being now recruited by considerable numbers, resolved to make his way to _Cuzco_, where he was received by the inhabitants in triumph, and where he resolved for the present to establish his quarters. As might be expected, the unlooked-for news of Pizarro’s victory at _Huarina_ fell like a thunderbolt on the court of the hitherto successful President. Gasca, however, was careful to put a good face on his disappointment, whilst he lost no time in adopting such measures as were best calculated to repair the disaster. Taking advantage of his own superiority of force, he resolved to march without delay against his opponent. He had before him a difficult and dreary march, but in its course he was cheered not only by the assurance that Pizarro’s victory had not had the effect of dispiriting the country, but also by the arrival in his camp, from various quarters, of several distinguished captains--of Benalcazar, the conqueror of _Quito_; of Valdivia, with laurels fresh from the conquest of _Chili_; and of Centeno, who had escaped through the forest and _sierra_, and who, restored to health, was burning to retrieve his late mischance. [Sidenote: 1548.] It was the spring of the following year when Gasca mustered his forces for the final march on _Cuzco_. He now had two thousand men, which, it must be remembered, was a larger number than any European force that had hitherto been assembled in arms in _Peru_. They were commanded by Hinojosa. The first obstacle of importance which that officer had to encounter was the passage of the river _Apurimac_, one of the most considerable tributaries of the _Amazons_, and the bridges over which had been destroyed by order of Pizarro. Gasca, however, being apprised of this, had sent forward to select a suitable spot from which to throw a bridge across the stream, which was found at _Cotopampa_, whilst materials for a like purpose were laid down at two other points with a view to misleading the enemy.