In the year 1539 the Marquis Don Francisco Pizarro, being in the city of Cuzco, received tidings that beyond the city of Quito, and beyond the limits of the empire formerly ruled by the Incas, there was a wide region where cinnamon grew ; and he determined to send his brother, Gonzalo Pizarro, that he might conquer such another land as the Marquis himself had found, and become governor of it.

Having consulted with those in whom he could confide, the marquis therefore handed over the government of Quito to his brother, in order that the people of that city might supply him with all things that he might require, for from thence he would have to make his entrance into the land of Cinnamon, which is east of the city of Quito.

With this object in view he sent for his brother, who was then in Charcas, arranging the affairs of that territory.

Gonzalo Pizarro soon arrived in Cuzco, and having arranged the projected conquest of the land of Cinnamon with his brother, the Marquis Don Francisco, he set out; thus accepting the adventure with a stout heart, regarding it as an opportunity of proving his valour, by deeds worthy of his former fame.