Page:The Present State of Peru.djvu/463

Rh ; to the west by the river Conchucos; to the south by the river Huamalies; and to the east by the Andes mountains, from which it is divided by a branch of difficult ascent, separated from the great chain. The rocky territory in the vicinity of these mountains, and the plains bordering on the river Huallaga, were in the last century peopled by various tribes of barbarous Indians, who acknowledged no other superior than their elders or captains. Addicted to plunder, they attacked and ravaged the neighbouring tribes, more especially those of Condurmarca and Collay. By a lucky accident, in the year 1670, a shepherd penetrated through the thick forests which served them as a natural defence, and inspired them with a taste and an affection for the gentle manners of the converted Indians. Actuated by this sudden change in their sentiments, they entered into a mutual and pacific commerce with the latter; and, laying aside their savage ferocity, aspired to the advantages of society and religion. Under these circumstances, the minor friars, provincials of the Order of the Twelve Apostles of Lima, obtained the Viceroy's permission to undertake this spiritual conquest. It was entered on in the year 1676, by the reverend father Juan de Campos, accompanied by two lay friars, Joseph Araujo and Francisco Gutierrez.

Among the different nations of wandering Indians, dispersed over this mountainous territory, those of the Cholones and Hibitos were the most considerable in point of numbers. Father Gutierrez collected and established the former in a large town, entitled San Buenaventura de Apisoncho. The second were, by the management of father Araujo, established in another town, named Jesus de Ochanache. In both of them an exact order of moral and political government was observed. The Indians having been divided into bands and companies, regular hours were appointed for instruction and labour; and the indispensable obligation was laid on them, to contribute alternately to the maintenance of their spiritual guides. By these means they were subjected to a constant application, and the fathers supplied with whatever was necessary for their maintenance, with the exception of wine and meal.

After the death of these apostolical missionaries, disputes having arisen between the two nations, it was found necessary to divide each of them into two distinct tribes. To the Cholones were allotted the towns of Pampa-hermosa and San Buenaventura del Valle, both situated on the western banks of the river Huallaga. The Hibitos were stationed at Jesus of Mount Sion, between Pampa-hermosa and the valley, and at Jesus of Pajaten, at the confluence of the river thus named with the Aspur, which, having formed by their junction the river Catena, empty themselves westward into the above-named Huallaga. For the aid and convenience, both of the