But here is is observable, that the desolation of these Isles and Provinces took beginning since the decease of the most Serene Queen _Isabella_, about the year 1504, for before that time very few of the Provinces situated in that Island were oppressed or spoiled with unjust Wars, or violated with general devastation as after they were, and most if not all these things were concealed and masked from the Queens knowledge (whom I hope God hath crowned with Eternal Glory) for she was transported with fervent and wonderful zeal, nay, almost Divine desires for the Salvation and preservation of these people, which things so exemplary as these we having seen with our eyes, and felt with our hands, cannot easily be forgotten. Take this also for a general Rule, that the _Spaniards_ upon what _American_ Coasts soever they arrived, exercised the same Cruelties, Slaughters, Tyrannies and detestable Oppressions on the most innocent _Indian_ Nation, and diverting themselves with delights in new sorts of Torment, did in time improve in Barbarism and Cruelty; wherewith the Omnipotent being incensed suffered them to fail by a more desperate and dangerous lapse into a reprobate state. _Of the Isles of St._ John _and_ Jamaica. In the Year 1509, the _Spaniards_ sailed to the Islands of St. _John_ and _Jamaica_ (resembling Gardensa and Bee-hives) with the same purpose and design they proposed to themselves in the Isle of _Hispaniola_, perpetrating innumerable Robberies and Villanies as before; whereunto they added unheard of Cruelties by Murdering, Burning, Roasting, and Exposing Men to be torn to pieces by Dogs; and Finally by afflicting and harassing them with un-exampled Oppressions and torments in the Mines, they spoiled and unpeopled this Contrey of these Innocents. These two Isles containing six hundred thousand at least, though at this day there are scarce two hundred men to be found in either of them, the remainder perishing without the knowledge of Christian Faith or Sacrament. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- _Of the Isle of _Cuba. In the Year of our Lord 1511. They passed over to _Cuba_, which contains as much ground in length as there is distance between _Valledolid_ and _Rome_, well furnished with large and stately Provinces and very populous, against whom they proceeded with no more humanity and Clemency, or indeed to speak truth with greater Savageness and Brutality. Several memorable Transactions worthy observation, passed in this Island. A certain _Cacic_ a potent Peer, named _Hathney_, who not long before fled _Hispaniola_ to _Cuba_ for Refuge from Death, or Captivity during Life; and understanding by certain _Indians_ that the _Spaniards_ intended to steer their course thither, made this Oration to all his People Assembled together.