THE DUKES OF VERAGUA—MARÍA DE TOLEDO CLAIMS THE TERRITORY FOR HER SON LUIS COLON—FELIPE GUTIERREZ APPOINTED TO THE COMMAND—LANDING ON THE COAST OF VERAGUA—SICKNESS AND FAMINE—THE CACIQUE DURURUA ENSLAVED—HE PROMISES TO UNEARTH HIS BURIED TREASURES—MESSENGERS SENT IN SEARCH OF IT—THEY RETURN EMPTY-HANDED—BUT WARN THE CHIEF'S FOLLOWERS—HE GUIDES THE SPANIARDS TO THE SPOT—THEY ARE SURROUNDED BY INDIANS—RESCUE OF THE CACIQUE—CANNIBALISM AMONG THE CHRISTIANS—SUFFERINGS OF THE FEW SURVIVORS—THE COLONY ABANDONED. Thus far in North America we have followed the Spaniards in their pacification and settlement of Castilla del Oro, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Between these territories is situated the province of Veragua, subsequently called Nueva Cartago. Though rich in metals and near to Darien, such was the indomitable fierceness of the natives, and the ruggedness and sterility of the country, that this, the spot on Tierra Firme where the first attempt at settlement was made, was the last province of Central America that became subject to European domination. The New World was informed by the council of the Indies, in 1514, that permission was granted by the crown to Bartolomé Colon to plant a settlement upon the coast of Veragua, if he were so inclined. But this recognition of the eminent services of the adelantado in that quarter came too late, as he was then prostrated by an illness from which he never recovered. In 1526 the admiral Diego Colon died in Spain, and was succeeded by his son Luis in those hereditary rights which had been granted by Ferdinand and Isabella to the first admiral. In 1538, being then eighteen years of age, Luis Colon brought suit before the tribunal of the Indies to establish his right to his father's titles and dignities unjustly withheld by the emperor. Wearied with the interminable litigation received as an inheritance from his father and grandsire, Luis abandoned, in 1540, all claims to the viceroyalty of the Indies, receiving therefore the title of duke of Veragua and marquis of Jamaica.[III‑1] Not long after Don Luis died, leaving two daughters and an illegitimate son. From this time the lineal descendants of the great admiral were denominated dukes of Veragua, and after passing through several genealogical stages, the honors and emoluments of Columbus fell to the Portuguese house of Braganza, a branch of which was established in Spain. The heirs of this house are entitled De Portugallo, Colon, duke de Veragua, marqués de la Jamaica, y almirante de las Indias.