fifty miles, in consequence of the
windings of the stream and the swamps which bordered its banks. Upon
this discouraging information, the Governor decided to build two
brigantines at Guachoya, and to establish his colony upon some fertile
fields which he had passed between Anilco and that place. This
rendered it very important for him to secure abiding friendly
relations with the chiefs of both of these provinces.

The territory indeed upon which he intended to settle, was within the
province of Anilco, and on the north bank of the Arkansas. The chief
Guachoya, very kindly offered to supply De Soto with eighty large and
many small canoes with which a portion of his force with the baggage
could ascend the Mississippi, twenty-one miles to the mouth of the
Arkansas, and then ascending that stream about forty miles would reach
the point selected for the settlement. The Governor and the chief,
with united military force in light marching order, would proceed by
land so as to reach the spot about the same time as the canoes.

Four thousand Indian warriors embarked in these canoes, and in three
days accomplished the voyage. At the same time, the land forces
commenced their march. The Cacique led two thousand warriors, besides
the attendants. Mr. Irving writes:

"The two expeditions arrived safely at the time opposite the
village. The chief of Anilco was absent, but the inhabitants
of the place made a stand at the pass of the river. Nuno
Tobar fell furiously upon them with a party of horse. Eager
for the fight, they charged so heedlessly that each trooper
found himself surrounded by a band of Indians. The poor
savages, however, were so panic-stricken that they turned
their backs upon the village, and fled in wild disorder to
the forests, amid the shouts of the pursuers, and the
shrieks and cries of the women and children.

"On entering the conquered village, they massacred all they
met, being chiefly old men, women and children, inflicting
the most horrible barbarities.

"In all this they acted in such fury and haste, that the
mischief was effected almost before De Soto was aware of it.
He put an end to the carnage as speedily as possible,
reprimanded the Cacique severely, forbade any one to set
fire to a house, or injure an Indian under pain of death,
and hastened to leave the village, taking care that the
Indian allies