no
cure. I have only feen one of this fort; he
was
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo 261
was of a monftrous fize. Our Indians fpied him
among fome orange trees that they fat under;
and killed him on the spot. I examined with
great attention the ſmall bones at the end of
his tail, and which as he crawls along make
a noife not unlike a fmall bell, and is called
the rattle; it is faid that a new bone comes
every year with another joint.
Notwithstanding fo many dangers, our
Indians no fooner put to fhore, but they en-
tered thefe thick woods. In the twinkling of
an eye, it may be faid, every band got a
fmall place ready before their refpective Bal-
fas, where they eat, and then ſlept heartily
with amazing fecurity. This is no doubt a rem-
nant of their former way of life, and of their
cuſtom of living in the woods. I thought it
proper to acquaint you at firft with thefe
particulars, that you may form a general
idea of the country, and that I may be more
at liberty to dwell upon circumſtances that
have a nearer relation to our voyage.
We had not yet left the plantation of the
Spanish gentleman I mentioned, when a vio-
lent tempeft, that came on a ſudden, over-
turned part of our provifions into the river:
luckily we happened to be all afhore, on ac-
count of the cold weather. All the Balfas
funk except one or two; and there was a
good deal of difficulty in righting them again,
efpecially mine; which was of neceffity taken
to pieces, in order to refit one of the Canoes,
fplit
t
S 3
262 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
fplit with the violence of the waves; the
Uraguay being then like a raging ſea.
But what gave us the greateſt trouble was
to find that two of our Indians were taken
with the fmall pox. A diftemper which is
here what the plague is in Europe. We
ſeparated them inmediately from the others,
and we were to leave them, where they were,
with people to attend them. We promiſed
ourſelves that the distemper would not ſpread
among the other Indians, and we went on
again with our voyage.
In eight days we arrived at the Reduction of
St. Dominic, under the care of the religious
of St. Francis. The Curate was a very holy
elderly perfon, who received us with all the
charity that was poffible; and as our arrival
was on the eve of St. Ignatius, he ordered
the bells to be rung to warn the feaſt of the
next day; and which he celebrated with
great folemnity. His and our Indians joined
equally in the honour of the day.
We were in converſation with this worthy
Miffionary, when we were informed, that
the ſmall pox had broke out on three of our
Indians. One died that very day. A Spaniard
was fo good as to take the two others to his
plantation, which was not far diflant from
St. Dominic's. As we apprehended what
happened but too foon, that the conta-
gion would ſpread among our people; the
fuperior fent off an exprefs over land to
rapeju,
The third letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 263
Yapeju, the neareft of our Reductions. He
gave the exprefs a letter, wherein he inform-
ed our Fathers of the fituation we were in,
and begged they would fend fome Indians to
meet us with provifions, fince we run a riſk
of being detained in the way, if the ſmall
pox increaſed among us. After taking theſe
precautions, we reimbarked. We travelled
ſome days, and then croffed to the other ſide
of the river with hopes of being better fup-
plied with provifions: for the infidels, who
live on the banks of the Uraguay, bring of
their own accord flesh meat provifions to the
paffengers, and barter them away for cloth,
tobacco, or fome fuch like commodities. In
effect we foon difcovered a troop that came
to offer us the game they had hunted. Almoft
all the country, that lies between the Parana
and Uraguay, is inhabited by numerous na-
tions of Barbarians. The moft known are
the Bobanas, the Meridanes, the Manchados,
the Jaros, and the Charuas. Theſe laft are
the most populous. The Charuas go very thin-
ly clad, and have no fixt abode. They are
generally feen on horſeback, armed with a
bow, and a club, or lance. They manage
their horſes with ſurpriſing addreſs. What I
fay of the Charuas, is equally applicable to
the rest of the favage nations in Paraguay.
We faw one day, when we had paffed
over again to the right fide of the river,
crowds of Guanoas coming towards us. ì his
is alſo a very populous nation, that inhabits
S 4
a
264 The third letter of F. Cajetan Cattanee.
a confiderable part of the lands lying be-
tween the Uraguay and the fea. I obferved
in the crowd a boy laid at length on his
horſe, as on a bed. His head refted on the
horfe's neck, and his legs croſſed on the but-
tocks. In this pofture he looked at us very
attentively. His whole dress was a fort of
ſcarf that came from his right ſhoulder un-
der his left arm, and on which was faftened
a leather budget, very likely to carry his
provifions. After he had gazed on us fome
time he ſtarted up and flew away like light-
ening. The fwiftnefs with which he rode
out of fight was to be admired the more, as
he had neither faddle nor ftirrup nor fpur,
not even a ſwitch to manage his horfe. But
to return to the Charuas; as they are con-
flantly exposed to all weathers, their com-
plexion is much tanned; their hair is very
long and greatly in diforder. The chiefs of
the people are eaſily diſtinguiſhed by ſmall
pieces of glaſs fet in their chins. Many have
ſcarce more than a finger or two left on each
hand, from a cuſtom they have of lopping
off a joint from their fingers, as often as a
relation dies. This barbarous and ridiculous
ceremony begins to wear out among moſt of
the people. The women have the charge of
providing all neceffaries for the family. They
carry all the houshold goods, when they re-
move to another place. Befides this burthen,
they commonly have two or three children
on
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 265
on their backs, and always go on foot, while
the huſband rides at eafe with.no load but his
arms and fome victuals. They cultivate no
lands; wild fruits and cattle, which abound
in the country, are the whole of their food.
The Pampas, who are neighbours to Buenos
Ayres, eat, they fay, as much horfe fleſh as
beef.
The continual roving life of thefe people,
is one of the greateſt obftacles to their con-
verfion. Many attempts have been made,
but in vain, to bring them to live together
in a body; and if they have fometimes
yielded to the preffing folicitations of the
Miffionaries, it never held long. Two Re-
ductions were at length founded, one among
the Charuas under the name and protection of
St. Andrew, and the other among the Gua
noas, under the title of Jefus and Mary. One
morning, among theſe laſt, the bell was
rung as ufual to call the people to church,
and the Miffionary was furpriſed that no one
He could not imagine the cauſe of
this extraordinary event, but going out of
the houſe, he found that all the inhabitants
had in the night retired into the woods. The
other Reduction ended much in the fame man-
But however fome of theſe ſavages are
now and then converted, and come to fettle
in the old Reductions. The Miffionaries
wearied out with all this bad fuccefs; have
turned their eyes towards the Guagnanes, a
came.
ner.
people
266 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
people at a very great diſtance within land,
and where they hope for a more plentiful
harveſt.
Two things contribute to fix the Jaros
and Charuas in their obftinacy, one is the
hatred they bear to the Spaniards. They
have not forgot what the maintaining their
liberty coft them, and they are always in
fear of being made flaves. The other is the
irregular lives of the fame Spaniards. The
favages who are now in peace with them,
trade freely with their towns. The cor-
rupted morals which the Indians fee among
them, are made ufe of as a pretext to be
more and more hardened in their infidelity.
Several apoftates alfo take refuge among
the infidels. All the Reduction Indians are
not fervent chriftians. Perfons of irregular
conduct, conſcious on one fide, that if they
do not amend, they fhall be feverely cor-
rected; and on the other, unwilling to re-
turn to the right road, are foon determined
to go over to the infidels. And fome Spani-
ards take the fame ftep, either to escape the
hands of justice, or to live more at large.
It is eafy to believe that theſe wretched de-
ferters give no very advantageous idea, of
the chriftian religion to the infidels.
As we ftopt one day at the end of a wood,
a band of Charuas came up to offer us fome
victuals. Their chiefs had all of them the
name of fome faint. Their head Cacique
was
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 267
+
was named Don Simon. Nothing could come
up to the oddity of his drets.
He had on
a fort of cloak made up of feveral patches;
ſome of them old fcraps of gilt leather;
and he had in his hand a fhort truncheon fet
off with latten, which he wielded with great
gravity. His cloak particularly, feemed to
infpire him with no fmall ftock of vanity.
Two others went by the name one of John,
and the other of Francis. This laſt ſpoke
Spaniſh tolerably well. They were both the
ſons of a moſt worthy old man, who was the
example of the Reduction of St. Francis
Borgia. Don Simon defirous to teftify his gra-
titude to a Miffionary, who had prefented
him with fome trifles from Europe, offered
him half a calf, that he fat upon, and ferved
him by way of faddle. Some of the Mifli-
onaries offered to difcourfe with the infidels
about religion; but they answered coolly,
that they had relations, and that it was not
lawful to forfake them. An infidel being
warmly preffed by a Miffionary, and at laft
being told, that if he did not become a
chriftian, he certainly would not escape hell
flames; fo much the better, replied the In-
dian, I fhall not be cold after my death.
With fuch anſwers they often baffle the zeal
of the moſt fervent preachers of the gofpel.
We made great days journeys, for fear of
being ſtopt on the road by the ſmall pox.
Our fear was but too well grounded. Three
OF
268 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattanco.
or four of our Indians were fick. We put
them in a Canoe a part, with orders to follow
us at a distance. But all our precautions
were to no purpoſe. The twentieth of Auguft
fourteen Indians of one Balfa took the dif
temper; and the contagion began to ſpread
among the reft. Judge how perplexed we
were; we had a hundred leagues to go up
the river before we could reach any of our
Miffions. We could have no relief from the
infidels, who never appeared after they found
we had infected perfons among us. We re-
folved to keep going forward, and to get as
near as we could to rapeju, that we might
ſtill be at a lefs diftance to receive the pro-
vifions that would be fent. The fick we left
This refo-
in the place where we then were.
lution was not without difficulties. F. Xime-
nes, our fuperiour, was the only one who
underſtood the language. If he came with
us, all the poor people who had taken the
infection would be left without one to ad-
minifter the facraments, or to affift them in
their neceffities. If the Father ſtayed be-
hind with the fick, the Indians of the other
Balſas were expoſed to the ſame danger, who
might alfo fall fick and want a confeſſor.
We were in this perplexity, when ten In-
dians generously devoted themſelves to the
fervice of the infected; and without delay
they repaired to the fick. F. Ximenes adminif-
tered the facraments to all even in health, to
prevent
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 269
prevent all accidents; he left them plenty of
provifion, and then came up to join us. The
ten Indians took fuch care of the fick, that
they faved above half by a kind of miracle.
They buried the dead, and then put the
convalefcents into two Canoes: for the Balfa
that was left was taken to pieces. They
crept by degrees after the main body. The
ten generous Neophytes fell fick in their turn,
and all but one went to receive in heaven
the reward of their heroic charity.
In the mean time we reached the paſs of
Htu, or Ariciffe; it is called indifferently by
either name. Here the Uraguay is barred
with a chain of rocks, from the tops of which
the waters fall with fuch noife and force, that
it is heard at feveral miles diftance. The
rocks divide the river into feveral ftreams,
and the Indians obferve which are the moſt
convenient, that is, where the current falls
more gradually, and confequently with lefs
force. And yet it is not to be faid what
difficulty they meet with in this paffage.
The Indians faften ropes to the Balfas to draw
them up. Some are on the fhore, others on
the point of a rock; moft ftand in the water,
and puſh the Balſa forward, or heave it on
their thoulders. In this manner they draw
or carry it from rock to rock, till they get
it into deep water. This difficult pafs fome-
times ftops them two whole days. The con-
tagion began to break out again. Moſt of
the
270 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
the Ballas took into a fmall river that dif
charges itſelf into the Uraguay, about half a
mile below the fall of Ariciffe. Thoſe that
came in our Balſa, and fome others, judged
it beft to get immediately over this trouble-
fome pafs, while they continued in health.
Befides they defired to keep at a diſtance
from the infected; but it was all in vain. In
a few days we had fixty down, and foon
after a hundred and fourteen. And now it
was impoffible to get farther. We diſpatched
an Indian by land to Yapeju, to acquaint our
Fathers with our fituation, and to haften the
fupplies we expected, and of which we daily
found the want more and more.
We took all imaginable care of the fick,
and now never left them. The crew of each
Balfa made one or two ſtraw-hutts, to pre-
ſerve the fick from the injuries of the weather,
and to feparate them ftill more from thoſe in
health. F. Ximenes remained with the bulk
of our Indians a league below. He came by
land to hear the confeffions of our fick, and
then returned to his diftempered Indians. I
had not yet adminiftered the holy viaticum,
nor the extreme unction. I can affure you,
that I made a very good apprenticeſhip in a
very fhort time. For one morning only after
I had faid Mafs, on a portable altar, as we
did every day, I carried the laſt facraments.
to thirteen Indians. The fick lay in heaps.
To adminifter them, I was obliged to bend
to
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 271
to the ground, and to be in the midſt of
them with ſcarce fufficient room to ftir in,
and to uſe the greateft caution not to hurt the
fick when they were to be moved, in order
to receive the holy oils. They had ſcarce
any appearance left of a human figure. I
own this was very hard and loathfome work.
The European ſmall pox can give you but a
faint idea of what it is here. An Indian was
to be buried; they took him by his legs to
draw him out of his cabin, the fkin flipt off
from the fleſh, and was all that was left in
the hands of the chriftians, who undertook
this charitable office; whence fome judgment
may be formed of the malignity of this dif
temper.
At length all the Balfas with the ſmall
remains of the Indians got over the cataract
of Ariciffe. Hovels were erected immedi-
ately at the foot of a hill for the reception of
the fick. They were twenty four in num-
ber, and all full. At a diſtance it reſembled
a fmall village of the infidel Indians, that
appears like a row of huts. We put up for
feveral days our moſt ardent prayers to God,
that he would vouchfare to withdraw the
fevere fcourge that afflicted us.
feemed deaf to our vows.
rigorous novitiate was to prepare us for the
labours of the Miffion, and to recompenfe
the zeal and fervour of thefe good Indians.
For they died like true predeftinated fouls.
But heaven
No doubt this
As
272 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaned.
As foon as they found they were ſtruck with
the diforder, they defired to receive the facra-
ments; and they did fo, with wonderful de-
votion. Not a word of complaint ever ef-
caped from them; all that was heard was
only the names of Jefus and Mary, which
they pronounced with faint and expiring
voices.
I was giving the extreme unction to an In-
dian juft on the point of death; another that
lay near him with his face under the cover,
as the Indian cuftom is, called to me, and as
he ſpoke a little Spanish, he defired he might
have my crucifix to kifs, for obtaining the
plenary indulgence. I immediately granted
his requeſt. The good foul thanked me in
the moſt expreffive terms, and promiſed to
remember me in heaven. In fine he faid fo
many things, and all more effecting one than
the other whilſt he continued to ſpeak, that
I melted into tears. The good Indian ex-
pired fome moments after with the greateſt
fentiments of piety.
Another Indian, a man of years, and of
authority among them, lay at the point of
death. He had all the people of the Balfa
called in, and affured them with a voice loud
enough to be heard by all, that he died with
the greateſt content, as it was in conducting
Miffionaries to his country. He conjured
his country-men never to abandon the Father
on any pretence whatever. For, faid he,
tho'
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 273
tho' it should coft you your lives, you will be
fure at leaft not to die without the facraments.
And I can affure you, from my own ex-
perience, that it is the greateft comfort a
chriftian can have in his last moments.
Moſt of the Neophytes expreffed them-
felves to the fame effect before they died;
and their dying words affected the other In-
dians very fenfibly. Not one was tempted to
defert to the infidels, tho' on all fides they
faw themſelves furrounded with the horrors
of death. Nothing was eaſier to be done,
they would by that means have avoided the
diftemper, and being reduced to want. They
kept with us, and gave this fignal proof of
their conftancy. They were almost all ftruck
one after another with the infection, and not
difmayed in the leaft. A Miffionary found
an Indian under a tree that appeared in great
trouble, and aſked him the cauſe. I weep,
fays the Neophyte, to fee the Fathers expofe
themselves in this defart, far from their country,
to so many dangers and inconveniences, for the
fake of affifting us poor Indians.
The Neophytes indeed were fenfibly ftruck
with feeing the Miffionaries watching with the
infected night and day, and procuring them
all neceffaries for body and foul with fo much
zeal; depriving themſelves of their covers,
and other things neceffary in fo inconvenient
a feafon and place, in favour of their dear
T
Neophytes,
274 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
Neophytes. But it must be granted that the
Indians, and particularly the Infirmarians
whofe duty is to wait on the fick, were not
at all behind hand with us in affiduity and at-
tendance. I was more than once obliged to
moderate the indifcreet zeal of our infirma-
rian. He fcarce allowed himself in the night
a few moments of broken fleep. Several
others devoted themfelves with the fame
fervour to theſe pious exercifes.
An Indian called Ticu, who ſpent the day
and the night in attending the fick and bury-
ing the dead, diftinguished himſelf above
all the reft. The hard labour he found in
making graves without proper implements,
fwelled his arm to that degree that he had no
uſe of it. F. Ximenes having adviſed him to
take fome care of himfelf, as his fatigue cer-
tainly expofed him to great danger of catch-
ing the diftemper. Father, fays the Indian,
God has power enough to preſerve me from the
plague, if he pleafes; if not, his holy will be
done. I am an infirmarian, all my time belongs
to the fick. At laft he took the fmall pox
himfelf, and was fo roughly handled, that
it looked as if all the fufferings of thoſe he
had buried had fallen upon him. All, efpe-
cially the Miffionaries, were greatly concern-
ed for the recovery of his health, which God
was pleafed to reftore in behalf of others.
that were fick, and whom he affifted as be-
fore, from the time he was able to get up.
•
Mean
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 275
Mean while we were reduced to very great
want. At last the long looked for fupplies
arrived on two Balfas loaden with provifions
from rapeju. Our Fathers had very pru-
dently charged the Indians, who conducted
the Balfas, not to approach too near us, and
eſpecially to avoid all communication with
the infected. They had ordered them to
ftop at fome diftance higher, and to land the
fupplies, of which they were to fend us
notice. They stopt at a place three leagues
above us, but were feveral days without
letting us hear from them for they expected
us to fend for the provifions they had brought.
One day two of our Indians went a hunting
that way, and met with one of the Balfas.
They came directly in. all hafte to give us
this intelligence; otherwife we could never
have gueffed that we were fo near relief.
Some days after we received by land a drove
of cattle, and we begun to revive again.
But new trials trod very clofe on the heels
of the comfort granted from heaven. A ftorm
much more violent than the first furpriſed
us. Moſt of the Balfas funk, and were fo
damaged, that fix of them were to be taken
to pieces. Part of our new proviſions was
loft. One of the Fathers endeavouring to
ftop a little trunk carried down by the ftream,
fell into the river, and narrowly efcaped be-
ing drowned. But the moft fenfible lofs,
I 2
was
276 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
was the holy oils, which we could never find
again.
Tygers invited by the fmell of the flesh
meat came after the ftorm. Cur Miffionaries
met feveral in an adjacent wood; but they
came off fafe with only being frightened.
Theſe animals often vifited us at night. A
tyger came into a hut where two fick per-
fons were lodged; very luckily there was a
piece of beef by them; the tyger carried off
the beef without doing them any hurt. An-
other tyger boarded a Canoe, where a man
lay under a hide. The man feeling himfelf
trampled upon with the feet of this animal,
made a loud cry; the tyger was frightened,
and retired. Our Indians killed a brace of
tygers, and brought us a cub about a month
old, that they had taken alive. As little as
he was, he foamed with rage, roared per-
petually, and flew at all that came near him,
even thoſe that fed him. We found it was
impoffible to tame him; and for fear he
might be the caufe of our being vifited by
other tygers, we drowned him in the river.
Aunts joined the tygers. The Balfas
having continued long in the fame place,
thouſands of thofe infects found ways to get
in among us, and were extremely trouble-
fome. Patience was the only, remedy in the
mid of fo many evils.
It was now three months fince we left
Buenos
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 277
Buenos Ayres. We had spent two with the
fick in this defart. From day to day we ex-
pected orders from the F. Superiour of the
Miffions, to whom we had fent a moft cir-
cumftantial account of our prefent fituation.
Of three hundred and forty Indians, who
came to take us up at Buenos Ayres, there were
only forty two who never had the fmall pox
before; a hundred and feventy nine died of
it, and the others were upon the recovery.
For fome time we had ſcarce any fick among
us. Had we ſtayed where we were, till all
had been vifited with the diftemper, we
fhould never have done: for contagious dif
orders are never fo general, but fome efcape.
Several Miffionaries were much out of health.
It was apprehended that two efpecially would
not be in a condition of proceeding, if they
ftaid longer in this frightful defart. The
fuperiour on the receipt of our letter fent us
a Miffionary and four Balfas. He had given
him orders to ftay with F. Ximenes and the
Indians, till they had performed their full
quarantine; for fear the contagion might
fpread again among the Reductions; as it
happened in the year 1718, when it fwept off
above fifty thouſand Indians. He alſo order-
ed all the Miſſionaries who had been till then
among the fick, to change their cloaths, to
burn the old ones, and to put on thofe he
fent.
Whilft this was tranfacting, F. Provin-
T 3
cial
278 The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
cial arrived. He had found time enough to re-
turn from Cordova, and to overtake us, after
he had embarked at Buenos Ayres to vifit the
Miffions of Uraguay He could not hear
the account of the accidents we met with,
without being very much affected. He had
brought us from Europe; he looked upon us
as his children, and had a particular affection
for us. We made all the hafte we could to
reimbark, and to go with him. Our firſt
care was to put on the cloaths that were
brought for us. They were of cotton died
black. We got on board three Balfas, with
fo little room that we could fcarcely ftir. It
was not fo with the cloaths and fhoes made
by perſons who never faw us, and who fpared
no ftuff.
We took the road of the Miffions with
the provincial, who comforted the Indians
before he fet off. He ordered the forty In-
dians, that were in good health by them-
felves in two Belfas, and the convalefcents.
to the number of a hundred and twenty one
in five others. But they were not to come
on till two or three days after us: and they
were ordered to make fuch marches as would
only bring them within thirty leagues of
Yapeju, when their quarantine would be at
an end.
And thus our hardſhips ended. About
the middle of November we got to the Re-
duction
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo. 279
duction of the three kings, or Yapeju. It
confifts of about twelve hundred families. I
will not take up time with defcribing to you
the joy of the inhabitants at our arrival, or
the hearty welcome we found the two or
three days we ftaid among them. We parted
here to go to our refpective Reductions to
which we were appointed. St. Mary's eighty
leagues above Tapeju fell to my lot. I ar-
rived there the first of December 1729, three
years and four months after I left Bologna.
I was kindly received there by F. James Ig-
natius Altamirano. He is a venerable feptua-
genarian of a noble birth, but more diſtin-
guished by his virtue and learning. It would
be very difficult to exprefs the demonftra-
tions of kinduefs, which I met with from
the Indians. They came a great way to
meet me, and flocked about to fee me. One
kiffed my hand, another wifhed me joy on
my fafe arrival among them, after fo many
dangers. Some thanked me for coming fo
far off, and crofing the Paraguazu, that is,
the fea; and quitting my native country,
gnandi rahu pai, that is, for their fakes. The
comfort I felt to find that I was at laft ar-
rived at the fo long with'd for term, made
me foon forget all paft hardships. The only
thing that gave me fome pain, was the diffi-
culty of the language. I have applied my-
felf fo affiduously to it that for thefe two
I 4
T
months
280
Extract of F. Florentine's
months I have catechifed the children. "Tis
all that I can do at prefent, and is not per-
haps to be eſteemed the leaft fervice we can
do in this country. I have always a numer-
ous audience. The number of children in
this Reduction amounts to 1962, 1002 are
boys. Tho' I now and then miſtake one
word for another, I find they underſtand me
pretty well, as I do them by their anſwers.
Thofe that anſwer beft, I reward with pic.
tures, and difmifs all my people well fatif-
fied.
Let us break off here, if you pleaſe. For in
reality, were I to begin writing about the In-
dians of our Reductions, there could be no end.
I have already fent you a minute account of
thefe Miffions; as far as I can yet fee, it is
very faithful. Adieu, I am, &c.
Extract of a Voyage to the East-Indies through
Paraguay, Chili, &c. By F. Florentine de
Bourges, a Capuchin, 1712, from the 13th
Vol. of the Lettres edifiantes.
A
FTER a month's wandering, I per-
ceived from the banks of a river, a
fpacious plain, and in the middle of it, a
large ſteeple. This fight cheared up my
heart; and, as we eafily believe what we
wish,
voyage through Paraguay, &c. 281
wish, I preſently perfuaded myſelf this was
Cordova, whither I thought myfelf arrived
by a very comfortable miſtake, tho' I had
at first gone quite the contrary way, but I
was foon undeceived. A few Indians, whom
I chanced to meet, informed me in the beſt
Spanish they could, that it was a town of Pa-
raguay, which took its name from St. Fran-
cis Xavier. I was not forry for my mistake,
knowing the Fathers of the fociety cultivate
this Miffion, and did not in the leaft doubt,
but I ſhould meet with the fame charity, of
which I had received fo many ſpecimens at
Buenos Ayres. Wherefore I entered the town,
and went ftrait to the church, which faces a
large fquare, where the chief ſtreets end, and
are as ftrait as a line. The Miffionaries had
no ſooner notice of my arrival, but they all
immediately came to the church to receive
me; the fuperior prefented me holy water.
The bells were fet a ringing, and the children,
who were called together in an inſtant, fung
the ufual prayers, to thank God for my fafe
arrival. Prayers being ended, I was con-
ducted to my lodging, which were very con-
venient. I told them in fhort the cauſe of
my journey to Buenos Ayres, and the feveral
incidents of it, how I had mift my road
from Santa Fè to Cordova, and my other ad-
ventures through which providence had con-
ducted me to their house; here they took me
up
282
Extract of F. Florentine's
up and defired me very obligingly rather to
call it my own, where I was mafter; affuring
me withal they would do their best to refreſh
me after my late fatigues, After this they.
embraced me with fuch tendernefs and cor-
diality, that my tears were the only acknow-
ledgment I was able to return. I had re-
folved not to ftay above five or fix days here,
but it was a full fortnight before I could poffi-
bly get away; and I had much ado to with-
ftand their preffing inftances to make a longer
ftay. This little community confifts of feven
prieſts, all men of the greateſt virtue. Prayer,
ftudies, the adminiſtration of the facraments,
and preaching, is their continual employ; all
their relaxation confifts in about an hour's con-
verſation after meals, which is alfo frequent-
ly interrupted by the exerciſe of fome Mini-
onary function which they go about, as
foon as they are called, with moft wonderful
zeal. Their method of cultivating thefe new
chriſtians, made fuch an impreffion upon me,
that I have it always freſh in my mind. This
is the rule obſerved in the Reduction where I
was, and which confifts of about 30,000 in-
habitants.
At break of day the bell rings to church.
One of the Miffionaries fays the morning
Prayers, and Mafs; after which, each one
goes about his bufinefs. The children from
Leven or eight years old to twelve, are ob-
liged
voyage through Paraguay, &c. J
283
liged to go to ſchool, where they learn to
read and write; they are alfo taught their
catechifm, the prayers of the church, and
the other duties of a chriftian. The girls
alſo have their fchools, and miſtreffes of the
moft approved virtue, who teach them their
prayers, and catechifm, to few, ſpin, and
other employments of their fex. At eight
in the morning boys and girls go to church,
where having faid their prayers, they recite
the catechiẩm with a clear and loud voice;
the boys ftanding in order within the chancel
begin, and the girls in the body of the
church repeat what the boys faid. Soon after
they hear mafs, then go on with their cate-
chifm, if they have not yet finiſhed it, and
go to school by two and two.
The modefty
and devotion of thefe children made an un-
common impreffion upon me. About fun
fet the bell rings for evening prayer. They
fay their beads, one fide of the church an-
fwering the other; there is fcarce any one
who omits this good cuftom: and thofe, who
are indifpenfably obliged to abfent themfelves,
never fail faying them at home. In Lent and
Advent, there is a general catechiẩm on Satur-
days and Sundays. But as the church cannot
hold all the town, three Miffionaries attended
with bands of children, go two or three days
in the week to catechife in feveral quarters of
the town. They always end their catechifm
with
284
Extract of F. Florentine's
with an act of contrition. On Sundays and
Holydays there are three high-maffes: the
first at fix; the fecond at half an hour paft
feven; and the third at nine. At each mafs
there is a fermon. The confraternities of the
Scapular, and Rofary, are eſtabliſhed amongſt
them; but what ftruck me moft, was that
of the moſt holy facrament: On Thurſdays
benediction is given with the bleffed facra-
ment according to leave granted by his holy-
nefs; and to fee the concourfe of people at
church, you would think all Thursdays the
year round were holidays. Whenever the
viaticum is carried to the fick, a fet number
of the confraternity accompany it with tor-
ches. Their faith is fo lively, that if they
are guilty of any confiderable mifdemeanor,
the moſt fenfible puniſhment is to be deprived
of that honour. There is ſcarce any one
who does not confefs and communicate once
a month; ſome chofen fouls, fuch as the
holy ghoſt inſpires with a defire of living up
as near as may be to evangelical perfection,
go to the facraments once a week: not thoſe
only who aim fo high, but all in general lead
a moſt innocent life, and worthy of the firſt
ages of chriſtianity. There is a moſt per-
fect union and charity among them. Their
goods are common; they are utter ftrangers to
ambition and covetoufneſs; nor is difunion
or law fuits known in theſe colonies.
Such
voyage through Paraguay, &c.
285
Such care is taken to inſpire them with a
horror for all fins of impurity, that faults of
this kind happen very feldom. The fervice
of God, and the care of their families takes
up their whole attention. Many things con-
tribute to the innocent life of the new chrif
tians; firft, the great care that is taken to
inftruct them at fet times concerning the
duties of their ſtate; fecondly, the edifying
and holy life of thoſe who have care of them;
and laftly, the little commerce they have
with any other Europeans. There is not a
mine either of gold or filver in all this coun-
try, nor any thing elfe that invites foreigners
to fettle there; and if, as it fometimes hap-
pens, any Spaniards take this road to Potoft,
or Lima, there are expreſs orders from the
court of Spain, not to let them make above
three days ſtay in any of theſe towns; there
is a houfe to lodge paffengers in every town;
but their three days expired they must pur.
fue their journey, unless hindered by ficknefs.
Another thing which very much contributes
to the temporal and eternal welfare of thefe
Indians, is that wife and uniform conduct
of all the Miffionaries, from the foundation
of the Miffion to this time. In every town
there is one above the reft whom they call
their Fiſcal; he is always a man in years, and
one who is noted for the regularity of his
life; he has an eye upon all the town, eſpe-
cially
286
Extract of F. Florentine's
tants.
cially in what concerns the ſervice of God.
He has the names of all the inhabitants, the
heads of families, the number of women and
children. He obferves who are abfent from
maſs, prayers, or fermons, and informs him-
felf of their reafons. He has an officer un-
der him to help to difcharge his office,
whom they call his Teniente, who has care
of the children; he fees that the mafters do
their duty, and that the children are affiduous
at fchools, whither he alſo accompanies them.
Theſe officers have others under them, more
or lefs according to the number of inhabi-
Befides this the town is divided into
feveral quarters, each of which has its pecu-
liar overfeer, who is always a perfon of
zeal and fervor. If there happens any quar-
great
rel or any miſdemeanor, the Fifcal is imme-
diately advertiſed, whofe duty it is to acquaint
the Miffionaries; if the matter is private, the
delinquent is admonished in private for the
first time; if it happens again, he is penanced
accordingly if his fault is public and fran-
dalous, he is reprimanded before all the
town; they bear this confufion with fuch
fubmiffion and docility, that it frequently
moved me to tears. The guilty perfon al-
ways thanks the Miffionary for the care he
takes of his welfare. This is an inviolable
custom among them, and to omit it would
be a fign of a very bad difpofition. Care is
taken
voyage through Paraguay, &c.
287
+
taken to marry them as fooon as they come
to a proper age, which prevents an infinity
of diforders. This in general is the conduct
of the Miffionaries as to fpirituals. I ſhould
never make an end if I would defcend to the
feveral pious inventions, which their inge-
nious zeal has fet on foot for the increaſe of
piety and devotion amongst their Neophytes.
The management of their temporal affairs
is ftill more fingular; and I believe the like
is not to be found in any Miffion. Before
the Fathers of the fociety preached the goſpel
in Paraguay, the inhabitants were mere bar-
barians, without religion, or law; or even
fo much as a fixt and ftable habitation; they
ranged the woods they were born and bred
in, or along the banks of their rivers; their
only buſineſs was to find a fubfiftance for
themſelves and their families, which always
moved with them. Whether they had any
notion of agriculture, or were too lazy to
take any pains for tilling the ground, they
lived on wild fruits which the woods fupplied,
or fish which abounds in the rivers, or the
game they took with hunting; and changed
their quarters as foon as provifions grew
fcarce. The Jefuits animated with the zeal
of fouls undertook the hard and perilous
taſk of bringing thoſe nations under the yoke
of Chrift, which the brave atchievements of
their countrymen had fubjected to the crown
of
288
Extrait of F. Florentine's
of Spain. They entered their vaſt foreſts
with an unparalelled courage, and you may
eafily imagine what they had to undergo;
they were firſt to make rational creatures of
animals that had little elfe but the fhape of
men, before they could pretend to make them
chriſtians. They followed them with invin-
cible patience wherever they went; their
ſweetneſs and longanimity made fome im-
preffion upon their grofs and material minds;
they gave ear to their inftructions, and the
grace of God working jointly with theſe apof-
ftolical men, they converted thouſands to the
faith of Chrift. But they perceived their la-
bour loft, unless they could get them to live
like the rest of the world: wherefore their
firſt ſtep was to make them fenfible of the
advantages of living always in a place. They
fent to Buenos Ayres for cows, oxen, fheep,
horſes, and mules, which multiplied in a
fhort time fo as to anſwer the wants of their
Neophytes; they alſo got from thence all
forts of inftruments either to cut down their
woods, or to cultivate the country; befides
all forts of grain which the foil would bear:
after this they taught their converts to make
lime and brick; the Miffionaries laid the plan
of their houſes, and were always the firſt at
work; they foon enjoyed the fruits of their
labours, in three different towns which they
formed. The new inhabitants actuated with
that
voyage through Paraguay, &c.
289
that charity, which true religion inſpires into
its profelytes, endeavoured firft to impart the
happineſs they enjoyed to their relations, and
fo to the rest of their countrymen. They
made frequent fallies into the moſt remote
parts of their foreſts, and ſeldom came home
without feveral new inhabitants; the fweet-
nefs, with which they were received, footh-
ed their barbarous and harsh tempers, and while
all hands were at work to build them houſes,
the Miffionaries difpofed them for baptifm;
which they had no fooner received, but
Apoſtle like they went to invite their acquain-
tance to partake of their happineſs. The
number of inhabitants daily increaſing they
began to think of forming new habitations;
the old towns furniſhed all neceffaries for the
new ones, which in time theſe were able to do
in their turns for others which were built in
their neighbourhood. Thus in fome years
above a hundred towns were built, whofe in-
habitants are perfectly well inftructed in all
the duties of a chriftian, and whofe lives
correfpond with their belief. The Miffio-
naries who have care of this flourishing num-
ber of chriſtians, have not in the leaft de-
generated from the zeal of their anceſtors.
They ſtill advance to the north, and daily in-
creaſe the kingdom of Chrift. When there
comes a new recruit of Miffionaries from
Spain, the provincial fends them to the far-
theft
U
290 Extract of F. Florentine's
;
theft parts of the country, to relieve thofe
that have ſpent many years in queſt of thoſe
barbarians among their forefts, and are worn
out with the fatigue of this laborious Miffion
the old ones are ſent to take care of the chrif-
tians in the colonies that were firft erected.
In the town of which I fpeak, there were
four of thefe antient Miffionaries, venerable
for their gray hairs, but much more for the
fanctity of their lives. I was aſtoniſhed to
hear them call the infupportable labours they
here underwent a life of quiet and reft. I
am confident three of the moſt zealous prieſts
in Europe would find it very hard to do the
work of any one of thefe apoftolical men.
As they built new towns they affigned them
their bounds, fo to hinder all quarels and
mifunderſtandings: fome were allowed four-
fcore or a hundred miles round about more
or lefs, according to the number of the in-
habitants. One of their first cares was to ex-
amine the nature of the foil they had to cul-
tivate; where it was fit for pafturage they
put their cattle, and tilled it where they
thought it to their advantage. Some of the
inhabitants were fet to tend their herds, and
others to manure their lands. Tradeſmen
were got from Buenos Ayres, to teach the In-
aians the trades neceffary for civil fociety:
their application, and their genius which is
incomparable for all mechanics in general,
made
voyage through Paraguay, &c.
291
made them foon learn what they were taught:
and having had time enough fince to perfect
themſelves in their different trades, they are
very ingenious, and excel in feveral.
Áll their cloaths are of their own making.
They go clad in cotton in fummer, and in
woollen in winter. As idleness is a ſtranger
among them, they are very fedulous each
one at his bufinefs; they weave much more
than is fufficient for them; the overplus is
fent to Buenos Ayres, Cordova, and Tacuman;
the price of it is employed in different Euro-
pean commodities. They alfo drive a confi-
derable trade of a certain weed, which is
near as much efteemed in Chili and Peru, as
tea in Europe, tho' tis much cheaper; the
common price being half a crown a pound
in Peru; the gain is equally divided among
the inhabitants. Their houfes are but a ſtory
high, except the Miffionaries, which is com-
monly two. As they only built to fhelter
themſelves from the weather, they have
ſpared the pains of any fuperfluous orna-
ments of architecture. The church of the
town I have been ſpeaking of, is a noble and
magnificent ſtructure; they had the plan from
Europe, and the Indians have executed it
perfectly well. The church is all of free
ftone; within it is adorned with paintings
drawn by the Indians. The altar frames are
in an elegant taſte and all gilt; the veftry is
U 2
furniſhed
292
Extrait of F. Florentine's
furniſhed with plate and very neat veſtments
and ornaments. This church would make
a figure in the best towns in Europe. But,
what ſurpriſed me moft in thefe Miffions,
is the regular and methodical order with
which they provide for the fubfiftance of their
new converts. All the product of the year
is carried to the public granary; there are fo
many perfons appointed, whofe bufinefs it is
to take an exact account of all that is brought
into theſe magazines. At the beginning of
every month all theſe corn officers give out
what is neceffary to the chiefs of the feveral
quarters of the town, by whom each family
is allowed what is fufficient for a month's fub-
fiftance. There is in like manner an equal
diftribution of other provifions. A fet num-
ber of ſheep and oxen is daily brought to
town, which are flaughtered and delivered
up to the proper officers, from whom the
reft of the inhabitants are to receive their
allowance. Thus poverty and riches are
equally ftrangers among them.
There are moreover feveral large hofpitals
for the fick: the men have a feparate one from
the women. As the priests only take care of
fpirituals, there are three lay brothers; one is
an apothecary, and has a fhop very well
furniſhed; and two more who take care of
the temporal. They obferve very narrowly
thoſe who diftribute the provifions, to fee
that
voyage through Paraguay, &c.
293
that no one be wronged. I had heard a great
deal in commendation of this Miffion at
Buenos Ayres, but it far furpaffed the Idea I
hd formed of it. That modefty, ſweetneſs,
and charity, which reigns amongſt theſe new
chriftians, put me continually in mind of
thofe happy times, when the profeffors of our
holy religion did it honour, by the innocence
and fanctity of their lives, and even made its
very enemies admire and reverence it.
I ſhould have thought myself happy to
have spent the reft of my life in a place where
God is fo well ferved; and thefe eminent ex-
amples of chriftian perfection made a very
deep impreffion upon me. But I was forced
to fubmit to the orders of providence, which
were contrary to my natural inclination. I
had often attempted to take my leave of
theſe reverend Miffionaries, but their ob-
liging and ingenuous charity had ſtopt me a
whole fortnight. At laſt they acquiefced to
my repeated inftances, gave me guides, and
one of their domeſtics, with proviſions for all
the rest of the way, from this town of St.
Francis Xavier to Cordova. They reckon
near upon five hundred miles from one to
the other, which I compaffed in a month. I
paffed thro' St. Nicholas, and Conception,
two other towns of Paraguay. There are
about fourteen or fifteen thousand inhabitants
in each, which in all reſpects are like that of
St.
294
Extract of F. Florentine's, &c.
St. Francis Xavier. They are built
upon the
bank of a little river, three days journey
diftant from each other. The Fathers of the
Society received me with all the civility afd
charity imaginable. They obferve the fame
order in theſe as in that I have hitherto been
fpeaking of; you would take each town for a
family, or a religious community under ſtrict
difcipline.
FINIS
A TABLE of the CHAPTERS contained in
this WORK.
THE Advertisement of the French Translator Page
The Author's Preface
A Relation of the Miffions of Paraguay.
The Defign of this Work,
CHAP. I. Of South-America.
it
I
Extent of the Spaniſh
and Portuguefe Territories in that Part of the World. 4
CHAP. II. The Provinces belonging to the King of Spain'
in the Southern Parts of South-America; a defcription
of Paraguay.
10
CHAP. III. The genius and manners of the uncivilized In-
dians.
20
CHAP. IV. The Religion of the wild South-Americans. 31
CHAP. V. The principle obſtacles to the Indians converfion,
especially from the Europeans. The Mamelufes of
Brazil.
39
CHAP. VI. The establishments of the Paraguayan Mif
fions.
57
CHAP. VII. The wonderful Fervour of the Chriftians in
Paraguay: their affiduity at Church: their ordinary
Practices of Piety.
68
CHAP. VIII. How careful the Jefuits are to binder the
Indians relapfing into their former Difarders. The fuc-
cefs of their Endeavours.
CHAP. IX. The Mufic of the Indians.
80
87
CHAP. X. Their manner of ſolemnizing the principal Feafts
of the Year in Paraguay.
91
CHAP. XI. The Employments of the Miffionaries among the
Neophytes.
99
CHAP. XII.
A TABLE of the CHAPTERS.
CHAP. XII. The continual Labours of the Miffionaries to èx-
tend the Empire of Jefus Chrift in Paraguay. The
fatigues and dangers to which they are expoſed. 104
CHAP. XIII. The Zeal of the new Converts for the conver-
fion of Infidels.
114
CHAP. XIV. The Ecclefiaftical Government of the Re-
ductions.
121
125
CHAP. XV. The civil Government of the Chriftian Settle-
ments in Paraguay. The happy Situation of the Neo-
phytes.
CHAP. XVI. Their way of Life. The wife Regula-
tions, that keep up order, plenty, and public tranquility in
the Reductions.
136
CHAP. XVII. The animals of Paraguay, and the use and
advantage made of them.
146
CHAP. XVIII. The military Government of the Re-
ductions.
154
CHAP. XIX. The Love and Refpect the Indians have for
their Miffionaries.
168
CHAP. XX. The Perfecutions raiſed thro' Envy against the
Miffionaries in Paraguay.
The firft Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
The fecond-Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
The third Letter of F. Cajetan Cattaneo.
179
205
240
253
Extract of a Voyage to the Eaft Indies through Paraguay,
Chili, &c. By F. Florentine de Bourges, a Capuchin,
1712, from the 13th Volume of the Letters Edifian-
=
tes.
280
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