Vaca De Castro, On His Arrival One Evening Within Two Leagues Of Guamanga, Received Information That Don Diego Was Already In Possession Of That City, Which Disappointed Him Greatly, More Especially As The Whole Of His Own Troops Were Not Yet Come Up.

Alonso de Alvarado was sent back therefore, to expedite their march, and to bring them on in good order, as the enemy was so near.

Some of the rear-guard of the army marched that day above five long leagues, which was a most fatiguing exertion, as the road was full of rocks and steep passes, and they were under the necessity of carrying their arms and accoutrements. Having passed the city, the whole army stood to their arms all night, not having any accurate intelligence of the enemy, who was believed to be nigh. Next day, however, learning by their scouts, who had been above six leagues in advance, that the enemy was still at a considerable distance, the royalists encamped to take some rest.

Receiving more certain information of the situation of the enemy, who were still at the distance of nine leagues from his camp, Vaca de Castro sent a letter to Don Diego by Francisco Ydiaquez, commanding him in his majesty's name to dismiss his army, and to repair to the royal standard, on doing which he should be pardoned for all that was past: But, if he refused, he might expect to be proceeded against with the utmost severity, as a rebel against the king.

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