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formed their Battalions of great Numbers, without any Order; but had Troops of Reserve to relieve where there was Occasion. They made their Attacks with great Fury, and terrible Outcries, with which they thought to intimidate their Enemies; a Custom which some accounted among the Brutalities of those Indians, without observing that it has been used by many antient Nations, and not despised even by the Romans: For Caesar in his Commentaries commends the Cries of his own Soldiers, and blames the Silence of those of Pompey; and Cato the Elder was wont to say, that he had obtained more Victories by the Cries of the Soldiers, than by their Swords; both of them being of Opinion, that the Cries of the Soldiers proceeded from the Courage that was in the Heart. We do not argue whether this is a commendable Custom or not; but only say, it was not so barbarous in the Indians, as to be without Example in other Nations. Their Armies were compos'd of Natives, and several Troops of Auxiliaries from the neighbouring Provinces, who came to the Assistance of their Confederates, being led by their Caziques, or some Prime Indian of their Family. They were divided into Companies, whose Captains led, but could scarce govern their Men; for, when they came to engage, they were directed either by Fear or Rage, as is usual among such Multitudes, being equally eager to attack, and to run away. |
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ANTONIO DE SOLÍS Y RIVADENEYRA |
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