he battle in which it was captured:

"In the heart of this close and impervious forest, a piece of
ground was cleared and fortified for the residence of the
Cacique and his warriors. The only entrance or outlet, was by
a narrow path cut through the forest. At every hundred paces,
this path was barricaded by palisades and trunks of trees,
at each of which was posted a guard of the bravest warriors.
Thus the fat Cacique was ensconced in the midst of the forest
like a spider in the midst of his web, and his devoted
subjects were ready to defend him to the last gasp.

"When the Governor arrived at the entrance to the perilous
defile, he found the enemy well prepared for its defence. The
Spaniards pressed forward, but the path was so narrow that
the two foremost only could engage in the combat. They gained
the first and second palisades at the point of the sword.
There it was necessary to cut the osiers and other bands,
with which the Indians had fastened the beams. While thus
occupied they were exposed to a galling fire and received
many wounds. Notwithstanding all these obstacles, they gained
one palisade after the other until, by hard fighting, they
arrived at the place of refuge of the Cacique.

"The conflict lasted a long time, with many feats of prowess
on both sides. The Indians however, for want of defensive
armor, fought on unequal terms, and were most of them cut
down. The Cacique called out to the survivors to surrender.
The latter, having done all that good soldiers could do, and
seeing all their warlike efforts in vain, threw themselves on
their knees before the Governor and offered up their own
lives, but entreated him to spare the life of their Cacique.

"De Soto was moved by their valor and their loyalty;
receiving them with kindness, he assured them of his pardon
for the past, and that henceforth he would consider them as
friends. Capafi, not being able to walk, was borne in the
arms of his attendants to kiss the hands of the Governor,
who, well pleased to have him in his power, treated him with
urbanity and kindness."

Severe as had been the conflict, De Soto returned to Anhayea with his
captive, highly gratified by the result of his enterprise. He had
strictly enjoined it upon his troops not to be guilty of any act of
wanton violence. On the march he had very ca