e explorer Diego de Ordas in 1531. "The relation of this
Martinez (who was the first that discovered Manoa) his success and end
are to be seen in the Chancery of Saint Juan de Puerto Rico," writes
Raleigh, "whereof Berreo had a copy, which appeared to be the greatest
encouragement as well to Berreo as to others that formerly attempted
the discovery and conquest. Orellana, after he failed of the discovery
of Guiana by the said river of the Amazon, passed into Spain, and there
obtained a patent of the king for the invasion and conquest, but died
by sea about the Islands, and his fleet severed by tempest, the action
for that time proceeded not. Diego Ordas followed the enterprise, and
departed Spain with six hundred soldiers and thirty horse, who arriving
on the coast of Guiana, was slain in mutiny, with the most part of such
as favored him, as also of the rebellious part, insomuch as his ships
perished, and few or none returned, neither was it certainly known what
became of the said Ordas until Berreo found the anchor of his ship in
the river of Orinoco; but it was supposed, and so it is written by
Lopez that he perished on the seas, and of other writers diversely
conceived and reported.

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[Illustration: Sir Walter Raleigh.]

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"And hereof it came that Martinez entered so far within the land and
arrived at that city of Inca, the Emperor; for it chanced that while
Ordas with his army rested at the port of Morequito (who was either the
first or second that attempted Guiana) by some negligence the whole
store of powder provided for the service was set on fire; and Martinez
having the chief charge[5] was condemned by the General Ordas to be
executed forthwith. Martinez, being much favored by the soldiers, had
all the means possible procured for his life; but it could not be
obtained in other sort than this; That he should be set into a canoe
alone without any victuals, only with his arms, and so turned loose
into the great river.

"But it pleased God that the canoe was carried down the stream and that
certain of the Guianians met it the same evening; and having not at any
time seen any Christian, nor any man of that color, they carried
Martinez into the land to be wondered at, and so from town to town,
until he came to the great city of Manoa, the seat and residence of
Inca, the